OUR BELTS AND HOW TO ORDER THEM
One of our specialties, besides custom saddles and leatherwork, is the creation of distinctive, hand made belts. Both material and construction differences distinguish us from other makers.
CONSTRUCTION
Distinctive, handmade belts are a trademark of our saddle shop. Seidel’s Saddlery belts have been featured in numerous publications and are gaining value in collector markets as well. The outer surface is one piece of leather and the inner surface is a separate piece of leather. The pieces are glued back to back and then stitched together. The result is a finished surface on both sides, resulting in a very durable and long-lasting belt. The glue barrier keeps the belt from sweating through to the top layer and discoloring the belt. The completed belt will be approximately 12 ounce weight (3/16ths thickness).
Our stitching consists of 10 to 12 stitches per inch, which is much finer than the industry standard. In the end, the product is very detailed and finely finished; a true functional work of art.
MATERIALS
Seidel’s Saddlery belts are constructed using a saddle ‘skirting’ leather exterior and tooling leather lining on the inside. Skirting leather requires a tanning process roughly twice as long and with many more steps, but, we believe, the result is worth it—a nice pliable belt that is not stiff and “boardy”. We also use only the premium part of the hide—no bellies, no necks, which translates into only 15 to 18 belts per side of leather. While much more expensive as a raw material, the surface is more durable, colors more richly, and allows our artisans to capture finer detail in the carving than would result using strap leather. The result is superior definition, artistry, and durability in the finished product.
TOOLING
The tooling or carving on our belts has exquisite detail and depth. Our tooling style is in the traditional Sheridan style of flower carving; however, within that style, we have spun our own signature look that is truly our own. We use over 20 different stamping tools plus a swivel knife just to carve and stamp one belt. There is no pattern roller here!
TOOLING PATTERNS
COLORS: Chestnut, Cognac, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Mahogany, Chocolate, Black
DYED BACKGROUND
Dyed background is the process of using a tiny paintbrush and a darker colored dye, and “staining” the background on a carved belt a darker color, thus emphasizing the tooling pattern. (Photo shown is chestnut color with the background dyed).
KANGAROO BRAIDED EDGE
Kangaroo lace is considerably more expensive than cowhide lace, but gives a fine textured, smooth surface that is extremely durable. Kangaroo is used in the making of bullwhips and stock whips because it is tough and up to four times stronger than cowhide. We cut and bevel our own lace from a whole kangaroo hide. Laced edges are available in Black and Dark Brown.
BUCKSTITCH
Buckstitch a wide linear stitching done in leather around the belt edges. Available in Dark brown, and Black kangaroo. Buckstitching does require that the tooling pattern be smaller to allow for the wider border to accommodate the buckstitch.
3 TONE
3 Tone is taking the dyed background, and adding yet another dimension—dyeing the flowers, leaves, and scroll work different colors (lighter or darker tones). In this photo, the flowers and leaves are the lightest color, the scrolls / vines are the medium brown color, and the background is the darkest color.
FINGER CARVED LINING
A finger carved lining is an option on the back of our belts. This is a process when a pattern is cut with a swivel knife into the lining leather of the belt. It gives the belt a decorative look even though it is hidden to others. It also relaxes the belt and makes it more pliable and comfortable.
FILIGREE
Filigree is where the background is cut out around the flowers, leaves, and scrolls after carving, and placing a snake or lizard inlay showing through the cutouts, giving a real 3 dimensional look to the belt.
Inlay colors include, but are not limited to: black, dark brown, cognac, cream, burgundy, turquoise, pink, silver, or by special request.
STRAIGHT, RANGER, NEW RANGER, TAPERED – The BUCKLE will determine the style of belt that you need
NEW RANGER: This design arose from a desire to offer a less bulky belt in the buckle area than the traditional ranger style. In this style, the main body of the belt is a uniform width along its length, with the exception of the buckle end. The buckle end is tapered to the size of the buckle set, and the tip end of the belt has an extension the full width piece behind the tip end of the belt. When this belt is buckled, the leather is the same width all the way around, even under the smaller buckle set. The design is thinner than the traditional regular ranger style by two thicknesses of leather. Most commonly done with a 1 1/2 inch main body and either 1 inch or 3/4 inch ends, but can be made to other dimensions.
