Re-Burnish Edges On A Belt?

[bjbwt2]

Sorry if this question has already been addressed. I've done a couple of searches and not found the answer I am looking for.

Should a gun belt (concealed carry, daily use) require the edges to be re-burnished or "touched up" over time? About 9 months ago I purchased a gun belt from a respected holster maker/leatherworker because I have never owned one and wanted an example of what mine should eventually look like. Currently, the edges are looking pretty rough in places. I wear it daily but the belt is not subjected to a lot of stress or trauma - meaning I'm not doing excessive amounts of manual labor or anything like that.

I'm not asking this question because I'm unsatisfied with the product - I love the belt. Just inexperienced in these matters. If it is normal to require some "touch ups" could someone please describe what should be done? Burnish the edge as for the first time?

Thank you for your time.

[Shooter McGavin]

Certain things you may carry on your belt wreak havoc on the belt, especially the edges. Metal clipped holsters are one of them, as are belt buckles that are too snug or have squared edges.

My guess would be that if you contacted the maker, they would be more than happy to dress the edges for you again.

[KAYAK45]

A couple years ago I also actually bought a belt from a reputable maker to use as a pattern. Two layers with a "stiffener" between and a velcro strip "to hold the holster in place better"

The leather, stitching etc. are great. The edges, though, were not burnished, just painted on. I wore it for only about three months and my blue jean belt loops had worn all the paint off.

I re-burnished it and gave it to a friend! (need to wear my own stuff)

[bjbwt2]

A couple years ago I also actually bought a belt from a reputable maker to use as a pattern. Two layers with a "stiffener" between and a velcro strip "to hold the holster in place better"

The leather, stitching etc. are great. The edges, though, were not burnished, just painted on. I wore it for only about three months and my blue jean belt loops had worn all the paint off.

I re-burnished it and gave it to a friend! (need to wear my own stuff)

KAYAK,

After reading your post I'm now wondering if that is what I'm experiencing here. Like yours, I made this purchase to learn what one should look like. I grew up in west central IL by the way. I generally miss it each summer on our 90th day of triple digit heat down here.

[Eaglestroker]

I have a question regarding what is normal wear as well. I made my first belt about a month ago, after wearing it around for a month with assorted holsters (mostly pancakes) my edges, especially on the tip back to the end of my holes, are starting to show wear. Is this normal or is my edge not hard enough?

[joshk]

A couple years ago I also actually bought a belt from a reputable maker to use as a pattern. Two layers with a "stiffener" between and a velcro strip "to hold the holster in place better"

The leather, stitching etc. are great. The edges, though, were not burnished, just painted on. I wore it for only about three months and my blue jean belt loops had worn all the paint off.

I re-burnished it and gave it to a friend! (need to wear my own stuff)

I just recently had a similar experience.... I won a gift certificate in a raffle to a pretty well known holster/belt maker and ordered a nice natural belt with black trim and internal stiffener.... I got the belt in almost record time (3 days from time of order) and the first thing I noticed was they used black Edge Kote instead of properly burnishing the edges.... I was disappointed at that but even more so when I noticed the sewing machine tracks down the entire length on the front and there was no finish of any type applied.... I was very pleased with the quick turnaround but highly disappointed in the final product....

I worked the tracks out of the front and am still debating on whether or not to sand of the Edge Kote and properly burnish and finish it.... needless to say, not what I was expecting from a respected holster/belt maker....

[KAYAK45]

So you started with a "custom" belt. Then YOU worked out the machine foot lines. Now YOU have to burnish the edges.

I WONDER WHY A REALLY GOOD CUSTOM BELT COSTS SO MUCH???

Go ahead and finish the edges and you will have a nice belt.

Kevin

[joshk]

So you started with a "custom" belt. Then YOU worked out the machine foot lines. Now YOU have to burnish the edges.

I WONDER WHY A REALLY GOOD CUSTOM BELT COSTS SO MUCH???

Go ahead and finish the edges and you will have a nice belt.

Kevin

that's pretty much the way it's working out.... I just got done spending around an hour sanding off all the Edge Kote.... I went ahead dyed the surface black too since the natural finish did not look good at all.... I figure after a couple more hours dyeing and burnishing the edges, along with waxing the surface, and I'll have put about another $100 worth of time into it.... I'm thinking I should've gone with my first instinct and just sold it as I received it....