Minor score for those who put up with me regularly: I need to put the piece of cowhide into its dressing and get a staking knife — the cowhide is thick and dense enough that it can't be softened without treatment and a LOT of force… for which a belt knife is simply insufficient.

The horsehide, otoh, has started beautifully, and I may be able to get it done today. A nice excuse to sit outside in the shade while people with better tans than me soak up the sun.