This review could be contained to merely this few words: the belt is perfect.
However, allow me to elaborate. The belt illustrated above is the one I selected from the variety of choice available in the options Equus offer with their surcingles. The leather component, a shade named Oxford Tan, is bridle leather; smooth, flexible and strong. It looks wonderful (especially when compared to the other inferior leathers sourced for belts available elsewhere) and its appearance will improve with age. The quality wears in not out. I have a credit card holder in bridle leather and each nick, scratch and wrinkle simply deepens the beauty of the item and I am looking forward to a similar patina developing on this belt.
The webbing has a rugged texture yet feels soft to the touch. It is hefty and strong and will doubtless last me out the rest of my days. I chose the shade of Special Khaki as I believe that it is the best compliment to the various colours of chinos that I wear.
I requested a solid nickel buckle (1 ¼ inch West End style) which is truly a magnificent object to behold, a solid piece of perfectly finished metal with a sublime lustre quite unlike any other silvery metal. The weight of this sand cast buckle is highly pleasing in its density.
The construction generally is a delight to examine. The uneven hand stitching, the solid looking joins, the sturdy seams, all speak of the craftsmanship expended in the creation of this belt.
The bespoke choices are one of the fine attributes of Equus products - most especially in being able to choose the exact size that you require. I can order a 33" belt from Equus - no more suffering 30/32 and 34/36 belts trying, unsuccessfully, to find a happy medium. But further the range of colours of leather, of size of buckle, style of buckle and the metal from which it is made, plus many other individualised tweaks that this remarkably co-operative manufacturer are willing to undertake, add to the distinct pleasure of purchasing from them.
The belt whispers its high quality in a subtle manner befitting a stylish item of such refined taste.
The customer service was excellent - not only did Charlie respond frequently on the original thread (see link below) but one of the team very courteously kept me updated personally via email several times during the six or so weeks between order and delivery.
https://askandyaboutclothes.com/community/showthread.php?120532-Equus-Leather&highlight=equusThe cost was a mere £38.88 delivered. This strikes me as incredibly good value for a bespoke handmade in England belt of such sumptuous quality. In comparison - a Hugo Boss belt costs nearly twice that much to obtain a mass produced piece of tat.
Don't forget that Equus are one of Andy's preferred suppliers with a generous 10% discount available to members. Please click on the Equus banner located on the page linked below and support the AAAC site: https://askandyaboutclothes.com/selected-merchants/shoes-beltsIf you need a new belt, ideas for a gift, or simply wish to treat yourself, then allow me to assure you I have never encountered a finer belt than this. So impressed am I with Equus that I have already placed an order for the oak brown Bakers bridle leather belt.
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This is our major business objective! Its lovely leather..
