What Is Belly Leather Good For?

[chuck123wapati]

it keeps their guts from falling out. or you can make knife handles out of em.

Edited June 7, 2021 by chuck123wapati

[ljk]

My research on early 20th century has mentioned belly leather for insoles. In my opinion the ultimate shoe construction is the sole construction using blake-mckay insole to midsole. Then using a outsole stitcher sewing midsole to outsole. The prominent construction today is using Goodyear welt attaching to composite insole and cork filling than outsole stitch welt to outsole.  

 The timeless question was belly used for insoles because it was sort of leftover ?  I use it for insoles because it conforms to the foot.  I have never seen cork that wasn't deteriorated. I also us belly after being cased for heels.

[Sheilajeanne]

They are good for practicing your swivel knife work and tooling. Also for small items like change purses, key fobs, etc. 

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the last one I bought from Tandy.

[Viles]

You can use it to make bandoleros and big gun rigs where you'll stamp, not tool, and dye it. 

[Sheilajeanne]

I also now use a thick piece of belly leather as a backing when punching holes for sewing or lacing. I think it's much easier on the punches than a poundo board or plastic cutting board. The plastic cutting board ruined some of my punches!