Alligator Hide

Maverick299

Maverick299

Joined
Apr 12, 2014
Messages
798
Many years ago when I lived in the south I used to draw gator tags and hunt swamp lizards. I've had a few hides laying around but have never trusted anyone enough to cut them up. After a lot of research I found a guy that does some sweet work. So far I have had him do 4 belts, a 1911 holster, and a few pocket carry knife sheaths. I'm more than happy with his work and need to figure out which knives and guns needs some new packaging.



 
I was gonna ask that too. Kinda looks like one of mine but I don't think so. Giraffe bone on that handle?
 
Yes, but who did the work?? ;) :D

I haven't seen a whole lot of Siper's work, but what I have seen is pretty gnarly.

Good for both of you. :thumbup:
 
Those are sweet! The back part of the gator makes for a gnarly sheath as well. I made one for my 110 sometime ago
 
Bighaze51 said:
Those are sweet! The back part of the gator makes for a gnarly sheath as well. I made one for my 110 sometime ago
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That's exactly the type that I'm looking for. Is that the backstrap? What kinda croc is that? I'm looking at American alligator and Nile croc. Maybe caiman if I can find the right cut.
 
I generally use the Alligator or Crocodile for inlay work, but I have made quite a few full front sheaths using this exotic.

Paul
 
I hate to gush Paul, but damn I like your work. I'd copy that keeper strap, but I'm pretty sure I'd look like a tool. A big part of knife and sheath design for me is in the curves. The curves are critical. Utility aside, I think that's why I love the interesting shape of a wharncliffe so much. Just plain interesting to look at. Just like your sheaths. ;)

How many stitches per inch on that one? Looks like a higher count than what I've been doing (5spi).
 
Strigamort, you are more than welcome to copy that strap. That's no big deal.

Paul
 
Strigamort said:
Those are pretty! I need to get some gator skin. What's that knife on the right in the bottom pic?
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Thanks guys! I am really happy with the leather work. It's from a local guy I met, not through this forum.


The knife on the lower right is a Arno Bernard MeerKat and someone nailed it, giraffe bone handle.
 
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Have you seen the Crocodile skin used as knife scales before? I'm not sure I'm sold on them because they don't look comfortable but I'll give him two thumbs up for creativity and style!

 
They look great, but all things considered not the most practical choice for a using knife. Maybe if they have been saturated with C/A similar to stabilizing it might make a huge difference in their ability to withstand the elements and moisture.

Maverick, your leather craftsman does really nice work. Beautiful execution and finish.

Paul
 
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Maverick299 said:
Have you seen the Crocodile skin used as knife scales before? I'm not sure I'm sold on them because they don't look comfortable but I'll give him two thumbs up for creativity and style!

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That's just crazy... I've never seen that done before. Hmm... Leather stacked washers hold up pretty well, but this is obviously totally different. Is that your knife? I wonder if the maker warrants it against damage or a short life. I'm always trying to think of new handle materials, but croc has never occurred to me.

Weird and lovely at the same time. Thanks for sharing that. :thumbup:
 
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