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More hidework

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BowEd:
I think the proper way to tan beaver tails is to take the scales off first.That's done using hydrated lime just like bucking a deer hide to remove it's hair.The leather of the fleshed beaver tail will swell just like a deer hide.
Then you can scrape them off.They are the part on a beaver tail that will make them stiff.
You'll see the pattern of the scales in the leather also after removing the scales.
After that neutralize the tail soaking a half hour or so in vinegar water.A cup to a couple gallons of water.Then a few clear water risings.You'll notice the change in the leather.
People usually bark tan them then after that,but other tans then might work also.
It's a fair amount of work.Mostly tedious.
Note......Before tanning I would let it dry tacked or stapled out after neutralizing it.Then I would sand at the base of the tail where it's a lot thicker than the rest of the leather and even up that thickness some.That would help in making certain items.Then rehydrate it.
A strong tanning solution in a 5 gallon bucket will tan it in a few days....or if your using the orange bottle stuff repeated applications will probably work.
Scuff it around with your hands to soften.Neats foot oil can help too.
For stuff like knife sheaths,rawhide envelopes or grips on bow handles leaving the scales on should work fine.For a knife sheath though I would glue the dried beaver tail to some thicker rawhide like beef rawhide or thick veg tanned leather using contact cement.

BrianS:
BowEd,
Thanks for the info.
take care,
brian

BowEd:
My friend is a lot like me with his views to wildlife.I know he's trapped many beaver in his lifetime.He just wants a remembrance of the animal he devoted so much time to pursuing.

BowEd:
My thoughts about a wallet for my friend out of beaver tail are this.
I'd be better off to buy a thin vegetable tanned wallet kit and contact cement glue the dried beaver tail [which will be very thin dried] to it while edge lacing the whole project [beaver tail to veg tanned leather] together.Then wax and oil it for a finish on it.
As opposed to trying to vegetable tan a beaver tail and make a wallet out of it.

Piddler:
ED,
I'll send you a PM tomorrow. May have a tail I don't have a real good use for if you are in need of one. I saved a couple to make bow wraps.
Piddler

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