January 13, 2021February 10, 2021

What to Consider When Choosing Motorcycle Storage Options

Whether you’re simply planning an overnight trip or getting out of town for the weekend, having the right motorcycle saddlebags or storage options for your bike will make certain that you won’t go hungry, and you can bring along all of the necessities. Not only will you need to have the proper storage space for everything you want to bring along, but you’ll also have to assess how that extra weight and placement will affect your ride.

As one of the leading purveyors of motorcycle gear, Open Road Leather & Accessories has helped outfit hundreds of bikes with the right storage solutions. Here we provide some insight to help you choose the best saddlebags or luggage.

5 Things to Consider When Selecting Motorcycle Storage Bags

Before diving right into the details, there are some important considerations to make that will affect your choice of storage bags, they are:

Your Motorcycle’s Storage Capacity
The Type of Storage Bag Required
Whether You Want Hard or Soft Material
The Resistance to Weather That’s Necessary
Your Security Needs for Stored Items

Packing the Right Gear

Another important thing to consider when it comes to motorcycle storage has to do with the type of gear you pack. One mistake many new bikers make is to overpack. Unfortunately, doing so will alter your bike’s center of gravity. That’s why after packing, it’s always a good idea to take your bike for a test drive to ensure it handles properly.

The Different Motorcycle Storage Options

Panniers & Saddlebags

Two of the most popular motorcycle storage options come in the form of panniers and saddlebags. They’re attached to the rear of your motorcycle behind the rider. There is a key difference between saddlebags and panniers: saddlebags require a strap to secure the bag to the rear of your motorcycle, whereas panniers are mounted on the frame of your motorcycle.

Hard Cases

Although some prefer soft cases to hard cases, the latter is arguably the best bet if you want to make certain that the items you’re carrying remain protected. The hard cases are waterproof, meaning they offer more resistance against the elements and they’ll also protect the contents from any impacts or bumps in the road. Because they can be easily locked and secured, hard cases will also keep your contents protected against theft. However, one downside is that they’re much heavier than soft cases and can cause more damage should the case fall.

Soft Cases

Much lighter than hard cases, soft cases are often favored by those who want to travel light and don’t keep any valuables on their bike. One advantage of soft cases is that they don’t break as easily as hard cases if you lay your bike down on the road, but you’ll likely lose the contents that are inside. Another benefit is that soft cases can be easily folded up and stored when you’re not using them. They’re also not completely waterproof, so anything you pack should be stored in additional bags to avoid water damage. Lastly, they’re easy to break in to so storing valuables in them isn’t recommended.

Tank Bags

If you want to store important items that will also be easily within reach while you’re on the road, motorcycle tank bags are ideal. They’re installed on top of your bike’s fuel tank, so investing in one that isn’t too big is important. Tank bags make the perfect place to keep your phone, maps, sunglasses, bottled water, or any other necessities while you’re on the road. Magnetic tank bags are available that can be easily removed but they can also be quite heavy due to the magnets inside them.

Backpacks

If you’re going to be camping or spending extensive time outdoors, investing in a quality backpack is a great way to keep all of your belongings. Don’t worry, you don’t have to wear the backpack while driving; they can easily be attached to your rack or sissy bar. Although it’s not the most aerodynamic option, one of the benefits of having a backpack on your motorcycle trip is that you can strap it on and leave your bike behind, taking all of your valuables with you. It’s a perfect option for those on extended road trips who frequently stop to explore natural parks or wilderness areas.

Dry Bags

Dry bags make great solo solutions for carrying items, or a storage option that can be used along with other things, like saddlebags or panniers. Not only will they keep your gear waterproof, but you can also easily throw the bag over your shoulder while you ride. They come in all different shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect one for you. They’re ideal for carrying everything from tents to clothing.

Contact us for your storage and accessory needs!

