Goat hide update...

[entiendo]

Well my goat hides arrived today....EWE!!! YUCK, won't do that again!! I went ahead and laced them into 1/4" lace but it's not kangaroo that's for sure!! I tried 1/8 inch lace but the strength wasn't consistant enough to be sure the lace would be strong enough. I also had to bevel them on the rough side becuse they aren't dyed but coated with something. So is all this normal for goat, does roo just have me spoiled? Glad I put in an order for another roo hide! There was also a ton of waste. I can use the flanky part of a roo hide but there is no way I can use the flanky part of a goat hide.

Now I don't know if this is veg or chromed tanned, could that make a difference?

[Sidney Wood]

Well my goat hides arrived today....EWE!!! YUCK, won't do that again!! I went ahead and laced them into 1/4" lace but it's not kangaroo that's for sure!! I tried 1/8 inch lace but the strength wasn't consistant enough to be sure the lace would be strong enough. I also had to bevel them on the rough side becuse they aren't dyed but coated with something. So is all this normal for goat, does roo just have me spoiled? Glad I put in an order for another roo hide! There was also a ton of waste. I can use the flanky part of a roo hide but there is no way I can use the flanky part of a goat hide.

Now I don't know if this is veg or chromed tanned, could that make a difference?

What you need is veg tanned for boot and shoe lining. The skins are of an even thickness with no flanky areas, usually.

I suspect that chrome tanned would be the usual junk it almost always is. I question any coating on the skins as they should be dry. What you got may have been book binding stuff.

The only possible source I have found for the boot lining is Charles Hardtke Inc in El Paso. They also have good roo when they can get it.

I am sorry that you had a bad experience with this.

Sidney Wood

[entiendo]

That's okay Sidney. I knew it was a risk. I should have known to look for veg tanned. I was told even the chrome tanned roo is stretchy and a bit weaker than the veg tanned. I can use it to practice making 4 plait bridles. The sad thing is it takes just as long to braid and I know that the coating will eventually wear off. Maybe a couple of goat bridles for the kid's ponies would be okay.

With this stuff I'm going to need a core for a 4 plait what would you suggest? I was thinking a couple of pieces of waxed string otta do? Or I can do the math and try an 8 plait...or maybe 6. Not as crazy about 6 plait. I'm going to stick with the roo. It's a no brainer and I just love everything about the kangaroo.