Knotnutz

The least expensive beveler that I know of is available through Y-Knot lace. I bought mine a few years back, and considering how many miles of string has been pulled through it, it has done me well. I messed up a lot at first, but now pretty much have it down to a science, with minimal waste, and seldom wrecking a string. Beth

Hi Tracy I've been away from the forum for a long time, and I think it is karma that yours is the first post I see upon my return. I've been braiding leashes now for close to 10 years, and the last time I took the time to count (2009), I was up over 500 individual leashes and collars, with more than 21,000 braided inches. I'm probably double or even triple that now. As for beveling making a difference, the majority of those who say it doesn't make a difference are usually those who can't, won't or don't know how. Nobody that I know sells pre-beveled lace in an any quantity - maybe a yard or two at most. Degree of bevel is a personal thing, as is the amount taken off. I personally like no edge at all, when I can do it, as I find that the less edge, the smoother the braid is after rolling, and the tighter it is as well. Beveling (when done right) does not affect the width of the lace, only the thickness at the edge. Your leashes might be thinner than those of someone who does not bevel, but if your braiding is tight and consistent, you will have a much more attractive product. If you are braiding for yourself, there is nothing more satisfying than making a beautiful product. If you are thinking of braiding for sales, be advised that MOST braiders (there are some exceptions) who make show leashes are notoriously unhelpful to newbies, and the market is flooded with all kinds of leashes that range from amazingly beautiful pieces of artwork to absolute crap that is not suitable to take a dog out at midnight when nobody will see you. Good luck! Beth Lucky Kanga leashes

Pete - You owe me a roll of paper towels, a fresh cup of coffee AND a new keyboard. That was priceless!!!!

Thanks!

I've been absent from the forum for a while - life just seems to get in the way some months! Anyway, I am in need of someone who can make a very small stamp that I can use to mark my leashes after they are made. I work with leather lace that is 3/32nds of an inch - sometimes thinner if I get over-zealous with the beveller! So, anyone up for this?

City girls KNOW that leather lace grows on trees and is carefully harvested onto spools at the crack of dawn. Seriously - I tried cutting my own lace, and disaster doesn't even come close to describing the result. I would rather enhance the economy by paying for someone else's hard work (or abilty to run a cutting machine).

Hmm - are you braiding colored lace or natural? I use a lot of colors - greens, blues, purples - and I also do multi color braids - so am a bit concerned about potential color runs, blending etc. I'm also curious - how are you washing - just a 'rinse under the tap' or a soak in a basin?

Thanks - will investigate the products next time I go shopping. Any recommendations????

Ok - short question for you all. I use the white soap in a can, and after I bevel my lace, I run the flesh side through it - mainly to help soften it, and to make it a bit slicker to braid. Reading earlier replies, I see that the 'theory' is that I should be washing it off afterward????? I also have a tub of the Passier Lederbalsam conditioner, and am wondering if that would be a better product for a leave on conditioner/softener/slicker-er up product??

I use colored Kangaroo lace when I braid, and make some pretty good looking leashes from it. One of my customers, who, while raving about her burgundy colored leash, commented that if its a warm day (or she is having a personal 'tropical moment' ) and has sweaty palms, will color her palm pink. Any thoughts on what I can do to seal the color (tannery dyed) but still keep the leather as soft and supple as it becomes after I beat it to death (aka, soften it)?

Um, Tracy - that is one gorgeously stunning piece of work. So, what would it take for me to get one similar (but slightly shorter back) on it???? Apart from begging, whining, snivelling, pleading and parting with folding stuff, that is!

beautiful work - I'll take everyone else's opinion as to its' accuracy - I wouldn't know a Walleye if it swam up and bit me! Um -someone mentioned a chat?????

Very very nice work. For those who are interested in the whole braiding/knotting thing, let me direct your gaze towards www.khww.net. I hope this is ok - I promote this site there, so guess turnabout might be fair play. Knotting & braiding are my specialties (braiding - accomplished. Knotting - not so much!)

WOW!

Beautiful work - and please, don't give in and dye it black - that would simply ruin a gorgeous piece of carving.

What I mean by rolling is that you take the item, put a board (piece of hardwood) on top of it and roll it from side to side, so that the item underneath rolls from side to side as well. This helps distribute the tension on the strings. I do this several times during the tightening process when finishing knots, and once or two when braiding. As for bevelling - here is a scan of a scrap of roo lace - one side bevelled, the other not.

Wow - that was FAST! Its spoken for!

Ok - so I've got this little PIA item - an Aussie Strander - that apparently is great for cutting lace. Problem is, I don't do stuff like this. I've discovered that city chicks buy lace on spools that grow on trees in Australia. So - the first person to PM me can have it gratis - all you pay is actual postage! Beth

I am certainly not a master braider (minds outa gutter boys!) but as someone who is not too long from her first braid, I can make a couple of comments here. I echo what has been said earlier - experience will give tighter braids and knots, but, what you have done is wonderful. I would also strongly suggest bevelling your lace - Jim Downey in Arizona sells a great little beveller, I can't live without mine now. One of the things I learned is to roll your braids and knots - and NOT lengthways like pastry, but sideways (thats a really funny story about how the light suddenly went on one day) with a piece of hardwood. It helps the strings settle in better, distributes the tension a bit more evenly etc. I look back now at my first attempts - and giggle like a mad fool - they are sooo bad! Keep up the good work!

You know Freak - I like the tat, but, your work makes the tat dull by comparison. I bet he did love it - who wouldn't?

Gorgeous work - and the gradient dye job is so very classy looking.

Absolutely stunning work - I'm thinking I need one of those real soon!

Nice piece of work there! Couple of comments from a dog person's POV (I train and show dogs professionally) First - purpose - a fancy 'something around my neck to show off my persons' skills' collar or a 'form of control' collar? If the first - you've succeeeded admirably. If the second - you may be in for a problem, as I can see it loosening off just when needed most. Second - Rawhide. Dogs LOOOOOOVE rawhide. They like 'roo lace (don't ask how I know, it still hurts), but rawhide borders on a crack cocaine addiction for dogs. Unless you are going to be able to watch Fideaux like a hawk - your very well crafted item may end up as not much more than a slobbery, slimey chew toy.

ok - there are some things that should remain secret - and the creation of a fuzzy pink cane is one of them, the vinyl purse, another. Now, I will admit, the purse has its merits - which would be more appreciated by moi if made of leather, but, obviously, it is not. Its kinda like the story of Great Aunt Sally being a retired call girl - we all know it exists, but, it isn't something we discuss!

Johanna as a simple braider, I am constantly in awe of what I see on the various forum pages - and have only just discovered 'your story'. All I can say is Thank you. Its not enough, but, is the closest thing I can think of right now. Beth