Introduction And Belt Question

[Davi]

Hey everyone. I thought I would start ff by introducing myself. I've been doing a tiny little bit of leatherwork for about 3 years in my spare time, mainly belts at the minute but I hope to increase my skills and projects over time.

And now for the question. Does anyone have any good sources of information on belts. Ive only just found out about english pointed tip shapes for example. The things im trying to find out are the different tip shapes, hole spacing, patterns, etc etc. Websites, videos, books etc that i could use for research would all be great.

Cheers everyone.

[mlapaglia]

Belts Galore Is a good place to start. Not everything you want to know but a good starting point. Al Stohlman is one of the old masters in leather work. The book is a little dated but still great information.

[billybopp]

There are a number of good videos on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpEmkRlv1Uo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU1ihT-rHTA&list=UU8urn9l3pybW5LztUa6zbOA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fll4eiVcfcA

There's a pretty good tutorial here as well:

http://www.kingsmerecrafts.com/page04.html

Most belts are 1.5" wide, and cut to length for the individual. Square cut belts are most common and simple, while tapered and ranger belts are more complicated. They can be lined or unlined, with unlined being simplest. Thickness is usually 8+ ounces total.

Holes usually start 2 to 4 inches from the end with 5 holes at 1" intervals most common. Some like 7 holes at 3/4" intervals as well.

Not long ago, somebody posted this helpful picture:

Ends can be square (not very classy or practical), trimmed corners, round, or round-pointed (English point) with any number of variations on those. They can be cut with a knife, or a shaped punch.

Many buckles require a slot for the tongue, but not all. They are usually attached by folding the leather around and the sewing, snapping or screwing the leather together along with the belt keeper.

Exposed edges of the belt are usually rounded and burnished for veg tanned, or smoothed and edge painted for many other types.

Pre-cut belt blanks from Tandy or Springfield are also not a bad way to start.

That should help get you started. There are a TON of variations and techniques. Use your imagination, watch some videos, read some of the excellent info found here and elsewhere. You'll have a blast.

Hope that helps

Bill

Edited November 6, 2014 by billybopp

[zuludog]

I've just put 'english leather belts' into Google It produced several references and manufacturers, in the classic simple but good quality english style

[zuludog]

Just had another idea. Put 'sam browne belt' into Google; these were the favourites of British army officers. The shoulder strap was designed to take the weight of, initially, a sword, then a pistol.

[Davi]

Thank you very much for your answers. Its given me some good places to continue my research. Ive so far made 4 belts, 3 of which used standard buckles, 1 of which used a plate buckle. I took my template from an old belt I had but want to make myself a full set of templates, thus I started my research research. Im hoping to have templates for all 'tip' styles and buckle styles for straight, tapered etc etc. I had used a 2" then 1 hole every 1" for my previous belts but Ian Atkinson mentioned the other style and it made me wonder if there were anymore common styles of spacing holes. I also stitch the entire perimeter of my belts as I believe it gives them a nice finished look and is a good chance to practice my saddle stitching.

[zuludog]

I read somewhere that good quality belts should have their edges/perimeters sewn as leather stretches, and the stitching prevents this

[Davi]

Im really glad I sew them then zuludog

[zuludog]

if you haven't done so already, have a look at

http://www.equusleather.co.uk/belts/bridle-leather-belts/the-lined-and-raised-bridle-leather-belt.html

Only$480, and not a trace of tooling or carving to be seen

Still, they do supply the Royal Household.

Edited November 8, 2014 by zuludog

[Davi]

Bloddy hell they dont even dye the backs or teh holes like I do

[Davi]

I dont suppose anyone has a template for a 2" belt with a 2 pin buckle do they?