"Keiger" Dutch Hood

[sakerjack]

Here is my new style Dutch hood. I bought a hood on e-bay from Montana falconer and hoodmaker Gerald Geiger. The hood was very well made and it was similar to the Chinook Dennis Maynes Dutch pattern, yet different. I tweeked Dennis' pattern and then added Geralds little twist being the throat slash.
Gerald's hood is one of my favourites of my collection.

[California Native]

That's a great look Ken, with a design almost like a Arab-Syrian-Dutch cross.

Gerald made me four hoods around 1985. They looked and fit so well. Their shape allowed the hood to slip further onto the head if the falcons shook their heads. The design of those hoods then, reminded me of the style used when Bob Martin was making hoods. I believe that Jack Stoddart may know if Bob was using a particular block and pattern then and if Gerald used the same block and pattern. Maybe Jack will add some history to this.

Dan

[sakerjack]

That's a great look Ken, with a design almost like a Arab-Syrian-Dutch cross.

Gerald made me four hoods around 1985. They looked and fit so well. Their shape allowed the hood to slip further onto the head if the falcons shook their heads. The design of those hoods then, reminded me of the style used when Bob Martin was making hoods. I believe that Jack Stoddart may know if Bob was using a particular block and pattern then and if Gerald used the same block and pattern. Maybe Jack will add some history to this.

Dan

Thank you Dan. The hood I got from Gerald is one of my favourites of my collection that is over 150. Well made and I really liked the look of it. I have photos of a Bob Martin hood but alas I do not have one of his hoods. One day maybe..

[gos'n]

Slick hood Ken. Always nice to see something different.

[California Native]

Thank you Dan. The hood I got from Gerald is one of my favourites of my collection that is over 150. Well made and I really liked the look of it. I have photos of a Bob Martin hood but alas I do not have one of his hoods. One day maybe..

Ken,

Bob now lives in Montana. He talks of getting another falcon but I don't know if he has. A friend here has one of his hand carved wooden blocks and a hood. When Bob stopped making hoods is when my friend got the hood and block. Long time ago now.

Dan

[sakerjack]

Just finished I think these colors show off the hood better

[passagejack]

Nice hood Ken! I've seen one of Geralds hoods years ago. It fit well and had a very interesting
cut to it. I liked it!

[falcon56]

Just finished I think these colors show off the hood better

Ken,
Just wondering what the point is of the lacing. Gerald does it because he can't sew piping of either kind because of arthritis in his fingers and the lacing was a throwback to Mavro and Luff Meredith patterns. Seems to be extra work on your part and serves no function. You make such beautifully crafted hoods, the pattern of this hood itself, plus all the intricate tooling would stand by itself without the lacing. Personally, I think it detracts from the obvious aesthetics. Just one mans opinion.

[sakerjack]

Nice hood Ken! I've seen one of Geralds hoods years ago. It fit well and had a very interesting
cut to it. I liked it!

Thank you Jeremy.

[sakerjack]

Ken,
Just wondering what the point is of the lacing. Gerald does it because he can't sew piping of either kind because of arthritis in his fingers and the lacing was a throwback to Mavro and Luff Meredith patterns. Seems to be extra work on your part and serves no function. You make such beautifully crafted hoods, the pattern of this hood itself, plus all the intricate tooling would stand by itself without the lacing. Personally, I think it detracts from the obvious aesthetics. Just one mans opinion.

Hello Ray I appreciate your input. I did not realise Gerald has these problems. Why the lacing? I had been making a hood like the one shown for a few years but changed the style of my Dutch hood as I thought it was missing something. When I bought Gerald's hood on e-bay and saw photos of the hood I was bidding on I did not realize it had the lacing. When I opened the box and looked at his hood I went WOW that is what my hood was missing. I then said what would I do to make mine different,,, add the lacing and keep the neck piping. I like the "Old World Look" that the lacing gave my Khan hood and what it did for this hood.
There are so many things we hoodmakers put on a hood that really serve no function at all. Sewn center panels, leather rings, washers, beads, tooling, multi colored hoods etc. Why do we add these, to add our personal touch to a hood and to make our hood unique.
Hey we all have opinions, I thank you for your kind comments,

[sakerjack]

Ken,
Just wondering what the point is of the lacing. Gerald does it because he can't sew piping of either kind because of arthritis in his fingers and the lacing was a throwback to Mavro and Luff Meredith patterns. Seems to be extra work on your part and serves no function. You make such beautifully crafted hoods, the pattern of this hood itself, plus all the intricate tooling would stand by itself without the lacing. Personally, I think it detracts from the obvious aesthetics. Just one mans opinion.

