Rawhide Braiding

Steve's work is pure craftsmanship, some would say art. He makes our blacksmithing aprons ( • Blacksmith Apron - Cus... ).
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[@timhale501]

I am 80 years old I started braiding when I was 8 years old, My father died when I was 5 and never got to see him braid but my mother gave me a few pointers . last weekend my 53 year old son had some split leather strands and I showed him how to braid 6 strands.round we didn't have a tv on the ranch when I grew up and I made a lot of leather and rahide horse gear when I was in high school. I never made anything as detailed as his knots on his hackamore. years ago I made the tool shown at ,48 ,, I made the splitting -thickness and back side corner beveling tool I don;t know if my kids would know what it is for.ness

[@steveharris4845]

Mr. Hale, I appreciate you watching the video. If you've got any photos of gear you've made, I'd be glad to see them. You can send them to the email on our website. At 53, your son is at a good age to start braiding! I hope he sticks with it. SRH

[@timhale501]

@@steveharris4845 I never made anything with as much detail as you do I usually used 1.4 in strands . My nieces 2 sons starting doing braiding I "loaned them the antique machin you had in your video to get wide strips the right thickness, when I was about 16 I visited the local cowboy that did braiding and took some of my work and he said he couldn't teach me anything more. My last braiding wad about 15 years ago. When I moved to California in 1964 I couldn't Take my horse. sired by Apache 730. the fanouse appaloosa foundation stalian so I gave my gear to relatives.

[@andreyvolf6217]

You are a great master professional. Great respect to you and greetings from Russia.!!!!

[@alfonsovelasco8492]

Pin

[@ryanlee7126]

You are a legend! I respect you with all my heart. Keep thriving and keep braiding

[@danielmatthews4262]

" Just strings wrapping clockwise and counterclockwise" Thats the same as a plumber telling you plumbing is just telling water where to go. Amazing work.

[@bwyattm1]

I emailed Steve about my new knife sheath I got from him with Cy’s knife. Questions on how to take care of his sheath, instead of giving a quick one line answer, he went into detail on how he uses his Swan knives and all the tricks he uses for taking care of his leather sheaths, I appreciated that so much. Thank you Steve!

[@kendavis8046]

Thanks for producing this. It is likely something I will never do, but it is wonderful to understand that there are folks out there that are keeping traditions like this alive.

[@ChrisHoppe-wordmeme]

The diversity of talents and skilllevel shown on this channel really underlines the name essential CRAFTSMAN. 👏👏👏

[@cbdeandc]

This is one of your finer efforts. Such extraordinary detail in this art.

[@waynemiracle8928]

Steve is an amazing craftsman! I am most proud to own some of his work! It is a prized possession to me. Thanks for this amazing video!

[@hansangb]

I wonder how many were immediately singing "Rolling rolling rolling....RawwwwwHide!!!!"

[@mackfisher4487]

Before this video the only uses I knew for rawhide were shoe laces gloves, thanks for turning your camera on Steve and expanding my mind to understand yet another craftsman.

[@garethbaus5471]

Moccasin soles are another good use, as well as drums and woven seats, woven rawhide was used for the platforms Egyptian chariots because it was lightweight and strong while still being springy.

[@tylerkarlberg3473]

Started leather working a couple years ago because it looked interesting and have seen massive improvements as well as great fulfillment from learning the basics of the craft. For a begin-termediate leather worker like myself, the level of craftsmanship here is inspiring. Such control and finesse. Breathtaking. Thank you for sharing.

[@barkebaat]

Amazing what human head & hands can do. Makes me humble and thankful -- and impressed !

[@paulehlers2225]

Scott & Nate - You're content just keeps getting better all the time! I thoroughly enjoyed watching and listening to this superb craftsman!! Thank You so much!!

[@gofgwoodworking]

I apprenticed under Leonard Wheatley in southern California he was known to everyone as Rawhide, in the early 80s. He worked with Conrad in the 60s and 70s out of Bellflower CA. At the time I knew him, he was building whips, but I pestered and bugged him until he taught me about rawhide. In the few years I learned a lot at his elbow, all about cutting string and braiding, even made several bullwhips that I still have today. Unfortunately age and life happened and he grew older and life pulled me away. I ended up following my love of wood and became a master carpenter, but I still dabble in rawhide today. It's wonderful to hear of someone continuing to teach the tradition. It made me smile to see the heel knot tied, Rawhide called it a pineapple knot. It took me three days to tie my first one, and countless times of taking it back apart because I missed a stitch three turns back. Keep providing these fantastic videos.

[@gregsaunders9472]

Thank you for the encouragement about starting a craft I’m building a boat! A long held desire

[@essentialcraftsman]

Greg... and thank you for the email!

