Which belt end?

[Shorts]

I'm putting together a double layer gun belt and I'm stumped on which type of end to use. Any suggestions? Difference in durability between the two?

The reason I am wondering is, for the double, I'll stitch right up near the end of the leather layers. I'm concerned that the stitching will make the bend thicker and/or harder to fold over the buckle.

For the single, well its obviously a bit easier to fold over the buckle and I'd stitch only to the end of the backing layer (right before the tongue hole). The keeper (not shown) would sit exactly like it is on the double layer (not sew between layers).

[K-Man]

I make my belts as shown as the single layer.

[Shorts]

Thanks Kevin. The single end keeps the belt from getting too bulky. I didn't want to try to build it thinking I was using some smarts but end up making it not as well-built as it could have been.

I'm using 7/8oz for each strap. I have a bazillion stitches to do....this will take a while This belt will be my everyday belt as well as pull carry duty once we get back to the States

Edited October 16, 2008 by Shorts

[Jordan]

I do not have a photo but the way I have done them is as the lower one but I skive the facing surfaces of the double layer from just behind the chicago screws to the end making the leather the thickness of a single layer as it bends around the buckle and heads back past the screws. You can carry the stitch all the way to the end of the leather but in that folded over area it would be decorative and add strength to the edges but would not be structural as far as sewing the folded layers together as that is what the screws do. You could sew it all together and do away with the screws also but you would be giving up the ability to change out the buckle and keeper. Make sense? sometimes I ramble and get to wordy LOL.

[Shorts]

Jordan, makes sense.

I just came downstairs from cutting off the end of the backing layer and gluing it down. So, I guess it's final that this belt will be a single layer :D I'll punch and begin stitching, probably in the a.m.

I may go ahead and try skiving the ends and do a double layer on the next one (assuming I don't get my fill of handstitching). I think I'll keep the screws for the end. It's a bit of an awkward end to stitch the end there (hard to hold).

Edited October 16, 2008 by Shorts

[Shorts]

Finally finished up my belt today. It's still setting from the topcoat and I'll install the hardware tomorrow and she's ready to roll. It took forever and a day to stitch it. I made it double layer 1.5" so it'll fit my holsters nicely. But goodness gracious! Wrangling 9+ yards of thread for handstitch is craziness! And I don't think I'm going to offer these babies until I have a stitching machine. Otherwise these poor fellas couldn't afford it! lol

Alright, I'll have a picture up tomorrow. I just had to shout cause I'm so glad I've finally finished it up

[Shorts]

Ok, snapped some shots. My first belt:

and a pretty pic

[ArtS]

Nice job! Much much better than my first belt!

Art

[Shorts]

Thanks Art!

This belt has its fair share of boo boos, you know, the ones that make it 'handmade' lol

I'm giving it it's maiden voyage today. We just going hiking and taking the dog out for a romp :D

Edited October 21, 2008 by Shorts

[Crystal]

Very nice Belt! Looks like you will still be wearing it long after you make #1000.

Good Job!

Crystal

[Shorts]

Thanks Crystal

Yeah, for some reason I thought I'd stat numbering and signing belts. I saw someone else do it once and thought it looked cool

Ohh, an end-of-day report: The belt wore excellent! It was comfortable and it stayed put. It definitely needs to break in a little bit and contour, but that will come naturally with time. I intentionally decided to build a straight cut belt rather than a contoured (radiused?) of my regular one. I think every piece of leather has its own character and its great to see it form naturally as it goes.