Belts

[I was REX]

I bought the 3 for $99 corter belt some time ago because their related brand "Albatross" made an awesome cheap wallet (assembled in Mexico). However, I have had some weird issues with each Corter product I bought. The owner always "makes it right" so it works out if something is weird. Either way, you will get three heavy leather belts for $99 which is worth a few hiccups. I think the hardware is on the cheaper side, but I swapped out the buckles so that is not a big deal. I did also find that the chicago screws were too long for the leather. It just didn't match up. Just a minor annoyance, though.

The three belts I received, two were the same length and one was a little bit longer. The latigo belt was cut all wrong on the end and the burnishing was not very good or non-existent after making the end cuts. See photos. He sent me a new latigo belt and told me to keep the funky one. I gave it to a friend so everyone wins. It is a good value and worth the price if you want three different belts of varying colors.

[yinzer]

I've never ordered directly from Corter. Went through Blue Owl back when they carried his stuff.

Glad he makes things right if there is a problem though.

[ncbluegrass]

Can back up the quality of the Corter belts. Their CS is a little slow as well as their shipping, but if you don't mind that they are worth it. My veg-tanned belt has aged beautifully. In all the time i've had it i've wiped it down twice and added a thin application of Lexol. The brass hardware has also changed nicely.

I've also got a Classic Belt from Tanner in Cognac. I would not pay full price, because you're paying for the TG name, but the belt is first rate in every way. Great hardware, great finish. I also like the Classic Belt because it's 1.25" with a less casual buckle so it works great on all pant types and settings.

[nate001]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. At this point I'm leaning toward One Star, for a couple of reasons. One, they are the least expensive (with the exception of the 3 belts for $99 from Corter, but I only need one belt) . Two, they basically allow customization of the belt with options for leather, width, center bar buckle vs. heel bar buckle and a bunch of buckles to choose from. My birthday is coming up next week (I'll be 40!) so I think I'll wait until after that to put in an order for a belt and the wine oxford from Ratio.

EDIT:
What do folks think about center bar buckles vs. heel bar buckles.  Is one more formal?  If I get a center bar buckle will it look too cowboy?  I'd probably mostly wear this belt with jeans, but once in awhile with chinos at work.  I'm leaning toward 1.25" width, mostly because it seems a little more versatile.  I think a 1.5" belt on chinos at work might seem a little much.  It's also very possible I'm spending way too much time thinking about a freaking belt.

[bentin]

Welcome to 40 (soon)! Guess I should order my veg tan wallet from him before you suck up his time with your belt.

[ncbluegrass]

Jan 30, 2018 10:05:54 GMT -6 nate001 said:

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. At this point I'm leaning toward One Star, for a couple of reasons. One, they are the least expensive (with the exception of the 3 belts for $99 from Corter, but I only need one belt) . Two, they basically allow customization of the belt with options for leather, width, center bar buckle vs. heel bar buckle and a bunch of buckles to choose from. My birthday is coming up next week (I'll be 40!) so I think I'll wait until after that to put in an order for a belt and the wine oxford from Ratio.

EDIT:
What do folks think about center bar buckles vs. heel bar buckles.  Is one more formal?  If I get a center bar buckle will it look too cowboy?  I'd probably mostly wear this belt with jeans, but once in awhile with chinos at work.  I'm leaning toward 1.25" width, mostly because it seems a little more versatile.  I think a 1.5" belt on chinos at work might seem a little much.  It's also very possible I'm spending way too much time thinking about a freaking belt.

I bought the 1.25" belt exactly because of this. 1.5" was just too wide on chinos. 

[bentin]

Yeah, 1.25" is much more versatile. About the only pair of chinos that will hold an 1.5" belt are they Wings & Horns I'm wearing now, and they still look silly with that large of a belt. But I still have three 1.5" belts for the denim rotation.

[I was REX]

Jan 30, 2018 10:05:54 GMT -6 nate001 said:

EDIT:
What do folks think about center bar buckles vs. heel bar buckles.  Is one more formal?  If I get a center bar buckle will it look too cowboy?  I'd probably mostly wear this belt with jeans, but once in awhile with chinos at work.  I'm leaning toward 1.25" width, mostly because it seems a little more versatile.  I think a 1.5" belt on chinos at work might seem a little much.  It's also very possible I'm spending way too much time thinking about a freaking belt.

I think the center bar buckle looks and functions the best.  The way the flows back to the belt without the extra leather keeper loop looks clean to me.  It also feels more symmetrical.  But that is just my opinion.  When I switched my corter buckles, I went to either lion belt buckle or center bars because those make me happy.

I went to the one star website, and it looks like you can add another belt buckle for $5 or so.  I do see that the belt has either one or two chicago screws based on the type of belt and the keeper, so maybe try the heel bar and get a center bar added in and see what works for you.  But the problem is the extra chicago screw might peak out at the end depending on how much belt you have left over.

But this is just minor details.  You can't lose either way.

[outdoorsman]

My LVC "Cowboy Hat" belt
IMG_20180131_182739 by

[drewcandraw]

maybe just me but i was able to use a 1.5" belt on all my chinos but it worked fine when i was in a casual lab setting.

I only use a 1.25" belt for slacks or a suit.

[nate001]

I've done an about face.  Now I think I'm going to buy this:

leatherworksminnesota.com/store/copy-of-copy-of-classic-belt

I *think* this is English bridle leather and I like the color, probably more than what the natural would eventually patina into.  They have a showroom in downtown St. Paul, so I think I'll head down to check out the goods in person some time next week.  

[bentin]

That's good looking. I have a Gustin belt in bridle that has aged nicer than my veg tan belts. I think you'll like that.