Hello F56,, I am making another and will make it without the lacing. I received an order yesterday for one and he wanted it without the lacing and today I got an order for two with lacing. HMM maybe offer it as an option? You may be on to something.

[Pedioecetes]

Hi Ken,
I have a 3 piece pattern that Jim Weaver gave me in the late seventies. Bob Martin drew this pattern up to fit a gyrkin Jim was flying in the early seventies. I made a hood with that pattern for a gyrkin Jim gave me in '79 and I blocked it on a gyrkin hood mold that came my way from Bob Anderson in the early 70's and it fit the gyrkin very well. I have used that hood on two Prairies and just last year started using it on my Peregrine. The Prairies, a passage of mine and an eyas of my neighbour's, just didn't do well with a "normal" sized Prairie pattern and when I put the gyrkin hood on them they settled right down. Last year my Peregrine just wasn't happy with the hood I had used on her for six seasons, so one evening I put the gyrkin hood on her and once on she never scratches or shakes her head, so I've used it ever since. This gyrkin pattern was made for the gyrkin Jim had, who had some fit issues with previous hoods, but settled down as soon as this hood was used. Neither of the Prairies or the Peregrine have ever taken it off, which was my first thought. It, of course is, a bit bigger on the head but the neck opening is only slightly bigger than the previous hoods used. Pro hood makers would probably not concur, but I like this pattern and it molds out well on that block. I made a copy of the block 25 years ago for Dale G. and he has used it with a pattern of his for gyrkins, Prairies and a couple of hybrids.

[sakerjack]

Hi Ken,
I have a 3 piece pattern that Jim Weaver gave me in the late seventies. Bob Martin drew this pattern up to fit a gyrkin Jim was flying in the early seventies. I made a hood with that pattern for a gyrkin Jim gave me in '79 and I blocked it on a gyrkin hood mold that came my way from Bob Anderson in the early 70's and it fit the gyrkin very well. I have used that hood on two Prairies and just last year started using it on my Peregrine. The Prairies, a passage of mine and an eyas of my neighbour's, just didn't do well with a "normal" sized Prairie pattern and when I put the gyrkin hood on them they settled right down. Last year my Peregrine just wasn't happy with the hood I had used on her for six seasons, so one evening I put the gyrkin hood on her and once on she never scratches or shakes her head, so I've used it ever since. This gyrkin pattern was made for the gyrkin Jim had, who had some fit issues with previous hoods, but settled down as soon as this hood was used. Neither of the Prairies or the Peregrine have ever taken it off, which was my first thought. It, of course is, a bit bigger on the head but the neck opening is only slightly bigger than the previous hoods used. Pro hood makers would probably not concur, but I like this pattern and it molds out well on that block. I made a copy of the block 25 years ago for Dale G. and he has used it with a pattern of his for gyrkins, Prairies and a couple of hybrids.

Hello Bob, interesting. I like a hood that allows a bit more head room personally. I think how you block a hood makes a difference as I block my hoods very differently than most, if not all. If you ever want to share the pattern I will gladly make you a hood from it.
Ray well seemd you are correct I have had 7 orders for the Keiger hood, 4 with 3 without the lacing so I offer a choice now. Thanks again for your input.

[California Native]

Hello Bob, interesting. I like a hood that allows a bit more head room personally. I think how you block a hood makes a difference as I block my hoods very differently than most, if not all. If you ever want to share the pattern I will gladly make you a hood from it.
Ray well seemd you are correct I have had 7 orders for the Keiger hood, 4 with 3 without the lacing so I offer a choice now. Thanks again for your input.