[@jackwillis680]

There’s something very honorable about people who master these really niche trades. I guess it’s cause that’s like the ultimate goal in life, everyone wants to do something they enjoy just because they enjoy it and not for the money

[@kingbird4925]

Loved the video and the credit properly given to a genuine craftsman and a proper horseman. The gear he was making reminded me of my dad extolling the difference between “rough breaking” and “gentle breaking” horses. I have some old black and white photographs of him and his brothers working stock in the Black Hills of South Dakota circa 1930’s. Good stuff and thanks for the memories!

[@armandhammer9617]

9:24 looks like a cap on a fine Cuban cigar. I'm glad I rediscovered this channel. My favorite episode is your early life story. I have 5 grandsons and I envy the knowledge you have. I've been a tradesman for 40 yrs and only hope I can pass on some wisdom to them. Peace and health to you and yours sir✌

[@eigencap]

Amazing to see a single Principle be universal and integral to many trades and crafts. The Principle of Symmetry is used in good Integrated Circuit Design.

[@Siberian_Freedom]

It's great to see such fine workmanship. I really enjoy these type of videos. Keep up the good work.

[@hiroprotagonist525]

I'm not a cowboy, I'm a whipmaker, which means I work with cow leather as well as kangaroo, and it's very interesting the see a LOT of similar techniques and tricks in this video! One might say, there's only so many ways to plait and tie knots, but the things I spotted watching this were not taught to me, they were tricks I developed out of both necessity and the properties of the materials, and it's really fun to see how others came to the same conclusions... Cheers!

[@lonewizzard8456]

My grandfather owned a kangaroo hide bullwhip that my father now has in his possession. It's an amazing piece.

[@frankstewart8346]

Brother you are like a father figure to me as my dad has passed away 3years ago. Just quality, quality,quality 👍👍💪. Every one of your videos

[@bp3805]

I just ordered a sheath and belt from Steve last week. I was excited at the craftsmanship I am going to receive. After viewing this video I can say I am now ecstatic. Thanks for posting

[@FunDumb]

I've braided some leather in my day. It's its own form of therapy. Great production! loved the video content.

[@jx14aby]

My dad used to tell me he was gonna tan my hide.

[@UnfinishedProjectDartSport]

My Dad followed through.

[@jx14aby]

@@UnfinishedProjectDartSport My dad was all bark.

[@keithcronk7980]

@@UnfinishedProjectDartSport YOU GOT THAT RIGHT

[@bradcavanagh3092]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJbCqKh5h9aAl9U Tan me hide when I'm dead, Fred Tan me hide when I'm dead So we tanned his hide when died, Clyde And that's it hangin' on the shed!

[@kkpage01100]

@@UnfinishedProjectDartSport 🤣🤣🤣🤦🏾‍♂️

[@samuelmason4038]

The National Western Heritage Museum In Oklahoma City has an entire gallery dedicated to the work of Luis Ortega, who is the country’s best known braider. He has long since passed but his work is the gold-standard of this craft. Thanks for sharing and I absolutely love your channel.

[@tkilg7169]

I had just begun to learn a little leatherworking, when I developed tendinitis in my left wrist, which has caused a lot of pain in my hand. Witnessing the incredible creations by this excellent craftsman makes me very envious while I go to my freezer to get an icepack for my hand and wrist. I doubt if I could have ever reached such a degree of artistry anyway. Thanks for this incredibly good video.

[@sac7890]

This video is a pleasure to watch, not only for the content, but also in its production. Thank you, sincerely, thank you.

[@alexs5814]

you can watch him for hours. supremely meditative and relaxing work. amazing video.

[@nickbruni8041]

“Rollin , Rollin , Rollin “

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Thanks for the introduction to a craft that has so many levels. Even watchmakers don't smelt the ore. Astounded this craft is isn't more well known. ✌

[@ryanm3923]

I am overjoyed right now, I have watched your content for a couple of years. This episode was a complete surprise, I have several of Steve's Bosals and Hackamores, and he is a great person and one of the best in the craft. The Vaquero Tradition has been a major part of my life and it is interesting that you can take a piece of Steve's art and create your own art in your horse. It is a very rewarding process. Greetings from Central Coast of California.

[@rdbanks2823]

Great sign off at 12:00 mins in, picking up a new craft, whatever it maybe, is a fantastic way to develop as an individual. Great video, cheers!

[@RadDadisRad]

Interesting, I didn’t know the difference between rawhide and leather. I actually use stacked leather on a couple of my tools, I love stacked leather but now I realize I need to incorporate some rawhide into my stuff.

[@bobainsworth5057]

Truly an art form. Seems we can say that about all fine craftsmen's work.

