I have a Rafter S Belt that I purchased almost a decade ago. I know the company went out of business due to a divorce. The wife got the business and died - I think a car accident. Some people were stiffed because of this. The husband was trying to make good on all outstanding orders. I don't know how that turned out.

My question:
Who out there owed a Rafter S belt and has another maker that is comparable? My belt is black and has pebble type leather. I don't remember what it is called. It is still going strong. I wear it all the time when I have jeans on. It is my go to - whether I'm carrying or not.

Any suggestions?

Your belt is probably shark skin. I have four Rafter S belts, two shark skin and two not. I don't have a recommendation for an alternative as mine are still going strong.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: trapper189, January 13, 2017 04:55 PM

If you want regular leather, look at A&G: http://agcustomgunleather.com/

I have two Rafters belts (one in regular leather and another in shark). I personally think the A&G is a better, dressier belt.

Also take a look at Armour belts. They go well with jeans and really stiff.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
You're belt is probably shark skin. I have four Rafter S belts, two shark skin and two not. I don't have a recommendation for an alternative as mine are still going strong.

That's right.. the brain kicked in.. Shark skin.. Thx. I wear it quite a bit ~ over a decade and it still looks great.. Too bad they closed up. Sad story.

I love my Rafter S sharkskin belt. It's also about 10 years old and much better quality than any of my other gun belts.

It a shame they aren't available anymore.

Knezz, take a look at our site and if we can help you just let me know. Lots of good makers out there.

quote:

Originally posted by Arty:
I love my Rafter S sharkskin belt. It's also about 10 years old and much better quality than any of my other gun belts.

It a shame they aren't available anymore.

That's the belt. What size is it? How much for shipping?

quote:

Originally posted by Knezz:
That's the belt. What size is it? How much for shipping?

The belt is my size and shipping is unaffordable .

quote:

My question:
Who out there owed a Rafter S belt and has another maker that is comparable? My belt is black and has pebble type leather. I don't remember what it is called. It is still going strong. I wear it all the time when I have jeans on. It is my go to - whether I'm carrying or not.

Any suggestions?

I think I've had my Rafter S for around 10 years.

I replaced it with the Armour belt about a month ago and so far am very pleased. If anything the Armour is stiffer than the Rafter was when new.

quote:

Originally posted by Mikedare:
Knezz, take a look at our site and if we can help you just let me know. Lots of good makers out there.

Thanks.. I'll take a look.

Mike at Armour Belts made me a custom stingray ranger belt that feels indestructible.

It was made April of 2015, I wear it often and it looks and feels brand new.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sig2392, January 16, 2017 06:25 PM

A "pebbly" finish sounds like elephant hide. Here's my Rafter S set in "Honey" colored elephant for a P245.

I bought one back in 2006. Customer service sucked but the belt was good for those days. These days, if they were still around, I certainly wouldn't buy from them.

quote:

Originally posted by Edmond:
I bought one back in 2006. Customer service sucked but the belt was good for those days. These days, if they were still around, I certainly wouldn't buy from them.

Why wouldn't you buy from them again? Is it just because of your customer service experience or did you find a better belt. If you found a better belt, what is it?

I had a full set, black shark, 1911 IWB, and double carrier,

Rafter was building them for Wilson Combat. I sold the whole shebang to a member here maybe four years ago. I had not even worn them.

I have a brown Sharkskin. Bought it in 2005 or 2006. Looks as good as new. I think they made the best looking rigs I've ever seen, to this day. A shame about their end.

If anyone knows of another place making exotic leathers as good or better than Rafter S, please let me know.

I have a black cowhide belt that I bought from them. I've worn it pretty much every day for the past 10+ years, and while it has faded a bit in the area where it rubs my holster, it is still structurally sound and looks pretty darn good for the use it has endured. It's a shame what happened there...if they were still around, I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

It's been a while but you can check out The Beltman assuming he's still in business.

quote:

Originally posted by Mikedare:
Knezz, take a look at our site and if we can help you just let me know. Lots of good makers out there.

This right here. Have 2 of Mike's belts and couldn't be happier.
Thick, stiff leather that'll hold a cinder block on your waist with ease.

I believe Rafter S is now called West Plains Gun Leather.