Bob & Ken,

Interesting to read about a hood design that fits all of the species Bob mentions. How about posting a photo on this thread of that hood. Would be interesting to see ( if you can ? ) what makes the hood so comfortable for each species.
Currently, I am waiting for a pattern that Jack Stoddart told me about. It is an Anglo-Indian style made from a formula derived by a friend of Jack's. A man named Hulsey Ferrill. Hulsey took measurements from two Anglo-Indian hoods that Jack had in the latter 1960s and from there he created a formula much like that of Slijpers formula. This hood is said to fit Prairie Falcons well. I am eager to stitch one up and see its finished shape.

Dan

[Pedioecetes]

Hi Dan,
This pattern is not meant to be a one size fits all, of course. A pro hood maker would likely be rolling his eyes over me using it for what I mentioned. My criteria for hoods is that the bird is comfortable and can't get it off. I like good workmanship too. For the first six seasons my Peregrine wore a hood I bought from Ray Gilbertson when he, Dan Konkel and I went to the 89 NAFA meet together. I used it on a couple of other falcons before this one. It fit well, but I noticed this falcon starting to make issues with it at the start of the 7th season. Switched to the old gyrkin hood and no more issues so just kept using it. I suspect she just got tired of something. The hood was the same, I re-dyed it a few times and put new braces on it every year, but... Its still in good shape and could well be used again.

I made a lot of hoods in the 60's and 70's. Made some of my own blocks and patterns but for some reason haven't made more than a couple in the last 25 years. I was spoiled because my good friend Gerald Geiger used to send me hoods out of the kindness of his heart. I have two of the design the Keiger is derived from that he sent me for "Lucas", my tiercel Peregrine when he first started making them. Nice, light design that birds like to wear.

[Pedioecetes]

Hi Ken,
Been thinking about your offer---trade a hood for a pattern. Well, I don't really like that idea, its not fair. So, I will send you the pattern and a copy of that gyrkin mold for a hood. I will paint the mold over the next few days, I made it out of dental plaster, and get it in the mail. I think that is fairer, you are still doing way more than me to make this work. The block is not a perfect fit to the pattern, but I will explain what I modify when I send it.

Will try and send some pics onto this thread of that hood. I made it, as I said, in 1979 and its probably spent almost 10 seasons being used so it probably looks a bit rough compared to your work.

[Pedioecetes]

Snapshots of hood.
006.jpg

[Pedioecetes]

Wouldn't post together.
005.jpg

[sakerjack]

Hi Ken,
Been thinking about your offer---trade a hood for a pattern. Well, I don't really like that idea, its not fair. So, I will send you the pattern and a copy of that gyrkin mold for a hood. I will paint the mold over the next few days, I made it out of dental plaster, and get it in the mail. I think that is fairer, you are still doing way more than me to make this work. The block is not a perfect fit to the pattern, but I will explain what I modify when I send it.

Will try and send some pics onto this thread of that hood. I made it, as I said, in 1979 and its probably spent almost 10 seasons being used so it probably looks a bit rough compared to your work.

WOW,, I say that is a heck of a deal, thank you Bob.

[passagejack]

Bob.... could you post a picture of the hoods profile while closed? Thanks!

[falcon56]

Hi Dan,
This pattern is not meant to be a one size fits all, of course. A pro hood maker would likely be rolling his eyes over me using it for what I mentioned. My criteria for hoods is that the bird is comfortable and can't get it off. I like good workmanship too. For the first six seasons my Peregrine wore a hood I bought from Ray Gilbertson when he, Dan Konkel and I went to the 89 NAFA meet together. I used it on a couple of other falcons before this one. It fit well, but I noticed this falcon starting to make issues with it at the start of the 7th season. Switched to the old gyrkin hood and no more issues so just kept using it. I suspect she just got tired of something. The hood was the same, I re-dyed it a few times and put new braces on it every year, but... Its still in good shape and could well be used again.

I made a lot of hoods in the 60's and 70's. Made some of my own blocks and patterns but for some reason haven't made more than a couple in the last 25 years. I was spoiled because my good friend Gerald Geiger used to send me hoods out of the kindness of his heart. I have two of the design the Keiger is derived from that he sent me for "Lucas", my tiercel Peregrine when he first started making them. Nice, light design that birds like to wear.

