Belts

[Ernildir]

I am planning to purchase some wool and get to work on some legitimate Ranger garb this winter, and I am also thinking of crafting a period leather belt. How would I manage one of those? What materials would I need? What is the best way to obtain them?

Thanks.

[Manveruon]

It seems pretty straightforward actually, but I haven't done it yet. It's definitely been on my agenda for a while now. However, I do have this link to a great facebook group that can help you find any and all resources you need:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/123349877756165/

[E.MacKermak]

I am planning to purchase some wool and get to work on some legitimate Ranger garb this winter, and I am also thinking of crafting a period leather belt. How would I manage one of those? What materials would I need? What is the best way to obtain them?

Thanks.

OK...define "period"...belts varied from place to place and time to time. For an early Saxon, a simple belt of no more than an inch to 1 1/4" with a buckle and end is about normal. Buckles can be found in plenty of places.

http://www.billyandcharlie.com/
https://www.quietpress.com/

These are two I have used.

For other cultures I can't really say.

For period-esque/fantasy you can got for a bit wider and fancier if you choose.

[Ernildir]

Thank you.

I used "period" rather broadly with the intent of expressing Middle-earth appropriateness.

[Jon]

Hey Ernildhir, I just bought a belt today that is made of plaited leather laces. This would work sort of as the modern equivalent of a paracord bracelet. If I'm in a survival situation, I can simply use some of the laces for tying stuff, snares, etc...

[deadextra]

It really depends on what you want. This here is a fairly good price for a whole belt and strapend though you may be able to find the fittings for about $8 apiece. http://www.revivalclothing.com/talbotsp ... rbelt.aspx

These are clearly more detailed and are from a different time period, and have the price to match.
http://www.jelldragon.com/viking_belts.htm

Then again, you could go to your local jo-ann fabrics and buy one of their bronze-look buckles which are pretty darn close to the shape of some general medieval ones, then get an old belt from goodwill to cut down, buy some bronze sheet to make a plate, and have a reasonably good buckle for maybe ten dollars.

[Peter Remling]

I've used this site on a few times. They're quick and inexpensive. Their buckles and belt mounts come with easy instructions.

http://www.fetteredcockpewters.com/page_belts.htm

[deadextra]

I've seen most of these shops and the makers in person.

Billy and Charlies is really good, the best pewter I've seen and they're a really nice pair of people. I have a belt from them that I wear every day since it's two hundred years on past my persona. Their prices are pretty good and straightforward, you can put together a belt that's your own for thirty-some dollars, but it will be later medieval.

Raymond's Quiet press is good for earlier period things, the pictures speak for themselves. I remember the prices being a bit more of a premium that the website. This would probably be the best for your money if you want to go halfway into the double digits.

Fettered cock is pretty good, but I'd not suggest pewter for anything which you're going to give a lot of stress IE use in fighting or hang much weight from. Most of their designs are later period, 15th century and on, but whatever you like works.

[Mirimaran]

I have two buckles from the Crafty Celts that I use in my kit:

http://www.craftycelts.com/ might be a little more expensive or fancy for your use, though.

Speaking of buckles, here's a neat article!

http://reocities.com/Paris/musee/3308/m ... uckles.pdf

http://www.housemanticore.com/index.php ... ieval-belt

Ken

[Ernildir]

Thanks!

[Beornmann]

I have some a clasp, buckles and strap ends from Raymond's Quiet Press. Nice work and average price. Great folks to deal with also.