Making an English Oak Bark Leather Belt 4K

► Buy my patterns and leather goods here: leodisleather....
► For more information see: ianatkinson.net...
Would you like to make this belt yourself? If so please purchase build along number 9 from my shop link above which includes a 4 hour tutorial video as well as an accompanying PDF pack.
In this video I am making a simple and traditional belt from English oak bark leather. The leather comes from Britain's last remaining oak bark tannery which is J&FJ Baker in Colyton, Devon (no affiliation).
If you'd like to make your own belts please have a look at my tutorial video:
► • Making a Simple Leathe...
The video was filmed in 4K using an iPhone 7 as a bit of an experiment!

[@danvanhoose6783]

its nice to watch a craftsman working without a bunch of unnecessary music blaring.

[@aydngullu2962]

Exactly!

[@leonleon4055]

Absolutely right mate

[@denfer2000]

I agree!

[@Gunflingergarage]

Very nice work as always! I love the way you stitched the buckle and left the tab with your logo.

[@josephharrison3639]

I wish I had one of you’r belts you do real good work. Nice leather work is not easy to find. Back 28 years ago +or mines there was people who crafted their work. Today all the crafting is done on a machine in China.

[@LCBJedi]

Good to see a new video of your's. Nice one as usual.

[@UriValdez]

Youre a fantastic craftsman my friend

[@stewartprice8881]

Nothing better than seeing a quality hand made item being made in a small work shop .....thumbs up

[@brian2007tube]

Again many thanks. I got lots of ideas from this 'back to basics' video. Have you stopped using your pillar drill burnisher, or were you just using more accessible tools? Also, can you tell me what glue you are using, and where to get it from. I missed hearing your voice, and humour!

[@joku900]

You should have seen my face when you opened your drawer full of thread rolls :D And beautifull work! Its nice to see somebody going through the problem of making something so fine with their hands.

[@Leodis.Leather]

Here's a new video of me making a simple belt, more info in the description if you need it. Also in 4K! :)

[@Stud984]

Ian Atkinson you just make it look easy. You are just being modest. Great work!

[@leosedf]

Excellent work, i like the fact that you don't have any music, it's much better.

[@amargurung5369]

how much does it cost same colour and same size like in the video?do you have world wide delivery service?

[@Leodis.Leather]

please see video description for details

[@orlandolopeznavarro3568]

Ian Atkinson Excellent work I love all the work you do in leather, I was inspired by your projects to make mine. Pure life from Costa Rica

[@xzaynex]

What brand/size beveler are you using? After going through multiple sizes/brands, the one you are using looks like exactly what i've been looking for.

[@soloking9761]

Amazing job bro

[@nikfeo]

Отличная работа!

[@KerrilWFahy]

Hi, I love your stuff! I have made a leather saddle for a bike and need to waterproof it and to make sure the dye does not come off onto my clothes when it gets wet, what would you recommend? thanks :)

[@veetay]

Hey! Very nice belt! What did you used to finish the leather? Was it petrolatum?

[@carlosalmeida1273]

I'm enjoy, excellent 📹 👍. Tks

[@dejanmedakovic1451]

Knowing how much care and attention this guy puts into his craft, and the quality of the materials he uses, and then realising that a mass produced worse quality belt from Hermes made by poorly paid factory workers costs 10 times more - you immediately get really disappointed in the people living on this planet.

[@christofear]

Support these people or learn the craft

[@VileVeil]

Clamping the buckle to the ruler while sewing is a good idea! I wish I had thought about it when making a belt for my Dad over christmas. Lovely work as always Ian, it's a pleasure to watch.

[@ДимаДима-т7н8э]

It's fine. Please tell me where you bought the buckle?

[@ozanli_Gen6]

Thank you, Master! Skillful fingers. Like from AZE 🇦🇿🇹🇷👍

[@oscardacrus]

Muy buen trabajo

[@k4p84]

Always good to see your work. When are you making your watch a strap?

[@Leodis.Leather]

there will be a video about making a strap yes.