Are you planning to head out on the highway for your next motorcycle trip? Well, why not hit the road prepared with all of the necessary storage options you need. Open Road Leather & Accessories carries a wide range of motorcycle bags and luggage designed to suit every type of rider. We carry everything from fanny packs and belt bags, to windshield bags and more.

In addition to all of our storage options, we also carry a wide inventory of quality leather jackets, for both men and women, as well as biker jewelry to help you catch the eye of others on the road. Open Road Leather & Accessories also has a host of boots, helmets, and other accessories.

Why Choose Open Road Leather & Accessories?

Are you wondering why you should trust our quality products? Since 2005, we’ve provided a convenient source for all the products you need to enjoy riding a motorcycle, all with a style that’s unmatched elsewhere. We carry today’s highest quality goods from the industry’s leading suppliers, so to learn more, contact us online or call (281) 492-9650.

October 5, 2020November 20, 2020

Leather Facts and Terms

The properties of leather vary considerably depending upon the type and quality of both the skins and the tanning process. Every piece of leather has individual markings which relate to its origins and add character to each skin. Like a fine wine, a good quality leather garment should improve with age. The natural elasticity of each hide means it is flexible and will stretch and return to its original shape. Leather also has a natural tendency to repel liquids and resist staining. It’s also fire resistant, and emits no toxic fumes, even when exposed to intense heat. Relative to virtually all man-made textiles, leather is very strong and has a high resistance level to tears and punctures. The comfort provided by most leather goods is due in part to leather’s ability to combine breathing and insulating properties. You may have heard… “Leather is hot in summer and cold in winter.” In reality, leather adjusts constantly to its environment. Because it is a natural product, leather “breathes” freely, maintaining a comfort level in all seasons.

Types of Garment Leather:

Cowhide

This is the most common leather used in the making of garments, furniture and leather goods. Cowhide as a category covers a wide spectrum of textures and quality, but generally, it is quite durable, easy to care for and resistant to water and dirt. Cowhide leather will maintain its integrity, taking on the shape of the wearer, making it more comfortable with everyday use. This affordable, functional leather offers fashion, value and endless colors and styles. See “Naked”, “Premium”, “Milled”, and “Split”.

Buffalo

This leather comes from the water buffalo common to areas of Asia and the Middle East. The leather is quite durable, easy to care for and resistant to water and scratches. It has a finer texture than cowhide, thus the finished product is smoother and softer. It is also thicker than cowhide, making it very durable. The durability is excellent and the tear resistance superb. See “Naked”, “Premium”, “Milled”, and “Split”.

Deerskin

Leather from deer, which has an attractive combination of softness, durability and light weight. It also has the unique quality of keeping its soft texture even after becoming wet and drying.

Goatskin

Compared to cowhide, it has a coarser grain but can be finished to a texture that nearly matches that of cowhide. Goat leather is durable and naturally water resistant. It is lightweight and can be shaved quite thin to allow for a closer fit.

Lambskin

This is very soft luxurious leather. Its natural lightweight layers give it a distinctive, velvety touch, which suits form-fitting jackets, pants, skirts as well as coats. Don’t let its delicate texture discourage you. With a little extra care, lambskin is very wearable and the ultimate luxury.

Sheepskin

This refers to the hide of a sheep used with the wool still attached. Usually, the wool side faces into the garment or accessory, but it can also be made reversible. The wool can be ironed, which means straightened to yield a smooth, fur-like appearance, or it can be left naturally curly. Whichever way the wool is styled, this is the warmest leather available.

Shearling

This is quite similar in appearance to sheepskin. The term shearling refers to hides from lambs which are generally much lighter in weight than sheepskin hides and much softer. Although they may be lighter, shearling coats are just as warm as the heavier sheepskin. They are an elegant alternative to a fur coat.

