mmirob Report post Posted October 25, 2012 Just picked up some more alligator. The more I use it the better I like it! It's true that it is pricey but nothing really compares to the genuine deal. I've learned that the 6-7 foot hides are special in their own way. However the 11ft hides have big gnarly defined lines. Both beautiful, just different. American alligator (unlike nile and caiman) is soft to the touch but ever so durable. If you haven't tried, go for it! Below is a 7ft hide. Rob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SooperJake Report post Posted October 25, 2012 (edited) Nice looking holster, Rob. What vendor did the hide come from? Jake Edited October 25, 2012 by SooperJake Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shooter McGavin Report post Posted October 25, 2012 Looks awesome! Do you typically have to do much skiving on the back of the gator? Care to share your supplier? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmirob Report post Posted October 25, 2012 Nice looking holster, Rob. What vendor did the hide come from? Jake Craiglist! Texas! Guy was nice enough to ship to me in TN. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmirob Report post Posted October 25, 2012 Looks awesome! Do you typically have to do much skiving on the back of the gator? Care to share your supplier? Ocaisonally. However this particular hide was very nicely finished with very little sponge on the flesh side. I have learned that much has to do with whoever skinned the hide and the quality of the tanner. Not all tanneries are created equal. Great question! Keep your eyes peeled on craigslist. I search mulitple gator hunting states and have found much better deals than typical providers. They are sold by the sq cm! You must act quickly when you find them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmirob Report post Posted October 25, 2012 I also completed some inlay work with gator too. Have a lot to learn here. Inlay seems to work better when thinner. Eh, you have to try one to get better. By round 3 or 4 I get to thinking, hey maybe I can sell these...) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt Hammerless Report post Posted October 26, 2012 That thing is gorgeous! What finish did you use. Will the acylics like Resolene, or Angelus 600 series work? Paul Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmirob Report post Posted October 26, 2012 That thing is gorgeous! What finish did you use. Will the acylics like Resolene, or Angelus 600 series work? Paul These came from the tannery with a nice natural sheen. Needed nothing but a little natural wax and a buffing wheel. Tanneries have different finishes for Gator. One of them is a high gloss called glazed. This is not glazed. However glazed gator is beautiful. Many belts and wallets are finished in glazed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
