Welcome to another edition of “Meet the Makers,” a series where we dive into the lives and crafts of those who shape the equipment we use every day in the western industry. Today, we spotlight Douglas Krause, a man whose talent in leatherwork and mecate ropemaking is as profound as his journey into the craft.

The Early Years: Discovering a Passion for Leather and Ropes

Douglas Krause’s story begins in Weezer, Idaho, 1957, where he was born into a family far removed from the cowboy lifestyle that would later define him. It wasn’t until moving to the Hanging Ranch in Evergreen, Colorado, where Douglas, influenced by his father’s love for horses and the outdoors, began his journey into the world of cowboy crafts. Despite his father’s more western lifestyle, it was Douglas who took to the saddle, engaging deeply with every aspect of cowboy life, from horseback riding to leather crafting.

The Art of Making: Saddles, Mecates, and Silver Work

Douglas’s professional journey into leatherwork started in 1981 with a saddle-making apprenticeship in Wyoming, a defining period that lasted four years. Post-apprenticeship, his return to Colorado marked a new chapter where he expanded his craft beyond saddles to include personalized leather items and intricate silver work. His passion for ‘repose and chase,’ a European style of silver crafting, showcases his commitment to evolving his artistry. However, it’s his saddle making, particularly cowboy saddles, that remains his favorite.

Acquiring a Legacy: The Mecate Business

A significant turn in Douglas’s career came in 1995 when he purchased the mecate-making business from Blind Bob Mills, a renowned ropemaker. The transition wasn’t just about acquiring physical assets but also about mastering unique techniques, especially since Blind Bob was visually impaired and had a distinctive way of working. Learning to twist ropes using equipment designed by Blind Bob, Douglas honed his skills through trial, error, and a homemade video tutorial left behind by Bob’s family.

Challenges and Triumphs in Ropemaking

Douglas Krause’s craft involves more than just creating functional pieces; it’s about infusing each creation with a sense of the maker’s soul. Over the years, he has mastered the delicate balance of thread tightness and strand composition, ensuring each rope feels right to its user. His meticulousness extends to obtaining horsehair, a primary material in his mecates, sourced internationally due to changes in U.S. regulations.

A Continuing Legacy

Today, Douglas Krause not only continues to build on Blind Bob’s legacy but also pushes the boundaries of his craft. His story is a testament to the dedication required to sustain traditional crafts in modern times. Each piece Douglas creates is not merely a product but a piece of history, crafted with a respect for tradition and an eye for innovation.

In “Meet the Makers,” we celebrate not just the skills that individuals like Douglas bring to their crafts but also their personal journeys and the stories embedded in each twist of rope and cut of leather. Join us next time as we continue to explore the lives of those who keep the spirit of the western lifestyle alive through their dedication and artistry. Shop Douglas’s work HERE