rgerbitz

The brown rawhide was actually an accident, I'm not entirely sure how I got it that color. It took about 2 weeks of soaking before the hair slipped off of that hide. I had used a pelleted lime in the water that had a brown tinge to it I think that is why it turned so brown. Its that or when I got that hide it was the middle of march last year and the hide had a lot of manure caked on it I couldn't get any of it off so it went in with hide. So it is possible that the whole hide is poo stained.

Here is a picture of the most beutiful thing I've ever had a part in creating. She's 4 and has never wacked her fingers. So far she's doing a better job at stamping than I am.

Thank you for your support On the fourth and final attempt I have a passable nose button. Thought I might show you all how it went. I used Bryan Neuberts' multiple string method. I would be most appreciative of any critizism. [attachmen =4653:Finished_NB.JPG]

I think of the cow most times when I'm working with rawhide that I have made. I get my hides from a local meat locker that only processes for individuals. They always tell me who's farm the critter I get came from. Some of I know and I've even fed a few of em. Its cool to me to be able to see the animal I'm working with.

A couple of people asked and this is all I have around, the rest I've either given away or got used as a dog chew. Both bosals are made from my own hides, but the heel knot and romal link are made from some string that Mike and Cindy Beaver sold. Please let me know what you think. Rob

Hello everyone, My name is Rob Gerbitz and I live here in Tampico, Il. I have been working at learning how to work with rawhide for about 3 years now and my wife and I am are just getting into making chaps and chinks. I am very excited to have found this group. I have a lot of questions about braiding and leatherwork in general. I am looking forward to corresponding with anyone here who cares to. Thank you all for being here. Rob Gerbitz

This is great. There isn't to my knowledge anyone with in 200 miles of me working with rawhide. I've read the encylepidia of braiding and a few other books from cover to cover, my encyclepedia while only years old is starting to show some use. I have also watched Neubert's video alot. But some things really just need a discussion. Thank you all for participating. Can anyone discribe what the perfect moisture for braiding feels or looks like. And for projects that take a while what are some good ways for maintaining that perfect moisture. There is a choice you have to make, in everything you do. And you must always keep in mind the choice you make, makes you. (Anonymous)

Don't know if you are still looking for a string cutter. I went over to a hydralic cylinder repair shop and showed them some pictures of a hansen cutter and for $50 dollars got a stripped down version that works O.K. and it is made out of solid chrome, guarteed not to rust. Any man who cannot spell a word a least 2 different ways lacks imagination. Mark Twain

I have just recently found this site and I couldn't be more excited. When my wife came in yesterday I exclaimed "Honey I have found my people". She smiled and said "well ... that's great dear". Anyways 2 days ago I cut off my third attempt to put a nose button on a bosal I'm trying to make. I have been using a 6 plait over/under down then turning both ends back and, the plan was, to bury the ends in the middle. In the first attempt I cut all the string about 3 inches to short .(lesson learned) The next two attempts would start to twist as a back braided. Is there a better way to go about braiding, lacing, plaiting a nose button than what I have been attempting or am I simply overlooking something. I really was hoping to finish this project up for christmas it is a 3/8 bosal and my friend will be using it on his first horse that he will have rode all the way into the two rein rig. Thank you all for being here and exchanging thoughts and ideas. [size=1][color=#0000ff]Whether you think you can or you think you can't, either way you are right[/color][/size].

cwr, I haven't been at this very long but usually when I get off it's because my hide is to dry, my knife is to dull, or I'm not paying attention. When I do get off I will fix it up right away and round off the cirle with a pair of shears.