Handmade dog leads may not be the first thing you think of when considering what kinds of projects rigging materials can be used in, however Bob Marshall of Bob Doggo Leads in Maryland has an entire inventory of examples to contradict our first thought!
Bob tagged us on Instagram in several photos of his handmade dog leads, showing exquisite craftsmanship and commitment to upcycling materials. He’s ingeniously incorporating our stainless swivel and fixed eye snaps in different sizes, allowing for a wider range of leads to put together. It’s no secret we love seeing your projects, so we emailed Bob for more info on his leads! Read below for what he has to say about his bespoke dog leads!
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Tell us a little bit about you/your company/your bespoke handiwork.
I love dogs and spend so much time walking them on trails, streets and beaches. Bobdoggoleads (BDL) started as an idea to repurpose used sail line, climbing rope and hardware for leashes. Make one-of-a-kind leashes and leads. Friends and family loved the finished products, repurposed resources, and innovative hardware.
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Tell us about the project execution. How do you decide what material to use?
Dog leashes take a beating due to hard use and salt water. I source used line and rope and match each leash with sturdy tying materials and hardware. The hardware component consists of repurposed marine brass or new stainless steel “snaps”. Bringing the three together using proven production techniques (hand tying) results in unique and sturdy bond to our k9 friends.
What was your original idea and how do the finished projects compare?
BDL was born using a length of my kids used climb rope and used nautical hardware. I didn’t like “mass-produced” leashes on the market and saw value in repurposing and matching rugged materials. Each finished leash has its roots in the original made six years ago.How did you come across E-Rigging.com?
Living on the East Coast, my leashes are heavily exposed to salt air and water. Earlier leashes incorporated off-the-shelf hardware that did not hold up well to hard use and they rusted. Two friends in the sailing community recommended E-Rigging for sturdy, stainless steel hardware. I began incorporating E-Rigging marine products four years ago and have never looked back.-
What products did you buy from us and how did they help with your project(s)?
I regularly order Stainless Swivel Eye Snaps, Quick Snaps, Fixed Eye Snaps and 70mm Quick Release swivel shackles. The E-Rigging hardware has proven to be exactly what I needed from original testing through today. Not only does the hardware meet high demand, but it also looks great and offers a high level of confidence for me and people using BDL leashes.
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Where can we cross-promote you/your company/your social media or website?
Good question. Instagram- @bobdoggoleads_bdl / bobleadesbdl@gmail.com are the places to find me!
Thank you, Bob, for sharing your custom work with us. We’re inspired by your creativity, and we’re ecstatic to be part of the journey. Be sure to let us know when you branch out in your handiwork!
If you have a project you’d like to see on our Project of the Month blog, send in your photos and a short write up here!
