In the quiet workshop of A Cut Above Buckles, nestled in the red rock country of Dammeron Valley, Utah, something extraordinary is taking shape. Here, the hum of modern tools harmonizes with the patient scratch of a hand-engraver, and raw metal is transformed into a legacy. This is where tradition isn't just preserved; it's forged into the future. It’s also the birthplace of the Ford Truckle, a groundbreaking collaboration between our family-run company and the iconic American automaker, Ford.
This isn't just another accessory. It’s a story of shared values, a testament to durability, and a fusion of two distinctly American legacies. The Truckle is a custom-crafted belt buckle with a secret: a specially designed compartment that securely houses a Ford key fob. It’s the perfect blend of rugged style and modern function, created for the person who appreciates both heritage and ingenuity.
For decades, we’ve crafted trophy buckles that commemorate life’s greatest moments—championship wins, hard-earned titles, and personal milestones. But the Ford Truckle presented a new challenge: to create a buckle that was not only a beautiful piece of Western craftsmanship but also served a practical, everyday purpose. It needed to solve a problem for truck owners who need their hands free and their keys secure, whether they’re hauling hay or heading into town.
The idea was to reinvent the buckle. We envisioned a piece that could integrate technology without sacrificing artistry. After countless hand-drawn sketches and prototypes, we developed a unique box buckle design. This innovative Ford key fob buckle allows you to carry your key right on your belt, combining the security you need with the authentic style you love. It’s the first buckle we’ve ever made that does something, and we couldn’t be prouder of the result.
To understand the soul of A Cut Above Buckles, you have to understand the journey of our founder, Andy Andrews. Long before he was a master silversmith, Andy was a lifelong cowboy, rodeoing since he could walk. Growing up in New Mexico, he competed alongside Native American and Hispanic cowboys who were not only incredible athletes but also gifted silversmiths.
Fascinated by their skill, Andy began teaching himself the craft in the 1970s. He learned the finer points of silverwork and engraving from his friends, absorbing techniques passed down through generations. These skills, learned between rodeos, laid the foundation for a lifelong passion. After retiring from the circuit, Andy’s path eventually led him to a pivotal moment in 1999. His friend, the president of the International Rodeo Association, needed something special for his world champions. He offered Andy the contract with a simple instruction: make them "a cut above all the other junk out there." And just like that, A Cut Above Buckles was born.
Every piece that leaves our workshop is a testament to hands-on artistry. We don’t take shortcuts. Every letter is hand-cut, and every intricate swirl of the engraver is guided by a steady, experienced hand. This commitment to traditional Western craftsmanship is a skill honed over decades.
This project, however, demanded more. When the initial designs for the Truckle proved challenging, we were reminded of a story about Henry Ford. When his engineers told him an eight-cylinder engine was impossible, he simply told them, "Produce it anyway." That spirit drove us forward. We embraced the difficulty, refining the mechanism until it was perfect.
At the heart of our workshop is Ruben Delgado, a master engraver who has been with Andy for over 30 years. Together, they have developed countless custom belt buckles, and Ruben’s unique style is etched into the DNA of our brand. His hands brought the final, intricate details of the Ford Truckle to life, ensuring every piece carries the soul of true craftsmanship.
A Cut Above Buckles is more than a business; it’s a family. Andy’s daughters, son-in-law, and even his granddaughter are all involved in the day-to-day operations, from design and digital management to shipping and repairs. This family bond is our greatest accomplishment. It’s built on forgiveness, tolerance, and the shared promise to always have each other’s backs.
That sense of legacy is something we share with Ford. For over a century, Ford has built trucks that are dependable, capable, and woven into the fabric of American life. We’ve driven them our whole lives, relying on them to haul our horses and get us where we need to go safely. This collaboration is a natural fit—a meeting of two brands that believe in durability, purpose, and building things that last for generations. The Ford Truckle is a symbol of that shared ethos.
This limited-run piece of functional art is more than just a concept. The Ford Truckle will make its official debut at the State Fair of Texas on October 10, 2025. Andy will be on-site at the Ford Experience, crafting buckles and sharing the story behind this unique collaboration. It’s a chance to see firsthand the artistry and ingenuity that both our brands stand for.
This project represents a special moment in time for us, blending our heritage with a forward-thinking vision. It’s an honor to partner with a company like Ford, which shares our commitment to American-made quality and innovation.
We invite you to explore our collections of custom belt buckles and discover the stories behind our craft. If you have a vision for a piece that tells your own story, our team is here to help you bring it to life.
