Hello, my name is Sir Aaron Wolf (BLUF #3341) and I am the new organizer for BLUF San Francisco (BLUFSF). I’d like to to take this moment to welcome you to the new BLUFSF site and to tell you about why I joined BLUF and why/how you can join, too.

I joined BLUF about two years ago, just past the end of the pandemic, and about 14 years into my Leather Journey. I’d always seen Leathermen on Recon and on socials touting their gear as well as their BLUF number. I was curious but hesitant to join because I didn’t think I had the gravitas to join an organization I’d regarded as elite.

I’ve found that these thoughts were and are common among the curious and the hesitant. “I’ve been thinking of joining but the standards seem so strict.” or, “I thought about joining but I don’t think I’ve got the gear to fit in.” It’s true, BLUF has higher standards with an actual dresscode but that’s one of the main reasons why I decided to join.

I love Leather and everything about it. The way it feels, its smell, its look, and the sense of empowerment and confidence I feel when I’m in full kit or simply wearing a vest with jeans and boots. Leather has served as armor and adornment for me over the years depending on my life’s circumstances at the time. When I came across BLUF, I’d felt I’d finally found my place in the great wide world of Leather groups and organizations.

With so many Leather organizations and clubs, it can be intimidating and daunting to find a place to belong especially when the organization has traditions and stringent processes of initiation. Personally, more often than not, access to these rites of passage were beyond the reach of my resources due to location, cost, and approachability. BLUF was one organization I’d seen endure over the years, its ever-presence and longevity become more reasons I chose to sign up.

Being a member of BLUF is more than just having a number, it’s joining a brotherhood of fellows who love Leather and everything about it. In BLUF, I’ve connected with men from the world over; men into gear as much as I am from the UK, Germany, Australia, and NYC. BLUF has allowed me to find my place in the world of Leather, the fact that it has recognition worldwide is a great benefit as well.

There are tangible benefits to joining BLUF if you choose to make a one-time donation or, like me, become a sustaining member. One-time donations starting at about $13 USD provide you with a BLUF White Card and regular donors receive a BLUF Black Card. Both cards entitle you to offers from Leather and other gear vendors; the latter provides an additional benefit of your own BLUF email address.

So, how do you get started?

1. Review the BLUF dresscode and gather your Leather uniform accordingly.
   Read the whole thing carefully: What’s included, what’s not included, and common mistakes that result in application rejection.
2. Put together your look and ensure it aligns with BLUF standards meaning no chaps, harnesses, jockstraps, or jeans.
   Before joining, I’d amassed nearly 15 years of gear and had the basic accoutrements to fulfill the standards. What I’ve found the biggest setback is are the trousers. BLUF accepts breeches, cloth and Leather, so long as they are part of a uniform look. I suggest investing in Leather jeans/breeches or borrowing a pair that fits so you can take photos for your application.
3. Take full-body shots of you in your Leather “uniform.”
   Either do them yourself or have a friend/photographer take them for you. Pose naturally and convey what it means to be a BLUF member through your presentation. Remember, you’re going for a smart, formal look so ensure your shirt and boots are done up. Tuck in your shirt, buckle your buckles, button up, be confident and have fun.
4. Gather your photos and head over to join.bluf.com and begin your application.
   You’ll need to submit your email and get a confirm from BLUF that you’re on your way. Depending on the number of applicants in adjudication, it may take a few days for your application to be processed. Be patient. Once you are approved, you can create your profile, upload photos, and start connecting with BLUF members from all over. If you are not approved, take a look at what needs to be fixed and adjust accordingly. To mitigate the potential for rejection, review the “Common Mistakes” portion of the dresscode.

Once you’re in, I will likely get a message indicating you’ve been added to BLUFSF; when that happens, I’ll make it a point to welcome you to the fold and encourage you to come out to our upcoming events. If I don’t get to you right away, please be patient.

All this said, I hope I’ve been able to shed light on the process of joining BLUF and what it means, to me, to be part of what has become an awesome brotherhood of Leathermen.

So, what do you think YOUR number will be?