How to Read A Cow Hide

[redsquid2]

I have read in other threads, that leather will stretch from back- to- belly, but not from head- to- tail. Also, that the belly is stretchier in general than the back.

I have trouble telling which side is which.

I am guessing that the "peninsula" looking thing is the left leg, so, in my picture: the top of the picture is closer to the neck, and the bottom is closer to the tail. The left of the picture is closer to the belly, and the right is closer to the back/ spine. Now just watch: I probably have it backwards.

Thanks if you can help.

Andy

 

[Mudbug007]

Although I think you're correct, look at the thickness of the leather. The 'shoulder' area will be thicker than the belly.

 

[Leethal Cutlery]

You might try sending a pm to Mr. Paul Long (sheathmaker) If anyone could tell you itd be him.

 

[Dixieblade57]

I have read in other threads, that leather will stretch from back- to- belly, but not from head- to- tail. Also, that the belly is stretchier in general than the back.

I have trouble telling which side is which.

I am guessing that the "peninsula" looking thing is the left leg, so, in my picture: the top of the picture is closer to the neck, and the bottom is closer to the tail. The left of the picture is closer to the belly, and the right is closer to the back/ spine. Now just watch: I probably have it backwards.

Thanks if you can help.

Andy

Left to right! Sorry I couldn't resist!

The "peninsula" looking thing is more than likely a leg, however determining the direction from there can be tricky! Hides are cut, treated and sold as too get maximum use-age from the hide. If for some reason the hide had been damaged it may be oddly shaped and what you think may be a leg is not!
Here are some links that may help to answer your question:
http://www.waterhouseleather.com/leather_buying_guide.htm
http://www.leathersmithdesigns.com/leathercraft-leather-hides.htm

 

[redsquid2]

Left to right! Sorry I couldn't resist!
The "peninsula" looking thing is more than likely a leg, however determining the direction from there can be tricky! Hides are cut, treated and sold as too get maximum use-age from the hide. If for some reason the hide had been damaged it may be oddly shaped and what you think may be a leg is not!
Here are some links that may help to answer your question:
http://www.waterhouseleather.com/leather_buying_guide.htm
http://www.leathersmithdesigns.com/leathercraft-leather-hides.htm

Thanks, the links were helpful.