Making a rattlesnake-skin bass strap

MX21 · #1 08-30-2010, 04:17 PM

I shot a rattlesnake last summer that was attacking our rabbits. My wife skinned it and tanned the skin for me, but now we're trying to figure out how to make this into a strap. I've got a plain leather strap that we thought we could use as a base and glue it onto. Anyone done this? What glue to use? Stitch the edges? Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

MX

bwest9 · #2 08-30-2010, 04:28 PM

After dipping it in whole wheat flour, eat it whole and allow your digestive process to add its own special preservative juices to the mix. When it comes out, bury it in the backyard for EXACTLY 1 month. Then punch small holes at either end, and you'll be ready to go.

Spraeg · #3 08-30-2010, 04:35 PM

I'd say use a cloth or leather base, and stitch it on. It kind of depends on the width and thickness of the snakeskin whether you use leather or cloth as the backing material. If you have a thicker hide or use a leather strap and have dificulties with normal thread, try using nylon wax-coated carpet thread, I've used it for all of my leatherworking, and it works amazingly well. Make sure you stitch through the middle as well, maybe in a diamond pattern following the natural pattern of the skin (like you would on a quilt). Otherwise, the layers will have a tendancy to shift, and it will also add stability in case any of the stitching comes out.

MX21 · #4 08-30-2010, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwest9

After dipping it in whole wheat flour, eat it whole and allow your digestive process to add its own special preservative juices to the mix. When it comes out, bury it in the backyard for EXACTLY 1 month. Then punch small holes at either end, and you'll be ready to go.

Yes, we already tanned it.

MX21 · #5 08-30-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spraeg

I'd say use a cloth or leather base, and stitch it on. It kind of depends on the width and thickness of the snakeskin whether you use leather or cloth as the backing material. If you have a thicker hide or use a leather strap and have dificulties with normal thread, try using nylon wax-coated carpet thread, I've used it for all of my leatherworking, and it works amazingly well. Make sure you stitch through the middle as well, maybe in a diamond pattern following the natural pattern of the skin (like you would on a quilt). Otherwise, the layers will have a tendancy to shift, and it will also add stability in case any of the stitching comes out.

You wouldn't glue it then?

Spraeg · #6 08-30-2010, 08:09 PM

I've never tried gluing leather, I'm not sure how well it would hold up. I guess it all kind of depends on what glue you use, but it would have to be something flexible- anywhere it cracked, it would probably start to peel. You might be able to get away with contact cement, but if you want it to be permanent, I'd recommend sewing it on, especially with how much it's going to need to move.

mid_life_crisis · #7 08-31-2010, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MX21

My wife skinned it and tanned the skin for me

I'm still stuck here.
Damn, what a woman!

JohnMCA72 · #8 08-31-2010, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MX21

You wouldn't glue it then?

No. As you bend it (over your shoulder, around the ends, etc.), one side will stretch & the other compress. That's going to separate the glue bond in no time.

Seriously, I'd take it to a belt maker & tell them what you want. They'll probably come up with something better than you could ever do yourself. If you live in an area where there are rattlesnakes, there's probably a belt maker somewhere nearby.

MX21 · #9 08-31-2010, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mid_life_crisis

I'm still stuck here.
Damn, what a woman!

Yes, she's quite capable. Should have been born 200 years ago pioneering the west.

Sometimes it has it's drawbacks. She might decide that she doesn't like where the kitchen cabinets are. I come home that night and they're gone.

MX21 · #10 08-31-2010, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnMCA72

No. As you bend it (over your shoulder, around the ends, etc.), one side will stretch & the other compress. That's going to separate the glue bond in no time.

Seriously, I'd take it to a belt maker & tell them what you want. They'll probably come up with something better than you could ever do yourself. If you live in an area where there are rattlesnakes, there's probably a belt maker somewhere nearby.

I'll take that under advisement, but see the previous post. My wife's going to want to DIY it.

MX

Kael · #11 08-31-2010, 10:29 AM

http://www.taxidermy.net/forums/ReptileMenu.html

Didn't find the exact post you need, but there's a search function.

Soverntear · #12 08-31-2010, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MX21

Yes, she's quite capable. Should have been born 200 years ago pioneering the west.

Sometimes it has it's drawbacks. She might decide that she doesn't like where the kitchen cabinets are. I come home that night and they're gone.

I'm gathering this has happend?

MX21 · #13 08-31-2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soverntear

I'm gathering this has happend?

Yes. Also decided the carpet in the hallway was too old and worn. Tore it out and then keeps asking me when I'll put the new floor in.

MEKer · #14 08-31-2010, 06:26 PM

Yeah-----find a belt maker for it or at least get some advice from one. On the rattlers and copperheads I have skinned out, I could never keep the fricking scales from roughing off with use. Have no idea how they keep that from happening.

MX21 · #15 08-31-2010, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MEKer

Yeah-----find a belt maker for it or at least get some advice from one. On the rattlers and copperheads I have skinned out, I could never keep the fricking scales from roughing off with use. Have no idea how they keep that from happening.

I saw a strap at GC that had a small cutout in the leather with snakesking behind it. It appeared to have some sort of plastic layer over it, I guess to keep the scales from snagging.