Your Opinion On Gun Belts...

[Rayban]

I've read on another forum a discussion concerning thickness of gun belts, meaning concealed carry types.

"They say" that two thicknesses of leather is stronger than one layer of leather that's equal to the same thickness.

In other words, two layers of 1/8", glued and stitched together is stronger than a single layer 1/4" thick.

My opinion is that, while in theory "they" may be right, it's splitting hairs in regards to a gun belt.

I can't believe a single layer will cave-in with the weight of a holster/gun hanging on it, any sooner than two layers will. Especially when we're talking 1/4" thick.

I have an "experiment" going on now with a fella that carries everyday....pictures to follow.

Meanwhile, I would like to hear/read what ya'llz think.

Thanks,

Rg

[Shorts]

I believe the strength comes from having two skin layers as the bread of your 'leather sandwich'. Then you have thread (and glue) which should hold the fibers of the leather in place over the long term better than an unglued, unstitched piece.

I'm interested to see what you find in your experiment.

Edited June 25, 2010 by Shorts

[Rayban]

I believe the strength comes from having two skin layers as the bread of your 'leather sandwich'. Then you have thread (and glue) which should hold the fibers of the leather in place over the long term better than an unglued, unstitched piece.

I'm interested to see what you find in your experiment.

Yes, in theory I will not argue with your belief...although "the long term" as you say, is of course, relative.

We'll see.....I've been wrong before......

[Shorts]

Yes, in theory I will not argue with your belief...although "the long term" as you say, is of course, relative.

We'll see.....I've been wrong before......

Knock yourself out. Like I said I'm interested to see what your experiment shows. I'm not saying which way is better. The "I believe" starting out my sentence is of the "the thought behind" what, as you said, "they say".

[gregintenn]

I'm very interested in your findings as well. Keep us posted.

Edited June 25, 2010 by gregintenn

[NoahL]

I don't carry (Yet. I finally have a handgun on layaway, though!) so I can't say anything from personal experience. That said, I'm definitely interested to see the results of this test. I was under the impression that most double-layer gun belts have a reinforcing strip of metal or plastic between the layers of leather and that was what made them sturdier than a single-layer belt of the same thickness. I could be totally wrong, though. I don't think you will see any real difference unless the cement used between the layers has a stiffening effect on the leather.

Edited June 25, 2010 by NoahL

[gregintenn]

I know that bonded wood, i.e., engineered floor joists and LVL beams are stronger than a single piece of lumber of the same dimension. I believe part of the strength comes from the glue, and part of it comes from the wood fibers running in different directions. I would assume that leather would be similar, as they are both natural fiber filled products. Just a guess.

[katsass]

I know that bonded wood, i.e., engineered floor joists and LVL beams are stronger than a single piece of lumber of the same dimension. I believe part of the strength comes from the glue, and part of it comes from the wood fibers running in different directions. I would assume that leather would be similar, as they are both natural fiber filled products. Just a guess.

I'll jump on the band wagon also......I'm certainly interested. Since I make almost all of my holsters from a double layer of leather it would be interesting to see if a matching belt would retain it's firmness better than a single thickness belt. I do know that any belt will take a 'set' from constant wear by the individual wearing it, however, will a single thickness retain the rigidity where the holster is worn, as well, or better than, a double layer belt? This is the question. How long do you plan to test? Mike

[Shorts]

I'll jump on the band wagon also......I'm certainly interested. Since I make almost all of my holsters from a double layer of leather it would be interesting to see if a matching belt would retain it's firmness better than a single thickness belt. I do know that any belt will take a 'set' from constant wear by the individual wearing it, however, will a single thickness retain the rigidity where the holster is worn, as well, or better than, a double layer belt? This is the question. How long do you plan to test? Mike

Definitely a good question.

Which brings me to another, what's the life expectancy range for a gun belt (leather only, no kydex reinforcement)? Belts are worn for years. But are they worn for years because they last? Or are they worn for years because the owner gets use to it and doesn't see how its gone from strong to not so strong over time?

I wonder what the mathematical equation is for support for weight over time? :brainbleach:

[Rayban]

My "field tester" has agreed to wear the belt daily for a year......I'll check it, take pictures at 3 month intervals or so.

We should be able to get an idea how it's gonna hold up by then.

Makes sense to me that a user wears any belt as long as it's in good enough shape to effectively serve it's intended purpose (?).

Hold the pants up, or haul a rig around.

Rg