I use a lot of exotic skins in my work. It was how i was taught. I appreciate all the crazy skins I work with and most of what i work with is farmed just like cow hide. One skin that is not is Elephant. These days I have a source that allows me to buy it and quite frankly its commin out my ears. I've always been taught and educated that Elephants are in use all over the world. They work in India. They work in Circus' and they are in Zoos as well. Sooner or later the die. some of the skins I get somes from these situations. Some of them are "Culled". Culling is the process of thinning a herd to allow the rest of the herd to survive and thrive. its selectivly done. All of the skins I buy have CITES tags and its all above board and legal. Besides the Elephant Skin is some of the more amazing leather I've been getting. The grain and character on it is like no other.
I'm detailin this because I got some crap from someone sensative to the issue the other day. I tried my best to help them understand that I do use every last bit of skin I get. I also explained the above and tried to help them understand that using the skins makes whole use of the animal.
Funny I never get this type of bleeding heart stuff about Aligators, Stingray or Shark. Or even Ostrich for that matter. AND no ever cries for the frogs i use too. Why?
I have a certain ethic about what I do and it keeps me good. I'm not making wallets outa Seals, Bald Eagles or your dog for that matter.
Any thoughts from the Senior Members here?