Belts

[mikecch]

^ Nice belt - what kind of leather did Terry use on this one?

Very interesting how you guys elongated the fold - really changes the overall feel of the belt

[superbeveridge]

I have had my Corter belt for almost a year. I have never oiled or treated in any way. It has been rain and sweat soaked and stood up well.

A little black dye from my Iron Hearts

Added my own buckle and the keep from my last oxblood belt.

[matera]

Hey, what would you guys consider the standard width for belts around here? 1.5"?

[tropicalbird]

1.5" is considered optimal. IMO narrower belts @ 1 3/8 look better on slim fit jeans. Big belt loops means wider width in general

[Arsenal!]

Mikecch, has your Joe Hill come in yet? Its feeling pretty close.

[rkusmant]

^^^

Scott emailed me that some belts supposed to be done by this weekend, I'm hoping one of those is mine...

[mikecch]

Mikecch, has your Joe Hill come in yet? Its feeling pretty close.

Not yet, still waiting.

I think some of the US folks will get it before me anyway - takes a couple of weeks via Post to get to me from Utah.

Very close though - can feel the happy vibes already

[Rivet Head]

Hey, what would you guys consider the standard width for belts around here? 1.5"?

I think 1 1/2" wide works for a 34" or less....I'd go with 1 3/4" if you wear a 36 waist on up.

[mikecch]

I like 1.5" width - works well with most pouches and holders

[mikecch]

15oz unfinished skirting leather belt by Unlucky, brick-brown in colour now

[grooveholmes]

Whoa. Didn't you receive that a few months ago?

[xchen]

tanner standard, natural, 4+ year now??

Kind of wanna sell this to make room for the new one that should be coming soon.

[mikecch]

Whoa. Didn't you receive that a few months ago?

Yeah - I think I've had around 4 months wear on these.

[dkatz]

I've actually found I prefer (finicky though it may sound) 1.65" wide belts. a 1.5" wide belt just doesn't fill out the belt loops on most jeans, while 1.75" is... too wide. 1.5" winds up looking a bit flimsy and unsubstantial, while 1.65" looks like it fits.

Having said that, I'm enjoying my 1.5" wide belt from zissou because the cinch on my ROYxCones lies over the back belt-loop, so my 1.65" Unlucky belt doesn't work with them.

[mikecch]

^ Interesting thought!

Although I think I'd have belt loop problems if I go over 1.5" due to my preference for very thick leather.

Having a look at the couple of pictures I posted above, the belt loop to the left of the buckle is almost at it's limit of stretch - and that belt is only 15 oz.

[Sriracha]

Guys, I just got a Terry Dear belt (photos to come), and I was wondering what you do to untreated leather prior to wear (if anything), and why? I just put it on as is... but if there's some "must do" prior to wear, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks.

[hollowsleather]

Wearing it as-is is just fine.

Put it on and forget all about it for a few months (unless it gets wet, then air dry and oil).

[Sriracha]

Wearing it as-is is just fine.

Put it on and forget all about it for a few months (unless it gets wet, then air dry and oil).

Got it - thanks.

[mikecch]

Guys, I just got a Terry Dear belt (photos to come), and I was wondering what you do to untreated leather prior to wear (if anything), and why? I just put it on as is... but if there's some "must do" prior to wear, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks.

If it's the 15oz English oak-bark tanned leather from the group order, I would recommend at least a layer of oil before wear.

That leather is a very unfinished leather, and you're at a small risk of grain splits if you don't oil the leather before using.

The grain of the leather is also further accentuated with some oiling, which is what we intended for this leather when we had it custom produced at Baker's tannery (extra 'growth').

But if it's a bridle leather belt you've got, don't worry about treating it and just wear it.

[Sriracha]

If it's the 15oz English oak-bark tanned leather from the group order, I would recommend at least a layer of oil before wear.

That leather is a very unfinished leather, and you're at a small risk of grain splits if you don't oil the leather before using.

The grain of the leather is also further accentuated with some oiling, which is what we intended for this leather when we had it custom produced at Baker's tannery (extra 'growth').

But if it's a bridle leather belt you've got, don't worry about treating it and just wear it.

It is the oak-bark tanned leather, but not from the group purchase. Terry refers to it as "oak-bark" and "oak-tan" in his e-mails. What oil do you recomment? I have Saphir Renovateur on hand, which is what I use to rejuvenate/clean leather shoes (I use it for shell, chromexcel and 'regular' calf).

[the Repeater]

Looking for a blackout double prong, any help?

[Sriracha]

Here's a photo...

[tropicalbird]

Hard to decide which is more amazing. The belt or the DoF

[hollowsleather]

Looking for a blackout double prong, any help?

I'm on constant, obsessive search for good buckles, and I'm pretty sure that in order do get black, you'll have to get it powdercoated.

Black is common enough that if you find a cool coating place locally they might be willing to throw a buckle in with another batch of something on the cheap.

[the Repeater]

If that's the case I'll just enamel it myself, industrial powdercoat is pretty meh and a buckle hardly seems worth it.

What about alloy and anodizing? Much more durable...

[tropicalbird]

I'm on constant, obsessive search for good buckles, and I'm pretty sure that in order do get black, you'll have to get it powdercoated.

Unless you do a large order, your choices will be limited. Understandably some good buckles are not for sale ::cough QR buckle ::cough

However there are belt makers who like to share e.g KC leathers.

45mm buckle

38mm, also in 45mm

[meego]

can anyone recommend a good product for my tanner goods belt? been wearing it for about 10 months now

[Sriracha]

A few more...

[mikecch]

It is the oak-bark tanned leather, but not from the group purchase. Terry refers to it as "oak-bark" and "oak-tan" in his e-mails. What oil do you recomment? I have Saphir Renovateur on hand, which is what I use to rejuvenate/clean leather shoes (I use it for shell, chromexcel and 'regular' calf).

For the English oak-bark tan leather, only the best will do

A pure animal fat/oil would be preferable when you want to nourish the leather - neatsfoot is perhaps the most common oil available in 100% purity, but I personally favour oils like horse fat or emu fat with higher penetration.

Apply a thin layer, wait for it to dry, and then examine the leather to assess whether further coats of oil are needed.

If you want to protect the leather, than use beeswax or a compound with a high beeswax content - rub it in well, and brush/wipe for a slight polish if you want.

You could also do tricks with the oils and waxes for different effects - e.g. a gradual sun-dry n' stuff process to achieve a softer leather with a nice pull-up.

I personally don't like conditioners marketed for shoe leather - most tend to have a low animal fat content, mixed with lots of fillers and preservatives. Most importantly, I'm never exactly sure what I'm feeding my leather, and in what proportions.

I've taken to making my own leather conditioners and waxes because of my frustration with the stuff that is readily available here in Australia

[dkatz]

Hey Mike, what do you think of Obenauf's oil (not the LP) for these applications that you're recommending neatsfoot/horse/emu oil for?

Also I'd still love to buy some of your conditioner, but it's a bit expensive for me at the moment!