About 48 hours ago I received a Priority Mail package.
For the past two days I have had what I can only describe as Belt bliss.
A few weeks ago I ordered a plain black cow tapered concealable belt from Lou Alessi (goes from 1.25 at the buckle to 1.5 where it counts) to go with the variety of Alessi belt holsters I own (DOJ for a 1911, CQC-S models for an HK and a 1911, CQC-I for an HK, Talon for a 1911).
Details, details. Lou Alessi gear is all about the details.
From the perfectly domed, tapered construction that makes the belt ACT 1/4 inch thick but FEEL like a fine dress belt, to the top-grain undyed cowhide lining the belt, (to keep the dye off your clothes) to the perfect stitching, to the custom touches (my initials stamped into the belt buckle tab... and HOW did you learn what my middle initial was Lou ???) to the Brass Chicago screws... HEX HEAD Chicago screws... high-quality brass buckle...to the perfect custom curve for that broken-in feel.
I pretty much left it up to Lou to decide what length the belt needed to be, after explaining the way I wear and use my belts and giving him a couple of examples (for instance, a 36 Wilderness for OWB, but a 38 Wilderness for IWB).
He sent me a 38 belt that is perfect for IWB with a Talon and a 1911 (which I was wearing when the belt arrived).
I was concerned that the belt might be a bit loose for OWB but I was wrong. When I got home and put on my CQC-S and adjusted the belt a notch tighter, the fit was perfect and I still have a notch to go. Due to the dual keepers, the tab looks right in both settings- no excess length in the OWB setting.
This is the first leather belt I have ever had that felt both correctly sized and comfortable in both modes. Putting it another way, I have a closet full of leather and Wilderness belts and this is the only one that works right for both. It works with my suits and it works with my blue jeans.
It smells good too. (if you have never opened an Alessi package you do not know what you are missing. It is a very distinctive aroma that could make Lou a fortune if he ever figures out how to bottle it.)
I have heard that making belts is NOT Lous favorite thing to do- they are a lot of work and it shows with this belt. But if you are looking for a belt that does it all, before you spend more on an off the shelf item, I highly recommend you think about an Alessi.
For the past two days I have had what I can only describe as Belt bliss.
A few weeks ago I ordered a plain black cow tapered concealable belt from Lou Alessi (goes from 1.25 at the buckle to 1.5 where it counts) to go with the variety of Alessi belt holsters I own (DOJ for a 1911, CQC-S models for an HK and a 1911, CQC-I for an HK, Talon for a 1911).
Details, details. Lou Alessi gear is all about the details.
From the perfectly domed, tapered construction that makes the belt ACT 1/4 inch thick but FEEL like a fine dress belt, to the top-grain undyed cowhide lining the belt, (to keep the dye off your clothes) to the perfect stitching, to the custom touches (my initials stamped into the belt buckle tab... and HOW did you learn what my middle initial was Lou ???) to the Brass Chicago screws... HEX HEAD Chicago screws... high-quality brass buckle...to the perfect custom curve for that broken-in feel.
I pretty much left it up to Lou to decide what length the belt needed to be, after explaining the way I wear and use my belts and giving him a couple of examples (for instance, a 36 Wilderness for OWB, but a 38 Wilderness for IWB).
He sent me a 38 belt that is perfect for IWB with a Talon and a 1911 (which I was wearing when the belt arrived).
I was concerned that the belt might be a bit loose for OWB but I was wrong. When I got home and put on my CQC-S and adjusted the belt a notch tighter, the fit was perfect and I still have a notch to go. Due to the dual keepers, the tab looks right in both settings- no excess length in the OWB setting.
This is the first leather belt I have ever had that felt both correctly sized and comfortable in both modes. Putting it another way, I have a closet full of leather and Wilderness belts and this is the only one that works right for both. It works with my suits and it works with my blue jeans.
It smells good too. (if you have never opened an Alessi package you do not know what you are missing. It is a very distinctive aroma that could make Lou a fortune if he ever figures out how to bottle it.)
I have heard that making belts is NOT Lous favorite thing to do- they are a lot of work and it shows with this belt. But if you are looking for a belt that does it all, before you spend more on an off the shelf item, I highly recommend you think about an Alessi.