oldgringo

Hi Carr52: Just happened across your post of the point. I am a professional archaeologist with over 30 experience. But my experience is mostly in Calif. I'm sure the archaeologist know what he's talking about. Something that old where ever it is found is very rare indeed. The form seems a bit general to me, (e.g no notching) but maybe that type of point has been established through some of the many dating techniques to be that old. I have been knapping most of my life and some of the best folks at it live out your way. OG

Rain in N. Calif.! Yes! Maybe I won't have to feed my cows this winter after all.

thanks Elton

I see on Steve Mason's site a device which I believe gives one the arch necessary to fit the rear jockey up against the back of the cantle. Does anyone know about this device and where one might obtain such a tool? Thanks - OG

My goodness those are such great ideas. I really should try some of them. My old ping pong table is a little flimsy - but I can lay out a whole hide and cut on it with one of those soft plastic cutting boards under the leather. But it is a little low. Someday I'm going to have a proper shop.

WHOA! Thanks a bunch pard! OG

Ken: The laether is 4-4.5 oz. bucktan from the Hide House in Napa, CA.

Thank you so much for the information.

Hi: I am wondering why the picuture in my profile does not come up when I post. It appears to be within the allowable size limits. Your kind help is greatly appreciated. OG

Hi Friends: Made these a couple of weeks ago. So they are dirty from gathering, shipping, etc. Tried a longer, fuller style this time. Did my interpretation of the oak leaf motif (Quercus douglasii in my country). OG

thanks boys, I'll see what I can do. OG

I recently purchased Mr. and Mrs. Stohlman's Vol. 1. What an excellent resource! Hard for me to believe I have built saddles without it. But then again I'm not sure what I've built one would call a saddle. Anyway, do any of you saddlers know if one can actually buy the Stohlman Rigging Guage, or do I have to bend one up myself? Thanks OG

Here are two pictures of my first saddle, built in '05 for my daughter's 16th birthday. I posted this when I joined the forum last year but it may have been lost in the crash of '07. I started the saddle in '03 to give it to her when she was 14, but the saddler I was learning under rightly diverted me to producing all things leather - as far as cowboying goes. So it took a while. She's not ridin' much anymore so when I ride her horse (pictured) I use it 'cause it fits him well. I've roped a lot of calves, cows and a bull or two and it's still holding up. So I attribute that to my teacher. You know I don't see the pics. in the preview. Hope they came through. OG

Steve I just checked your profile and see what an accomplished saddler you are. What a great legacy what with your great grandfather also a professional in the saddle business. I think that is so wonderful. I've got three saddles under my belt and am very proud to be carrying on such a great ancient tradition as ours. This site is absolutely the best source of leather working knowlegde on this planet. Really a world heritage site. Thanks for your contributions.