Knife Handle - Fid Work

[rawhide1]

First, thanks to all for the kind words. I had a good time putting that one together although it took a good while to complete. The other knife that grandad made is destined for a rawhide handle. Need to work on getting the strings cut and in order.

Mike, As I see it, "fid work" is braiding. It differs from what we term as traditional plaiting/braiding due to the fact that usually the foundation strands are put on first. These strands usually spiral in one direction around the project. The next set of strands that will complete the project are then braided/woven into the foundation. Since the foundation strands should be fairly tight, the use of a fid makes the weaving easier. Hence the term "fid work" One could braid/plait the same project in the traditional under/over sequence making the patterns as he goes, but since it is usaully many, many narrow strings it gets quite tedious and at times downright confusing and tedious.

Of course I could be way off on the explaination and totally mis-informed. But that's my story and I'm stickin' to it for the time being.

Jerry

Jerry

That sounds good to me. Thanks for answering my question see I learn something every day!

Mike