Cheers TP (ya cheeky bugger
), getting a good start to a "half -round 6" using flat stuff and knowing when to make the odd well timed twist just takes a little practice but a roll of thong is pretty cheap and you always find a use for offcuts. Just plug away at it, almost anyone can make almost anything I reckon. It is shiny though and came out JUST how I wanted
Roo thong is oddly smooth yet pliable in comparison to cow or goat hide so the stuff handles a lot like nylon braiding. Although you want to be pretty sure to get it all sorted before you give it the final stretch and tension treatment of dragging it over a smooth edge under high tension, this "seats" the braids. Was oiled after braiding to make sure things bite into each other properly on the inside. mainly for protection from the drizzle I sometimes get up on my hill for a week straight.
The pouch switchbacking would be useless in "para" or nylon stuff but the leather bites really nicely and after 4 dozen test shots, needed no rearranging at all. I made it a bit slim as I have moved towards smaller, more accurate shots but it handles big stuff easily too. I plan to make a solid leather pouch, braided from one strip of roohide using double "secret plait" techniques, should be nice. Also plan to start a hollow braid in front of a restraining loop to hold a small bone or hardwood fid for repairs. Swiss army sling, haha. With a sunburn.
That one sits nicely around my neck tucked into my shirt when I walk around,I intend it to be my "carrying" sling.
It works a treat, extremely responsive and is at home in my little biome, which is important to me.