Brian McDonald Hoods

[GriffMJ]

Hi All

Another classic hood maker from the USA... Brian McDonald. Here is one of his Slijper Hoods (Original Pattern)..... just class:!: Probably made in the early 90's... I just love this one.... I will be making it for myself :D


Brian McDonald (http://www.m-jhoods.co.uk/Original/BMac.htm)
http://www.m-jhoods.co.uk/images/McDonald/BM1.JPG

[Ben C]

how has he done that surface???

[GriffMJ]

how has he done that surface???

Easy if you know how :D :supz:

[Tim Laycock]

how has he done that surface???

Tooled it

[Game & Pursuit Falcon UK]

Tooled it
There was no need for that type of language BB. LOL

[Ben C]

Well of course but have you got a picture of the 'type' of tool....how hard does he hit it, is the pattern worked out before...etc etc

[SakerJack]

Blackbird, you are correct.
Ben C.
Go to your local Tandy leather store, there you will find over a hundred styles of tools that can easily make the design you want. Use proper tooling leather, (this is very important as most other leathers will not hold the design well) say 2.5-4oz depending on the size of the hood. You dampen it with a water bottle, sponge let set for a minute or two then with rubber mallet in hand away you go.. It does take practice to learn what the right leather conditions tool the best but after awhile it will become a breeze. The hard part is trying to think up Original designs of your own.
Sakerjack
Ken Hooke
Falconry Hoods International

[GriffMJ]

Its always a good idea to plan a design and have it drwn out prior to executing it ...there are various leather punch tools used on the design. there is a real skill to leather carving and tooling. I purchased videos from the US to see how they do it.... and it IS a real art... and not easy:!: But as you can see from that hood ...the effects can be stunning if carried out properly :D

[SakerJack]

To all!! save your money on the videos and DVD's on tooling stamping, they are a waste, buy better leather. Ask the store Manager to demonstrate how the tools work and what is the correct leather and how wet..You will learn nothing that 2 hours of practice on some ****, but correct tooling leather can offer..
It is an ART, I tool all the hoods I make and sell, and create new techniques almost daily..
The most important thing and this IS the art, is to get the tooling to STAND OUT and offer another dimension to the hood..
It certainly takes practice and lots of it but the actual tooling of the leather is very basic.
To make the designs even on both side of the hood get tracing paper, create the chosen design, trace onto 1/2 side of the hood with a pencil, then reverse and do the same on the other side
Sakerjack
Ken Hooke
Falconry Hoods International

[GriffMJ]

Has this thread just become an advert?

[SakerJack]

Ben C asked how to make the designs on the BMhood, I told him how it was done. I added that I tool all my hoods and that it does takes practice.. Nothing more.
Sakerjack
Ken Hooke
Falconry Hoods International

[SakerJack]

I put a call in with John Moran, the pictures of Brian"s hoods were from the mid 70's, to early 80's. Brian along with Gene Johnson and of course John Moran were among the early pioneers of hoodmaking in the US in the 70's and 80's. Another legend was Minard Stevens who has an exhibit along with K Mollens at the University of Las Vegas. Clayton Smith came along a bit later.
Sakerjack
Ken Hooke
Falconry Hoods International

[Osiris]

very nice. would be good in different leather colour tho... nice pattern work too!

[GriffMJ]

Hi All

This is my attempt at a Brian MacDonald copy :) Just prior to highlighting with paint ... I shall post up the completed hood tomorrow....

http://www.m-jhoods.co.uk/images/McDonald/BMDC1.JPG

http://www.m-jhoods.co.uk/images/McDonald/BMDC2.JPG

[Matt]

very swish
im not kissing your arse griff and god knows we have our diferances but i realy think you hood is better made and crafted.

[Tim Laycock]

Different throat lash/chin strap.

Cant acuratly comment on which is better as one is beaten up and the other is brand new

[Falconry Equipment International]

looks tome as if this guy may have had something to do with western belt or even saddle making? anyone know of this?

[Matt]

i think griffs looks lighter and more delicatly embosed the tool work looks better i think than the original looks much heavyer leather (thick kip?)

i know wich one i would want on my bird !!
i dont like the braces on either hood tho they look cheap and not so well thought out.
its all a personal preferance i spose

[GriffMJ]

Hi all

Second attempt... fully lined hood with Dutch hood style sewn in throat strap and Deck :D Size 53S (Saker or Gos Fem)

http://www.m-jhoods.co.uk/images/McDonald/TooledSH1.JPG

http://www.m-jhoods.co.uk/images/McDonald/TooledSH2.JPG

[MitchellBrad]

I've got a couple of Brian's old dutch hoods. If you have any questions call him. I think Brian rejoined NAFA not long ago.

I grew up not far from where Brian lived in Manassas VA.

[Wilfred]

Hi all

Second attempt... fully lined hood with Dutch hood style sewn in throat strap and Deck :D Size 53S (Saker or Gos Fem)

[CENTER]http://www.m-jhoods.co.uk/images/McDonald/TooledSH1.JPG



I can not wait to receive that one :-). It is for my female altai saker :-)