Does anybody know where I could get an "authentic" (hippo or rhino hide) african Sjambok?

I'm not sure if they're legal in California, but I would to get one if they are. I know there are some plastic ones, but I am not interested in those.

Thanks!

Why don't you ask a taxidermist to cut you one from an extra piece of hippo hide? It beats the crap out of a Tsotsi(bad guy)!!!!!

Smoky Mountain Knife Works has had them from time to time. Also try Cold Steel.

I think the Cold Steel ones are very practical and inexpensive, but not made of hide unfortunately.

Finding a taxidermist with extra hippo hide is a good idea, but I am not sure where to look (not many out here in California)

How much Hippo hide do you need?

Hmmmm....that's a good question. The Cold Steel synthetic versions are about 42 - 54 inches plus a handle.

Maybe this thread has turned from "Where to buy a Sjambok" into "Does anybody have extra hippo hide to make one?"

Try contacting Taxidermy Enterprises in Bulawayo. They have made a couple of them for me. I doubt a US taxidermist could do a sjambok justice. I've seen one being made and it's a bit of a process to get it right.

http://www.taxidermyenterprises.com/

Thanks for the link, I'll follow-up with them.

Do you have any photos you can post? I have only seen the synthetic versions.