Obi question: Regular width (4.0 cm) or 4.5 cm?

[89speedy]

I've never used a 4.5 cm belt and was wondering how it looks and whether the knot tends to come undone more often. Any preferences? Thanks for your thoughts!

[Spodo Komodo]

My belt is nearer 50mm and it stays tied well enough. The thing that determines its ability to be tied is its flexibility, not its width. Stiff belts look great but don't stay tied. If it keeps coming undone, give it a good twisting workout or bung it in the tumble drier with something that won't stain.

[JohnASE]

It depends on the belt.

Our standard rank belts are about 40mm (a little over 1.5"), but we sell deluxe black belts that are 45mm and 50mm (about 1.75" and 2"). Our 40mm and 45mm belts are thicker and denser than our 40mm belts, so they are harder to tie and keep tied.

Some other companies have 45mm standard rank belts that are thinner than our standard 40mm belt. They're not harder to keep tied.

[sampionce]

Where can one get those 45mm belts?

Is there option to have them embroidered?

[JohnASE]

Where can one get those 45mm belts?

Is there option to have them embroidered?

Is this directed to me? Sorry for not replying sooner.

There are any number of suppliers that carry 45mm wide belts, especially if you want black. Here, in the U.S., they're often listed as 1 3/4" wide. Embroidery shouldn't be hard to find either. We embroider a lot of 45mm wide Tokaido belts.

Did I see you post that you're not in the U.S.? We're behind the times and haven't gotten around to setting up international sales. If you tell us where you are, maybe someone can recommend a vendor.

[Spartacus Maximus]

As a general rule of thumb for cotton karate/judo belts, the thicker and wider it is, the harder it is for it to keep a knot and the longer it takes for them to become supple enough not to come undone. Soaking it in lukewarm water for a while can help, but it might not be such a good idea if there is fancy embroidery work sewn in.

[sensei8]

I've owned my share of belts over the many, many years, some regular width, if regular is a good word, and some wide. Currently, my regular belts range anywhere from 2" to 3", and while the belts are stiff when new, I've never really had any difficulty of any sort. Perhaps, it's because I tug the tarnation out of the darn thing and the knot stays where it's suppose to stay.

Hereupon, I'll break-in a new belt like I hate the darn thing. I'll tie it to a pole and twist it...beat it...pull on it...just about anything to rid it of its stiffness. Takes patience, but soon, the belt's behaving itself!!