Glossary of Leather Terms Used on this Site:

Aniline

Leather that is tumbled in vats so the dye is completely absorbed by the skin. There is no other coloring agent or process, thus the finished leather tends to look and feel more “natural” – the unique markings and character of each skin are apparent. By way of analogy, this treatment is akin to the “staining” of wood. Usually, the best quality hides are reserved for this process, as aniline leathers are valued highest by consumers.

Antiqued

The light application of one color over another (usually a darker color over a lighter one), to create highlights.

Crazy Horse

Authentic American leather that is treated with oil and wax in a unique tanning process. During this process, the oil and wax surface to create a rich, beautiful patina that’s fade-resistant and long-lasting.

Drum-dyed

A dyeing process in which leather is immersed in dye and tumbled in a rotating drum, allowing maximum dye penetration.

Embossing

A process in which design is added to leather by pressure to alter or correct the surface, resulting in uniform imitation grain.

Finishing

Any post-tanning treatment, such as: dyeing, rolling, pressing, spraying, lacquering, antiquing, waxing, buffing, embossing, glazing, waterproofing, or flame-proofing.

Grain

The distinctive pore and wrinkle pattern of a hide; may be either natural or embossed.

Hand

A term used to describe the softness or feel of leather.

Hides

Skin of large animals, usually cattle.

Milled

A hide is tumbled or “milled” in a large drum to produce a supple and pliable leather.

Naked Leather

A term used for the top grade of cowhide leather–only 5% of skins are graded as “Naked”. The leather is soft and supple, with minimum flaws.

Napa Leather

Napa leather is the general term for particularly soft, chrome tanned smooth leather. The process was developed in a tannery in Napa Valley, CA, hence the name. It is one of the most expensive kinds of leather as the way it is treated and dyed has to be done with the utmost care. It is very supple and lightweight and wears well compared to other leathers.

Nappa Leather

Nappa is an acronym for Nocturnal Animal Processed Pelt Application. This material is used extensively in the automotive industry for the interiors of most automobiles. It is different from Napa leather which is a fine leather indeed. The pelts are processed in such a way as to remove any fur and then they are dissolved in a solution. The solution chemically alters the skin which allows it to be mixed with other skins. The result is a paste-like material which is dyed to the color specified and then rolled out into large sheets, trimmed and cured. It does not have the strength of real leather, therefore is used in applications that will not undergo stress.

Nubuck

Hide leather, buffed on the grain side to give a velvet surface.

Premium Selection

The “regular” grade of cowhide leather. Natural irregularities in the skins do not affect the durability of the garment.

Semi-Aniline

Leathers which are a combination of both pigmented and aniline dyed; a very light pigment is added to even out the color and increase the durability. Most garments are made with semi-aniline leathers.

Split Leather

A term used for the most economical grade of cowhide leather–durable but not as soft as premium or naked grades.

Splits

Underlying layers of leather usually used for suedes.

Suede

Suede is the underneath portion of a hide after the splitting process. Compared to the durable top grain, this layer of the hide is much thinner and therefore most commonly used for garments and small leather goods – and not for furniture.

Tanning

Treating raw hides to become nonperishable.

October 4, 2020November 20, 2020

History of Leather

Primitive people who lived during the Ice Age some 500,000 years ago were likely the first to use the skins of animals to protect their bodies from the elements. Just as leather today is a byproduct, our ancient ancestors hunted animals primarily for food, but once they had eaten the meat, they would clean the skin by scraping off the flesh and then sling it over their shoulders as a crude form of coat. They also made footwear to protect their bare feet from rocks and thorns by taking smaller pieces of animal skin made to fit loosely over the foot and tied at the ankle with thin strips of skin or even vines. The main problem that primitive man encountered was that after a relatively short time the skins decayed and rotted away. With his limited knowledge and experience, primitive man had no idea how to preserve these hides.