[@Jack_The_Biker]

What’s the tool you used to shave the leather down?

[@baranyigitayyildiz]

I like your video editing method. Very silent.

[@darinhumble4656]

I personally would like the hammering bits to be included. It gives me a better idea of what exactly is happening. Plus I also find the sound a bit satisfying. Just me though.

[@leosedf]

It protects us headphone users.

[@kamalam29]

classics speak silently...

[@StuffIMade]

Nice Job Ian. Lovely belt. Where do you get your buckles from please? And also your oval hole punch.

[@bmsshuvo8221]

That was very nice...but What type of gum/glue u r useing for joining...??

[@tthinker9897]

I am amazed at how hand craftsmen pay so much attention to every detail. I had no idea that a quality hand-made belt was such an intricate process. Thank you for the video - mesmerizing.

[@vanderzwan69]

Ian, this is class..im into leather making, but your skill is really so impressive, need any help? doesn't look like you do..thanks for the great video

[@lunes-1]

💜👍

[@yiannisfoveros7103]

Hey Ian . Great video as always , thank you for your time . I would like to ask you if you can suggest any place where i can get high quality belt buckles because up to now i only found some cheap and light ones really crappy :) thank you .

[@alandrewgibson]

Nice work -does your style of stitching across the belt either side of the keep weaken the leather in any way?

[@earlelzy7243]

Very nice belt. How long did it take you to make it? I'm going to make one for my son.

[@mathslearnersml9741]

Nice work....please how can I get a strap leather?

[@robertduvall9580]

I like what you do but telling us what you are using for your edges, finishes and other techniques that you use. It’s cool to watch but most people that what are trying to learn. Don’t hide your craft tell folks what your doing or using to help others learn. Thank you Robert Duvall

[@Leodis.Leather]

if you want to learn the techniques I have lengthy tutorial videos available.

[@oakmoonlifeleathercrafting4337]

Excellent work mate, love the end result. Simple and clean. Also really surprised with the quality of the video, considering it was shot with an iPhone 7, I would have never guessed it was shot with a iPhone without reading the description.

[@charliedillon1400]

Thank you. My house must be haunted because I woke up and put my pants on to find my buckle reversed. It wasn't like that yesterday.

[@Leodis.Leather]

If this is a joke I don’t get it 🤷

[@mpggv8368]

has to be worn in put on medium tight and over a few days it might wear in and not feel hard anymore - thats how i try em on

[@mynameisjaze]

Hi Ian, I would like to ask about thread size you using. What size you would recommend if it is for men wallet, 0.5mm, 0.6mm or 0.8mm? Looking forward for your reply, thanks! :)

[@kizzywizzy589]

Hi Ian. Is that black dye or edge kote you use on the edge? Also after the belt is worn does the edge remain smooth or does it get hairy/fuzzy? The edges of my belt especially where the belt is closed get hairy/fuzzy. Should the edges of the belt continue to be smooth with wear or am I doing something wrong in finishing the edges? I use water, gum trag and sometimes beeswax. I burnish by hand with a multi size wood slicker. I don't think I like the wax it gets white and frosty looking after a while. Help pretty please. Thanks.

[@shaiksamad5767]

Your style of make is awesome and quite nice. there is no disturbance while watching your unique mode of making your products. I like watching even more products. Thanks for an excellent video dear Atkinson.

[@shawnwbell4404]

I have a question. Doesn't it not weak the strength of the belt to sew it in this manner? Against the width of the belt instead of with the length of the belt?

[@Leodis.Leather]

It is not recommended to sew across a strap which may come under heavy load for example a dog lead or a bits of things for horses or luggage. However, a belt is not a strap and comes under only slight tension so with good quality leather it makes no difference which way you sew it.

[@chiraz111]

Love the video Ian. Quick question, what grit sandpaper do you use to do the edges? I have problems getting a nice uniformly burnished edges (but I'm a complete noob). Any advice?

[@alphanumeric1529]

Thanks for the video. I only watch in 720p, not even 1080p, never mind 4k. I don't know anyone who has a fast enough connection to even watch in 4k.

