My name is Nicolas Huysmans, born and raised in Mechelen, where I’m often referred to as ‘Tschooverken.’ In the Old-Mechels dialect, this term translates to ‘bad boy,’ and I’ve embraced it as a tribute to my heritage.

My journey began four years ago when I started creating custom flags, equipment, and uniforms, along with performing minor repairs. Two years later, I expanded my expertise into leatherwork, where I discovered my true passion.

You might wonder why I now focus on so many tailor-made projects.

To answer that, I have to take you back to my early days. My fascination with militaria began at a young age, largely inspired by my great-grandfather. Although I never met him, I knew he had served in World War I and had been awarded numerous medals and certificates, which were tucked away in a drawer. My passion truly ignited when I purchased a Belgian helmet at a flea market. That marked the beginning of my journey and hobby. As a young boy, my dream was to assemble all of his uniforms. However, during this quest, I often faced challenges in finding certain pieces. Some were simply too expensive for a student, so reproductions became a viable alternative. This sparked my interest in crafting historically accurate replicas.

I understand how challenging it can be to find exactly what you’re looking for. Mass-produced items often lack the quality and authenticity desired. That’s where I come in—I can assist you in your search. Additionally, I offer a range of other services, including leather seat repairs, crafting belts and handbags from high-quality leather, shoe repairs, and even providing advice. For (almost) anything you need, feel free to reach out to me.