As centuries passed it was noticed that several things could slow down the decay of leather. If the skins were stretched out and allowed to dry in the sun, it made them stiff and hard but they lasted much longer. Various oily substances were then rubbed into the skins to soften them. As time passed, it was eventually discovered that the bark of certain trees contained “tannin” or tannic acid could be used to convert raw skins into what we recognize today as leather. It is quite hard to substantiate chronologically at exactly what time this tanning method materialized, but the famous “Iceman” dating from at least 5,000 BC discovered in the Italian Alps several years ago, was clothed in very durable leather.

Somewhat later, techniques used by Native Americans are very similar to those used in this early period. These Indians took the ashes from their campfires, put water on them and soaked the skins in this solution. In a few weeks the hair and bits of flesh came off, leaving only the raw hide. This tanning method, which used a solution of hemlock and oak bark, took about three months to complete. Then the leather was worked by hand to make the hide soft and pliable.

The Making of Leather Products

The tanning of leather was used by mankind in numerous geographical areas throughout the early periods of human civilization. As certain leather characteristics began to emerge, men realized leather could be used for many purposes besides footwear and clothing. The uses and importance of leather increased greatly. For example, it was discovered that water would keep fresh and cool in a leather bag. It was also found suitable for such other items as tents, beds, rugs, carpet, armor and harnesses.

Ancient Egypt, one of the most developed civilizations in this early period, valued leather as an important item of trade. The Egyptians made leather sandals, belts, bags, shields, harness, cushions and chair seats from tanned skins. Many of these items are in fact still made from leather today.

Similarly, the Greeks and Romans used leather to make many different styles of sandals, boots and shoes. When the Roman legions marched in conquest across Europe, they were well attired in leather armor and leather capes. In fact, right up until the early 18th century, the shield carried by the ordinary soldier was more likely to be made of leather than metal.

The ancient Greeks refer to eight basic guilds of artisans, which included both shoemakers and tanners. Although tanning was originally a cottage trade, the Greeks had full-time professional tanners who were at first employed in leather processing establishments and became independent some time later. The bark of conifer and alder was used as a tannin source and so were the peel of the pomegranate, sumac leaves, walnut, cups of acorns as well as an Egyptian heritage – mimosa bark. The Greeks were also familiar with alum tanning and it appears they knew something about tanning with fish oil.

The types of leathers used were as diversified as the end users. Homer refers to the use of cowhide, goat and weasel leather by the Greeks. The edict issued by the Roman emperor Diocletian which fixed ceiling prices for all kinds of goods and services included skins and leather prepared from goats, sheep, lambs, hyenas, deer, wild sheep, wolves, martens, beaver, bears, jackals, seals, leopards and lions. Under the edict, cowhide was even classified according to groups and qualities. A complete tannery in the famous ash-preserved ruins of Pompeii was unearthed in 1873.

August 5, 2020February 10, 2021

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

Grace at Teens4Safety sent this article that our readers should find interesting and informative.

Thank you, Grace

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

August 5, 2020February 10, 2021

Motorcycle Enthusiasts and Technology: 8 Tips for Motorcycle Safety

Information provided by Matt Rhoney of Marks & Harrison Attorneys at Law in Richmond, VA for your consideration

What better way to explore the world than cruising through winding roads with the wind against your face? Riding a motorcycle is both exhilarating and gratifying, but it doesn’t have to mean that your life has to be at risk. There are important safety tips to keep in mind that can keep you safe while you ride. Check out these 8 tips.

1. Always Wear Your Helmet

The most important thing to remember when riding a motorcycle is to always wear your helmet. A full-face helmet that’s been approved by the Department of Transportation is the safest and most effective option. Motorcycle safety technology has improved greatly in recent years, and many helmets now include features such as rear-view cameras and GPS to help make your ride smoother. Riding without a helmet poses a huge risk for brain injury or fatality.

2. Ride with People You Know and Trust

No matter how safe you are on a motorcycle, it’s impossible to control other riders. Knowing and trusting the people you share a lane with is important. Riding with people who are intoxicated or like to show off on the road can put you in the line of fire.

