Shark - "Abrasive"

[Regis]

Today, I got a few "small" exotic peices of leather. The shark (just like the ones I've caught here) will sand your hand raw if you rub the wrong way. I want to use it as trim on a holster but, wanted to know if you do anything to smooth out the sharp feel.

Also got turkey (leg) and lizzard. All small pieces and toooo pricey except for a little trim.

Thanks,

Regis

[Froghunter]

Today, I got a few "small" exotic peices of leather. The shark (just like the ones I've caught here) will sand your hand raw if you rub the wrong way. I want to use it as trim on a holster but, wanted to know if you do anything to smooth out the sharp feel.

Also got turkey (leg) and lizzard. All small pieces and toooo pricey except for a little trim.

Thanks,

Regis

Regis,

I have used it before, and it can be sanded SLIGHTLY, you don't want to destroy the nice texture, just take off the edge, so to speak. Not sure where you got the shark, but the stuff I have gotten is usually a brownish and takes a dye really well, so color palette's are endless. I've come up with some wild colors and it usually always looks good.

By the way, I've got a couple of 20" or so pieces if you want something a bit larger, just let me know.

[Drac]

maybe a good coat of a flexible sealer over it once the piece is finished. I'd think the texture would still show through without the sandpaper effect.

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

With the unprocessed shark, I first hit it with sand paper, then condition it with bick 4. After that I dye it. If you plan to put it on a holster, mix alchohol or dish detergent to the water in a more concentrated amount than usual to help it absorb more and stretch better. After all that, I usually hit it with a cloth wheel to give it some extra sheen before I coat it with Angelus 600, a flexible acrylic finish. I might be taking way too many steps, but I've had good results with this method. I like to use unprocessed shark in my IWB holsters 'cause it helps the shirts stay tucked over them.

[whinewine]

Just an aside: sharkskin has been used as sandpaper by the ancient Japanese. I just finished a sharkskin handle for a dagger blade, dyed in mahogany spirit dye, laced on the edges with kangaroo lace & sealed with neatlac. It has a tremendous grip because of the roughness. At some point I plan on doing a matching sheath for it.

[Regis]

Boom, I don't understand "unprocessed shark". Does that mean that it is not tanned or?? And, I don't think that is too many steps.

Thanks for all the input

With the unprocessed shark, I first hit it with sand paper, then condition it with bick 4. After that I dye it. If you plan to put it on a holster, mix alchohol or dish detergent to the water in a more concentrated amount than usual to help it absorb more and stretch better. After all that, I usually hit it with a cloth wheel to give it some extra sheen before I coat it with Angelus 600, a flexible acrylic finish. I might be taking way too many steps, but I've had good results with this method. I like to use unprocessed shark in my IWB holsters 'cause it helps the shirts stay tucked over them.

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

The processed shark has been, well, "processed" so that the skin is not rough to the touch and is very pliable. The scale pattern is visible if you look close, but all of the barbs are removed. Most holster makers use the smoother skin. My friends all really like the rough stuff, but I don't usually ship them out to customers because that is not the norm, and they might think I was ripping them off some how.

[swivelsphinx]

Ah HA!

Yeah- I was wondering what the variables might be when ordering sharkskin. I have *two* pieces that are tanned. They are a flat brown color, and kinda sandpapery. There are a few small areas where there seems to be no color at all. I think this merits a new topic!

Thanks everyone!

swivelsphinx