HRE838 Report post Posted March 24, 2015 (edited) Hey guys, First post - but been lurking for a while. Recently started trying to make my own belts (for gifts and personal use) after being disappointed by price and quality of store bought ones. I made this one about a month ago, and have worn it probably 3/4 of the time since. I've noticed some "cracks" appearing at the point of wear and I am worried it is a bit premature for this kind of wear and tear to manifest. Here is a pic - The leather I used was 12oz natural veg tan, hermann oak I believe. Being a rookie, I only coated it with 3 coats of Obenauf L.P. and have so far neglected using neatsfoot oil or any other finish (I'm saving that for the next one) Could it be from the shape of the buckle, forcing it into an overly extreme backward bend? (see second pic) Could it also be a symptom of the leather being "dry" and myself not properly conditioning it? Any input from you more experienced guys is welcome! Edited March 24, 2015 by HRE838 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nuttish Report post Posted March 24, 2015 That looks like Hermann Oak English tan bridle. That might explain why 3 applications of a waxy greasy boot dressing didn't make it a lot darker. Please post a better photo of the cracks you're talking about. Is the grain actually torn or is it just creased? There will frequently be creases that form where the grain is stretched and compressed near the hole a belt is worn on. A saddler should weigh in. Does the grain on billet straps tear around the buckles? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HRE838 Report post Posted March 24, 2015 (edited) Hey, That tan bridle looks nice. Before I put the Obenauf on the belt, it was a lot lighter. More like what you'd see on regular natural veg tan so I think it has gone several shades darker. Is there a better product for this purpose? I got obenauf for my boots ages ago and was impressed, but now I think some pure neatsfoot (+24hours) then a coat of wax or something may be the more professional way to go (for a hobbyist like me, at least!) for the things I make. The best pic I can get at the moment is a close up of the one before - it isn't very bad looking so I'm probably being overly alarmist, but it hasn't taken very long to look like this. I'm going to make a couple more out of the same stuff and don't want to carry on any error that may affect the belt's longevity. Edited March 24, 2015 by HRE838 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
