Cheaper and more convenient when you're just starting out, but the item I received and others I've seen were not sewn down the middle. Otherwise the leather is of high quality, there are no obvious defects. I probably won't buy it again at the moment due to the ease of making it. Other Springfield leathers I have purchased have been excellent so this may simply be due to the mass production or price of the item. If you are making your first belt, this article will suffice.