Alligator Strap - Splitting Or Not?

gbesq · Sep 17, 2025

Good morning all. Please take a look at this photo black alligator strap and let me know what you see:

I bought this strap from my usual manufacturer. In the past, their alligator straps have been absolutely great and very durable. In this one, however, I’m trying to figure out what I see with possible splitting or is it just normal creasing? I’ve only worn the strap twice. Further down, I’m showing two other alligator straps from them that I’ve owed much longer and they seem to be more durable.

Do I see a problem with the black strap, or am I mistaken and it’s fine? Thanks, guys.

Duracuir1 · Sep 17, 2025

If the « crease » is where your buckle rests it may be just that, so keep an eye on it. It’s hard to tell from the photos.

Leather is an imperfect material and the alligator may have had an injury on that specific spot that manifested itself with the addition of holes and the use of the buckle.

If the seller is from another country and the « crease » turns out to be a split, get a tube of « aquaseal SR » and apply in the split with a needle or tooth pic. Use latex gloves. Let it cure for 24 hours.

Available at your local REI or Amazon. The SR stands for Shoe Repair so it is flexible.

If the seller is in the US, well, you’ll reach out to them if it is splitting.

gbesq · Sep 17, 2025

Duracuir1
If the « crease » is where your buckle rests it may be just that, so keep an eye on it. It’s hard to tell from the photos.

Leather is an imperfect material and the alligator may have had an injury on that specific spot that manifested itself with the addition of holes and the use of the buckle.

If the seller is from another country and the « crease » turns out to be a split, get a tube of « aquaseal SR » and apply in the split with a needle or tooth pic. Use latex gloves. Let it cure for 24 hours.

Available at your local REI or Amazon. The SR stands for Shoe Repair so it is flexible.

If the seller is in the US, well, you’ll reach out to them if it is splitting.

Thanks, Steve! I should have called my Canada strap/leather expert immediately!

97TJ · Sep 17, 2025

Certainly looks like splitting.
Alligator, like ivory, need to be conditioned once a year. However, cracking will inevitably happen eventually using a pin buckle, that's why I only use a deployant clasp.

tpatta · Sep 17, 2025

97TJ
Alligator, like ivory, need to be conditioned once a year.

One of the best products out there to maintain any reptile leather.

gbesq · Sep 17, 2025

Thanks!

Ron_W · Sep 17, 2025

TopTip, thanks !

Alligator Strap - Splitting Or Not?

gbesq

Duracuir1

gbesq

97TJ

tpatta

gbesq

Ron_W

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