Yes Belts are a problem ..Dont beleive nothing you hear and only one half of what you see. the only way i will make a belt is to measure one that the customer is wearing.
I was at the Tandy Store yesterday and they had on display a line of new Clasps
that will be in the new Catalog. I'M sure there will some that you will like.
Billy this i do know. The thick felt will be very rough on the ankles.....use sheepskin....
if this is what you want to do contac a saddle maker close to you.
...A lot of Hand Sewing will be required to bring that back to life...
It's all hand sewing..I have repaired quite a few and some of the problems
is that the leather is so dryed out the stiches just pull thru..........
the first that you are asking about is ,Shark Skin.
your 2nd question i do beleive that the oystrich is skived very thin and then glued
around a filler piece with a backing on to it.
the third one is an acyrlic product that high dollar bag makers are useing to finish the edges of their bags
some folks are duplicating that with acrlyc paint.