T h e  P r e p a r a t i o n

The preparation of our belts (which has as its aim the formation of the upper part of the belt in reptile skin), is done manually and can be divided into three stages: the cut, the assembly of the strips and polishing.

The cut

The cutting of crocodile or other reptile skins is carried out directly on whole  skins that we buy exclusively in order to make the belts, and not as happens in some cases where small strips of skin left over from the cuttings of other articles are joined together to make the belt. This method produces a product of low value and of poor quality.
As well as not being resistant or reliable, it is often marketed at prices higher than its true value - taking advantage of the consumer's inadequate knowledge of the subject.
Each reptile skin, before being bought, is selected according to its width and its quality: in the case of the crocodile we only use skin widths of 35-40 cm. (because of dimensions of the scales that otherwise due to the excessive size would compromise the aesthetic result), in the case of the lizard we only use widths of skin equal to 25-30 cm.
For alligator and lizard skins, we divide the skin in a series of strips cut crosswise along the ventral scales, whereas for cayman skins the strips are cut along the lateral scales called (sides), because this is the only part useable in this species in adult age as it is free from superficial bones. The height of each strip is based on the type of belt. The strips are then assembled to form the upper part of the belt.

The number of strips that make up the band is of fundamental importance in order to determine the quality and value of the belt. The lower number of strips corrisponds to a product of higher value, the higher number  viceversa. Just as an indication, for a belt of the length of 115 cm (46 inches), the ideal number of strips shouldn't be more than four for a belt in crocodile skin (or 5 for a belt in lizard skin considering that the skins are smaller). This means that if one should find oneself infront of a belt in crocodile skin 115 cm long (46 inches) , made up of 6,7,8 or more strips, (if not of even smaller pieces), it is of a different specie (which often occurs), we cannot consider it a genuine crocodile skin belt with its beauty and reliability, but a product of less value (the band has clearly come from left overs of other articles). At times these products are sold as "regular", disguising the high number of strips and the relative joins which are the prestigious element of a belt. We would like to point out yet again that this is a product of  very bad quality and low value, that cannot be considered as a genuine crocodile belt (or other reptile).

N. B.
For whoever wishes, it is possible on request to have a belt (only in alligator skin), made up of one single strip. In this case, the cut isn't made crosswise but lengthwise following a line that links the two extremes - head to tail. Considering that this a is very particular request  and imposes a lower cutting potential, the prices (that are not listed), will be given if you contact us directly.

Assembly of the strips

After the cut, the next stage is to assemble the strips. The objective is to obtain one strip of skin to use in the realization of the belt in the necessary length to satisfy the wishes of the customer. With great skill each strip is prepared in advance smoothing the ends. Once the smoothing is finished, the next phase is to make one strip uniting the extreme ends of each strip with the next one , making sure that the natural design of the scales, the veining, and the shading of the colours coincide. In order to hold the joins of the strips together a special unique and irreplacable ten year formula glue is used, above all for its compatability during the polishing stage.
The assembly is a very important operation in order to have a good aesthetic result and exceptional resistance. For this reason it is essential that this procedure is well done.

1) Smoothing of the strips	2) Gluing of smoothed ends
3) Joining of the strips	4) Assembled strips ready for polishing

The polishing of the strips

The last stage in the realization of the upper part of the belt is the polishing. 
The reptile skin which excels in its particular beauty, is generally the crocodile skin, which becomes evident in the polishing stage. This is a delicate operation, that is obtained by rubbing the strip of skin with an agata cylinder, manoeuvred by an actuating arm. The specialist that carries out this operation with particular sensitivity, regulates with a pedal the pressure of the rubbing, and at the same time with the agata in movement passes over all the skin cm by cm until it obtains that typical shine which enhances the special quality of the crocodile skin.
There aren't many people specialized in this work, especially those very capable, therefore the problems are many in order to have a perfect polish.
The problems don't exist however in the workmanship of the reptile skin in mat tanning because the skins don't have to be polished so are easily workable. With the skins of this type of tanning, one obtains a handmade item (in our case a belt, that on request will be made with the same dedication), ideal for a different look, having a more natural finish, soft, sportive, pleasing for both men and women, even though it doesn't emphasize all the beauty and distinctiveness of these wonderful classically made skins.
The polishing represents the final stage (for the classical workmanship) of the upper part of the belt. The next step consists in the construction and relative finishing.