I don't know if these guys or somebody else was the first to design these ratcheting belts but if not the first they were certainly one of the early ones.

I received my first ratchet belt via a kickstarter from a different manufacturer.  This particular campaign was wildly successful to the point that it unlocked a stretch goal for the highest grade of vegetable tanned Italian leather.  I got a black one and fell in love with the ratcheting design.  But then I changed my everyday footwear to something brown and needed a belt to match.  The kickstarter manufacturer did not have additional stock so I turned to amazon's options.

There are plenty of cheaper ratchet belt options available here.  I went through them and finally decided to go with the KORE product even though it was the most expensive.  My impressions:

- They have both stainless steel and die cast buckle options.  I went with the stainless steel and was glad to do so, it is extremely durable.  But, like some other reviewers, I found the corners a little sharp for a belt buckle.  Stainless steel versions cost a little more than die cast.

- The ratcheting action is very solid.  I think I prefer the KORE's mechanism to the one from that kickstarter.

- The leather seems very durable and has held up so far.  But it's very plain and generic looking.  The higher quality leather from that kickstarter looks and feels better.  But within the context of amazon's offerings, this is probably the most durable one you'll find and that was one of my main decision drivers.

Overall satisfied with the purchase.