Finishing chap hide edges?

[Hilly]

I asked this question several days ago in a different forum with no replies, so I'll ask it again here...

I want to upholster the bucket seats in my nephew's Corvette with chap hide. I want to do a rattlesnake inlay on the head rests.

What is the best way to finish the edges of the inlay "window" on the chap hide? I don't want to just leave raw edges around the snake skin.

Thanks for your replies.

Hilly

[singteck]

Fold the edge of the skin under, that should give a nice edge.

singteck

[ChuckBurrows]

I agree with the folding under but would also suggest skiving it 3/4" to 1" before turning for less bulk

[ChuckBurrows]

Another option - pad the inlay with closed cell foam - then skive the edge of the chap hide (actually I'd recommend upholstery hide) and don't turn it, just butt it up against the edge of the raised inlay like I did on this sheath..

[mudman]

  ChuckBurrows said:

Another option - pad the inlay with closed cell foam - then skive the edge of the chap hide (actually I'd recommend upholstery hide) and don't turn it, just butt it up against the edge of the raised inlay like I did on this sheath..

http://www.wrtcleather.com/1-ckd/1-2008/wg-voodoo-chile-sheath-2.jpg[/img

CB; that sure is a good lookin' knife sheath.

[Hilly]

  ChuckBurrows said:

Another option - pad the inlay with closed cell foam - then skive the edge of the chap hide (actually I'd recommend upholstery hide) and don't turn it, just butt it up against the edge of the raised inlay like I did on this sheath..

Chuck, that's a beautiful sheath. I hope my efforts turn out half as well.