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View Full Version : Horsehide Gun Belts...impressions....



rayban
06-15-2011, 08:19 AM
After making many belts from steer hide, I decided to try making one from horse to see what all the fuss was about. There are many out there that swear that horse is the only way to fly for a gun belt.
Horse hide is more dense than cow, so 1/4" of horse is going to be stiffer than the same thickness of cow......my question has always been..."true, but just how stiff does a belt have to be to haul around a gun and holster...etc. etc..."
So after finishing one up, my first impression is ....NICE!!!!......working with horse is no different than working with cow, but the "feel" is different.
I was warned by other belt makers that it's rare to find horse hide completely free of any imperfections....horses fight and and are accident prone and carry the scars forever......and consequently show up on the belts sometimes.
Also, when dyed, the results are some blotchyness, except for black which turns out pretty even. I find the blotchyness to be kinda cool and "character" looking.
There's no doubt that 1/4" thick horsehide will carry the load and is never going to fold, cave-in, etc. from the demand of carrying a gun and holster....HOWEVER.....I say the same thing of my steer hide belts.
But like anything else, you pick your flavor and roll with it.
This one is made of two layers of horse...glued and stitched, with brass hardware. The only imperfection shown is just a surface scratch and will have no bearing on it's wear and workability.
Downside- the longest piece of leather I had available would only allow for a size 36" which does not fit me....yet...but I'm working on it.:crazy:
Meanwhile it will be in the "for sale" forum.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb277/RGleather/Misc193.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb277/RGleather/Misc194.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb277/RGleather/Misc195.jpg

aresbykes
06-15-2011, 08:25 AM
looks great!

TAC
06-15-2011, 08:35 AM
Horse hide is much better than cow hide for belts and holsters. It cost a lot more too.

rayban
07-12-2011, 06:09 PM
Horse hide is much better than cow hide for belts and holsters. It cost a lot more too.

I'm not sold on the "much better" part, but it sure does have a different look and feel......it's all about personal preference I guess. Always good to have variety.

My latest:

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb277/RGleather/Misc214.jpg

TAC
07-12-2011, 06:13 PM
Horse hide is stiffer, and wears longer.

JohnJak
07-13-2011, 06:55 AM
Giddy-Up.

Very nice.

rayban
07-13-2011, 07:00 AM
Giddy-Up.

Very nice.

Thanks for getting me started on that 2nd row of stitching...it's all anyone wants anymore.
Of the last 20 belts I've made, only one has been a single row.

Ol` Joe
07-13-2011, 11:56 AM
Horse hide is stiffer, and wears longer.


I`ve also been told that for IWB type holsters horse is less prone to absorbing sweat / body salts, and moisture then cow which is a plus in some weather conditions. of course a SS or plastic pistol won`t care much about those anyway

rayban
07-15-2011, 04:41 PM
Here's an interesting read from someone who actually knows what he's talking about:
http://www.holsters.org/which.htm

G36 Shooter
07-16-2011, 08:50 AM
Very nice. Your belts look as good as the Milt Sparks belts I have, I like the dbl. stich.

rayban
07-16-2011, 09:04 AM
Very nice. Your belts look as good as the Milt Sparks belts I have, I like the dbl. stich.

Thanks you, that's quite a complement.

dartsinsa
08-13-2011, 12:17 PM
I'm not sold on the much better. either, but in lighter colors it sure looks good. I have both also, and with black, I cannot see enough difference to warrant the price increase.
Beautiful belt you made.

rayban
08-13-2011, 12:36 PM
I'm not sold on the much better. either, but in lighter colors it sure looks good. I have both also, and with black, I cannot see enough difference to warrant the price increase.
Beautiful belt you made.

Thanks!....and I agree with ya...after making several more from horse, my favorites are the tan and light brown ones which let more of the horse characteristics show through.

Toledo Kid
08-13-2011, 01:30 PM
Thanks!....and I agree with ya...after making several more from horse, my favorites are the tan and light brown ones which let more of the horse characteristics show through.BTW Happy Belated Birthday Neighbor!!!

7of9
08-13-2011, 01:34 PM
Very nice. Your belts look as good as the Milt Sparks belts I have, I like the dbl. stich.

The belt he just made for me is stiffer than my Milt Sparks. That's a good thing. :thumbup:

rayban
08-13-2011, 01:47 PM
BTW Happy Belated Birthday Neighbor!!!

Thanks...the week-end long celebration continues!

We'll talk Mon bout a "shop tour" eh?

Toledo Kid
08-13-2011, 01:56 PM
Thanks...the week-end long celebration continues!

We'll talk Mon bout a "shop tour" eh?You got it done, moved in??? Hell yeah I might do that..if I can get away for a few. Been busy...