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Rawhide 101: How Rawhide is Made, Its Uses, and the History Behind It

Rawhide 101: How Rawhide is Made, Its Uses, and the History Behind It

What, exactly, is rawhide? Rawhide is a stiff and strong animal skin that has not been tanned- it has actually just been de-haired and cured. It is made by scraping the skin slim, soaking it in lime, and then extending it while it dries.

Rawhide is stiffer and more brittle than other forms of natural leather. It is often used for drum heads or western furniture where it does not need to flex significantly. It can additionally be cut into strips for lacing or sewing, or for making numerous types of dog chews or bones.

Rawhide has been used for various purposes for thousands of years. In primitive times, people utilized animal hides to make clothing, shoes, and other useful items. As civilizations developed, the use of rawhide came to be even more prevalent, and it was utilized to make a wide range of goods such as armor, furnishings, and bags.

In Native American cultures, rawhide was used thoroughly to create tipis, moccasins, and drums. The rawhide was extended over a frame to dry, leading to a resilient, waterproof material that was suitable for outdoor use.

Throughout the Middle Ages, shields and footwear for knights and soldiers were made with rawhide. The tough and durable product was additionally used to make leather bindings for books, which were extremely valued for their resilience and longevity.

In the 19th century, the American West saw a rise in the use of rawhide, as cowboys utilized it to make ropes, whips, and other equipment for ranches. Rawhide was additionally utilized to create other horse equipment and accessories which were vital for working on the range.

Today, rawhide is still used for a variety of objectives. Here are a few of the most typical uses of rawhide:

Musical instruments: Rawhide is typically used to form drumheads for drums, tambourines, and other percussion instruments. The material is recognized for its unique sound and responsiveness.

Tack: Rawhide continues to be used in the manufacturing of ropes and other horse tack.

Furniture: Rawhide can be used to develop one-of-a-kind furnishings items, such as lampshades, chairs, and footstools.

Arts and crafts: Rawhide is a prominent material for different craft projects, such as leather braiding and dreamcatchers braiding.

The product's toughness and sturdiness continue to make it a popular option for various applications, and it also endures as a significant part of history and society.

At Leather Unlimited, we are proud to continue the tradition of rawhide. We offer a notable rawhide collection featuring rawhide circles, rawhide lace, and quality hides from deer, buffalo, goats, and cows. 
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