I don't know, because the Kramer double thick horsehide belt I bought about 15 years ago is still going strong. I'm sure someday it will no longer be serviceable, but that day is a long way off.
___________________________________________ "He was never hindered by any dogma, except the Constitution." - Ty Ross speaking of his grandfather General Barry Goldwater
"War is the remedy that our enemies have chosen, and I say let us give them all they want." - William Tecumseh Sherman
Posts: 12591 | Location: Nomad | Registered: January 10, 2003
My oldest good belt is from The Beltman. It's only about 10 years old with no end in sight. I do rotate wear nowadays with a Wilderness Tactial and another leather gunbelt in a different color, so between all of them, I doubt I'll need to buy anymore belts for another 10 years unless it's a nice dress belt which I don't have.
I've got 25 years on my BIANCHI double stitch 1.75" belt. It's been my only daily use belt. Originally tan but I stained it black. Unfortunately, it's no where near as stiff as it was originally. Last year I bought a new BIANCHI (aka SAFARILAND) belt.
In one year the new belt wasn't any better than the old belt. They don't make them like they used to, so I went back to the old belt.
If people would mind their own damn business this country would be better off. I owe no one an explanation or an apology for my personal opinion.
Posts: 11205 | Location: Somewhere north of a hot humid hell in the summer | Registered: January 09, 2009
My Ex bought a DeSantis belt for me many years ago. Never wore it out but got too fat to wear it. Then went to a Spec-Ops nylon belt. Same situation occurred. Now wearing a Hanks belt. I may be able to wear it at my funeral.
End of Earth: 2 Miles Upper Peninsula: 4 Miles
Posts: 16476 | Location: Marquette MI | Registered: July 08, 2014
I've got 2 Beltman belts, 1.5" and 1.25", that I've been using for probably 6-7 years with minimal care and they're nowhere near retirement.
"It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts." Sherlock Holmes
Like others I buy only double thick (2 layer) belts. They are made for carry. Mine hold up very well except I found that the newer molded plastic holster will fray stitching. I went back to leather. I get about 3 years before I need to have leather smith redo stiffen belt. Chris
I have leather gun belts that are 12 years old, with only minimal wear on the edges from hard plastic holster loops, and the occasional scuff on the body.
Nylon gun belts tend to last for fewer years, since the edges (especially at the front of the tongue) will begin to fray, and the velcro starts to come unstitched. But even then, you're looking at 6ish years of frequent use before they start to wear out.
I've got some Mitch Rosen belts that are 20+ yrs. old and just got replaced. The belts are still good, but I've lost 4" off my waist in the past 3 years. Had to buy a new 36" belt! LOL
I have a horsehide belt from Wild Bill's Concealment that is 17 years old. I have worn it almost daily since I bought it new. Got as a set with a holster and mag pouch for a Glock 36. The 36 didn't work out but the belt was worth the investment. Still going strong.
Posts: 408 | Location: Bluegrass State | Registered: February 09, 2013
Originally posted by RogueJSK: Nylon gun belts tend to last for fewer years, since the edges (especially at the front of the tongue) will begin to fray, and the velcro starts to come unstitched. But even then, you're looking at 6ish years of frequent use before they start to wear out.
I have three Wilderness Tactical belts. One is my work belt which sees 40+ hours per week with a tool load that's heavier than any CCW setup. The other two keep my pants up when I'm not at work. So far it's been 10 years with no belt maintenance what so ever.
_____________________________ 'I'm pretty fly for a white guy'.
Posts: 7153 | Location: Newyorkistan | Registered: March 28, 2007
Past 12 years I have been using the Lobo Gun Leather B8 two-layer leather belts. Since I owned the company I made 4 for myself. One has been my everyday belt ever since with no signs of ever wearing out.
New owners Mark Fedders & family are still making the same product line with some additions of their own that I like a lot. Contact Lobo Gun Leather for details.
Retired holster maker. Retired police chief. Formerly Sergeant, US Army Airborne Infantry, Pathfinders
Posts: 1117 | Location: Colorado | Registered: March 07, 2009
I have a 1.5 in. Bullhide Belt from the Beltman I've been using 99.9% of the time. It is 11 + years old and still going strong. It's not as pretty as when New but does it's job as it should.