[@johnmullins203]

He is absolutely an artist. Very fine work

[@davidjones8680]

Amazing work, well done for highlighting it.

[@jaygoldenmusic]

Great to see Mr. Harris on here. Excellent video!

[@pegleg1972]

i started riding when i was 8 and most of the time the only gear i used was a hack lead and a jump stump... i never thought about the work it took to create the tools that that made the trail more appealing than the antenna television, thanks for the memories

[@rustyshakleford5230]

He should sell those leather wrapped channel locks. I'd be a buyer for some soft jaw pumps for chrome plated brass plumbing fixtures.

[@majorphoto]

amazing level of craftsmanship

[@glenncalzada1707]

Beautiful work. Keeping the art alive. Thank you!

[@georgenonay9105]

Beautiful work. Hope that still of horsemanship never fades away

[@MrDerekmoney]

When Scott said Nevada correctly I immediately smashed that like button.

[@TankedMush]

Braiding was just as good. Holy smokes. How incredible is a mastery of an art. Bloody beautiful mate.

[@eliprice138]

My Grandfather taught me how to braid with the old hemp hay Bali strings , just to make a simple rope . And iv been making simple things my hole life . All from one day braiding bailing string into a rope out in the hay barn . Grate video and even better story! Thank you

[@kookiedabear]

Much appreciate this episode and the dedication of the art from start to finish.

[@louislax14]

Thank you for sharing this amazing craft and craftsman!! Knots and braids never cease to amaze me in their applications, whether ornemental or purely functional, and in their beauty when done with such care and skill!

[@DaveDablave]

As usual, these videos make me feel like I have squandered my life. I hope someday I can be this good at something. Amazing work!

[@JurrevanHerwijnen]

What you mention around the 9 minute mark. With craftsmen taking their skills to the grave is sad but true. I have learned most of my skills out in the field and improved over time. I learn new things every day.. Unfortunately I know several people that made it impossible or very difficult to learn. With a mentor telling me to make yourself crucial and unmissable, so you can't be replaced.. by making it seem your job/work is as much convoluted and a mystery to understand as possible to anyone, but you. It's sad to see highly specialized professions just disappearing when people die, because of "dragon hoarding" information like that. Hopefully now because of stuff like youtube and online sharing availability, it's slowly becoming easier to pick up a new skill.

[@Soleya9]

It's sad. And personally I can't think of a better way of "living on after death" than passing on knowledge. Every time that person you taught uses that knowledge, a bit of you survives with it.

[@Sheepdog1314]

I learned an ancient skill, in a country where apprenticeships are more valued than a college degree. I came to the US and used my skills and what I learned... I was the last apprentice of my Meister who passed away shortly after I finished my apprenticeship. Since then, many years later, I had plenty of people wanting to be taught by me, and I ended up with being frustrated, disgusted and getting drained by people "who want to get everything done in one hour". This is America, where most people have no patience to start from the bottom and learn every small detail of a craft. Sorry, not wasting any more time - I'm taking it to the grave.

[@JurrevanHerwijnen]

@@Sheepdog1314 I can blame you, I agree that it’s hard to find someone willing to spend the time and dedication it takes to master a craft. It’s still a shame, I am sure there are absolutely (young) people who would want to learn. The problem is that especially in the places like the US most businesses and companies won’t pay ( much ) salary of an apprentice level work.. it’s seen as “ we pay you in experience”. Many high and rare skills just don’t survive unless you are passionate to begin with. Because it will define the rest of your career life pretty much.

[@caseG80]

Each one teach one cheers

[@armandhammer9617]

I've trained dozens of carpenters and the only information I hold back or misinform intentionally is how to bid jobs. I point them to the stratosphere so they don't come back to cut my throat 😆

[@papapetad]

Yeah, at that level, it's as much art as it is craft mastery, where form and function become one. Great video.

[@Ty_N_KC]

Great vid!!!!!!!!!!!! I love watching Craftsman who take pride in their work and share their world.

[@vaquero7072]

Thank you for this video it sheds light on this man’s beautiful art and skills and also on the vaquero culture that’s dying and under attack I’m thankful for this man wanting to pass his skill on and doing his part in keeping the lifestyle alive . Thanks again

[@williammitchell8612]

Outstanding tutorial and beautiful craftsmanship. Thank you for the video.

[@lawrencelewis1036]

Steve is an absolute master!

[@davidtomasetti8520]

my dog would go NUTS in that place haha

[@hogsandsooners]

This is a skill level beyond most anything that you have featured on your channel and I would like to thank you for bringing it to us.

[@mariadangeloart]

It is absolutely art! I love the gear of the vaquero. I love to capture it in my drawings. These craftsmen are so very talented.

