suggestions to fix cheap leather?

[Laura M Hayes]

I got a cheap belt and holsters for my first set until I can save up to get a better set.

But you get what you pay for.  They are extremely stiff, already cracked, and the back of the belt is really rough, plus rubs off little black specks.   

Any idea to fix these issues?  I'm not sure how to soften the back of the belt and keep it from damaging my clothes.

Thanks.
 

[Major 2]

Without seeing it..
I might suggest Skidmore's leather cream or lexol

or prhaps line the belt, get some garment leather in the color (or close)
cut the strap and use barge or contact cement to glue it down.
if you go this route don't use Skidmore's leather cream or lexol where you intend to glue
use it after on the front side.

[Shotgun Franklin]

Then check locally for used stuff. People gain weight, loose weight, get new stuff all the time. If you don't find stuff locally put an ad here.

[Cliff Fendley]

Laura,

If the back of the belt is rough as in like sandpaper they likely did a finish without slicking it and was likely cheap rough leather to start with so the finish may have left it very rough. At this point you may be able to wet it or use Skidmores cream to soften it enough and with the beeswax in it let you rub it down. Try rubbing/burnishing it down with a piece of dowel rod, antler, or some other smooth object.

Skidmores is a good overall leather conditioner and finish so it wouldn't hurt to get some to have anyway.

Lexol will kind of soften leather and make it more flexible but never had any luck burnishing or rubbing down edges with it.

I finish all the edges and the flesh sides of unlined belts and holsters with gum tragacanth and rub them down so they are smooth and firm. Good quality leather will be firm anyway. Your probably not going to want to purchase gum trag for just a one time deal so try the Skidmores.

Hopefully you can rub it down smooth without putting a lot of time and effort into a cheap rig and this method will get you by until you can get better quality leather.

Hope this helps.