WyattB01319 Report post Posted July 19, 2017 I can't seem to find cow hides or rawhide lace long enough to use to make myself a reata, if anyone knows where I can buy rawhide lace long enough or full hides I'd be happy to hear it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Sioux Saddlery Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Your best bet is to find someone who runs a bunch of cows and ask him to let you know when he loses a cow. The best hides seem to come from a thin, old cow that wastes away. I've gotten some like that and they are way better than anything off a fat steer that I've gotten from the locker when I butcher. They cut up slick and smooth and are good solid hide. I've got two in my freezer that I need to process when I get the time. Commercially, there are guys that sell reata string but since I've usually had access to as much hide as I need, I haven't purchased rawhide in years. A lot of these guys may not be on the internet or even have access to it. Granted, I don't braid reatas, but the string that I think would make a good one has come from the thin cows. I actually find processing a hide kind of enjoyable, maybe because it's something different than I do every day and gives me a real sense of accomplishment. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WyattB01319 Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Thank you Big Sioux Saddlery for taking the time to tell me this I will sure try and contact our local ranches. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Sioux Saddlery Report post Posted July 19, 2017 You are welcome. That is one of the great things about living in cattle country, or knowing someone that does. . . It's easy to get hides. Most of these range cows that die get left for the coyotes, whereas in more populated country, the rendering truck gets them before anyone has a chance to make use of the hide. Good luck, and post your results if you take on the project. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bucksnort Report post Posted July 20, 2017 Contact Billy Demarco, he's on Facebook Bret Haskett's wife Melanie was also selling some. Bret is on here (Leatherpownder) or on FB Bret n Melanie Haskett. Either one will sell you quality rawhide. Buck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WyattB01319 Report post Posted July 20, 2017 thanks Buck i'll check them out as well, thanks for taking the time to tell me this. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
curlyjo Report post Posted July 25, 2017 Joe Benner in Or. sells hides. Billy DeMarco in New Mexico. Type in Rawhide for sale on Google and you can get names of places that sell. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
