well, for my technique use to a variety of diferent materials of ecological origen always. ( bone, wood, wool grease....), not is only braiding. Almost of my braids are made with spnanish horsehide, also make little cowhide, snake, ostrich, and kangaroo. mix different techniques of saddle maker.... and use 3 cutter splitter diferent, and 3 cutter beveler different. depending of the job. don´t cut the skin in a circle, cut with scissor, but using them as blade like a tailor. and use strings of 1 oz and 1/22 inch for the knot and 1 oz 1/20 inch, 1/10inch for the braid....