Fireman's Quick Release Belt in Oak Bark Bridle Leather - London Tan

This belt is crafted from J&FJ Baker’s Oak Bark Bridle Butt, which is one of the finest traditional leathers available today and produced by the last oak bark tannery in Devon UK.  This exceptional leather is tanned slowly (over 14 months!) using natural oak bark, spring water, and time-honored methods passed down through generations.

The leather is cut from the butt of the hide (the densest and strongest part) making it highly prized for its strength, durability, and clean structure.  Each piece is hand-finished using natural fats and waxes, giving the leather a deep, rich color and a smooth surface with a slight sheen. The slow tanning process produces a leather with unmatched density, resilience, and character.  

Due to the unique tanning process, it's natural for this leather to develop some tallow or "dubbin" on the surface.  You can use a horsehair brush to remove it, or let it dissipate naturally over time resulting in a very unique patina.

This exceptional leather is paired with a distinctive solid brass "Fireman's" quick release buckle and a whimsical attention-grabbing turquoise stone solid brass keeper.

This belt is completely handmade in Atlanta, GA (USA).

Details

Leather:

• J&FJ Baker’s Oak Bark Bridle Butt, 14oz
• Highest quality cowhide leather
• Thickness 5.3mm
• 1.5” wide (38mm)
• Oval punched holes with 5 hole positions

Hardware:

• "Fireman's" tensioning solid brass quick-release buckle from Japan (Weight 68g/2.4oz)
• Solid brass turquoise stone belt keeper from Japan (Weight 40g/1.4oz)
• Solid brass Chicago screws to easily swap out the hardware if needed

Additional Information

Fully Handmade: Each belt is made entirely by hand, no machines and no shortcuts.  Every cut, bevel, and burnish is done with care, leaving the edges in their natural state to reveal the true thickness and character of the quality leather.

Leather of Provenance: I work exclusively with full‑grain leather from some of the world’s most respected tanneries, chosen for their enduring strength and rich character.  The hardware is solid brass - weighty, honest, and made to last for generations.

Marks of a Living Material: Natural scars, grain variations, and subtle shifts in tone are hallmarks of real leather.  Like human skin, each hide carries its own story.  With time and wear, the leather and brass will develop a deep patina, becoming a reflection of your own journey.

A Note on Color: Because of lighting and the nature of digital photography, the color you see on your screen may differ slightly from the belt you receive.