tanned deer hide

[geno]

I tanned my firt one and it turned out real soft, it was pretty time consuming. Any sugestions on what to do with it. I thought about making a quiver and putting a hard leather cup in the bottom but I think it might be to soft..anyone ever try that?

[sticshooter]

Hi Geno,  

   I really like using the soft tanned hides the best as they are very conforming to you and your arrows and can be lined for more/added durability if need be. Lining the bottom would be suggested and can use wood, layers of thick leather or even man made materials that you may have around the house.
If you plan on making a quiver from it, you could go with any style but would need to place strap anchorage in specific areas to wear properly. Making them yourself is very satisfying and enjoyable, you may want to get some fabric from an old dress or something from the second hand store to try out as a sample before you use your good leather. There are also many good how to's and build alongs to reference from on here or on the web.

Good luck!
Shell (on hubby's login)

[madness522]

I agree that a soft back quiver is the most comfy.  You would all a strip around the mouth to help it stay open.  I have done that very thing with the one I am making right now because the leather is very soft.

[geno]

thanks for the reply. Let me take this a little further. Back or hip quiver for hunting only?
Gene

[pintail_drake2004]

hey geno...sounds like a build along..??

[geno]

hey pintail,

I take the picks and we will see how it turns out if we post or not  

[Killdeer]

How did you tan it? Did you braintan it or do the normal leather tan? The reason I ask is that the braintan would probably be a little lighter and have less body to it than the grain-leather-type tanning.

Killdeer

[geno]

I used krow tan and krow oil. Mostly lye I think..

[6 POINT]

I think tanned deer skin is too easily cut to use it as a quiver that would carry broadheads. You would have to line it and that would take away the flexibility that makes it so desireable.
I use my skins for lining leather projects and making clothing. Right now the arm guard I am using is cordovan leather with the skin from a boar pig I killed over 35 years ago used as a liner. It really feels good against my skin. The arm guard also uses kangaroo lacing and deer burr buttons for a total of 4 different animals in one armguard.

[sticshooter]

6 point has a very good point,

I was skeptic with using them until I played around with ways to make them and found that if you line it with a durable but plyable liner like either chap cowhide or pigskin (suedes/splits) that you can get of a lighter weight (3-5 oz.) and the durability is amazing especially when paired up with yours, it will stay very plyable and will still have the collapseable holding qualities as well for broadhead use. It's worked wonderful for all of ours although it can be a lengthy process but well worth the efforts. You can use a leather glue (some use Barges) I prefer an absorbing flexible non toxic leather glue when I can't use something natural for these types and it helps for added durability. I've been using this glue for years and it actually bonds/fuses the leather knap to itself when compressed properly.

Killdeer is correct about the braintanned vs. commercial.

Also that kangaroo and pigskin is some of, if not the strongest hides to use for durability/utility kangaroo being the toughest per ounce of availability, from what I learned.

There are so many great ideas from so many others on here, lot's of good info,I'm sure you'll find your project  

Shell (on hubby's login)

[Danny Roberts]

How 'bout using some of it for broadhead covers so they don't cut your quiver. Keeps the heads sharper longer too. Good huntin' !!

[sticshooter]

That's a great idea Danny
   

They do work great too!!        

Shell

[geno]

where is a good place to get leather? It is very soft. my taxadermist said it was between what he could do in shop and a send off job.you are right about the pigskin, they make boarhide chaps for briars out of it.and good idea on the broadhead covers. That would solve the problem. thanks all
Gene

[Shell]

Gene ,  Sent you a PM.

[geno]

back to ya shell