Really folks, $175 for ONE BAND! What does that guy say "Give me a break." JTB
Not to be a dick, but you aren't going to make a $175 strap from a crappy belt. Nor from a $26 hide. Quality leather doesn't come cheap, neither does the time of a gifted, seasoned craftsman. The price of high quality straps are dictated more by the skills of the maker and their dedication to details and less by the price of leather. Layering several pieces of leather, burnishing, sealing, and stitching is not a simple task and making it look professional takes several hours. The more I learn about leather work and the results of quality materials, the more I am willing to pay $300+ for a hide. Quality tools, adhesives, dyes, waxes, threads and conditioners are important as well to produce the previously stated '$175 strap.'
Any way, back to the OP. Burnishing is a timely process where dyes and wax are rubbed to create friction which melts the wax into the seams creating a smooth finish. Head over to
http://www.leatherworker.net Join and explore their forum. I was planning to link a tutorial I have in mind but their forum requires membership to view most topics. There are several tutorials on burnishing and all kinds of leather work information. Good luck!!