Split Reins

[TomE]

24 minutes ago, Goldshot Ron said:

They look real good Tom.  To answer DieselTech's question, when I make split reins I use harness leather also (but the natural color).  After cutting the reins and edging, I but an end of the rein into my bench vise, apply saddle soap to a piece of canvas, and rub the "hell" out of the edges.  The reins are dampened and the rubbing will stretch the reins.

Thanks, Ron.  I am on the steep end of the learning curve for western tack and appreciate your advice.  That sounds like a time saver compared to my approach for finishing the edges.

[Goldshot Ron]

Tom,

I wish I could offer some timesaving tips, but everything seems to take longer than I would expect.  I didn't mention rubbing in conditioning after rubbing the edges, or sewing a loop to put around the reins.  Ugh...now I have to go make Christmas tomales.  Merry Christmas.