Oak Bark Dartmoor Belt

£130.00

Leather

Buckle

Size

Quantity

Personalisation (+£10.00)

Personalisation will be inside the belt, along from the logo. 10 character maximum. Items that have been personalised cannot be exchanged or returned.

Shipping & Return

We offer free standard UK shipping. Orders under £150 are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class (uninsured, untracked), while orders over £150 are sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery (insured and tracked). We recommend Special Delivery for full insurance.

Returns are accepted within 14 days of receiving your order. Please contact us at info@tannerbates.co.uk to arrange a return.

👉 For full shipping and return details, click here.

Handmade in Devon · Full grain oak bark tanned leather · Built to last

Made in small batches

Oak Bark Tanned Full Grain leather cut from the hide in one piece 5 mm thick. Combine this with a harness buckle in solid brass or nickel plated solid brass and you will get a belt thats made to last.

5mm oak bark tanned leather
Sand-cast buckles made in a West Midlands foundry
Hand peened copper rivets
Belt width 1.5”
Click here to learn more about bespoke personalisation
Available in Black, Brown and Natural (undyed) leather options
Click here to learn more about 'Natural' (undyed) leather

For an accurate fit please see our size guide below.

The hides are known as “full-grain” which means that the skin surface is as it came off the cow, just without the hair. The surface of the skin has not been buffed. This leaves all the character that were naturally on the cow’s skin; scars, blemishes etc. As a result, each product is unique to the owner. Tanner Bates - No two the same

(Photos are for illustration purposes only)

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More details

MORE DETAILS

Finding your size

Measure an existing belt as shown in the diagram below.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR BELT SIZE

We make the Oak Bark Dartington Belt in 5 sizes XSmall, Small, Medium, Large and XLarge. There are 7 holes 1" apart with the centre holes at: X Small 31" Small 33" Medium 36" and Large 39". The 7 holes cover 3" in each direction eg: X Small 28-34", Small 30-36", Medium 33-39", Large 36-42".

Trouser Size

Its worth mentioning that trouser size is not an accurate measurement but if thats all you have to go by XSmall covers sizes 27-31", Small 29-33", Medium 32-36", Large 35-39" and XLarge 39-43"

Oak Bark Tanner Leather Belt by Tanner Bates

Hand-made in Devon

We make these belts in our leather workshop in rural South Devon using leather from a local tannery, the last of its kind in Europe.

Uniquely Crafted Leather Belts

The leather has a full grain finish which means that every blemish or scar on the cows skin will be present on the finished hide and apparent on the finished product. The hides are dyed by hand at the tannery with an aniline dye. This process allows the grain and all the individual markings on the cows skin to show through. The dye is absorbed into the hide in an irregular way so giving a unique appearance to every belt. No two are the same.
Read more about our leather.

As part of the final hand finishing or 'currying' process, our oak bark tanned hides are coated in tallow.

J & FJ Baker & Co have developed 20 different speciality dubbins. Each with a different secret blend of natural fats and oils, tailored to the specific leather to enhance and support the leather's different properties.

The tallow is applied by hand with a brush to ensure a thorough and even coat is worked in. The leather is then left for a week for the dubbin to soak in.

The tallow comes to the surface of the leather and forms a white waxy coating.

Once we have finished making each individual oak bark tanned Tanner Bates piece, we then brush off any remaining visible tallow with a horsehair brush to reveal the beautiful rich leather beneath.

When the leather is new, or if it is left unused for a while, the tallow will reappear in its white waxy form.

This is a natural and unavoidable process.

However, with use, the tallow will soon rub off, or if you prefer, a quick buff with a soft bristle or horsehair brush will once again reveal the stunning characterful oak bark tanned leather in all its full glory.

Natural leather needs feeding from time to time (more often in a dry hot environment). Apply a lavish dose of Tanner Bates Hide Food every 6 months to ensure long and supple service.

Oak Bark Tanned Leather Belt by Tanner Bates

Leather Belt Personalisation

Personalisation of up to 10 characters is available. We use traditional bookbinders brass type (24pt Gill Sans) embossed on the reverse of the belt (hidden on the inside). The hot stamping process allows you to choose between gold, silver, black and blind (no colour) embossing. The personalisation will follow the same orientation as our maker's marque.

