Opinion about upholstery leather

[Silver_Rings]

I'm thinking about making a money belt using upholster leather.  I figure because it is light weight it will conform to my body easy and not rub.   

Any problems or down side to using this kind of leather for a money belt?  I will probably have 6 or 10 cartrige loops using the slot and lace method.  Figure I'll need to reinforce the area where the loops will be.

SR

[Forty Rod]

It's kinda light for the purpose.

[Nolan Sackett]

I've used it and in a minimum 3-4 oz weight and with a bit stifer hand it works fine. Originals used chap leather, calf skin, as well as regular tooling leather. Some were made of VERY thin leather - a look through Packing Iron will show some pics where the weight of the gun/holster is folding the leather of the belt down. Too light for me. I like to get a more soft/naked finish, but if you get a hide with a shinier finish you can cut the glare with acetone or denatured alcohol and then a coat of Lexol Conditioner.

BTW - Tandy/Leather Factory is having a sale on upholstery hides this month - regularly $199.00 for $79.00.

Also upholstery leather makes great lightweight chaps:

[Silver_Rings]

Thanks for the replies.  I've made a pair of chaps from some inexpensive upholstery leather that I got for about $1 a sf.  The leather look weathered already so it gave me the look I was going for. 

I've seen the light weight belts in "Packing Iron", that's where I got the idea for the light weight money belt.  I also have found that I can sew it on a regular sewing machine which speeds things up.  Figured I might sew the seam with the belt inside out then pull it through right side out.  If I get around to doing this I'll post pictures.

SR

[GunClick Rick]

Nolan finnally got my chaps done.Go ahead and send them Nolan!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

If you make one with the upholstery leather, please post a picture of it so we can see how it works out.

[Silver_Rings]

Will do Marshall,

Here are the chaps I made, not as nice as Nolan's

As you can see I've been using them



SR

[Silver_Rings]

Here is a picture of a money belt shotgun shell belt I made out of upholstery leather.  I need to dye the edges so they aren't purple yet.  Too eager to get the belt done to take the time to dye the edges.



The buckle adjust by sliding the belt through slots in the belt.



I haven't tried it at a match yet.  If it works out OK I'll make a gun belt out of the upholster leather.  It does make for a nice light belt and is very flexible too.

SR