Check out the packaging….just like Christmas!
That's a padded oil-tanned walnut strap in there.
That's a padded oil-tanned walnut strap in there.
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STRAPS!
- Thread starter Luigipetrone
- Start date
- 1/5/13
- 813
- 37
- 28
These are my two fav's^^^^
Simona Di Stefano started out making OEM straps for PAM iirc. I've been working with Bronzy and have yet to receive my 3 straps but he's a pleasure to do custom work with (Kostas is too) and his pricing is very fair and is CONUS
True enough. They are a very talented group. Their shop is about 15min from me and they have some amazing leatherwork in their showroom.
- 1/5/13
- 813
- 37
- 28
Great point, I only have 1 but they make great straps. A little pricey but their vintage lineup is very nice.
nice packaging mate, but we need to see more!
oops, here ya go….not a good photo, but shows the strap well.
Padded oil tanned walnut SNPR
There are a number of good responses on here as to who to buy from. But as a strapmaker, I am more concerned with what are you looking for in a strap?
My main things to look for in a strap are price, quality, and service. There are a lot of "strapmakers" who are nothing more than machine operators. The hides are cut by machine, they are sewn by machine, finished by machine.
karesz501
I'm Pretty Popular
You are right, but still...... there are times when someone needs a more OEM look and that is usually through using a machine....
Try Bakeka straps, he has an awesome work and fair prices and if you like custom, chunky buckles and ammo straps then Timebandit (Uwe) does some awesome work as well. Both are SV-s here on RWI, one of my favourites as custom straps.
However, if I wish to have some classy look/elegant feel on a day, I nearly always wear one of my Simona straps. Period.
- 9/9/07
- 3,460
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+1.
Different makers specialize in different things. No doubt all the makers mentioned are no slouches. David Lane, Greg Stevens, Ted Su & Rob Montana deserve mention. There's a lot of talent in the strap venue, like TT said- figure out what you want, then figure out who does it best.
And check out Strapculture, I think they make some excellent quality machine made offerings.
This is an example of what I was asking about. To you, price, quality and service are not as important as the "look" of the strap. And that is fine, and there are many others like you. That is why I was asking what the OP was looking for in a strap.
+1…Uwe also has some video tutorials that show his strap making process. Very informative…I'm always amazed at how much work
goes into a handmade strap.
Here is one of his Timebandit ammos on a 217. Its one of my favorites because of the makers mark with the 1945 date.
He also is very much into the history of the original leatherworkers, and will provide what info he can get. Very cool.
karesz501
I'm Pretty Popular
This is an example of what I was asking about. To you, price, quality and service are not as important as the "look" of the strap. And that is fine, and there are many others like you. That is why I was asking what the OP was looking for in a strap.
I don't get it.... these are the most important things for me when buying a strap, that's why I prefer some of our own makers here on RWI (Bakeka, Timebandit). I tried a lot of makers and while I like Gunny for example, his prices and the wait for a strap simply kills the whole story for me...
I just pointed out, that if you are looking for something elegant/classy then it could be useful if the maker uses machines for cutting and sewing, hence making a 'neat', simmetrical strap.
Still, I'm not a strapmaker, just a strap freak and know nearly nothing on the process of making
And as that, I have yet to try one made by You, tootall
Tootall makes a good point. To give you the best referral for a strapmaker it is important to know what you're looking for. Lead time, customer service, price point, quality, desired look, reputation, prestige, etc.
I, for one, want a reasonable lead time, pleasant service, and will pay a premium for quality.
Some makers have 10+ week lead times. Is this important? Ask the maker before ordering.
I've dealt with strap-makers that are not polite, not polite at all. One maker, APBands, has been so difficult to deal with that I will no longer order from them, despite their offering of quality goods.
Below is a list of makers, some have been mentioned here, some not that tend to make high-quality straps:
1. Di Stefano
2. Rob Montana (excellent CONUS based maker, very friendly)
3. Toshi (GB based, decent price, nice goods)
4. Ted Su
5. Kevin Ammo
6. Vintager Watch Straps AKA Micah (CONUS based)
7. Greg Stevens Design
8. Atelier du Bracelet Parisien AKA ABP (Very expensive)
9. Wotancraft
10. David Lane
11. Altamarea Straps (great gator straps but they have a range)
12. Peter.watchacc Straps (nubuck alligator straps)
I, for one, want a reasonable lead time, pleasant service, and will pay a premium for quality.
Some makers have 10+ week lead times. Is this important? Ask the maker before ordering.
I've dealt with strap-makers that are not polite, not polite at all. One maker, APBands, has been so difficult to deal with that I will no longer order from them, despite their offering of quality goods.
Below is a list of makers, some have been mentioned here, some not that tend to make high-quality straps:
1. Di Stefano
2. Rob Montana (excellent CONUS based maker, very friendly)
3. Toshi (GB based, decent price, nice goods)
4. Ted Su
5. Kevin Ammo
6. Vintager Watch Straps AKA Micah (CONUS based)
7. Greg Stevens Design
8. Atelier du Bracelet Parisien AKA ABP (Very expensive)
9. Wotancraft
10. David Lane
11. Altamarea Straps (great gator straps but they have a range)
12. Peter.watchacc Straps (nubuck alligator straps)
- 28/12/12
- 337
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for the past week all ive been looking at are straps!! Thank you all who contributed to this thread! I don't think I will ever have a shortage of straps again!
Just got an email from Alfio to say that the custom length strap I ordered from Bakeka on Tuesday is in the post to me. Top service once again!