Concealed Carry Belt Stiffener

[Tim Schroeder]

I need to build a concealed carry belt with a stiffener sandwiched in the middle. I have a Nexbelt that I am going to use the ratchet buckle from but need a stiffener. I was planning on using two pieces of 4/5 or 5/6 oz leather which ever keeps it from getting to thick. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[FrankHester]

I don't know for sure if this will work so I will just throw this out there.  If for some reason it doesn't meet your needs I would 

really like to know about it.

https://springfieldleather.com/products/bontex-bag-stiffener?_pos=1&_psq=stif&_ss=e&_v=1.0#:~:text=Type: Bag StiffenerMaterial: BontexSheet Size: 40" x 60"Thickness Options: .015"%2C .02"%2C .03"%2C .04"%2C .05"Note: Sheet size may vary slightly. Current stock of .04" is BLACK.

I have a carry belt with something like this sandwiched between the leather. It does run continuously through the whole length, right up to the holes. 

The belt has held up exceptionally well for years now. 

Edited 7 hours ago by FrankHester

[chuck123wapati]

I've heard some folks use that metal or hard plastic pallet strapping band stuff, but I have never used it. Never even made one with a stiffener, does it run the whole length or just to the holes? 

Edited 8 hours ago by chuck123wapati
more info

[FrankHester]

It runs up to the holes and stops. 

I just edited my post so it is accurate now.

[kgg]

4 hours ago, Tim Schroeder said:

I was planning on using two pieces of 4/5 or 5/6 oz leather which ever keeps it from getting to thick. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I am going to assume you are going to basically do the full length of the belt. I wonder if you moved up to a thicker leather that you may not need a inner reinforcement. My daily belt is two layers of chrome tan 6.5 oz glued and sewn with V138 about 4/5 mm along the edges. It shows no bowing up in the typical back section.

After a little digging Nexbelt uses a " super-high-density microfiber " material so from that what I found that may help:

For a super-high-density microfiber belt stiffener, products often use a material simply referred to as

"high density microfibre" or "SHC". This material is a non-woven fabric made from ultra-fine polyester fibers engineered for superior support and structure in leather goods, including belts. 

 

Recommended Microfiber Materials

Specific products are available on the market that are well-regarded for their performance as a stiffening core.

• SHC (Super High Density Microfibre): This material comes in various thicknesses (e.g., 0.45mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm) and is specifically recommended for use in belts and straps. It is valued for its strength and ability to provide a firm, stable structure.
• Microfiber Leather Stiffener Reinforcement Fabric: Described as "Italy leather fiber (super micro fiber)", this material is used in high-end branded bags and can also be used for belts. It has a texture and feel very close to real leather, making it an excellent choice for a refined finished product. 

 

Alternative Stiffener Materials

While microfiber is a great option, especially for a leather-like feel, other non-microfiber materials offer different properties depending on the desired stiffness and application. 

• Texon: This is a very stiff and strong board-like material, typically used for extreme structure such as the bottoms of bags, but it is suitable for applications requiring maximum rigidity.
• Salpa (Bonded Leather): A natural material made from milled leather scraps and natural binders, Salpa provides general reinforcement and is popular for lining belts, offering a good balance of firmness and a natural feel.
• Nylon or Polyester Webbing: For very heavy-duty, tactical applications, a core made from super-high-density nylon strapping can be used, with some even incorporating extremely strong fibers like Dyneema® (known as the world's strongest fiber) for maximum strength and minimal stretch. 

The best "super-high-density microfiber" material is typically marketed as SHC (Super High Density Microfibre) or as "microfiber leather stiffener". When choosing, consider the required thickness and the desired final feel of the belt, as these specific microfiber products offer excellent structure while maintaining a soft hand.

 

kgg

 

 

[DieselTech]

I use .062" thick hdpe plastic sheet to stiffen my duty carry belts. 

[wizard of tragacanth]

Just guessing here but are you trying to add stiffness so that there is no bow in the belt or to fight stretching?

For bowing, I think you would need to use a metal band, for stretching, I think a strip of nylon webbing could work.

Search Amazon for 3/4" polypropylene webbing. $21 for 50 yards.

Search for "steel banding 3/4" and you will find that too. For example 3/4" x 148' for $44

Nick

[Samalan]

I would use a thin carbon fiber strip. You can sew through it, punch holes in it, and it's very strong.