[@laurie1888]

Awesome. Is there a reason you do perpendicular stitching on the keeper as opposed to parallel? Saves having to put so much effort into the keeper, and keeps the overall bulk down in my experience. Love the colour.

[@yassersaad3650]

How can i buy belts from you iam from egypt sir thanks alot

[@Leodis.Leather]

please see the video description

[@julla1416]

What is that tool with a little loop of wire on the tip that looks like a soldering iron (you used it to seal the ends of the thread?) ? Thanks.

[@Leodis.Leather]

it's a Thread Zap, please see ianatkinson.net/leather/toolset.htm to purchase

[@vladnyzhnyk9839]

Very good work! hello from Ukraine!) tell me please how do you cover leather after coloring? (min 5:40-7:10 what is that?)

[@chrisdoran4321]

Ian, great video as always. Can you comment please on whether the leather you purchased for these is from a bridle cut or their belt butts or something else entirely? I have their current price list for saddlery and harness leathers and you are using what I would likely want to use as well. Thank you.

[@jackhalfordpodcast]

What leather did you use, I was looking into buying some from J&FJ Baker but not sure were to find it.

[@deetee-uk]

Ian is the Tandy eco gum tragacanth ok for burnishing....or would you recommend something else? thanks

[@petea1uk]

Thanks to the inspiration provided by your excellent videos I went to Le Prevea in Newcastle yesterday bought myself a few tools and some leather and today made my first piece! A leather belt that actually fits! Thanks again and keep the vids coming. I've a lot to learn.

[@--daydreamhandmadeleather4914]

Is very very beautiful !

[@larrycannon647]

Hi, where did you get your skiving knife (if that's what it's called), the one you shave the leather with?

[@MrSirCedrick]

Missed you buddy. hope you're ok. Beautiful art piece as always.

[@47ronin61]

All of your vids are wonderful, beautiful leather crafting, I have just one curious question, have you ever made or considered making an American western style bullwip?

[@johncarroll7481]

I also use a small anvil to rivet my belt keepers.... if you turn the anvil upside down you will find flat corners you can use. It works for me 👍

[@thomaswalters9187]

Hey Ian! Thank you for all your videos! I've learned basically all I know about leather craft from you. I'm making belts now and want a belt buckle like yours in this video. Where can I get some? Thanks!

[@BrownSugar98]

Can anyone link a good site to buy tools? That would be great!

[@Leodis.Leather]

There’s a page on my website about tools

[@zlobo67]

I have a question ; what do you do with your waste ? ( leather trash?) sorry for bad english

[@nicksoucek9759]

I put mine in the compost.

[@wedgetailleather]

zlobo67 I am considering experimenting to turn small bits of leather scrap into micarta... Otherwise I tend to use them as strops for small tools like the edge beveler, as test pieces for cutting after I sharpen a knife, as a protection layer between my leather project and my paver (I'm too cheap to buy marble) when hammering rivets, or between my project and cutting mat when using stitching chisels to help them stay sharper longer... They also double as test pieces for dyes, like colour swatches. With big enough pieces you can buy a lace cutter and make your own thonging. Check out UK Saddlery's channel for details on how to use one of those.

[@sourlito]

WOW, EXCELLENT CRAFTSMANSHIP. I AM SO GLAD I WATCHED THIS VIDEO, I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WITH YOUR SKILLS FOR YEARS. I'LL BE IN CONTACT SOON.

[@leesass3602]

Ian, I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your video's your attention to detail shows in the quality of everything you produce. I am a bladesmith and as such create sheathes for some of the knives I make. Your video's make me a better craftsman, thank you!

[@jessjanes5253]

PROJECT VIDEO REQUEST/SUGGESTION Although I suppose it can be pretty similar to a belt, if you're able to do a video on making a leather dog collar that would be amazing :) Haven't yet been able to find a good one. Love your work and great videos!

