SmartAceW0LF

Greavous, this is fabulous work! Mind me asking what a job like the one pictured costs to get done?

Ahh yes I perused his site in its entirety just yesterday. (Probably linked from one of your posts elsewhere). Aside from his gorgeous work, I found his "Hooey's Thoughts" pages most interesting. A man definitely in tune (and at harmony) with the Western culture. You know when I first began braiding I had virtually no idea there were so many talented people in this craft. After a time, I faded out of the craft as life, family and sustenance began to pretty much consume all of my time. I learned my profession within the IT industry and devoted myself to increasing my skills professionally. Interestingly enough it surprises me how long it took me to come up with the idea of researching the craft on the Internet. After all, I have spent what seems like probably 60 or more percent of my time on these computers since purchasing my first one. At any rate, seeing all of the people interested in the craft as well as the generosity of virtually the entire community in sharing techniques, ideas and such has given me a charge. The level of quality across the board is on the one hand encouraging, yet on the other can be (as you posted in an earlier post here) a bit intimidating. Your words of not letting that get in your way of "doing it" hit home here. As time permits I will post some things and try to gain some pointers here and there. I think at this stage of my experience the one thing needing immediate attention is my lace cutting skill. Particularly with regard to kangaroo hides. The silky smooth way that roo hide cuts is a complete departure from any of my previous experiences with leather and in observing the work of craftsmen whose skills I aspire to, I realize the skill I have yet to attain with cutting roo lace. Naturally, that begins with the proper tools. So, just as yourself (until recently) I am trying to acquire the right cutting tool(s) next. With that thought in mind, you haven't mentioned yet the maker or the cost of your new lace cutter. Is its maker taking orders yet? If so, I would be honored to learn more about him, the cost etc. One final note on the subject of this tool, I noticed in the pictures you posted that there were 2 separate teflon peices that attach to the tool and am curious what their purpose is? Again Brian, at the risk of sounding like I am sucking up (though I am quite sincere) I feel compelled to express my obervation and appreciation for the keystone presence you have in this craft. In a word, I just want to say thanks. You are one that makes a difference.

Hey guys, one of the best resources you will find on whip making that doesn't cost a dime is on youtube.com. Search Whip Making and check out any/all of the tutorials by Bernie46! This guy is quite forthcoming with some very serious talent.

Hey Brian, The suspense is killing me. Who is the mentor you speak of here? And is he near you physically or did your relationship with him start out on these forums and move on to more later on? Have been admiring your work on many of these forums. Its a real inspiration to watch the rapid improvement in your skills. Keep it up and thank you for the level of generosity you have in sharing what you learn. Screw the everready bunny! I want some of YOUR energy!

Hello guys, a bit new to this site and this forum but have been an avid leather braider and knot tyer for over 10 years now. Geoff, at this stage of your experience and until you come to feel very comfortable with your abilities you would probably be best advised to stick with cowhide for numerous reasons, not the least of which is cost of materials. If your predominant interest is in braiding, I believe it is as much important to become familiar with cutting your own thongs or lace as it is in learning the weaving processes of the braids. In cutting and preparation, it seems to me cowhide is far more forgiving in the final appearance of your product than is say 'roo hide. In addition to that, kangaroo is easily 3 to 4 times the cost of cowhide. In my experience the geatest advantage one gains in cutting their own lace (and this is especially true early in ones elementary experiences with braiding) is that it provides the craftsman a far wider range of projects he can see to completion than would be the case in relying on pre-cut thongs. This especially holds true with a person whose ambitions are already set at the level you want to attain. I make no pretense of being an expert in this craft. Quite the contrary, I have a LONG way to go before I get there. What I do know is this. The biggest factor to date holding me back from getting to where I desire to be in terms of skills is in my ability to cut the thongs properly. And I, like yourself, started out with fairly high ambitions from the start. I also started out by getting hides and cutting them up for thongs. Study the books, practice and you will soon venture across projects that you are confident in your ability to complete. It's Katy BAR THE DOOR! then. I look forward to seeing your progress. Mind if I ask what literature you are reading thus far?