Bull Shoulder Belt by Chacon

Chacon Belts is a family company founded in 1972 in Chacon, New Mexico (population 197) by Bruce Erickson. Chacon, New Mexico for those who don’t know is off of New Mexico State Road 121 about 12 miles north of Mora. We at J&H have known Bruce for a long time. We see him often, and yet none of us can recollect ever seeing him without a smile on his face. He is a quiet force within our industry: always happy to lend a hand or provide us with the advice and wisdom he has accumulated over the past four decades.

The company has since moved to the metropolis of Rociada, New Mexico (population 609) best known as the birthplace of Milnor Rudulph (1826 – 1887). Milnor was the Speaker of the New Mexico Territory Legislature and led the inquest into the death of Billy the Kid. We are certain Bruce is the most famous person to have lived there since. You don’t need to worry that his new big city digs and celebrity have impacted the company. His workshop is still heated via a wood fireplace that Bruce stokes early every morning.

Chacon belts are hand made by Bruce’s company of 10 employees—the majority are family including his wife, son, and daughters. They pound the hides together with a hammer and anvil. What emerges from his shop is undoubtedly one of the finest belts (or straps, as we call them) made in the country. At J&H, we are picky about what we attach our buckles to. Straps need to be durable, strong, and beautiful. They need to have the structural strength to handle even our heaviest buckles and be pliable enough to be comfortable. Because each belt is handmade, Chacon has amazing flexibility. They make straps from an enormous variety of hides, including the bison I wear every day. Chacon straps are the only straps that consistently exceed our expectations.