3. Stand Out and Be Seen

Wearing bright colors and reflectors—particularly at night—can play a huge role in safety. The more noticeable you are on your bike the better. It’s easy enough for full-size vehicles to get caught in a blind spot, so when you’re on a motorcycle you have to be even more cautious.

4. Watch Out for Semi Trucks

Semi trucks can be a little intimidating for motorcyclists. Make sure to stay in view of their mirrors, and when possible avoid them altogether. It’s a good idea to pass by them when it’s safe to do so quickly.

5. Don’t Ride in Bad Weather

Rain and other inclement weather can make riding a motorcycle both difficult and dangerous. Not only will your vision be impaired, but the roads will also be slippery, making it tricky to ride safely. If it starts to rain, pull over under a bridge or into a gas station until it’s safe to head back out.

6. Be a Defensive Rider

With a rise in phone use behind the wheel, it’s imperative that motorcyclists pay extra attention to cars on the road. Be as alert as possible, so that if another driver is distracted, you’ll be able to defensively maneuver out of harm’s way.

7. Don’t Ride Tired

This may seem obvious, but it still has to be mentioned. It’s a good idea to stop ever 75 miles or so to stretch your legs and get the blood flowing. Taking small breaks every so often can help keep you energized and ready to ride.

8. Wear the Right Gear

Protective gear is crucial for a safe and comfortable ride. Leather jackets, pants and gloves that will protect you from the wind and debris are all must-have items. Additionally, if something does go wrong, you’ll have extra padding against the rough road. Not only do we have technology to thanks for helmets and gear, but the smart technology integrated into the motorcycle itself. Here are a few major milestone advancements thanks to technology:

· Air bag clothing that deploys when sensors are triggered

· Anti-lock braking systems

· Adaptive headlights

· Electric tire pressure monitors

· Auto clutch and shift

· Vehicle-to-vehicle communication

· Electronic throttle control (ETC)

· Satellite messengers

As the motorcycle industry continues to evolve, it’s safe to say that we can rely on technology to carry us through safely. For more information on motorcycle safety, please visit: https://www.marksandharrison.com/blog/9-advancements-in-motorcycle-safety-technology-you-should-know-about/

August 5, 2020February 10, 2021

Are Electric Dirt Bikes Safer Than Gas Powered Ones?

Interesting article contributed by

Sam Oldham
Chief MTN Man
Charge The Bike
m: 801-319-0588
w: chargethebike.com
e: sam@chargethebike.com

The dirt bike is one of the most popular choices for people who are adventurous and want a ride that they can use to move around quickly. Designed for use on rough terrain, the dirt bike is the ideal choice for people who want to ride on unsurfaced roads and particular tracks that require a powerful motor and suspension. Commonly used in scrambling, offroading dirt bikes have become the ideal choice for people who are interested in doing stunts on their bikes and having fun.

In the past, the only option available to people was a gas powered dirt bike. Featuring a conventional combustion engine (ICE), the gas powered dirt bike is a timeless classic, and has been around for many decades. It’s been featured in countless films and movies, and has also been used for stunts. It’s one of the best choices for people who want a reliable machine that is versatile, easy to maintain, and of course, affordable to use.

However, there’s another competitor in the market, and that is the electric motorcycle. Electric cars and bikes are making all the waves now, and have become incredibly popular over the past few years. As the world moves slowly towards a more eco-friendly future, it’s easy to see that electric motorcycles are going to be all the rage. However, whether you opt for a gas powered bike or an electric dirt bike, one of the first things that you will want to consider is safety.

The rider’s safety is of paramount importance, and you have to make sure that you choose the right variant. To understand more about the safety of both the electric powered dirt bike and the gas powered one, it’s important that we take a look at the inner functions and the safety features in each.

