From highly detailed custom belt buckles to exquisite jewelry, when it comes to being a silversmith there isn’t much Tom Howe hasn’t done. For over 20 years Tom has supplied many of Ontario’s most prominent horse show and breed associations with year end awards, provided local tack makers with his signature silver saddle trim and made countless unique halters, spurs and accessories for riders and trainers around the world.



He graduated in 1980 from Conestoga College in Guelph, Ontario and began his career as a welding engineering technician; but his interest in metal work began while watching his father work.
“My grandfather owned a body shop where he fixed cars and did auto detailing,” explains Tom. “My father went into that business as well, and as a child I was always tinkering around in the garage. I always loved making things. When I began rodeoing in Ontario it was hard to find the proper equipment. People I knew who had show horses were having a similar problem; they couldn’t find the bits and accessories they wanted.”
He decided to take matters into his own hands and began using his background in welding to make his own equipment. He went back to school and learned the silversmith trade and was soon spending his evening filling orders. By 2001 Tom says his phone wouldn’t stop ringing and he was able to make the jump to fulltime silversmith and engraver.
While he used to stick fairly close to home, only traveling with his rig attending regional shows and submitting his work with the Ontario Arts and Crafts Guild, the launch of his website took his business to an entirely new level. Requests for his items started pouring in from across the United States, and from as far as Europe and South America.



Recently he was commissioned by Kerr Dog Kustoms, a motorcycle shop in Texas, to do engraving and silver work on a custom chopper. Kerr Dog Kustoms mailed the pieces to Tom, which included fenders, fender supports, the gas tank and the aluminum engine casing for engraving. When Tom was finished he sent his pieces back and waited anxiously to see the results.
Though Tom enjoys taking on different projects, his favorite item to work on is still belt buckles. “I really enjoy it when a client gives me free rein to design the buckle. As you build a buckle up from scratch it starts to take on a life of its own. To see it finished is very satisfying, and I’ve never been disappointed with anything I’ve done.”
Though Tom has never been disappointed with his work he is constantly creating new items, and as a cowboy himself, he knows that not every item he invents is going to be a hit. To make sure all his products work as they should he relies on the helpful criticism and advice from a handful of well-known Quarter Horse trainers as well as several highly regarded Arabian breeders including Bill Porcher, Wolf Springs Ranch, Bruce Bates and Fred Goslin.
“I’m lucky that I have wonderful trainers I can go to and ask for tips on a design, and occasionally they will come to me with an idea. I know I have done something right when people try to copy it.” Tom has the same confidence in the integrity and quality of his work, as he has in his designs. “I can pretty much guarantee anything. I dare my clients to wear something out, because I don’t use any silver plating, so if you rub through it, you can see through it.”
For more information on Tom Howe visit his website www.tomhowe.ca, e-mail him at cowboytom@tomhowe.ca or call his toll free number, 888-592-1174.