How To Descale A Snakeskin

[Skwerl]

Howdy everyone,

I need some instruction as to how to descale a rattlesnake skin without damaging it. I have searched the forums, but there really isn't any info. One fella talks about using his air compressor but doesn't really go into any detail.

Any help would be appreciated,

Mike

[electrathon]

I am not a pro. I had one rattlesnake that I bought, it kept shedding scales. I gently brushed it against the scales and they came loose/off. It did not harm the skin and I was able to use it for inlays.

Aaron

[rawcustom]

I have dried a lot of rattlers and like Electrathon said, the scales are pretty easy to just brush off. I have had a harder time keeping the scales on then getting them off.

[zookeper]

the way i do it is to gently pull them off with an artists eraser, works for me, i have descaled many and i have never damaged the skin that way.

[Colt W Knight]

I have always just used a spoon. Brush with the direction of the scales. No big problem.

[GerryR]

I assume it is easier if the snake is dead ? Interesting about the descaling, but how is the skin tanned? Just curious.