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Momma says, “Pretty is as pretty does!” Hello! My name is Greg Howe, founder of Raptor Art Unlimited. Perfection is my goal. And, although true perfection is unachievable that’s what I strive for with every hood I build. My Dutch hoods are made only from the finest materials available, cut from the finest tooling calf (2-3 oz. for small to medium-sized hawks up to 4 oz. for large hawks, falcons and eagles, using Rollins/Hawkmasters blocks and patterns for the most exact fit possible. I use only kangaroo braces because of their smooth action and legendary durability, plus I’m a traditionalist. I just can’t help it. I also see beauty in function. After all if any product does not serve its purpose it’s useless. For a hood to serve its purpose it must do three very important things. 1. A hood must be light-tight. That’s why all my hoods are sewn with a double saddle stitch at 11 stitches per inch, waxed and tightened each and every stitch and back sewn at the start and finish of every run. 2. A hood must be durable. (After all they are built with the intention of being used every day.) That’s why I use only the finest materials, sewn and blocked with the greatest care to give you years of daily use. 3. A hood must be comfortable. That means proper fit and light weight. For instance, my large hen red-tailed hawk hoods weigh only 16 grams on average. Nothing will make a bird hood shy quicker than an ill fitting hood – assuming good hooding techniques. Oh! I almost forgot! There is a fourth thing. (Assuming a hood has the first three qualities.) A hood should also be a thing of beauty - a true work of art. I can dye your hood in any color pattern you want. I also offer my hoods with embossed highlights in gold, silver, bronze and copper – even on the braces. (You don’t see that on Gore-tex.) Eyepieces that are dyed, embossed, or covered with various cloths including velvet and for the blue-collared falconer like me, even denim. I also offer a selection of exotic skins such as snake and lizard in select colors. So, take a look at the pictures of some of the hoods I’ve built and let me know what you think. Prices start at only $60.00 up to $120.00 for the works. Call or email for eagle hood pricing. If you decide to order, I’ll need to know the species, sex and weight of the bird I’m crafting for. Right now turn around time is about 2 weeks. Prices: 1 color, just
leather $60.00 The works $120.00
Thank you for your patronage. I’m sure you will be pleased. That’s why I sign “Howe” on the inside of every hood I build. Sincerely, Gregory W. Howe P. S. Mamma’s always right! Email at: raptorartunlimited@yahoo.com |
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