A Non-traditional Kilt Belt?

[O'Neille]

I went to the Leather Factory in Tucson last Saturday. I bought some stuff for making a 2.5 brown belt (it is wide) but I wanted something you couldn't go out and buy. I just used a silver saddle cinch buckle as I am trying to keep all of my hardare silver. I dyed the belt and matching thickness sporran strap a medium brown that came a true brown not reddish brown. With use it should acquire that nice worn saddle finish. The guy was very helpful with everything I needed. He told me that Buzz Kidder got some of his stuff there and luckily Saturday was wholesale price day. I bought a cool regular sized celtic knot buckle and some celtic conchos to make a belt for my casuals and gasp! jeans (motorcycle). I spent too much on everytning but it was still less than the belt and sporran strap would have cost with shipping. And I have some tools for future endeavors. I'm off to sew a buckle on a cordovan sporran strap. O'Neille

[Rex_Tremende]

I saw this belt this weekend (in two-tone) and thought I should have one.

Maybe next month.

Regards,
Rex in Cincinnati

[cloves]

those are really nice Rex. If you get one, make sure you post a review.

[Canuck]

If you are looking for something different again, I make a Ranger belt in both Brown or Black with either Nickel Hardware or Brass. I can also make it 2".25 or 2".5. My standard is 1'5/8. It's made from 8-10 oz bridal leather and is top stitched.

[O'Neille]

Here is what I did Saturday evening and finished up tonight.

left to right:
5/8 inch black sporran strap ($3.00 hardware)
1/2 inch light brown sporran strap ($6.50 saddle string & hardware)
5/8 inch dark brown sporran strap ($7.50 leather & hardware)
2 1/2 inch dark brown belt ($16.00 + old cinch buckle)
1 1/4 inch black belt ($21 old belt new hardware/conchos)
2 inch tan belt ($5.00 harbor freight)



close up of business ends


Buckle and concos on standard width belt


So for less than $75 including dye and finish, I've got 3 straps and 3 belts. If I had to buy punches, strip cutter and bevelers etc. I would have had to add about $50 in tools. I chose to awl punch and hand sew the hardward (inexpensive horse tack) to avoid sharp rivets etc. that can rub and snag kilts. I'll buff everything shiny when I'm certain the finish is dry. O'Neille