What Is The Best Cut For A Belt?

[glockanator]

What is the best cut of leather for a belt?

[JLSleather]

Theoretically, THE best belt strip is right along (and parallel to) the spine. Oh, and with the "holes" end from the butt end of the cow.

So, for belt leather, I order backs. You can order bends, which is a back minus teh single shoulder, but since you make holsters, you might get the backs --- and then you cut the shoulder off, make belts from the bend and holsters from the shoulder (and they are from the same hide, so they match!).

Edited October 27, 2015 by JLSleather

[mlapaglia]

What he said!!!!!

[glockanator]

Thanks I was going to get a bellie but was afraid it would streach to much.

[johnv474]

If you can afford to have the "waste", buying whole sides works out to be cheaper... You just need to have a use for the shoulder and belly leather that you won't need for most belts.

[JLSleather]

I never buy sides... the ONLY exception is if there was a sale ONLY on full sides (not backs), which there never is

I like Hermann Oak leather. Do the math?

side 25 feet.@ $8.03 = $200.75

back 18 feet @ $9.48 = $170.64

So, if I buy whole sides, then I'm paying about $30 for belly leather I'm not going to use. I'd be pitching out $30 per side. ANd that's on top of the waste you'd have already.

[TinkerTailor]

Next question, Does anyone cut their belts on a curve? After a while belts all curve down in the back, and i can't remember where but i have heard of guys cutting a slight upward curve around the back to counteract this. Any input?

Also, does it matter if the top edge of the belt comes from the top edge of the hide? Would an "upside down" belt sit the same on the wearer?

An old logger told me to put a cue tip covered in varnish in every hole of a new belt to keep them from stretching. Makes sense, it would prevent water influx, and harden the leather, both preventing stretch. Resolene would probably work too. He also waterproofed his boots with chainsaw chain oil, so there is that....Made all his socks red. He said he would rather have red socks than wet feet....

[johnv474]

I know one belt maker buys sides, cut his belts to the length needed, then sells discounted shoulders and bellies. The customers love it. It's one approach.