[@Leodis.Leather]

+Jess Janes same thing just smaller, I don't do dog collars

[@padme_99]

Thank you👌what was that you put on the belt after coloring the edges?

[@fractalofgod6324]

Very nice, may I ask where you learnt to do all this and also where did you get the leather to make this belt.

[@MrBank1717]

That's really cool, your craftsmanship is superb. Awesome video.

[@erichelsikesskagge8285]

Hi Ian! What type of paint do you use to colour the sides of the belt? Cheers!

[@kawonnowak]

Hi Ian. Thanks for this video. Excellent timing for me, as I'm planning a belt project. One thing: can you identify the make of knife you're using at 1:15 through to 1:30 please? Clearly it allows for different blades but it looks like a high quality tool.

[@Leodis.Leather]

It's the clicker's knife Tandy do, #3595-00 on the website

[@LouraLeather]

Beautiful belt, great quality as always! Superb skiving skills by the way. Congrats and thank you for always uploading amazing content Ian. Cheers, Lourenço

[@dorkuchotanihu9589]

GOOD JOB KEEP DOING FINE THINGS FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WANT BEAUTIFUL THINGS TO PAY GOOD MONEY FOR. THANKS

[@sicefranco]

Your work is ridiculously perfect .... Congratulations on sharing .... rsrsrrssssss

[@TheDaggerDogg]

Hello Ian, great video. How long did it take for you to make the belt?

[@binyang2000]

Hi, I am bin and I want to buy this one. How and where I can buy this one?

[@StuartRedman]

Awesome video! I'm glad you are now editing out your hammering and punching. I'm sure a lot of people find these videos relaxing, and it's that much more relaxing without loud sounds :)

[@tayninh69]

Outstanding, such attention to detail. Looks to be very high quality.

[@matthewnesbitt4033]

I have recently got my hands on some of this beautiful leather. I am experiencing a problem with it where the leather surface cracks when I fold it over the buckle. Have you ever experienced this issue? Thanks

[@squigglyphrank9348]

Wet it and thin it out

[@dougdiplacido2406]

Beautiful rugged looking belt. You are a true craftsman.

[@Aletaire]

I've always found that thick belts like these squeak like it does at 13:05. Is there anything you can do to stop it from squeaking so much besides wearing it and breaking it in?

[@Leodis.Leather]

Not really they do break in when you wear them just like shoes do

[@acowsaymoo]

What size and make is the edge beveler you're using?

Great video and belt. Thanks for posting. You inspired me to make belts for me, my family and friends :) I would like to ask you, how you seal those edges. I understand there goes color, then water to polish it. What do you recommend to use to seal it, so it look as good as new?

[@1guncrazy1]

Not Ian but a hobbyist leatherworker myself. I've read that the first sanding should be with 400 grit(then one could use progressively finer grits as desired). I've used Eco-Flo Super Sheen and Satin Sheen for finishes but got some advice to use a mix of Acrylic Resoline and water followed by Atom Wax and buffed with sheep wool. My most recent project I discovered that my Resoline had ruined(probably got too cold) so I used beeswax, slicked, applied Fiebings Edge Kote and allowed to dry. I repeated that procedure 2x and the edges were pretty good

[@mathiaseriksen1295]

You should have more voice-over videos. I enjoy hearing you explain what you do. Fantastic workmanship!

[@darinhumble4656]

Is there an easy method of sort of, I suppose, softening the leather? To get rid of the squeakiness it makes when it rubs together?

[@Leodis.Leather]

yeah wear it :)

[@dosetti]

Love the attention to details and making sure the belt does not become too thick.

[@sophieschmid4677]

Can you tell me wich Tool you used to sharpen the Leather?

[@antonkalinin7399]

More....we need moreee video in 4k!!!!! It's beautiful!!! Good luck from Russia!

[@RUS-x1u]

Отличный ремень, отличная работа! Всем добра!

[@publicodomingo266]

El cinturón esta muy bien echó meagustado mucho es una obra de arte gracias maestro leutier

[@terryb4139]

I wanted to tell you thank you for this video!! I didn't like any of the belts that were out there so with help of your video I made one of my own! So thank you.

