I suspect the leather belt you show is just fine. That said, I've always used Surgi-Sharp and never had any problems such as seam separation. I don't know if Surgi-Sharp is better, but I have never had a problem with a Surgi-Sharp belt.
https://trugrit.com/index.php?main_page=...fa5744a85e
If memory servers me correctly, the Viel knife rest uses edge leading sharpening. I'm sure you know this already, but just in case... NEVER use a leather belt edge leading with belt rotation into the edge. ONLY use edge trailing with belt rotation away from the edge. Edge leading into a leather belt will instantly catch the edge and at best immediately cut the belt, and most likely pitch the blade back at you.
Having a freshly sharpened blade pitched back at you at 100 mph could could cause severe lacerations, epidermal leakage and necessitate reorganization of your plans for the day.
https://trugrit.com/index.php?main_page=...fa5744a85e
If memory servers me correctly, the Viel knife rest uses edge leading sharpening. I'm sure you know this already, but just in case... NEVER use a leather belt edge leading with belt rotation into the edge. ONLY use edge trailing with belt rotation away from the edge. Edge leading into a leather belt will instantly catch the edge and at best immediately cut the belt, and most likely pitch the blade back at you.
Having a freshly sharpened blade pitched back at you at 100 mph could could cause severe lacerations, epidermal leakage and necessitate reorganization of your plans for the day.