Tanning and using a beaver tail....

[highpoint forge]

I missed the Oct. issue of TA covering this, but I have a beaver tail I skinned out on Friday and want to use. I air dried it for a day and took it home in a bag and froze it. When you skin the tail out there's a fair amount of white fat/meat that probably should be scraped away. Just have not had time yet. I'm thinking of using it for a bow handle or knife sheath.

Any pointers for my first time working with a beaver tail?

[Stiks-n-Strings]

This should be a good thread. I been looking to track down some info on this myself.

 If I find any I will post it. Hopefully some others wii be along.

 Stiks

[highpoint forge]

From what I can gather most say NOT to tan it, and just use it as is, green, and wrap the bow handle with it and sew it on. I'm most curious about how to scrape it clean of the fatty tissue....

[Stiks-n-Strings]

Alex,

 I thought about drying mine flat and sanding the extra tissue off on a belt sander. Haven't tried it yet but I don't see why it would not work.

 Sticks

[highpoint forge]

Yes! The ol 300 grit Norton belt should smell wonderful after that!

What about a flint scraper? I only slit mine down the middle, so I guess you'd cut the round bottom part off even in order to lay it flat?

[GWC]

Iv never saved the tails off any of mine but id think you could just use the edge of your knife to scrape most of the fat and meat off.i would think that you would wanna at least put some salt or borax on the tail before using it.could be wrong but id be afraid it would spoil.Ross

[PA-Spot]

Go to  http://tradbow.com/  For $20.00 you can be an online member and get the info you need. PS don't put a green (not dryed) tail on your bow. It will shrink. Might even damage the finish of your bow. GOOD LUCK

[Mike Yancey]

That white fatty tissue on a beaver tail wont just scrape off, you have to cut it off. I do it with an 8'' beef skinner knife with the tail placed on a flat surface. Then I wash it good in dishwashing soap then tack it out and air dry. Then when you want to use it soak it in water for a few hours to soften and wash it again with soap, trim it to fit the bow handle, leaving an overlap at the center because it will shrink as it dries. Lace it on the bow and let it dry.
Mike

[jason1040]

This is all good information, keep it coming.

[highpoint forge]

Hey Mike would you detail the tissue trimming method you use? Sounds like you might be the resident beavertail tutor.

Thanks!

[Mike Yancey]

I just take that big bladed beef skinner knife and with the tail flat start making cuts to thin off the white junk, being carefull not to cut through the tail.
Mike

[highpoint forge]

OK.