Tanning Snake Skins

[Harmless]

I'm looking for some snake skin's for a couple quivers I'm building. I'v found a few sources for "air dryed" skins, but none for tanned skins. Is there a way to Tan air dryed skins ? Thanks...Dave

[doug77]

yes just rehydrate them in salt water. I did one this way got a snake tanning kit from Van Dyke's taxidermery turned out fine.

doug77

[Harmless]

tt

[OconeeDan]

I have used Rittels tanning kit with good success.  But never a dried skin, always fresh.  Inexpensive and easy to do.
Doug77 is probably correct, just rehydrate it and then tan it.
Dan

[ALW]

I read somewhere about using a solution of denatured alcohol and glycerin to "tan" them.  I think it said that you can get glycerin at the local pharmacy.  It says to use a 50/50 mixture.  Flesh and degrease them first.  Tack the skin down with the scales down and spray on the solution twice a day.  In about a week it says the skin will be supple and plyable.  Never tried it myself but I saved the document about it.

Aaron

[LKH]

Jack Harrison says the best skins are those done in glycerin, but that's for bows.  They sure have worked on my bows.