Jeez, Bob, that's a pretty good unsolicited product endorsement, thanks. Tell Sandra I say hi.

[sakerjack]

Jeez, Bob, that's a pretty good unsolicited product endorsement, thanks. Tell Sandra I say hi.

Hello again Ray, how much did you pay Bob?? LOL

[falcon56]

I'm embarrassed to say not a "loonie" was exchanged. It would be less than fair not to offer Bob a gratis replacement for that 22 year old veteran though, seems it's been taken pretty good care of and it might be time to retire it on a shelf before it turns to dust. Bob, any preference as to size and color?

[sakerjack]

I'm embarrassed to say not a "loonie" was exchanged. It would be less than fair not to offer Bob a gratis replacement for that 22 year old veteran though, seems it's been taken pretty good care of and it might be time to retire it on a shelf before it turns to dust. Bob, any preference as to size and color?

Jeez a 22 year guarantee.... I QUIT.. Ray I will take 20 hoods, that should hold me forever. Female sakers, gyrs and med hen redtail. Thank you.

[falcon56]

Jeez a 22 year guarantee.... I QUIT.. Ray I will take 20 hoods, that should hold me forever. Female sakers, gyrs and med hen redtail. Thank you.

Sounds like you plan on living a long time, what's your secret?

[Pedioecetes]

Front view

[Pedioecetes]

Back view

[Pedioecetes]

Side view

[California Native]

Bob,

Thanks for the chance to see the hood. Interesting the beak shape was used in those years. I thought that shape came along much later. Flat bottom and tapered inward along the bottom. A tall looking hood. Other than that nothing is radically different to my eye.

Dan

D

[Pedioecetes]

Hi Dan,
The pattern from Bob Martin's gyrkin hood did not have a beak opening on it so I used one from a different pattern. Once the hood was on the falcon I realized it needed to be scooped down more so cut it lower with a "swooped" up curve at the corners, then it fit that guy real nice, so I made other hoods like it. Gerald Geiger and Ray Gilbertson also gave me patterns in that era. I asked Gerald about beak openings and he sent me tracings of all the beak openings he used and they were very similar to the one on this hood. That opening is also molded by several years of being on falcon's heads, so it is not completely like it would be flat on the pattern. I always made hood bottoms flat. I learned a lot from Bob Widmeier's article in the November 1954 issue of "Falconry News and Notes". Looking at the pictures I took I notice that over the years the corners under the braces have curved up. Originally they were flat too.

Sorry Ken, I hope I'm not wrecking your thread.

[passagejack]

Thanks for the extra pics Bob! I cut my hoods to a custom fit and wanted to compare. Looking at the cut of your hood I could see how a falcon would find it comfortable. IMO it has a few key elements that make for a good hood.

[sakerjack]

Hi Dan,
The pattern from Bob Martin's gyrkin hood did not have a beak opening on it so I used one from a different pattern. Once the hood was on the falcon I realized it needed to be scooped down more so cut it lower with a "swooped" up curve at the corners, then it fit that guy real nice, so I made other hoods like it. Gerald Geiger and Ray Gilbertson also gave me patterns in that era. I asked Gerald about beak openings and he sent me tracings of all the beak openings he used and they were very similar to the one on this hood. That opening is also molded by several years of being on falcon's heads, so it is not completely like it would be flat on the pattern. I always made hood bottoms flat. I learned a lot from Bob Widmeier's article in the November 1954 issue of "Falconry News and Notes". Looking at the pictures I took I notice that over the years the corners under the braces have curved up. Originally they were flat too.

Sorry Ken, I hope I'm not wrecking your thread.

Not wrecking at all ,fascinating!!

[California Native]

Hello Bob,

Sorry for the delay in this reply. I have not visited this thread in awhile and just now see you explanation of the beak shape. Thank You !

Dan

[sakerjack]

Here is a photo of my Keiger Dutch on Clayton Smith's white Gyrkin "Mac"

[Dirthawking]

I love the look of that hood. That and the Kahn hood style are my favs!