Big Sioux saddlery - my hide is paper thin to, but is is ok to braid with - I think - I don't know - although I have never tried to braid in rawhide before.
25b - Yes I did bevel it before I started braiding.
I am very excited to work with rawhide. It is surprisingly different from leather.
I know I have to practice a lot, but I'm looking forward to it.
The only thing I don't like is the strange smell. Maybe I just have to get use to it.