Horse Hide Belts - Am I going about this all wrong?

[ABC3]

I've never done alot with Horse Hide belts (used for concealed carry) but now I am getting alot of requests (from my new website) wanting Horse Hide belts. And I'm having a major problem with imperfections in the leather. It's not taking the dye evenly with streaks in the after dyed product.

I talked to one Mfg who does Horse Hide belts & he says they put a Bull Hide strap (dyed), in front & the Horse Hide strap as the liner, on the inside. No dyeing just a sealer & final coat.

This makes since to me because the Horse Hide would be next to you rather than on the outside where it cannot be of any benefit. And if you didn't have to dye the Horse, no problems.

So am I putting the Horse Hide in the wrong place?

[NoahL]

I haven't had any problems with streaking on my horsehide, but the imperfections and skin patterns do tend to stand out when I dye. Personally, I like the little imperfections and patterns, because they add character, and it's not the sort of thing you see on those store-bought belts. If you are using the horsehide just for its durability/stiffness and don't care if the horsehide itself shows or not, then sure, use it as the belt liner. Good luck!

~Noah