HANDMADE LEATHER BELT CUSTOM MADE TO ORDER BY CHARLIE FINDLAY IN LONDON USING OAK BARK TANNED LEATHER.

This 2 inch handmade leather belt is made using the finest oak bark tanned leather it is sturdy and solid and stands out from the crowd in its strength and durability. A leather belt that you will cherish for a lifetime. The stylish solid brass buckle compliments the beautiful high-quality oak bark tanned leather. Charlie Findlay makes leather belts in a variety of widths each one tailor made to suit your own special requirements. Once your order is received he will contact you to confirm the exact size you require. You can then discuss other details such as the thickness of leather, number of holes required etc. He enjoys this personal contact with his customers and appreciates that everyone’s needs are different. Charlie will guide you through the various options he can offer. We are also proud to tell you that all our packaging has absolutely no plastic. The cardboard boxes we use are made of 75% recycled materials but still offer secure postal protection and all the materials are recyclable and degradable. Charlies’s belts can be found in many far-flung parts of the world, they have even been used on a Shackelton reenactment voyage to the Antarctic! His belts suit many occasions and both casual and formal clothing styles. A belt is a stylish finishing touch to any outfit. Belts like watches are a great way to express your individuality and sense of style.

THE MOST EXQUISITE LEATHER: While seeking out the most exquisite leather Charlie discovered the last remaining British oak bark tannery in Colyton, Devon, J&FJ BAKER & CO LTD. This tannery supplies the most beautiful and finest quality leather hides, both oak bark and vegetable tanned. There has been a tannery here for over 2000 years since Roman times. The Baker family has run this business going back over 150 years with 5 generations. They create English bridle leathers that have an incredibly high tensile strength yet are light in weight and become beautifully supple with age as they gain a unique patina.We always visit the tannery to select the leather for our belts as each hide has a unique quality and character. Charlie usually stocks over 20 different hides in a variety of colours and thicknesses both corrected and uncorrected leather. Corrected leather has a smooth grain as the surface of the hide has been made smooth. Uncorrected leather has the natural surface of the animal skin, scars and all! giving the finished product the feeling of a well-loved belt, already with a slightly aged patina.

The processes to tan leather have little changed over the years. The local stream flows through the waterwheel that agitates the tannic liquor within the pits filled with local cattle skins. This 12-month tanning process naturally and slowly transforms the skins into the most fabulous quality leather. The leather is hand stained using natural vegetable dyes and oils and waxes are applied to protect the surface and feed the leather. There is no water pollution in this process and the wastewater is fed immediately back into the river. Artisans all over the world use Bakers leather to make the finest products available. It is a privilege to work with such incredible leather. 

Please watch this beautiful black and white slideshow to learn more about the process of tanning leather with oak bark in this wonderful old tannery in Colyton, Devon. 

We like to work with people who value the same things we do: craft and skill, community and environment.

You may also read more about the Baker family business here.