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Leather belt search

S

Sid Post

Joined
Oct 14, 1998
Messages
4,729
I have been using a Bianchi B21 Contoured belt for ~20 years and it is almost used up. :grumpy: Like my first Tilley hat, it has served me very well for a VERY long time on many good adventures.

The new belts I have looked at have left me longing for something better that wasn't made to satisfy Wall Street and corporate shareholders.

I am looking for a double thickness 1 3/4" tan belt with fancy stitching. I don't see anyone making the contoured belts so, I'm wondering if the leather won't bunch up if I go with a straight cut belt. What weight/thickness is recommended for normal wear in blue jeans used in harsh environments? What I am seeing online suggests ~16oz leather that is 1/4"~5/16" thick. What sort of conditioning should I look for to soften it up initially and condition it so 'break in' is easier?

I'm not looking for "deal spotting" but, would appreciate recommendations or reviews from anyone who has handled or purchased a custom leather belt, especially if it is sort of similar to what I am looking for.

Best Regards,
Sid
 
Sid, custom made is probably the best and quickest way to get the exact belt you want. Almost any belt made of 7/8 Oz. leather fully lined with 2/3Oz. should fill your needs and requirements and would be about 5/32" thick. You could have the maker kick that up to 10 Oz with a 4 Oz. liner and hit the 1/4" thickness, which is pretty thick for a belt not intended to hold up a gun.

All belts have a tendency to contour with use and really doesn't take all that long for this to occur. Just couple of days wear in most cases and the contour starts to occur.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/838494-Sheath-Makers-and-Such-of-Blade-Forums

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/871-Wanted-Knifemaker-Craftsman-Related-Services

The links above should assist you in finding a maker.

Paul
 
Before I got into leather and made them for myself, I bought a custom from A&G Gunleather. Fantastic belt and great people to deal with! They put two 7/8oz layers together which will get you right in that 1/4" thickness range. That's what I personally prefer and wear everyday (of course that's also to support a full sized 40oz 1911). You don't need conditioner to break it in. Just wear it everyday for a week and before you know it, it'll feel like an old friend you've been wearing for years. That's been my experience anyway and I've made myself a half dozen belts in the past year or so.
 
I've had a good experience with my Beltman belt. It's held up well to my use of it, still looks good after a couple years of me hanging crap off of it. I'd buy it again.
 
Have you looked at a new version of your original Bianchi belt? They're still making it.
 
I'd suggest seeing how close the nearest Amish/Mennonite community is. If there is one anywhere close to you, they will most likely have a leather shop. I went to one near me, and the boy had it made up in about 30 minutes. From a single piece of heavy tan leather that is 1/4 inch all by itself, with stitched edges. Built like a tank, and cost me a whole $20.

20161223_111218_001_zpsofoxfyvm.jpg
 
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