The main advantage of this belt was that it was made of the highest quality leather. This is a top grain and I rate it at around 8 ounces. Thickness. Good for garter belts. I have a problem with iron. The buckle is cheap over cheap. Only slightly harder than tin or lead. Simply detaching and reattaching over the past month or so has caused the barb to curve into a large "U" shape. I fixed it by squeezing it again with a hammer, but now that the metal is warped it's only a matter of time. Good equipment is not expensive and should not greatly affect the price of the belt. A real shame, really. For the money the quality of the leather is excellent but a belt without a good buckle is utterly useless.