Side Button Tutorial

In this video, I describe how I learned to tie the "side button" (AKA headhunter knot) from watching one of Jack Armstrong's videos a couple years ago. This is a knot that I use often on my bosals as the knot to hold the hanger in place. In this video, I am using it for small buttons on a set of reins.
*If you are interested in donating to support the free videos I create for rawhiding, please send me a message on one of my social media platforms (Facebook or Instagram). Thank you for your support!*

[@nickblaylock5115]

I couldn’t ever figure out how to make the Mexican swivel Honda until I watched your video
I make them all the time now
Glad your back at it

[@RawhideEli]

Glad to hear it helped you figure that one out! Good to be back

[@shellback7]

Hi Eli,
I would have liked a closer look at this side button while you were doing it, but I have a general idea. Thanks for doing these videos. I always like to see a craftsman at work. Take care.

[@RawhideEli]

I'll try to make sure we get a little closer to the button on the following videos so you have a better view. Thanks for the feedback!

[@davidhadland3183]

Great tutorial Eli,
Thankyou

[@RawhideEli]

Glad you think it's decent!

[@mikeingram2434]

Watching your videos generated my interest in braiding. Would like to see a close up video on how you do the string end interweave after making turnbacks. I still struggle with doing that abd making it look smooth.

[@karstenrenaerts987]

Thanks Eli.

[@RawhideEli]

You're welcome

[@jobquijada9496]

Yes, please continue uploading videos. Your videos help a lot Eli!!! I am trying to buy the book "TRENZAS GAUCHAS" my dad has the virtue of braiding rawhide. But not me lol. but I know some braids. 4,6 and 8 strings!!! And I am making a JENSEN STRING CUTTER tool by myself to do a better job! JUST I WANT TO KNOW ELI! HOW DO YOU GET THAT COLOR IN THE RAWHIDE? Thank you, greetings and blessings to you and family from Sonora Mx👊👍✌️🙌

[@RawhideEli]

I mix a dye of 3 tablespoons instant coffee to 1 liter of water. Soak totally dry rawhide in the mixture for 24-48 hours. It'll turn a color similar to that. Each hide may be a slightly different shade of brown at the end.

[@jobquijada9496]

Thank you Sr. Saludos y bendiciones👍👍🙌

[@BigLoopHorsemanship]

Hey Eli I’ve been watching your videos quite a while now, so thank you for the access to the knowledge. I’m moving over to rawhide and notice in this video you have colored strings. What’s your method for dying?

[@RawhideEli]

@@BigLoopHorsemanship dry your strings out completely. Make a mixture of strong coffee. I use instant coffee. Soak your strings or sogas in the mixture for 24 hours. Rinse in cool water until the water runs totally clear. Let dry completely, then re-temper and soap for braiding.

[@BigLoopHorsemanship]

@@RawhideEli thank you. Your videos have been taught me so much, hope to run into you at a gathering someday. Thanks for everything.

[@RawhideEli]

@@BigLoopHorsemanship my pleasure! Glad they've been helpful.

[@lgronseth9890]

Thanks for the video. Much appreciated. What material are you using for your foundation button and what is the width of the foundation button compared to the finished rawhide button?

[@RawhideEli]

I don't measure the width of the foundation or the finished button to be honest. I do a trial run with whatever string I want to use to figure out how many bights I need to cover the foundations and go from there. Sometimes, the strings may need an adjustment to get them to cover just right. As far as the material of the foundation, this was done with cotton string and contact cement.

[@jesusmunox9296]

thanks for your time. Could you sell me rawhide or where can I buy it. ???