K9NOZ

 Biothane Connections for the (Scent-) Discriminating Canine

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What is BIOTHANE?

Biothane is a trade marked patented artificial material with the feel, and, if you want, the look of leather, but without most of the problems associated with leather.

Biothane is strong, durable, and pliable. It comes in various widths, thicknesses, and colors. It is low maintenance (I personally like that). When it gets wet, it dries with no ill effects. If it gets muddy or pooped-on or pee-ed on, simply wash it with soap and water and wipe it dry. Want to disinfect it? Wipe it with diluted Clorox  solution (rinse it well, as Clorox is not particularly good for you or your dog. It's just better than the microorganisms that might be there. Also, Clorox is alkaline and gives almost anything a slick or slippery feel - not good. Again rinse well) Biothane leads don't get snagged on the briars and brambles we have here, and they don't tend to tangle as badly as rope.

The folks at the manufacturing plant tell be that it gets brittle at -56 Degrees Farenheit. Thats -49 Celsius, and that in flippin' COLD. If you are out with your dog in that kind of weather, you are far more dedicated than I am. I tend grumble when we get a call out in the 20's.

Biothane is also a very strong product. The manufacturer tells me that it is rated at 500 pounds per inch of width. Of course, if you put a hole in it for a brad or a snap, you weaken it by somewhat more than just the width of the hole. Sewing doesn't do that which is why I sew mine. It isn't quite as pretty, but it is stronger. When the safety of my dog is at stake I'll trade a bit of "pretty" for a bit more strength and security.

Colors and widths

 Biothane is available is a range of colors and widths. For SAR work I find that 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch works best

Black and the brown Biothane looks like leather, and until recently they were the long line color of choice for me. I find that I like the high visibility of the bright orange stuff. A brown or black line is too easy to lose in tall grass or woods. right now I have  in stock

  • fluorescent orange,
  • fluorescent yellow,
  • fluorescent lime green,
  • brown,
  • blue-gray, 
  • dark blue,
  • buish purple,
  • dark green,
  • black.

This changes depending on what I buy and what I sell.

There is also a pimpled Biothane called SureGrip. It is thicker and has a somewhat 'rubbery' feel. It gives a much improved grip (hence the name). In this I have only Black.

If you have a big dog who pulls hard, you might consider SureGrip. Due to its weight, I do not recommend a length of more than 15 feet (~5 m). If your trails are mostly in woods or brush, I would steer clear of Sure grip. It does not slide easily around the trees and you will spend more time untangling your line than trailing your dog.

Where do I get it?

I make gear for friends and colleagues.

For prices and for answers to any other questions you may have, feel free to contact me, Bud Rogers, at K9NOZ@Yahoo.Com or at Bud@K9NOZ.COM

   

 

Longlines, leashes, and the occasional other

odd item in Biothane and Nylon Webbing .

Copyright 2007 by Bud Rogers