What is this leather called?

[Tom1340]

This leather "sheath" helps secure the lever release on my mini forestay. I recall my surveyor (5 yrs ago) called it something like "a moosehide", but I can't find any references to such an item on the internet. Does anyone know the correct name? Does anyone know how to properly recondition one? Thanks, tom

[boatman61]

The term Moose hide is the animal it came from.. a good leather wax liberally applied and worked in should return its former suppleness.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Tom1340

This leather "sheath" helps secure the lever release on my mini forestay. I recall my surveyor (5 yrs ago) called it something like "a moosehide", but I can't find any references to such an item on the internet. Does anyone know the correct name? Does anyone know how to properly recondition one? Thanks, tom

Elk. Elk hide.

You can find elk hide steering wheel (helm) covers online.
Or you can find tanned elk hide skins to cut for custom shapes.

[Cheechako]

For smaller pieces you may find some from a good traditional sail maker.

[AndyEss]

Just don't go around asking to see some new moose knuckles

[Tom1340]

Elk hide!! I knew it was the epidermal layer of a large animal. Thank you steady hand.

[JPA Cate]

Tom, that hide has a "rough out" finish. Sometimes cow hide is available from leather supply companies, and you can use that to make your own. If you are inexperienced sewing leather by hand, it will help you to mark where you want the needle to go through, till you develop the muscle memory to make even enough stitches. Crafts shops usually carry leather punches with which you can make holes in advance, if the leather is too thick for you to drive the needle through without a pre-punched hole.

That particular one is chafing gear, for what it covers. Some people used to cover their turnbuckles (with the cotter pins) with chafe gear, too, to protect the jib sheets; however, it also retains moisture and then you cannot visually inspect them. Jim and I used to use pvc pipe, which you just push up to inspect the rigging screws. Any where you want it to be easier on sails or hands is a point where you can use it.

Ann