I have tried Beltman and Bigfoot and a quiet a few others that have been recommended over the years. The big problem I had with them all was adjustability. Holes one inch apart either meant I was having to deal with a belt too tight but good retention or slack belt for comfort and a bouncy firearm. So I got a track style belt from the original designers.
https://www.koreessentials.com/collections/gun-belts
Many leather belt makers do have 3/4” hole spacing as an option or as standard. As is said above though, this is not perfect. The Kore is a great choice and is one of the best with micro adjustability.
Serious and honest question…is there any reason it must be crafted in leather?
If there is a covering garment, then nylon webbing gives much better performance.
If there is reason belt will be visible/exposed then it makes sense for aesthetics.
Imwould say this is a good question and there may not be a right answer. Many find leather to be classy and elegant and find synthetic materials to be less aesthetic but very utilitarian.
My take as a leather worker (so my opinion may be biased) is that leather is easier to deal with conventionally when it comes to simplicity of construction in a small home shop. This means boutique leather belt makers can spawn up nearly anywhere and at anytime and start making and selling belts. This is a major factor in leather belts ubiquity.
It is a natural material (if your into that philosophy). The leather “gives” better and as such feels more comfortable to me. Many feel that, at least theoretically, the belt should be infinitely stiff. I have tried the kydex reinforced belts (some leather and some synthetic) and don’t care for them. My Wilderness belt has edges that aren’t exactly hard or sharp but I find they dig into me in an uncomfortable way that leather doesn’t. Plus it is kind of a bear to undo when I need to temporarily open my pants when nature calls. I personally prefer an unreinforced leather belt made with two layers of horsehide as it is a bit stiffer and denser than veg tanned cowhide without being too stiff which would occur with a stiffener installed.
The hardware typically used on leather belts is also visually attractive and there seem to be more color and style options for both the belt and hardware material. Snakeskin, sharkskin, Buffalo, etc. as well as infinite dying options. This is of course part of what you mean when you refer to leather as being more aesthetically pleasing. Well, even if something is not going to be shown to the world, some folks like nice thing and it may make themselves feel good. Just like your concealed carry gun, right, so also why have an aesthetically pleasing one of those?
These are a few reasons off the top of my head. I’m not trying to convince anyone here because there are good reasons for non-leather belts as well as leather.
I'll watch this thread... Maybe I can get some ideas anyway... My son was a FT soldier and now is a Deputy and PT soldier... I'm thinking it's time to turn the tables and take something of his without asking... I mean the dept and uncle sam have some really cool belts...
