Tandy

The r/BuyItForLife community consistently recommends Tandy Leather as a go-to source for DIY belt blanks, buckles, and leatherworking supplies, with many users reporting belts lasting 10–25+ years from materials purchased there. Tandy is praised primarily as a materials and starter-kit supplier rather than a finished goods brand, and the community is enthusiastic about the accessibility and value of making your own leather goods through Tandy. One notable caveat from experienced leatherworkers is that Tandy's tools and raw leather are considered lower quality compared to specialty suppliers, though adequate for beginners and casual hobbyists.

Tandy Leather is an excellent starting point for DIY leather belts and goods that genuinely last decades, but serious crafters should source higher-quality tools and hides from specialty suppliers for best results.

Tandy is widely valued for its affordable belt blanks, beginner-friendly kits, and accessible retail locations with knowledgeable staff. DIY belts made from Tandy materials routinely last decades with minimal upkeep.

• Belt blanks and kits available for under $25–50, highly accessible
• Finished DIY belts commonly reported lasting 15–25+ years
• Staff helpful for beginners; in-store belt-making classes offered
• Broad range of supplies: dye, buckles, tools, conditioners all available
• Widely available retail locations across the US
• Hide Rejuvenator conditioner specifically praised for leather maintenance

Experienced leatherworkers caution that Tandy's tools and leather quality have declined over time and are considered inferior to specialty suppliers. Tandy coasts on strong brand recognition despite offering mid-tier quality.

• Tools considered poor quality compared to older or specialty alternatives
• Raw leather quality lower than dedicated tanneries like Herman Oak
• Brand recognition inflates reputation beyond actual product quality
• Better options exist for serious leatherworkers willing to look elsewhere

One user spent about $20 at Tandy on a strap, dye, hole punch, and buckle one afternoon and is still wearing both belts he made 22 years later.

An experienced leatherworker noted that Tandy has huge name recognition similar to Lodge cast iron, but that seasoned crafters know the tools and leather are fairly low quality — the brand survives on visibility rather than excellence.

A commenter pointed out that full-grain vegetable-tanned leather from suppliers like Tandy is the only type that genuinely improves with age rather than peeling, making it a true buy-it-for-life choice.

Several users emphasized that making your own belt from a Tandy blank requires almost no skill — just a buckle, a hole punch, and optionally some dye — and results in a belt that outlasts anything you can buy off the shelf.