I too have a 15 year old pair that still gets
heavy use until there is snow on the ground. Mine have payed for themselves twice over easily but they were $400 back then. They made a quality product and stuck by it. The company has been purchased from the long time family owners and no longer do custom sizing or make as many styles as before. Many of their boots now have gortex sides
. They are outsourcing their resoling and may be trending toward more shoe sales.
It is sad as I live a few miles from the factory. Its an old brick building that looks like it could be condemned. If you walked in you were met by one of the owners and there were boxes everywhere. It was filled with workers, boxes, leather, and no over-head. It was a cool place. Unfortunately it has gone the "way the buffalo". Sorry, couldn't resist.
The buffalo leather is certainly eye catching! If anyone is going to drop the coin on these, I would suggest seeing if they can have the toe guard or they won't last as that is what will wear out and a toe guard cannot be added later.