Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Benoli on July 08, 2023, 04:06:16 PM
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Many moons ago I bought some sealskin arrow rests from, then, Alaska Bowhunting Supply and would like to find some more. Two strikes, Alaska Bowhunting Supply is no more and, supposedly there has been a change with the Sea Mammals Protection Act that prevents sales and or shipping to the USA. Does anyone know if sealskin rests are available via another source?
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I remember those, one of my fellow archers really liked them. As for locating any might try a used clothing store. I have read about guys finding old coats to use.
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How much do you need Albert?
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I got something off eBay several years ago that was made with sealskin so I could have some for arrow rests. I gave a strip to several of my buddies and kept one small piece for me that was enough to redo my bow a few times. I figured it would last me a lifetime or so.
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Is seal skin very textured when tanned?
I remember it was gritty on a live seal when my wife and I and our girls swam with a couple once on vacation....
There's a reason I'm asking about the texture.
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Is seal skin very textured when tanned?
I remember it was gritty on a live seal when my wife and I and our girls swam with a couple once on vacation....
There's a reason I'm asking about the texture.
The skin itself is very similar to bison or elk leather. The hair is medium thick and moderately stiff much like a Labrador coat but shorter in length and has a very smooth fiber with a lot of natural oil. When put on an arrow rest it makes for a very slick shooting surface on the shelf but like anything else not smooth (such as Velcro or moleskin) it can collect grit and sand and dust. It’s among the quietest material that I’ve used and is extremely water resistant. I like it a lot for shelf material.
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Ive had some seal skin shelf material but preferred unborn calf hair you can buy hides off ebay .
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I like mine with the fur on.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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I'm stil kicking myself!!! I used to go to Anchorage at least once a year. I decided to go into a thrift store there and found a seal skin jacket in the racks. It was awesome and would have had 1k arrow rests for me and buddies. Didn't buy it that day and went back two days later... gone.
I really don't think anyone bought it. I made the mistake of telling the people my plans and how it was impossible to get or buy in the states. I shared it was going to be a gold mine for me... ugh
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I really don't think anyone bought it. I made the mistake of telling the people my plans and how it was impossible to get or buy in the states. I shared it was going to be a gold mine for me... ugh
We have a WINNER!!!!
Tradgang BoneHead of the Week....
And its only Monday!!!
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
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Hahahaha! I graciously accept that dubious title!! :biglaugh:
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I don’t know what help this might be, but several years ago, I contacted a native crafter who made clothing and other items from seal skin. I asked them if they had offcuts that they would sell to me for making arrow rests. They offered to send me a one pound bag for $25. In fact, they sent me more than two pounds in several colors.
Unfortunately, I can’t remember who it was.
If you need some for a few bows, pm me. I still have some pieces.
Seal skin is my absolute favourite rest material.
Dave.
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Terry, my seal skin pieces are all hair on, but the leather is thin and it feels like deer skin.
Dave.
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No worries.... the pic shows me what I thought. Probably great material for sure.
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I was just digging around one of my archery tackle boxes and found some. It’s great stuff.
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Found mine too.
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It’s the best in my opinion
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I went back in time and found the place where I purchased my sealskin remnants.
Google furcanada.com. It’s not listed, so I contacted them and asked if they would sell me some.
Having said this, it has been a long time and things might have changed. Their website has surely changed and so have the prices! Still, it’s worth asking.
Dave.
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I live in SE Alaska now and can probably get some scrap pieces from the local natives. As long as it’s legal to send it out I’ll check.
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I have used it hair on.All out of it recently.last piece went on a Centaur.It has a good nap on it like a paint roller if you get a good piece.
Quirrel and chipmonk work fine as a subsitute for me.Free and plentiful.
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I’ve also got some from someone’s scrap coat and it was really good and someone else sent me some that. Was a entire coat sleeve and it was bad.
You could actually pull the hide apart like wet paper and I had to toss it.
Now some pieces the hair is too long and what I did was take a old set of those trimming beard battery razors and put the small trimmer attachment that sets the height of hair an trimmed very slowly against the way the hair laid down.
It thinned it down really well as if you were getting a flat top hair cut.
Then I took some masking tape and pressed down in the hair to gather up all the little trimmings and any dirt .
Really turned out great.
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They sell pelts here for 150-160$. The hair is smooth and short. Silky. It would make a good rest. It’s too supple for a Howard hill quiver. Though I’d like to make some sort of quiver from one
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Furred sealskin is what I use. Some time back there was a fellow who chopped up his grandma's sealskin fur coat and sold sections. I picked up a couple and am still running off those.
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Albert an envelop is headed your direction.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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I used to put it on all my selfbows until it was no longer available. Best material ever for an arrow shelf..
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I could Probabably ship patches if enough wanted any. How do you stick it on the wood?
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Barge cement works very well.
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2x Barge cement :thumbsup:
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Never heard of it. Don’t tear the wood?
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Make friends with a Newfoundlander
I have a few envelopes full of the stuff
I haven’t tried making a rest or strike out of it yet as I’m worried about the adhesive ruining the bow finish. I think I’ll have to start with my least valuable bow
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It is no difference than glueing or sticking on a rug rest and strike plate with self adhesive material. Barge is like rubber cement if you are familiar with that.
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Ok. Yeah that’s what I was fugured
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Cool thread!!! :campfire:
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Thank you all for your responses and comments. :clapper:
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Make friends with a Newfoundlander
I have a few envelopes full of the stuff
I haven’t tried making a rest or strike out of it yet as I’m worried about the adhesive ruining the bow finish. I think I’ll have to start with my least valuable bow
Use barge cement or contact cement... basically the same stuff... It wont hurt your bow finish. DON'T USE SUPER GLUE!!!!
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If anyone would be willing to part with some, I too would be interested. :archer2:
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I also would like to have some, I had one I bought from 3 Rivers many years ago, but can’t seem to find it.