pagleo Report post Posted March 18, 2013 Hello all, Here is my first attempt at a dog show lead. I am using 6 strands of Roo leather with 2 strands wax core. For those who currently braid leather, I'm very new and have a few questions. Could you please explain to me the difference between Roo, Calf and Lamb? Most dog show leads are Roo. Is this because the hide is softer? stronger? easier to work with? I'm thinking of branching out to calf and lamb, maybe deer too. Would this hurt my finished product? Thanks, Page (total newbie to leather working) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benlilly1 Report post Posted March 18, 2013 Nice job! I've not used calf or lamb. I DO KNOW that Roo is very strong. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alvetjarn Report post Posted March 19, 2013 Cute! Very "girly" and nice! Nice braiding! Roo and in Kangaroo ? Would love to get my hands on some of that! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpartanCadet Report post Posted March 21, 2013 I am also fairly new to the braiding world, but I have done a few projects with 'Roo and calf. The biggest difference is strength, because Kangaroo has more strength in the top layer of the hide you can split it much thinner and retain more strength than any other lace. Calf is decent stuff too, but you will definitely break it more than Kangaroo, and it doesn't look as nice IMHO. Also, since calf usually has to be thicker because of the strength issue, it is much harder to make it smooth. I really don't have any experience with lamb or deer, but I hear they are stretchy. Hope my little bit of knowledge helps. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pagleo Report post Posted March 21, 2013 Thanks so much for the replies you guys! I figured Roo must be stronger because all of the dog show leads I've seen for big dogs seem to be made from it. (and it is so much more expensive) Here is the lead I'm working on now.....as you can see, I'm still experimenting with the best ways to secure the beads (knots, wrapping, etc). This will be mine and not for sale, so I don't mind these little differences and imperfections. Also, since I haven't finished the handle yet, I haven't rolled it to flatten the stitches. VERY MUCH a work in progress. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikesmith648 Report post Posted March 22, 2013 Roo is going to be the strongest. Next would be calf in strength. Lamb and deer are going to be too soft and stretchy unless it had a very strong core and did not depend on the leather for strength. Lamb and deer for a small dog might work but for a large dog I wouldn't depend on it. JMHO I am sure some "real braiders" will chime in too...... I am an admitted amature!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
