Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Need to know what kind of leather that you use to make your belts?   I prefer to cut my own strips.  Wanting to make single layer belts preferably 10 ounce or heavier leather.

Any recommendations and sources appreciated.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

if u are making a dress belt than a 8/9 oz will work just fine/ with 45 years experience  I used 8/9houlders or can use 9/10 oz.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For single layered belts I use 9-10 oz. cowhide; I only use vegetable-tanned leather and my leather of choice is Hermann Oak.  If doing a more casual style belt then I will drop down to 8-9 oz. for the extra flexibility.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Tooled, or not?  If you're making solid color smooth belts, english bridle is a great choice.  Obviously if you're tooling or stamping, then tooling leather will be required.

I will say that I don't like all belts 10 oz and up.  Thicker leather isn't required for any of them, actually, but some like it.  That can work, but I don't care for the look on narrower straps.  1" wide or less, a strap that heavy just doesn't look right proportionally.  Going to depend on your customer.

Hermann Oak and Wickett-Craig both have some very nice leathers.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I do use 9/10oz Horween Chromexcel for a lot of belts that aren't going to be tooled. The Chromexcel stretches a bit, so I like the thicker leather. Firmer leathers don't need to be that heavy, though.

I also use bridle leather, and veg-tan for tooled belts. The only stuff that I do that would be thicker than 9/10oz are gunbelts, and they are lined for the rigidity two layers can offer.

Jeff

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

With a very rare exception, . . . I only make double leather belts, . . . two 7 oz or so that are contact cemented together, . . . flesh to flesh.  My desired thickness runs from .160 . . . to very near .250, . . . depending on the person / load / and overall length.  The longer the belt, . . . the thicker I tend to make it.  

All of them are just a tad shy of 1 1/2 inches wide.

I use Tandy vegetable tan sides and/or double shoulders, . . . as that is the leather I use also for most of my holsters and cell phone cases and knife sheaths.

I can tool it, . . . leave it as plain as Tarzan's Jane, . . . or something in the middle.

When one goes out, . . . it assures me that there is another CCW customer in the world, . . . making it a bit safer for the good guys, . . . and also that he / she will be able to carry a full load of CCW weapon and accouterments with no trouble.

But, . . . that is the market I strive to reach.

May God bless,

Dwight

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...