Which Hide(S)?

[TXAG]

So I've invested in a lace cutting tool that bevels and splits also. Eventually, I'll be buying some drum stuffed roo hides to cut, but I cannot do that just yet...also, I'd rather practice on somewhat cheaper hides. I understand there will be differences in cutting various types of hides, but I want to get the basic technique down first anyway.

The lace will mostly be used to make lanyards, keychains, bracelets, hatbands, etc...stuff like that. I'll be round plaiting and adding various knots to these items.

I've read goat and cow can yield nice finished products...which should I start with? Where can I get hides for the best price for a decent quality to use for lace?

I already checked ebay and am not impressed at all with what I saw there as it is all very overpriced...that's why I'm asking here if anyone can recommend something other than kangaroo hides to practice on.

To reiterate......I'm looking for suggestions on hides that would work well that are NOT kangaroo.

Thanks...

Edited October 7, 2013 by TXAG

[curlyjo]

Go to Ebay, type in Kangaroo Hides and there are some inexpensive hides for sale that might work for practise. Can't verify quality but there is one place.

[scorpiofire]

I mainly do whips and i've had good results with veg tanned double milled shoulder cowhide , 3 to 4 oz . It has more stretch than roo but still works well and much cheaper. Here's a 3ft and a 6ft snakewhips

[TXAG]

Those look great...I'm not sure what 'double milled' means...need to look that up...

What do you use to finish them that gives that nice finish?

[scorpiofire]

@TXAG : I used a fine coat of saddle lac followed by some aussie leather conditioner and a good roll , i do that twice for good mesure .