[@Fu-manchoo]

Beautiful work Steve. It is a pleasure to see you work. Watching in awe from Townsville Australia

[@jacobplank]

Very interesting! He's definitely gifted, his work is amazing!! I never even tried to do any braiding. Thanks for sharing your talent!!

[@ethanheyne]

That appaloosa looks like a keeper. Good at his job, willing to listen to kids.

[@bob_frazier]

Gorgeous craftsmanship. Wow, I like these visits.

[@Lokiwho]

I love your videos, I always will. They always break me away from the daily hustle and remind me of the things in life that can be learned by simply trying something new.

[@lx95020]

This is beautiful! Thank you for giving credit to all those who created the Cowboy way of life....

[@mikeboone4425]

Being a jaded old fart it's amazing when you have a chance to watch a true craftsman thanks to both of you . Happy trails

[@jasperchieng]

I hope this video and your work with youth help to inspire a new generation of craftsmen. Great work!

[@IndianaDundee]

Thank you for making these videos.

[@grieske]

This is breathtakingly beautiful.

[@Puckerupbuttercup261]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you!

[@25centsapop]

Congratulations to you for 1 million subscribers! The only thing I hate about your videos is that I stop everything I'm doing to watch with intent and wonder. As a welder and mechanic, I respect all of your work and videos.

[@wrobelmike]

Fantastic work and a great video. Thanks again EC!!!

[@markgordon4368]

Craft skills are what makes the world tactile and mixes form and function

[@bubbahyde322]

There is a true heritage in the knowledge he has earned from the braiders and trainers he named. His appreciation for their efforts and the work he has done because of that appreciation to know for himself allows him a piece of that elite lineage.

[@speedbuggy16v]

That is beautiful work, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@yourselfdotcom]

It's just wrapping clockwise and counterclockwise..... My man its so much more than that. Stunning craftsmanship. Great video

[@verdatum]

This video is beautifully shot, and Steve's technique is exquisite. Rawhide is a TREAT to work with. I've only ever used it for simple stitching, bow-making, and I once replaced a drum-head; I wish I've needed to use it more. It's properties are so completely different when saturated vs. when dry. I haven't had the chance to work with kangaroo leather yet. I hear high praise for it. Making a bullwhip from kangaroo is on my project list. It involves a whole lot of the same techniques as are shown in making these hackamores.

[@TrondOleJensen]

Such beautiful workmanship 😊

[@socaloutdoors7355]

Your Videos never disappoint.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

The Vaquero braided rope was a Lariata, why modern cowboy ropes are called a Lariat. Lasso is only from Hollywood and Bugsbunny Cartoons. This is incredible artwork.

[@rustyshackleford5060]

Keep up the good work!

[@shanecateriny4359]

Keep theses vids coming gents.

[@shaneslater896]

Best one yet

[@andrewwilliford8165]

Beautiful work!

[@markb.1259]

WoW... very neat! He's very good at what he does.

[@CrimeVid]

Liked this immensely, you are so lucky to live somewhere where there is still a need for these crafts, and space to do them in ! yes we still have saddlers etc but decorative work like that,not so much.

[@joelvandenbergh2851]

Saw it from beginning till the end. Top!!!.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

I have only a little interest in leatherwork, but I have a lot of interest in watching a master craftsman at work. Thank you, Scott and Nate. Cheers from Tokyo. Stu

[@metlmuncher]

Outstanding vid

[@deanmacka4975]

Great stuff mate 👍

[@psidvicious]

Fantastic video! I could watch him work with that leather and rawhide all day. I hope he never starts a YT channel, otherwise I might just do that! 🤜🤛

[@michaelsmirnov1469]

Steve..you are amazing

[@kristinraabe6887]

Beautiful craftsmanship! Really intresting. Thanks for sharing!

[@recommendedforyou_]

Such an awesome video thank you!

[@dannysantos1266]

So talented. Very nice.

[@franferrario7425]

What a great video. When I was young all estancieros (vaqueros) knew this fine art, they were more rudimental. Now days I am sad that they didn't transmit there knowledge to us. In rainy day the would go to the stables and handcraft lazos and bozales and I would get to see them work but could no disturb or ask questions. Now days there's no one to teach us in Paraguay. Hope you but more videos and teach as you always do. Have a nice day Mr. and continue your hard work. Great team father and son. Really the family 💪👌👍

[@eugeneleroux2513]

What an amazing video. Well done!

[@skelitalmisfit12]

Great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@tinoyb9294]

So much great information in this video!!! Thank you!

[@chrisclements1169]

Outstanding vid.

[@vaqueroroping]

Amazing - great skill !

[@saxman7131]

I’ve never braided but I do tie Turks head and other decorative knots. Love your work.