Alligator Backstrap Leather

[gatorologist]

Soon I will have approx 500 pcs crusted alligator backstraps from farm-raised animals coming out of tannage. The crust can be dyed into various shades and will be given a soft matte finish. Will post pics within the next 30 days. Pieces average 12-inch L x 2 - 3-inch W. Perfect for bracelets, pet collars, strapping, etc.

[Leatherimages]

I'm not familiar with "back strap" cuts.

Where is it cut from, when in the process, and what is the tile pattern?

Thanks,

[gatorologist]

I'm not familiar with "back strap" cuts.

Where is it cut from, when in the process, and what is the tile pattern?

Thanks,

The 'backstrap' is removed from the back of the alligator. It is similar to a 'hornback' cut with same grain pattern (small osteoderm plates or scutes as they are sometimes called). Narrow strips that are left over from processing alligators for 'belly cut' skins. I will have some pics soon and will post. Thanks

[Leatherimages]

Shoulda figured.

It's amazing how soft those become when they're wet.

You state that they "can be dyed into various shades and will be given a soft matte finish".

Is that a process that you perform or something the buyer would do?

Which dye works best for 'gator crust?

I have recoloured Alligator boots and shoes in the past, have have never been confident that what I did was the best way to do it.

Thanks,

[gatorologist]

Shoulda figured.

It's amazing how soft those become when they're wet.

You state that they "can be dyed into various shades and will be given a soft matte finish".

Is that a process that you perform or something the buyer would do?

Which dye works best for 'gator crust?

I have recoloured Alligator boots and shoes in the past, have have never been confident that what I did was the best way to do it.

Thanks,

I can dye the crust into many diff colors, most polular being black, chocolate, nicotine, and honey. Shade matching available if customer has a special request for a specific color no problem. As far as dyes being used these are special dyestuffs that we use in the leather tanning industry and not something foud commonly in leather crafting supply shops (Tandy, etc). They are from the chemical family of 'acid' dyes and are noted for there brilliant shades and good lightfastness (will not fade). Recoloring finished exotics could be a challenge I'm sure u can relate. The prob would be that in order to give a good redyeing u would first have to 'strip off' the finish or else the dye will not penetrate well (again we use special chems for this but u could prob find a good stripper at crafting supply houses)...some finishes are easier to strip than others and some are downright impossible to strip or the grain can be damaged as a result.

[Leatherimages]

<They are from the chemical family of 'acid' dyes>

That's what I was after, Thank you.

I was 25 years at the shoe repair bench and spent alot of time scrubbing and deglazing leather before dyeing, with both Dyo and LCI products. I had only a light contact with Prime.

I've seen alligator dye jobs where the dye didn't penetrate and was rubbing off, and I've seen some jobs done in a s/r shop that seemed to hold up just fine.

Are the acid dye family you mention available from any of these sources?

[texasjake]

Soon I will have approx 500 pcs crusted alligator backstraps from farm-raised animals coming out of tannage. The crust can be dyed into various shades and will be given a soft matte finish. Will post pics within the next 30 days. Pieces average 12-inch L x 2 - 3-inch W. Perfect for bracelets, pet collars, strapping, etc.

Are these available if so what do they run

[leder arbeit]

Are these available if so what do they run

I am interested in the back straps in alligator.I make alligator belts,wallets gun cases.