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Post by skofi on Feb 23, 2024 3:46:31 GMT
Hello. I was curious to know if anyone knows the properties of snake skin (like durability, strength, stretch, etc), and how it differs from normal veg-tan leather. TIA
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Post by madirish on Feb 23, 2024 14:44:52 GMT
Snake skin leather is quite thin....like 1-2oz cowhide thin. The scales can also be damaged by movement against the grain. Wouldn't be useful for a grip, I should think. Probably ok for a scabbard, but if it gets damaged it can't be easily repaired. Apparently, it is really hydrophilic, too, and should not be gotten wet and it also doesn't handle heat well (dries and cracks).
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Post by eastman on Feb 24, 2024 3:08:30 GMT
snakeskin is usually glued to a thicker backing leather when used for wallets, etc
contact cement is your friend
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LeMal
Member
Posts: 1,086
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Post by LeMal on Feb 24, 2024 13:21:37 GMT
I've used it with no problems (though it's been a long while) on both grips and scabbards with cool results. The wear issue is easily countered with a coating--linseed oil, lacquer, diluted glue, (my favorite) shellac, etc. with a mind to the type of snakeskin and whether the coating will yellow it. I really liked white cobra skin for example, so wanted something that didn't yellow; rattlesnake in contrast could even look better.
But that speaks to the real challenge--aesthetics. A waisted grip, for example, risers on either a grip or scabbard, are probably ill advised places to use snakeskin. The scales won't easily "line up" and look good if the object varies in width drastically anywhere. (It probably can be done, but I didn't find figuring out how worth it. ;) )
You'll also probably want something where you're comfortable with hiding the seam side too, say on the back or bottom, away from common view. Again, because the scales/pattern almost certainly won't line up and the seam will be very noticeable.
I had the same challenges with crocodile print leather too. Also rayskin. Anything with a pattern. But be mindful of it and use creative workarounds and it can look great.
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Post by jester on Feb 24, 2024 20:39:57 GMT
I used it for both tsuka and saya. Works alright.
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Post by paulmuaddib on Mar 10, 2024 21:24:20 GMT
I used it for both tsuka and saya. Works alright. Dude, that is cool. Like that snake head at the end of the saya.
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