Why We Use Solid Brass Hardware (And Why It Matters)
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A leather piece can be built properly and still fail early if the hardware lets it down first. Plated hardware tarnishes, rusts, or wears through to show the cheaper metal underneath. Solid brass doesn't - which is why it's the only hardware I use.
Plated vs Solid Hardware
Plated hardware is a thin layer of finish over a cheaper base metal - once that layer wears through, and it will, corrosion follows. Solid brass is the same material all the way through, so it ages rather than fails.
Where I Use It
My Mid Tan Full Grain Leather Belt uses a solid brass buckle, and everything in my Pet Essentials collection - collars, leads - uses brass hardware built to take repeated soakings and daily handling.
How to Check Hardware Quality Yourself
A simple check: solid brass is heavier for its size than plated hardware, and won't show a different-coloured metal at any scratch or wear point.
Browse the Mid Tan Belt in my Leather Belts collection or the Pet Essentials collection to see solid brass hardware in use.