The ‘Powder’ Leather Belt – Handmade British Heritage
 
Crafted entirely by hand in York, the Powder leather belt is a timeless accessory made from British oak bark tanned leather, sourced from the last remaining oak bark tannery in the UK. This exquisite belt embodies tradition, durability, and the beauty of natural materials.  
 
Premium Oak Bark Tanned Leather
Oak bark leather has been tanned at Baker’s Tannery, nestled on the banks of the River Coly in Colyton, since Roman times. Remarkably, the process has changed very little over the centuries.
 
The traditional oak bark tannage is a long, slow method—taking over 14 months from start to finish. After liming to loosen the hair, raw hides are first soaked in gentle oak bark liquors in pits known as handlers. For the first two to three months, each hide is regularly turned by hand to ensure an even and consistent strike of the tannin across the entire surface.
 
Once the hides have passed through the handler pits, they are layered flat in deeper pits filled with stronger oak bark liquor, where they remain for around nine months. This stage preserves the natural fibre structure of the hide, resulting in exceptional tensile strength—ideal for saddlery and long-lasting leather goods.
This centuries-old method uses pure water from the adjoining stream, oak bark from sustainable coppices in the Lake District and Wales, and the finest local Devon hides.
Once tanned, the leather is finished with a traditional dressing of fish oils and mutton tallow, applied entirely by hand using heritage tools. Each piece is heavily dressed, saturating the fibres with oils and greases to produce leather that is soft, supple, and naturally water-resistant.
 
Over time, the leather develops a rich, characterful patina unique to its use and environment—making every belt, sheath, or strap truly one of a kind.
 
Handcrafted to Last
Each belt is cut from 4-4.5mm thick leather using traditional hand tools, ensuring exceptional strength and style. The solid brass buckle, forged in the last British brass foundry, adds a touch of heritage. Choose from three finishes: traditional brass, antiqued brass, or nickel over brass.  
 
The buckle is secured with either:  
- Hand saddle stitching, a time-honoured technique using waxed thread, or  
- Hand-peened solid brass rivets for a more industrial aesthetic.  
 
Every detail is designed for durability, so your belt becomes a lifelong companion.  
 
Customizable Features
Make it truly your own with these bespoke options:  
- Add creased edges (lines along the edge) for a refined finish.  
- Personalise with hand-debossed initials, creating a gift or keepsake that’s uniquely special.  For the perfect heritage leather belt why not add your child's initials onto your belt ready for them to become custodian.  
 
Your belt is proudly finished with the Morgan + Wells makers mark, a symbol of craftsmanship and quality.  
 
A Perfect Fit, Every Time
We believe everyone deserves a perfect fit—without extra charges for size. After ordering, we’ll personally reach out to ensure your belt is tailored to your exact waist measurement.  
 
Why Choose the ‘Powder’ Leather Belt?
- Sustainable and natural materials 
- Handcrafted in the UK, supporting British industries  
- Durable design made to last a lifetime  
- Fully customizable for a personal touch  
 
Invest in a belt that tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainability.