Ranger Belts

[leon-1]

Up until November I was blissfully unaware what a ranger belt was and then someone asked me if I would make one for them. Not being into telling people porkies I informed the person that I had no idea what a ranger belt was, they then informed me where I could get some ideas. In the end that person got their belt for Christmas, but it left me thinking are they any good.

This meant that I had to have a go at making one for me to use, I finished it the other day, the next time I do one I'll write a tutorial as they are quite a pleasant belt in use and they look quite good. Here's how mine turned out.

It took a good few hours and the whole thing was hand stitched, but in the end I think it was worth the time and effort.

 

[jojo]

Very nicely made, Leon. I have one I made myself some while back, I didn't know what they were called, just turned out that way because I only had a 1" buckle but wanted a wider belt It is indeed very comfortable to wear.

 

[leon-1]

Very nicely made, Leon. I have one I made myself some while back, I didn't know what they were called, just turned out that way because I only had a 1" buckle but wanted a wider belt It is indeed very comfortable to wear.

Thanks jojo, In my case the customer wanted a specific type of buckle and it just wasn't worth importing one so I bought a few, having the bits there was a bit too much of a temptation, so it had to be done.

 

[Draven]

Looks very nice indeed
Just out of curiosity, what makes it more comfortable? Just the fact that the belt doesn't dig in, or because you can put pouches and the like on the outer strap so that the straps/clips aren't directly against you?

 

[match]

A quick google says that ranger belts were originally developed in the 'wild west' for those folk wearing guns/tools on their belts - the wider part would also be a thicker leather, whose stiffness would mean the belt wouldn't twist or move under the weight of the tools. The narrower thinner part for the buckle meant you could use standard parts which were available, or recycle parts from other belts if needed.

Looking at it now of course, I can see lots of bushcraft potential - a very nice design indeed!

 

[leon-1]

To be honest mate I don't know, it just is. The leather that I used for this belt is very pliable, it is also quite thin. So where in places it is a triple thickness it makes life easier getting it through the belt loops.

Looks very nice indeed
Just out of curiosity, what makes it more comfortable? Just the fact that the belt doesn't dig in, or because you can put pouches and the like on the outer strap so that the straps/clips aren't directly against you?

 

[jojo]

Personally I like the fact that the buckle is not pocking in, because there is a wider piece of leather between it and me!

 

[topknot]

Nice one leon 1.
Back in the good old bad old days i have made 11/2" ranger belts reinforced with spring steel in the lining to take the weight of hand gun holster etc.
Cheers topknot.

 

[Holeyshoe]

Looks like a nice practical design.

 

[climberslacker]

Can you write an article on how to amke one?

 

[leon-1]

Can you write an article on how to amke one?

Yeah, no problems, but it will have to wait till (A. I get over the flu. (B. I finish doing the stuff that I have on order.

Once that is done I can't see a problem.

 

[climberslacker]

Thank You!! And get I hope you get better!!