It's Been A While -- Just A Simple Belt

[katsass]

It's been a while since I have shown anything because I haven't been doing much. Ma Kat has been recuperating from surgery, and I've been chief cook and bottle washer during her physical rehab and getting to be able to move around. An old customer wanted a 2" wide, simple gunbelt, so I put it together in fits and starts. Made from 2" wide, 12oz saddle skirting, lined, tapered, hand stitched with dark brown waxed linen, and edges burnished but left natural to match the color of the belt itself. Just a basic, simple belt.Mike

[Ferg]

Mike,

Fine work as usual. Your hand stitching is fabulous. Glad to hear Ma Kat is up and about, give her an extra hug for me.

ferg

It's been a while since I have shown anything because I haven't been doing much. Ma Kat has been recuperating from surgery, and I've been chief cook and bottle washer during her physical rehab and getting to be able to move around. An old customer wanted a 2" wide, simple gunbelt, so I put it together in fits and starts. Made from 2" wide, 12oz saddle skirting, lined, tapered, hand stitched with dark brown waxed linen, and edges burnished but left natural to match the color of the belt itself. Just a basic, simple belt.M

[DoubleC]

Mike, beautiful as usual. sorry to hear about Katherine but glad she's doing better. cheryl

[Trav]

Mike, nothing simple about that. Gorgeous work.

[cleveland]

Nice!

[Rawhide]

Mike,

Gorgeous belt. Very neat handstitching. (a favorite of mine). Can I ask what leather skirting you used? Brand and color? Thanks.

[chiefjason]

Very pretty. I'm waiting on some leather to start my second hand stitched, lined belt. My wife's was a success overall. But learned a few lessons I want to try on mine. Mainly, I need to learn to skive leather. Her belt is a touch difficult to buckle. oops.

[katsass]

From the grump:: Thanks to all for the compliments, they are appreciated.

Rawhide; The belt was cut from a 'stirrup strap' from Springfield Leather. The final color is just a light shot of pure neatsfoot oil and a bunch of desert sun. Mike

Edited July 24, 2012 by katsass

[mlapaglia]

Mike,

Well done sir. Classic example of "less is more" My son has asked for a dress gun belt so I will have my first chance to make one that is just a belt and not fancy stamping. Thanks for an excellent example.

Michael

[katsass]

Very pretty. I'm waiting on some leather to start my second hand stitched, lined belt. My wife's was a success overall. But learned a few lessons I want to try on mine. Mainly, I need to learn to skive leather. Her belt is a touch difficult to buckle. oops.

From the grump; if you notice, my lining does not go all of the way to the tip of the belt. Just 'tain't necessary, and with 12 - 13oz skirting, it's going to be a bit difficult to buckle. A little 'conditioner' (not neatsfoot oil0 on the flesh side softens the tip end up nicely. I use a paste type (that melts in the summer heat) conditioner that I've had for years, don't even remember where I got it 'cause the label is long gone Mike

[chiefjason]

From the grump; if you notice, my lining does not go all of the way to the tip of the belt. Just 'tain't necessary, and with 12 - 13oz skirting, it's going to be a bit difficult to buckle. A little 'conditioner' (not neatsfoot oil0 on the flesh side softens the tip end up nicely. I use a paste type (that melts in the summer heat) conditioner that I've had for years, don't even remember where I got it 'cause the label is long gone Mike

Yes, I noticed that. Particularly on the buckle end. I was not planning on lining on the buckle end. Just doubling it over. Now you have me reconsidering the other side as well. It makes sense. You already have 2 layers with the belt buckled. And the tag end does not take any weight. Lined from just in front of the hip to the other side, say 10:00 to 2:00 would do the trick. And seeing as Springfield was backordered on something and my order shipped late, I've got time to consider a few more options. Although the leather I have coming in the longest strip is 5-6 and planning on doubling it. Though I could likely get a strip of 8-9 that was long enough for that shorter lining. Might have to break out the calipers when it all gets here. Or make two. This is why I really like this site. Best info around. Thanks.

[katsass]

Yes, I noticed that. Particularly on the buckle end. I was not planning on lining on the buckle end. Just doubling it over. Now you have me reconsidering the other side as well. It makes sense. You already have 2 layers with the belt buckled. And the tag end does not take any weight. Lined from just in front of the hip to the other side, say 10:00 to 2:00 would do the trick. And seeing as Springfield was backordered on something and my order shipped late, I've got time to consider a few more options. Although the leather I have coming in the longest strip is 5-6 and planning on doubling it. Though I could likely get a strip of 8-9 that was long enough for that shorter lining. Might have to break out the calipers when it all gets here. Or make two. This is why I really like this site. Best info around. Thanks.

Jason, you can order up a 12 -13oz 'stirrup strip' (which is plenty heavy for a gunbelt), then line it with 2 - 3oz of your choice. It's a little easier to work with and still plenty firm. Mike