Gas Powered Dirt Bikes

The gas powered dirt bike contains a standard combustion engine that requires petrol to run efficiently. Once you put gasoline in the bike, the engine will burn the fuel in order to generate heat, which in turn propels the vehicle forward. The gas powered engine is one of the safest, and has been refined over the years to become more efficient and more suitable for everyday usage. Gas powered dirt bikes do make quite a bit of noise, however, especially if you haven’t installed a silencer in the bike. It’s recommended that you choose the right exhaust system in order to get the best performance out of your bike.

Now, one of the biggest safety problems with gas powered bikes is the fact that once the engine heats up, so will the exhaust. It’s completely exposed, so if you end up hitting your shin or your calf on the side of the exhaust, you will probably end up burning some skin off within an instant. It’s really not a wise idea to wear shorts and ride a dirt bike; you should always take proper protective measures and wear a thin layer to prevent such accidents.

Then, you also have to consider the fact that the dirt bike’s engine requires water to keep itself cool. While there are air cooled engines that you can choose from, most people prefer power, and powerful engines are usually liquid-cooled. In case you forget to put antifreeze in the engine, it’s probably going to heat up very quickly, and there’s a risk that certain components might get insanely hot. While gas powered dirt bikes are a great choice, you need to understand that problems might arise in case of a leakage in the fuel tank.

Gasoline is incredibly combustible and can light up on fire very quickly. While most gas tanks are reinforced and the chances of this happening are incredibly unlikely, it’s still a point of concern that should be taken seriously. An important thing that you need to know about these gas powered bikes is that they tend to vibrate a lot. Despite the fact that a stabilizer or counterbalance might be installed, they are prone to vibration. That’s because there are so many moving parts within the bike and the engine produces a considerable amount of vibration, which makes the entire frame vibrate as well. On fast roads or uneven tracks, even the slightest vibration can lead to fatigue and cause you to make mistakes when you are tired. Most bikes now come with dampers that are designed to limit vibration, but you will still feel quite a bit of it.
If you don’t know where to start, but like to choose a gas powered bike as a beginner, then i would suggest reading this article about the best trail dirt bikes for beginners.

Electric Powered Dirt Bikes

Electric bikes consist of a motor, a battery, and a couple of wheels. You don’t need to worry about spark plugs, the requirement for a coolant in the engine, oil changes, air filter or any other things. Just charge the battery and you are good to go. Because of the fact that it contains an electric motor, these bikes are not susceptible to vibration at all. Moreover, the chances of injury due to less fatigue and no heat. It’s just a standard motor that’s designed to propel the dirt bike forwards.

On top of that, electric bikes do not require any time to “warm up.” When you start the bike, it will be ready to go at full speeds without any problem whatsoever. You don’t need to worry about the engine heating up before you start accelerating to full speeds. Also, you don’t even need to worry about fast accelerating speed. For example, the ktm electric dirt bike has 3 settings of power modes that you can adjust for any situation or user. Which makes it more convenient and easier to ride over the gas powered counterparts.

All in all, electric dirt bikes are a much safer option as compared to gas powered ones, because they offer a plethora of advantages over their gas powered counterparts. More importantly, they are much easier to maintain as well, because there aren’t as many moving parts in these bikes as well. Whether you are an adult or a child who needs to get a dirt bike, electric bikes are the best option because they provide convenience and flexibility, and more importantly, safety, for roughly the same amount that you would pay otherwise. These are just some of the things that you should know about gas powered dirt bikes and electric powered dirt bikes.

June 30, 2020February 21, 2021

“Pistol Pete” Jackets

Several of the jackets we offer are styled in the “Pistol Pete” style, which features a side entry gun pocket. Here is an article about the very interesting character from the history of the Wild West, US Marshall Frank Eaton, who invented the style. Enjoy.

Frank B. “Pistol Pete” Eaton – Fastest Draw in Indian Territory

“I’d rather have pockets full of rocks than an empty gun.” — Frank B. Eaton

Frank Boardman “Pistol Pete” Eaton was a cowboy, Indian fighter, U.S. Deputy Marshal, scout, and author.

