Which way to cut a hide?

[DJ1935]

Guess there'll be a few chuckles at my expense but here goes. I have always purchased sides and cutting them is easy - long ways for belts, bridles etc. Recently I purchased two double backs of russet. Having spread one on the floor I am now at a loss as to which way to cut it. The waves or wrinkles run north to south along the longest part of the hide (the logical way to cut it I would have thought) but running east/west about in the centre is a "road" of grain. If this is the backbone then do I cut this way? If this is so then the longest strap gained would be about 39" - too short for most belts.

Cheers

DJ

[HandyAndy]

I am curious about this too. Dose leather have a grain like wood?

[Randy Cornelius]

I would cut the double back like a double shoulder for the most yield with as much less waist as possible. If you are needing long belts for a really big boy then cut them the long way. But most double backs should yield about 44-46" across and will do for most of the general population.

Randy