Falu_al
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2010
- Messages
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Hello,
So i wanted to share my experience trying to find good value cordovan leather belts. Finding Alden and C&J cordovan belts can be tricky and expensive, so I went about trying to find alternatives. I'm not trying to rate/review them necessarily, just sharing my experience. Please share your experience as well!
For the record - before I dive in to color/dye feedback - we all recognize that each batch of cordovan has color variation, even though they been through the same dye process. And, say a burgundy will also vary from different tanneries.
Rancourt Color 8 Shell Cordovan belt - USD 215 (Subscribe and get 10%)
I was excited to find another supplier that actually reference the color 8 in the product name. With shells, you can't be too certain about a "Burgundy" and I was looking for a belt that would match my Alden Color 8. The quality of the belt was good, but I was quite disappointed with the finish of the color. It is way brighter than any of my Alden shoes. I guess it could work if you have an older pair of Alden Color 8, that tend to be slightly brighter. Rancourt states that they use either Horween or Japanese "Shinki Hikaku" Shell Cordovan, but I'm guessing the "color 8" name should be trademarked for Horween (please correct me if I'm wrong). I returned the belt, and received great customer service from Rancourt. Sold with brass buckle.
Kreis x Bleecker Belt Whiskey Cordovan - USD 350
Great craftsmanship (although I'm not an expert) and I bought this more out of fatigue rather than to save money. The Whiskey belts are hard to come by, so I snatched it when Leffot had it in stock while visiting NYC. The best way to understand the prize is to consider that it's made from Horween Leather from Chicago, crafted by Kreis in Germany, then shipped back to the US and Lower Manhattan... I think my belt might run a travel blog on the side... Comes with solid nickel buckle.
Allen Edmonds Burgundy Cordovan TAB belt - USD 195 (I got it on Ebay usd 175)
I must say I'm very pleased with my AE belt. The Color I received match my Color 8 perfectly. The seller on ebay claimed that the belt I bought was an older version that came with Horween leather, and it looks to be true. However these days they wont specify the origin of the leather used, which is a bit disappointing. Sold with a Brushed nickel buckle.
Guarded Goods Shell Cordovan Belts - Horween Dark Cognac - USD 195
This was initially thrilling, as I love to support smaller vendors and it is a truly amazing price. The buckle design is sturdy and nice, and the stitching has a very american feel to it. You can choose between Rocado and Horween leather, Rocado being USD 20 less. My plan was to match the Dark Congac belt with my Alden Cigar LWBs. When the belt arrived, I was a bit confused to note that the leather quality, not the dye itself, was very underwhelming. The leather structure is very coarse, except from around the buckle. I have sent a few emails back and forth with Guarded Goods, and they claim the the belt is the condition as marketed, advising me to apply cream and condition it. I had already worn it, so i couldn't return the belt. So I guess with smaller suppliers, just make sure to thoroughly review the belt before wearing it.
Looking forward to hear your comments! Any supplier that we should add to these four?
So i wanted to share my experience trying to find good value cordovan leather belts. Finding Alden and C&J cordovan belts can be tricky and expensive, so I went about trying to find alternatives. I'm not trying to rate/review them necessarily, just sharing my experience. Please share your experience as well!
For the record - before I dive in to color/dye feedback - we all recognize that each batch of cordovan has color variation, even though they been through the same dye process. And, say a burgundy will also vary from different tanneries.
Rancourt Color 8 Shell Cordovan belt - USD 215 (Subscribe and get 10%)
I was excited to find another supplier that actually reference the color 8 in the product name. With shells, you can't be too certain about a "Burgundy" and I was looking for a belt that would match my Alden Color 8. The quality of the belt was good, but I was quite disappointed with the finish of the color. It is way brighter than any of my Alden shoes. I guess it could work if you have an older pair of Alden Color 8, that tend to be slightly brighter. Rancourt states that they use either Horween or Japanese "Shinki Hikaku" Shell Cordovan, but I'm guessing the "color 8" name should be trademarked for Horween (please correct me if I'm wrong). I returned the belt, and received great customer service from Rancourt. Sold with brass buckle.
Kreis x Bleecker Belt Whiskey Cordovan - USD 350
Great craftsmanship (although I'm not an expert) and I bought this more out of fatigue rather than to save money. The Whiskey belts are hard to come by, so I snatched it when Leffot had it in stock while visiting NYC. The best way to understand the prize is to consider that it's made from Horween Leather from Chicago, crafted by Kreis in Germany, then shipped back to the US and Lower Manhattan... I think my belt might run a travel blog on the side... Comes with solid nickel buckle.
Allen Edmonds Burgundy Cordovan TAB belt - USD 195 (I got it on Ebay usd 175)
I must say I'm very pleased with my AE belt. The Color I received match my Color 8 perfectly. The seller on ebay claimed that the belt I bought was an older version that came with Horween leather, and it looks to be true. However these days they wont specify the origin of the leather used, which is a bit disappointing. Sold with a Brushed nickel buckle.
Guarded Goods Shell Cordovan Belts - Horween Dark Cognac - USD 195
This was initially thrilling, as I love to support smaller vendors and it is a truly amazing price. The buckle design is sturdy and nice, and the stitching has a very american feel to it. You can choose between Rocado and Horween leather, Rocado being USD 20 less. My plan was to match the Dark Congac belt with my Alden Cigar LWBs. When the belt arrived, I was a bit confused to note that the leather quality, not the dye itself, was very underwhelming. The leather structure is very coarse, except from around the buckle. I have sent a few emails back and forth with Guarded Goods, and they claim the the belt is the condition as marketed, advising me to apply cream and condition it. I had already worn it, so i couldn't return the belt. So I guess with smaller suppliers, just make sure to thoroughly review the belt before wearing it.
Looking forward to hear your comments! Any supplier that we should add to these four?