Eaton was born on October 26, 1860, in Hartford, Connecticut and when he was eight years old, he moved with his family to a homestead in Twin Mounds, Kansas. That very year, his father, a Union Army veteran, became involved in a dispute with several Confederate men who had ridden with Quantrill’s Raiders during the Civil War. A short time later, six of these men appeared at their home, and Frank’s father was shot in cold blood right in front of the boy. Encouraged by a family friend to avenge the death of his father, the friend began to teach young Eaton to handle a gun.

By the time he was just 15 years old, he had earned the nickname of “Pistol Pete,” for his superior gun handling skills and deadly shots. It was a remarkable feat, as Eaton had been born with a crossed left eye. However, he had overcome this “disability” by figuring out how to aim the gun without sighting down the barrel. He was so good that a friend said he could “shoot the head off a snake with either hand.”

That same year, wanting to learn even more about handling a gun, he visited Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. There, instead of learning anything more, he began to compete with some of the cavalry’s best marksmen, beating them every time. His reputation as “packing the truest and fastest guns in Indian Territory” was born.

Frank then began to search for the men who had killed his father years before and legend has it before he was done avenging his father’s death, he had tracked down and killed five of the six men who had been involved in the murder in 1868. The last man had been killed in a card game and all had lived lives of crime.

At the age of just 17, he was one of the youngest U.S. Deputy Marshals to have ever been commissioned in the Western District at Fort Smith, Arkansas. Serving under “hanging judge,” Isaac Parker, his territory extended from southern Kansas to northern Texas.

He made his home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and soon had a girlfriend named Jennie who gave him a crucifix to wear around his neck for protection. The girl must have had a premonition as the crucifix actually saved Eaton’s life on one occasion when it deflected a bullet that the lawman would have taken in his chest. Frank would later write of this, “I’d rather have the prayers of a good woman in a fight than half a dozen hot guns: she’s talking to Headquarters.” Unfortunately, Frank never got the opportunity to thank Jennie, as she died of pneumonia. He buried the cross at the head of her grave.

During his career, he was involved in a number of gunfights and was known to always carry a pair of loaded Colt .45 pistols on his hips. In his own words, he said his best insurance was: “Throwin’ a lot a lead fast and straight”

When he was 29, he joined the Oklahoma Land Rush and settled southwest of Perkins, Oklahoma where he served as sheriff and later became a blacksmith. In August 1893, he married a woman named Orpha Miller of Guthrie, Oklahoma and the couple had two children. Unfortunately, she died of a lung disease seven years into the marriage. He remarried in December 1902 to a woman named Anna Sillix and the couple would eventually have another eight children.

Frank would continue to serve as a marshal, a sheriff, or a deputy sheriff until late in life. By the time his career as a lawman was completed, he reportedly had some 15 notches on his gun belt.

Later, he wrote two books, telling the story of the Old West. The first was an autobiography entitled Veteran of the Old West: Pistol Pete, which tells of his life as a U.S. Deputy Marshal and cowboy. His second book, entitled Campfire Stories: Remembrances of a Cowboy Legend wasn’t published until 30 years after his death.

He continued to carry his loaded pistols until his death and was still said to be extremely quick on the draw when he was in his nineties. He died on April 8, 1958, at the age of 97.

During his lifetime, he was married twice, had ten children, 31 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

The phrase “hotter than Pete’s pistol,” traces back to Eaton’s shooting skills and his legendary pursuit of his father’s killers. Frank is honored as the mascot for Oklahoma State University, signifying the Old West and the spirit of Oklahoma. In March 1997, he posthumously received the prestigious Director’s Award at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Courtesy of Kathy Weiser-Alexander, owner/editor, Legends of America, https://www.legendsofamerica.com.
© Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, updated February 2020

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