MDL Report post Posted October 19, 2009 A friend has brought me the tanned hide of an alligator he harvested last year. It's the belly section and I can't believe how soft it is to the touch. It has a great feel. My question is this...it is only about a 3-4 oz, to thin to make a holster out of. Is that normal for alligator? Is the hide usually sewn or glued to another hide for holster use? Dan. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DCKNIVES Report post Posted October 19, 2009 Dan, yes it is normal especially for the belly skin.Most makers prefer to use it as accents, or do an overlay and glue it to the outside.I prefer to do inlay's and glue the hide to the inner liner.Dave Here's one I did with an Alligator back piece. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MDL Report post Posted October 19, 2009 Great looking work! I just laminated a small piece of the belly to a 6-7 oz cow hide. Contact cement worked great to bond the 2 pieces. Then I tried to do the groove for the stitching and did not have much luck. The alligator is so soft, almost rubber-like so the groover did not really work. Also, the over stitch wheel did not leave an impression behind due to the hide being like rubber. I guess that is why you use it as an inlay! Anyone here have a solution to these challenges? Dan. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
