When it comes to leather belt materials, there are a lot of different types to choose from. You have cowhide, calfskin, lamb skin, and more. But what about buffalo leather? Is it good for making belts? In this article, I will explore the pros and cons of using buffalo leather for belts and see if it is a viable option.
In brief, buffalo leather is a great choice for belts. It is strong, durable, and looks aesthetically pleasing as well. Buffalo leather is often used to make wallets, bags, shoes, and other accessories due to its strength and durability.
But this is without downsides as well. Continue reading this article as I delve into all of the pros and cons of using buffalo leather for belts.
Reasons Buffalo Leather Is Good For Belts
There are a lot of reasons why buffalo leather is a great material for making belts, some of which are:
1. Strength and Durability
Buffalo leather is very strong and durable, making it ideal for items such as belts that get used frequently.
Buffalo leather is made from one of the toughest hide materials. While there are a few different types of buffalo leather, the most common is full-grain buffalo leather.
A lot of the buffalo leather you see on the market comes from Asian water buffaloes, and they are known for their strong hide.
This makes buffalo leather ideal for making items such as belts that need to last a long time without tearing or breaking.
2. Buffalo Leather Is Flexible
Another reason buffalo leather makes for a perfect material for belts is that it is very flexible.
This means that your belt can easily be adjusted to fit different waist sizes or even be looped through the belt loops of a pair of shorts or trousers.
As mentioned before, buffalo leather is durable, but its durability does not get in the way of how flexible it is. This makes buffalo leather a great option for belts that need to be adjustable and easy to wear.
3. Buffalo Leather Holds Up Well Against Wear and Tear
We all know how hardwearing belts are in general, but buffalo leather holds up even better.
This is because of the strength and durability of the hide, which makes it resistant to wear and tear. This makes the belt last longer than ones made from other materials, even when used frequently.
4. Buffalo Leather Has Aesthetic Appeal
Last but not least, buffalo leather has a great aesthetic appeal. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes that can give any belt an attractive look.
The grain pattern on buffalo leather also adds to the look, giving it a unique texture that is both pleasing to the eye and tactilely nice to feel.
Also, the fact that buffalo leather is made from genuine hide means that each buffalo leather is unique, with its own distinct pattern that cannot be replicated from one hide to the next.
These unique patterns means that your belt made out of buffalo leather will look different from any other belt on the market, making it truly stand out among the crowd.
Downsides of Buffalo Leather for Belts
Though there are many advantages to using buffalo leather for belts, there are also some downsides.
1. Buffalo Leather Is Expensive
The first downside of buffalo leather is that it can be expensive. This is because of its rarity and the time-consuming process needed to create the hide into a usable piece of leather.
You can expect to pay a premium for any piece of buffalo leather, including when used to make a belt.
I recently purchased a 30x60cm buffalo leather to make coin holders for family and friends as a Christmas gift. I paid close to $30 for it in France, which is quite pricey in comparison to cow leather.
2. Buffalo Leather Is Difficult To Maintain
Another downside of buffalo leather is that it can be difficult to maintain. This is because it has a tendency to dry out, which means you will need to regularly condition and clean the belt with special products made specifically for this type of leather.
If you don’t take proper care of your buffalo leather belt, it can start to crack easily. So make sure to keep it conditioned and clean at all times for the best results.
3. Buffalo Leather Can Be A Little Too Thick
Another downside of buffalo leather is that it can be a little too thick. This may not be an issue if you are using it for a belt, but it can sometimes it can make the belt difficult to sew and work with.
If you plan on making your own buffalo leather belt, make sure to take this into account and choose a leather thickness that works best for you.
Final Thoughts on Buffalo Leather Belts
Overall, buffalo leather makes for an excellent option for belts due to its strength, flexibility, aesthetic appeal, and durability.
The main downside is its price tag which can be quite steep compared to cowhide leather options.
Despite this, if you’re looking for a belt that can hold up well against wear and tear, look great on any waist size, and will last for many years to come, then buffalo leather is definitely worth the investment.
By doing your research beforehand and making sure you get the right thickness of the hide, you can easily find the perfect buffalo leather belt that suits your needs and style.
