Secondary to my "collector's " character and advise from this forum,I am now the owner of 3 buff backskin,of considerable weight and therefore expense(to get here).I understand folks fell into this trap before me.I had envisioned using the skins for "something"
Now that I am faced with the additional expense of tanning same,I am exploring the advisability of spending more on them.
In short: what have members done with buff skins before,(other then storing them in a suitable corner)
I am thinking of using them for reupholstering chairs etc,maybe garment use?
Secondary to anticipated use would be the final thickness of the tanned leather.To keep the uniqueness of buff leather,I would think one would not shave it down to lighter weight.Full thickness buff leather- if there is such material- might be rather unwieldy though.
These thought just to explain my state of innocence in the matter.
I appreciate any actual experience of use together with the relevant instructions to the tanner,as to what kind of leather is desired.
Thanks a bunch

Any leads as to which tannery to use for this job is also appreciated

Lot's of people seem to be faced with the same problem......it's such a nice piece of leather but no-one seems to know quite what to do with it......Anyway;- It can be shaved down and softened as you wish.

I'm currently working on the design of a good quality hunting boot now. I've had the prototypes a few weeks and made a few design changes and am now awaiting delivery of the finished product.

The idea is that each person will be able to have a pair of hunting boots made out of their own Buff or antelope skin (or we can supply it from stock) with impala lining to a basic design and then they can customise the order by opting for such things as a thicker sole or locking eyelets etc.

Originally I was just going to offer these to our own clients but after I posted a research poll here I got so much interest that I've decided to offer the boots to whoever wants them.

Once I have the finished boots in my hands and the final prices worked out I'll be posting full details.

Steve,

I have my buffalo tanned, leather. I would be very intreseted in hearing about your boots. I have hippo leather also, how would that be for boots

Hi Widowmaker416,

I'm not the leather expert myself but I see no reason why Hippo leather can't be shaved like any other leather........but I'll check on monday and let you know by e-mail.

We're still working out prices and as with most things in life it's working out more expensive than I had originally hoped. ......having said that I've been offered the chance to cut the price by reducing the quality but there's no way I'll compromise my standards. I've worn hunting boots that were almost right for years and now I have the chance to design my own I'm determined they'll be absolutely right...........Even if they cost a few dollars more

Hippo shaved has the appearence and feel of velvet, properly done it is awsome...

I have a very large 1/2 skin of tanned Cape Buffalo is anyone is interrested..I am not sure what they are worth, but I sold the other half for $375. to a fellow that needed it...

Open for trades also.

Have a rifle case or two made from it. Murray Leather will do it for their regular price of $450.00. They also make slings and ammo pouches as well.

DC 300

Lou Alessi and Mel DelFati make awesome holsters using hippo I would be they could do the same with buffalo. My wife and I carry Lou Alessi belts/holsters daily and they are a joy to wear..

Ray,
You being an old cowboy might know. How would buffalo leather be for making a saddle?

quote:

Originally posted by sheephunter:
I am now the owner of 3 buff backskin,of considerable weight and therefore expense(to get here).I understand folks fell into this trap before me.I had envisioned using the skins for "something"

Buffalo leather gun bags or slips.

FWIW I know a guy in Jo'burg who does some fantastic leatherwork.....I recently saw a double rifle motorcase he had covered in Elephant skin and it was really something else. Don't know what his prices are like though. I've got some pictures of his work and will try to post a few if I can work out how to do it.

Steve

I would like to see it. You know where to send it if you need - actually Photos@NitroExpress.com - would be better as the other account is full. If I get to it tonight I can post otherwise it might be several days.

Saw an elephant skin gun case only a while ago and they are different.

They make great belts, wear for ever. Charlie

Steve's photos of elephant skin gun cases and rifle slips

Those elephant motor cases look great EXCEPT for that foam! A case like that should have a fitted interior!

JMHO,

JohnTheGreek

Those ones were made to order for a shooting team who all had different firearms. but we can make them to any specification......but I agree they would have looked nicer had they been indivuadially lined.

Believe we need a taxidermist to answer whether a backskin hide that has been "dressed" to keep the hair can be used in the same way as a hide that has been "tanned" into leather. Got my doubts, but see room for confusion here.

My dressed backskins and tails form part of a display draped over a railing around my stairwell.
Regards

Steve

Those ele double rifle cases sure would be nice. Now as for getting one in I was told a method but ......

Lots of ways John.

(Local import laws allowing)

The easiest way is for the client to shoot his Elephant (or whatever) and then send it direct from wherever he hunted it to us here in SA and we can then use the same licences to import it into RSA and then re-export the finished product(s)

Alternatively he can ship the hide from his country of residence to us here ......but before the shipping takes place he has to organise the export licences from his country of residence.....then we use the same licence string to re-export.

Or we can supply the hide and we will organise the export licences......but there is obviously a charge for this.

Another option is for us to use Buffalo hide that has been grained and coloured to look like Elephant hide......Personally I feel that's a bit like wearing a fake rolex ........but hey, it's not my riflecase!