[@mrshafiquemohammed]

Best hand made belt I bet that's going to last for decades

[@betrisher55]

Thank you, Ian, for yet another excellent instructional video. I quite enjoy the silent approach because it really allows me to concentrate on exactly what you're doing. In my dreams, I skive with exactly the same relaxed assurance you do. In real life, not so much. At least (touch leather) I haven't skived myself. Yet. If you have time, I have a question: how would one go about inserting a length (6" or so) of strong elastic into such a belt? My husband needs a belt like that for medical reasons, but I can't imagine how to start. Nor can I imagine the kind of elastic I'd use or where I'd source it. Do you have any tips, please? Thanks again for your generosity in giving us these videos. If I didn't live so far away(Australia), I'd send you one of my scrumptious chocolate cakes. :)

[@Leodis.Leather]

Hi Trish, The elastic would wear out decades before the leather so I think the key would be making it such that the elastic could be replaced when it gets all stretched out. If it was me I'd probably work it such that the elastic was against the small of the back so it's most discreet when worn and the belt looks as normal as possible from the front. Rather than stitching in the elastic you could remove a 6" section of the leather from the measurements and then have two holes in the end of each piece, through these you could join on some thick elastic using 4 chicago screws? Doubling over the elastic where it's bolted through would increase the strength. As for the elastic itself you won't get it at a leather suppliers you'd need to check out a haberdashery or sewing type place, not sure what you have in the way of those in Oz but they should have all sorts of thick elastics (you probably want waistband elastic). If not you could order some online from somewhere I'm sure.

[@betrisher55]

Hah! Removable elastic with chicago screws! That's brilliant! I can get a particularly strong kind of elastic from an industrial supplier near where I live. I've used it to make elastic draw reins for training my horse, so I know it's strong. But the chicago screw idea is a light bulb for me. Thanks again, mate. You rock! :)

[@doreenbailey6130]

beautiful work wish you would have narrated

[@toequantumspace]

Thank you! Your skill is awesome. Skiving is absolutely fantastic. The belt is very nice.

[@taxmagician]

Dear Sir I can't thank you enough for taking the time to share your expertise. I have purchased some of your designs and have found them to be well thought out and the pdf layouts to be spot on. I would like to add my two pence on this belt, I wouldn't sew across the buckle. I would use a less attractive rivet. Sewing across the belt in this manner fatigues the leather and it will fail here first. Eventually much sooner than a rivet, it will break. I have seen this on many designs and it looks terrific off the trousers, but is lost when used. I would like to know your thought on this.

[@Leodis.Leather]

I have made belts which are both riveted and sewn, whilst a cheap belt might break on a stitch line leather of this thickness and quality hand stitched with the best thread you can buy will not fail in the manner you suggest and does not 'fatigue' the leather in my opinion.

[@taxmagician]

Thank you.

[@publicodomingo266]

El cinturón esta muy bien echó meagustado mucho es una obra de arte gracias maestro leutier

[@blake_229]

This was a pleasure to watch. I admire someone that takes pride in their craft. Good work.

[@smailhamed7534]

عمل رائع ومتقن، أحببته جدا، شكرا.

[@RoSouza]

LIKE.

[@HowlingWolfLeather]

I literally cannot find a belt buckle wholeseller in the UK!

[@luvstruck2733]

Very nicely done. Very attractive belt. I want it. :-)

[@ariferdiansyah7703]

wow just simple as that...thanks for the vid..

[@burgessleatherworks]

First off Ian i wanna say the work you do is superb! I'd like to see a video on beveling and burnishing and how to choose the proper beveler for different thicknesses of items. Mainly just how to choose the correct beveler.

[@Leodis.Leather]

this has been covered lots of times in lots of videos please check the videos page on my website.

[@burgessleatherworks]

Ian Atkinson I've watched most of them and haven't got an understanding of what # beveler to use, whether it's folded and stitched, or a single layered item. Thx!!