Please note, personalised items cannot be exchanged or returned.

Love your Leather Belt

Our leather is ethically and sustainably processed. The tannery uses a mixture of tree barks to transform the animal hides to leather. This is an ancient tradition which yields the familiar leather smell. Natural oils evaporate over time and need replenishing. Your leather benefits from and will look its very best if given an occasional dose of natural waxes and oils.

The Art of Oak Bark Tanning: A Tradition in Every Tanner Bates Belt

At Tanner Bates, we believe that every belt we craft tells a story, and that story begins with our local oak bark tannery. Using the ancient technique of oak bark tanning, they transform hides into durable leather that will last for generations. This gentle process, which involves soaking hides in a mixture of oak tree bark and water, takes months - far longer than modern tanning methods.

However, the slow tanning process preserves the natural fibres in the leather and produces world-renowned high-quality, firm leather with the highest tensile strength that develops a rich patina in time.

Our Oak Bark Dartmoor Belt is made from a single piece of Oak Bark tanned leather, approx 5mm thick. Producing a wonderful quality leather belt that showcases the very best of traditional craftsmanship. Unlike the quicker methods used in today’s tanneries, traditional slow-tanning methods require patience, but the result is premium leather that is both traceable and ethically sourced.

A Tradition of Durability

The bridle leather we use is known for its strength and longevity. Each batch of hides is selected for its ability to withstand wear while maintaining a soft yet durable leather feel. The full grain bridle leather offers a unique texture, with natural markings and slight variation in colour that reflect the organic tanning process.

Each belt is fitted with a solid brass buckle, carefully sourced and crafted using traditional casting methods. These solid brass buckles are made to last, and their understated elegance adds a touch of timeless style. The belt also features belt loops and is fastened by three hand-hammered solid copper rivets for extra strength, ensuring that every element reflects our commitment to quality.

Oak Bark Leather: A Sustainable and Natural Process

The oak bark leather used in our belts is the product of a sustainable process. Unlike chemical tanning, the oak bark tanning process is entirely natural and requires no harsh chemicals. The vegetable-tanned hides are tanned with tree bark, which creates leather that is both environmentally friendly and superior in quality.

In fact, only a handful of tanneries in the world still practice this traditional method, and we’re proud to partner with the last remaining traditional oak bark tannery in Europe. This labour-intensive process produces durable leather accessories like our Oak Bark Dartmoor Belt, which are as unique as the individuals who wear them.

Custom Fit for Every Waist Size

When it comes to finding the right fit, we offer a range of belt sizes designed to suit every body type. Whatever size belt you need, our belts come in various sizes, with 7 holes, 1 inch apart in order to ensure the perfect fit. It’s easy to select your size, please see our belt measuring diagram above and please note there is a difference between trouser waist size and measured belt size.

We also offer tailor made / made to measure belts in larger and smaller widths for added convenience, please see our Oak Bark Devon Belts page. The range of sizes and styles in our leather belt collection ensures that you’ll find the perfect match, no matter your preference.

The Beauty of Handmade Leather Goods

The Oak Bark Dartmoor Belt is more than just a belt; it’s a piece of our heritage. We handcraft each belt in our workshop in Devon, using leather that has been carefully tanned, dyed, and hand-finished by our local tannery. Our commitment to producing quality leather goods extends beyond belts - our range also includes leather bags, wallets, and other accessories, all made from oak bark leather.

Each piece of leather we use is unique, and the slow production process ensures that no two belts are the same. From the tanning leather process to the final stitch or rivet, every detail reflects our dedication to wonderful quality leather belts and leather straps.

Why Choose Tanner Bates?

When you choose a Tanner Bates belt, you’re investing in a product that has been crafted with care, patience, and respect for traditional methods. Our oak bark leather is not only high-quality but also tells a story of sustainability, craftsmanship, and heritage.

Whether you’re looking for a coloured leather belt or a classic bridle leather belt, our stock of hides ensures that every product meets our rigorous standards. Over time, your Tanner Bates belt will develop a beautiful patina that only enhances its charm.

Choose Tanner Bates for belts that are built to last, handcrafted using traditional oak bark tannery techniques, and designed to stand the test of time. Explore our range of hide belts and discover the difference that slow tanning and sustainable processes can make.