Cowboyin'

[Horsewright]

A while back we had a discussion about cowboys and cowboying. Thought this might be of interest to some.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Gather-and-Processing-at-El-Rancho-Dos-Markus

 

[S.Alexander]

Thanks for posting that Dave. It's interesting to see the variety of lifestyles lived by us knife makers.

 

[Robert Erickson]

Thanks for sharing Dave. That's really cool to see!

 

[Bigfattyt]

Here is my older boy on the left in the blue sweatshirt holding the rear leg.







My lovely wife tagging ears.















Some cows eyeing the cutting tools.

 

[Horsewright]

You're welcome guys! Bigfattyt thanks for posting those pics! Its interesting to see how things can be done differently and get the same results. Talking specifically aobut restraining the calf by pushing pulling the hind legs. I've seen that in pics but never in person. here's one of the ways we do it.

One of my mentors use to say: "I've been to lots of places and they all do it differently BUT they all get it done". He was still cowboying in his mid 90s when he passed away. I made most of the knives used at our branding but not all. Guess I'm gonna have to work harder. Here's a few:

Salty using Steve's knife starting to cut the end of the sack. Alabama dammascus at 60 RC heat treated by Peters. 2.75" hollowground blade. Mammoth tooth on the handle and brass bolster.

Noah's knife. Damascus again with some really highly figured Cocobolo.

Steve wearing his.

Easton's knife. Ironwood and 1095.

 

[Bigfattyt]

So, do you keep the leg ropes on while you cut and brand them?

 

[Horsewright]

Yes sir. Normal size calf, we'll head first then the heeler will come in and pick up both heels. The heeler will lead the parade over to the fire. Then the ground crew will tail the calf down. If the calf has slipped one heel free you pull the tail to the side that is roped. If both heels are caught you can pull either way. If its a real big calf or an adult that we have to doctor or something we'll catch a front foot too. Once the calf is down one end is secured first, the legs are crossed the loop is placed above the ankles the roper will get very short (close to the calf 10 ft or so) and then re dally on the horn holding the legs off the ground. Then the other end is done. To struggle the calf has to push against the ground with its hooves. So its not so much stretching the calf out that secures it its holding its feet off the ground so it can't struggle.

 

[William Schrade]

Thanks Dave, Had the privilege of growing up on a dairy farm here in the 50's. Sad to say most of them are gone now. Ct. isn't friendly to farms or any business for that matter. Nice to see your heritage passed on to the next generation.