Fish Scales?

[Eccho]

I want to try to use some of the koi images that are out there, many of them are quite beautiful. Now while they are used a lot in tattoos, I have seen some artisans use them in leather, rather successfully. My problem is I can't figure out what stamp to use for the scales. A mules foot is too much of a V, and a veiner usually has a riffled edge to it. Can anyone suggest a stamp that makes a good size scale, as koi tend to have rather large scales, being of the carp family. Any help, greatly appreciated. Eccho

[shtoink]

I was pretty sure this question was asked a few times in the recent past, so I did a little bit of searching...

Dragon Scales

Dragon Belt

Fish Scale Stamp Tools

There doesn't seem to be a definitive method, as each person has their own interpretation. The methods I saw ranged from carving each with a swivel knife and shaping, using a multiple tools to get the desired effect, to modifying an existing to to be the shape needed. These were just a few of the more relevant pages that I found with a quick search, so I hope it helps point you in the right direction.

[joet]

There are two kinds of mulefeeet; one being the "V" shape and the other being a "U" shape. Both come in various sizes and I would think the "U" shaped one would be the best. I've used both types of mulefeet on dragons with much success. Not sure what else would work, maybe someone else has a better idea.

[Eccho]

Thanks shtoink and joet. There are some great ideas there, really appreciate it. Also, next time I will look for old posts on the topic first.My bad.Eccho

[TexasJack]

A friend made a stamp for me using a bolt from the hardware store.