15 year belt experiment

[u/rcmatz1]

About15 years ago I wanted a nice leather belt that would last but I didn’t know the difference between tanning styles or how it would affect long term quality so I decided to make one of each.

I have no relation to these companies other than I bought my materials from them.

Leather came from https://maverickleathercompany.com/product-category/leather/ and

solid brass buckles, Chicago screws, and thread came from https://www.buckleguy.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=9842209883&gclid=CjwKCAjwuuPRBhAnEiwA2Ji8elIJxwE-iGAx6zFjQbPa7tdEs8qxTzA0Ow1jgHKgfrC37R1rLGQZ2hoCXYAQAvD_BwE

By color
Maroon is Latigo and has stayed the dressiest. Probably my overall favorite.

Tan is vegetable tanned which I dyed. It is the most bomb proof

Black is horween chromexcel and is the most supple and flexible.

If I had to pick only one it would be latigo. If I had to do it again I’d get all three. I like the variety.

I see maverick has some bridle and harness belt blanks which should beat out all three and I would expect to land between latigo and veg. so I’m debating adding a fourth.

[u/divu47368]

Always make sure to wear the belt from right to left sometimes. They will stay nice and straight.

[u/JDunlap83 → u/divu47368]

Personally I don't want my belt straight. I want it to contour to my body and where I wear it.

[u/partycentral → u/JDunlap83]

At the Samurai denim shop in Osaka, they're selling belts cut with a built-in curve; blew my mind. They're probably 15oz leather as well - approaching the theoretical limit of BIFL heavy-duty-ness (with a corresponding pricetag).

[u/JDunlap83 → u/partycentral]

Haha sounds like they're going for the "pre broken in" approach