I have a set of bear paws from a bear shot several years ago. I told my son I would make him a Bear Claw necklace out of the claws. The paws are pretty dried up and i put them in a bucket of water to try and loosen them up a bit. What is the best way to remove them and preserve them for this use?
Also, any one have any pictures of this type of necklace so I can get some ideas?
Thank you,
WW

Okay I'll catch this one! As you may be aware, we are a little busy this time of year.

What you need to do is to soak the paws in a mild salt solution ... 1-pound salt to 2-gallons water. Add about a half ounce of dish washing soap, like Dawn or the equivalent. This will help the water become more absorbent.

Soak the paws for a day or two, and when you pull them out to check them manipulate the claws to further help soften the skin around them.

After a couple of days you should be able to carve the claw and that last toe bone that holds the claw sheath -- the outer part known as "the claw" -- using a curve tip paring knife.

Work slowly, deliberately, and CAREFULLY! After the claws are free from the paws you can use the paring knife to scrape away any remaining tissue from the bony base, and dry them with a paper towel, then set them aside to completely dry.

When they are dry, you can use medium to medium/fine sandpaper or wet/dry to smooth the bony base ... NOT THE CLAW. Use some Johnson's Paste Wax to shine the claw and your good to go! Ta-dah!

Good luck to you!
John.

Why bother? You can buy quality reproductions. This is probaly one of many sources.

www.halfordsmailorder.com
Griz

For that matter, you can buy the best made claw reproductions in the world from any Taxidermy supplier that carries the products made by Harvey Mohr of Mohr Products. They can be ordered from WASCO (Wildlife Artists Supply Company); McKenzie Taxidermy Supply; many suppliers carry them.

Why bother? Because we can!

John.

quote:

Originally posted by Grizzly Adams:
Why bother? You can buy quality reproductions. This is probaly one of many sources.

www.halfordsmailorder.com
Griz

They might kick you out of Canada for making such a suggestion!

John,
Thank you VERY much. I really appreciate it!!

Buy reproductions??? Are you guys nuts? That would be something a big city boy hunter does!!! There isn't anything I have mounted that I bought...they have all been harvested by myself....oh, I did get a bobcat my friend shot. But that was only because mine was ruined.
One other thing....a fake rhino horn that my Duiker is pedastil mounted on.

I do like John says, but after some carving away of the hide around the claw and knuckle bone I use my wire wheel (on grinder motor) to remove and really clean up everything, works great. Be careful and don't get your finger in the wire wheel.

quote:

Originally posted by TMTAXIDERMY:
I do like John says, but after some carving away of the hide around the claw and knuckle bone I use my wire wheel (on grinder motor) to remove and really clean up everything, works great. Be careful and don't get your finger in the wire wheel.

Oh brother! That's why I recommend the sandpaper! Been there ... hurt that!

John.