In 2013 I needed a new belt and thought I would treat myself to something a little more special than could be found on the average high street. I Started my search only to be disappointed by what I found- a few beautiful hand sewn leather belts but, they where generally paired with generic brass buckles.  Almost all the designer belts were made with cheap cast buckles and leather belt straps that had been processed to the point that it was hard to tell if it was actually leather. These belts were totally lacking in character and individuality. I could see nothing in their production to justify the extra expense other than a name. 

After months of searching I found nothing that quite met my expectations. I am a great believer in the old adage “ if you want something done properly do it yourself”. So I decided to make myself a belt buckle and strap. As a former engineer and for the past 30 years I have been a gun restorer and Master gun engraver to the luxury British gun trade-working for James Purdey and Sons, Westley Richards and Boss & Co to name a few. Over the years I have learnt many skills and techniques associated with the gunsmiths craft and used these as my inspiration.

So I designed, manually machined, filed, polished, gold inlayed and finished my own belt buckle using the skills and techniques I had acquired over my lifetime.  I also learnt some new ones; discovering about the best leathers and ultimately making my own belt strap, The resulting belt was quite pleasing and others agreed, passing comment and asking where I had brought it.