Alligator Skin

[benlilly1]

I will be receiving an alligator skin already tanned and ready to use from a friend/ hunter. What items are best with alligator and what are the pros and cons to using it? Are some sections better for certain items like with cow leather? Is it easy to sew? Do you put anything on it as a sealer? I know nothing about it. Thanks

[Chief31794]

I use gator from time-to-time, my only thing with it is:

Edges, they're unsightly due to the scale heigth: My solution, I lace the edges of everything I make with gator except inlays.

Sews okay.

Doesn't need any type of sealer.

The belly is a little easier to work with.

I normally back gator for wallets, money clips etc with 2/3 oz veg tab (most things)

Belts (Hard to get enough "Clean" gator (no holes, etc) and length for a belt, but if you do then I would back that with 6 - 8 oz leather.

I wind up making lots of wallets, money clips, phone cases, etc. I have only been successful at getting enough for a clutch purse on a couple of hides.

Hope that helps,

Chief

[benlilly1]

Thanks Chief, I knew you had worked with it. Just the info I was looking for.