Working with snake skin

[MBWilson8541]

I purchased some cobra skins from AmTan and wanted to experiment with a simple card holder wallet.

I have made numerous card holders already and wanted to try to add snake skin.

I have never used it and didn’t known if there were some basics to using these skins.

I am considering backing it with a firm veg tan, using my pricking irons, hand stitching and edge painting .

Am I supposed to treat the scales, apply a coating or anything?

I have done some reading up on other posts and this is what I have found so far, just not sure if it’s correct:

* Treat the scales with polyurethane 

* Cut from the backside of the skin

* No way to treat the scales to keep them completely flat

 

Thank you in advance for helping me with some pointers 

 

 

[chrisash]

I myself have a large problem with some skins from animals that may have been killed just for their skins rather than food or controled culls, I understand there are now Python farms in the Far East where they are bred entirely for fashion skins which seems disgusting in this day and age

[Handstitched]

@chrisash I agree entirely , but it doesn't answer  the question   

I'd like to know too, as I have never worked with snake skins, mainly because they're so expensive here in Oz, and not always east to find.  

I do have some fish skins that I will one day try working with. 

HS 

[Rockoboy]

None of the fish skin I have, from Mermaid Leather in Esperance W.A. have scales attached.

From what I have read, there is no truly effective method to retain all of the scales, so removing them all is considered better than have a patchy looking finish.

Edited May 18, 2019 by Rockoboy
spelling errors

[chuck123wapati]

don't know about Cobra but rattle snake scales start to fall off during tanning so I take them off if they don't, the hide underneath is shaped the same so it still looks like scales. And I eat the meat too.

[Handstitched]

On 5/19/2019 at 9:16 PM, chuck123wapati said:

And I eat the meat too.

Tastes like chicken no doubt ?    In that case, does chicken tastes like snake? 

So it seems to be better to have the scales removed.  ,  and think carefully how to cut them according to the markings, colours and patterns on the skin ( all going in the same direction ? ) , so , you wouldn't want to make  too many mistakes either .  I do the same with Cane Toad skins. 

@Rockoboy I've had these fish skins for some years. A customer  just came to me and asked me if  I'd like some...yep. 2 weeks later, a large envelope arrived choc full of fish skins, assorted sizes & colours. I'll make something nice one day, been saying that for years  

HS 

[Mark842]

1 hour ago, Handstitched said:

Tastes like chicken no doubt ?

IMO it tastes way better than chicken!

[chuck123wapati]

2 hours ago, Handstitched said:

Tastes like chicken no doubt ?    In that case, does chicken tastes like snake? 

So it seems to be better to have the scales removed.  ,  and think carefully how to cut them according to the markings, colours and patterns on the skin ( all going in the same direction ? ) , so , you wouldn't want to make  too many mistakes either .  I do the same with Cane Toad skins. 

@Rockoboy I've had these fish skins for some years. A customer  just came to me and asked me if  I'd like some...yep. 2 weeks later, a large envelope arrived choc full of fish skins, assorted sizes & colours. I'll make something nice one day, been saying that for years  

HS 

 

1 hour ago, Mark842 said:

IMO it tastes way better than chicken!

Store bought chicken is way down there compared to rattler. Lol Do you eat the toads? Do they taste like chicken too? I've had frog legs they kinda taste like chicken or visi versa.

[SilverForgeStudio]

@Chief Filipino ... He should weigh in on this one too- he tans his own rattlers as well- last I heard he was contemplating a Hawaii trip... As for the taste- I'll agree with chuck123wapiti above- tastes great.

 

[Handstitched]

G'Day ,

@chuck123wapati They  do eat Cane Toads in Qld. and across the top end in the NT  ....apparently, but only the back legs , the rest is very toxic .But  I've never tried them never will.  I better not go too far off topic or we'll be exchanging recipes next....' a bit of salt, pepper, garlic.... or perhaps a nice dipping sauce...? '    

HS