The slits look too big in comparison to the size of the jesses. Other than that, Your design and form of the Jess looks right in the pics. True test is someone with experience getting their hands on it and testing the material. For now , aesthetically, you did a fine job on your first set and you get points for trying to make your own as well.
It is good to have an end to Journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the End. - Ernest Hemingway
Post by Falcon Boy on Mar 29, 2014 14:19:33 GMT -5
The size of the slit will depend on what style/size of swivel you use. For instance, the "british" D style swivels usually require a bigger slit than the sampos. In regards to the slit, its probably fine about where it is. It's nice to have a little "tab" of leather that you can pull to loosen the swivel from the jesses. The key to it to make it short enough where it doesn't interfere with the swivels swiveling, and it's tough to tell size from a picture. I think they look great for a first set!
Falcon Boy Apprentice Falconry Administrator
Ethics make the individual, not the other way around.
Go with bullet jesses they are simple to make if you have the right tools all you need is, pliers, a metal snip, and a shelf grinder to get the job done. I was taught how to make them by the man who started the idea but developed my own style overtime. It takes 20 minutes to make the jesses and the leash combined without a swivle and its tangle proof. Plus they are so easy to attach and remove for the falconer but practically impossible for the hawk to get loose.
Go with bullet jesses they are simple to make if you have the right tools all you need is, pliers, a metal snip, and a shelf grinder to get the job done. I was taught how to make them by the man who started the idea but developed my own style overtime. It takes 20 minutes to make the jesses and the leash combined without a swivle and its tangle proof. Plus they are so easy to attach and remove for the falconer but practically impossible for the hawk to get loose.
You know Jim Caughlin ?
Don't make billet jesses for your hawks first jesses. Work with your sponsor and improve the traditional style to your liking and usage.
The REAL caughlin jesses are fantastic but take some getting used to and aren't exactly easy on a hawk with the propensity to foot you.
It is good to have an end to Journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the End. - Ernest Hemingway
Yes met him more than a few times in one of my travels back when the bullet jess wasn't famous at all. I wouldn't use jim's style of bullet jesses for a new bird. Don't know if you heard about jhon Lejeune but he has come up with a style like no other. It's completely fool proof and can be used for any animal.
I prefer jhon Lejeune's style as it's more light wieght and easier to work with it only requires copper pipe, paracord, and half inch pvc pipe to make. Jim's style is a bit clumsy for new hawks and even for new falconers
I will try to make a tutorial the next time I make some and post it up on this site. My style is the easiest, but you use it at your own risk as it requires close attention every couple of times you use It to make sure it hasn't been damaged. But other than that it's fool proof I used 1 pair for 3 years so far. Only make new ones for the new hawks or falcons. Repairing it is as simple as blinking an eye.
I use Jim's and love them. Easy to get in to the grommet and quick to release when needed. What I use is the bullet leash and don't use jesses while flying . I'm not recommending this to any new apprentices it's just how I do things during my hunts... Still a big proponent of leather jesses for new apprentices and newly trapped hawks.
Jim's Bullet Jesses are the only ones i would use . There's been plenty of failure complaints about the other designs.
It is good to have an end to Journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the End. - Ernest Hemingway
Jims are wonderful and yes I hate flying with jesses but everyone has something that suits their needs in the end. Apprentices should always go with what their teachers tell them tho
