I really liked this belt when I first received it. It had a great shine and the belt was just the right size for me without the belt buckle being too big. I also liked the fact that the belt buckle had a brushed metal finish and not the shiny/shiny silver of the others. The problem is that the leather itself is either cheap or poorly made. Fact: The straps flex (they should wrap around your body). But when that strap is repeatedly flexed, the black trim tears, revealing the brown leather underneath. This gives the belt a very worn, old or cheap look. I was very disappointed and frustrated and am now looking for another strap to replace this one.