rawhider

Heather, I think your first idea would work very well. I'd braid my round braid around a dowel or something, then pull it out when you get the right length. The moisture content can be the same as when you braid it, but after you pull your core out, don't stretch the braid out, it will colapse without a core until it dries. Before you pull your core, though, take a small board or an equally hard, flat object, and roll your braid out with it. This will set the strings together and give it a really nice smooth look. I'm sure you already do this with your other braiding. It may get upset as you pull out your core, but just lay it down on the bench and roll it out again with a beer bottle or something, being careful not to put too much pressure on it. Theres my two cents!! Keep us updated, can't wait to see the finished product!

Just finished this headstall. Let me know what you think, any suggestions? Since I figured out how to post a pictuer here is some other stuff for you to critique!

I make hand twisted mohair and yak hair mecate riens, and I've always used ubraidit and been pretty happy with them, but I didn't know where else to get it. I'll have to try this spurwink place.

Those are really cool!! I like it when people take the traditional and put a twist on it! You know, back in the day, cowboys really liked that kind of stuff that was one of a kind, and these spur straps are deffinately that! Very nice! Thanks for sharing!

I have been looking at these guys prices for awhile, and I was just wondering if any of you have ever used them for your supplies. If not, could you recomend someone? Thanks http://www.siegelofca.com/view_cat.asp?id=4

I've heard alot af talk aobut useing white saddle soap on rawhide. Is there any difference in useing white as apposed to useing yellow other than the colors?

Anyone ever use this cutter?http://www.lacemaster.com/index.htm

I'm jsut wondering what some of you veteran braiders use to cut, split and bevel your strings. I do primarily rawhide work. I've been using a jerry stripper, and a hand plane to cut and split my strings. They work okay, but I've nothing to bevel them with and I want something that is a designed to do what i want. Thanks!

I jsut finished this hanger for a client. Imade the bosal adn mecate too, but she only bought the hanger and fiador.