BELTS...Lined vs. Non-lined

[Outfitr]

So what are your thoughts/preferences? I recently made several lined belts to give them a try and they are really nice and heavy feeling (western carved types) but man they are a LOT more work, especially the hand stitching. Guessing at least 3 hours. Plus the liner, glue, etc. Even though they are somewhat nicer than unlined I'm trying to determine if the extra work is worth it. 

Edited March 4, 2020 by Outfitr

[Hildebrand]

Depends on the intended use.  Most any belt that will be carrying a firearm really needs to be lined to hold up.   That said, I am not sure if I would do very many hand stitching them.  The first one I did was with a Tippmann boss and I felt like popeye when I got done pulling the handle to go all the way around that belt.

Todd

[Rhale]

I prefer to line all my belts for men,  usually don’t with women or kids unless requested!  If you are doing them for sale you have to charge more for lining if sewing by machine or by hand.  I don’t believe I would sew many by hand but I usually sew about all my belts lined or not.  If you are going to make belts for sale you will probably want to invest in a machine of some type.

[Tugadude]

Any "tool belt", and I consider a belt that will support fireatms a tool belt, should be lined in my opinion.  Two layers of 7-9 oz. is about right.  Otherwise the belt won't hold up to rigorous use.