I have a leather belt which is stiff, in a distorted shape from being stored. Diamond Back Rattle Snake covered (with a matching buckle), stiched on the leather belt. I need to both soften the leather up, soak it in oil I guess, and to also clean the snake skin. I am thinking the snake skin could use a good cleaning, as it seems faded, but I don't want the oil to interfere with the cleaning of the snake skin.
Heck, I don't know what to do.

I want to say saddle soap, but honestly I have never used it on any thing other than traditional leather.

The seat conditioners that we use in Rachel's car, Meguiar's Leather Cleaner & Conditioner seems to be nice. We searched for something that was not hard on the leather.

I'd ask a tanner what they recommend.

Brad

somebody has to say it....................how about snake oil......

Is it copperhead skin? Don't let maryjane near it...

There is a creme used on Ausie Oilskin dusters that softens/re-conditions/waterproofs anything it comes in contact with...made out gawd knows what (probably palatupus venom and crocidile fat knowing ausies )

Its abot 10 bucks a can at about any leather shop...mine is an hour away and the name escapes me at the moment, but if ya ask for the stuff for oilskin coats you will find it.

A good leather conditioner like Lexol should work. I think Lexol is recommended for lizard skin boots (I have used it on mine), as well as ordinary leathers. Conditioners won't penetrate the scales themselves, just the skin supporting and connecting the scales. I would still contact the manufacturer for guidance before using anything.

Snakeskin:
Wipe against the scales to remove dirt and dust. Apply a coating of matching cream polish - ensuring that you polish with the grain of the scales. Do not use silicone spray on exotic skins boots such as snake and ostrich.

http://nashvilleboots.com/boot_care_35_ctg.htm

Rattlesnake - Not an endangered species. The Western Diamondback is the largest Rattlesnake found in the Western United States. Their distinctive scaled back pattern resembles a repetitive diamond motif. Sometimes called a "Coon-Tail Rattler" due to the rattle-tipped black and white striped tail. They are aggressive when disturbed and administer deadly venom through retractable fangs. Rattlesnake skin is durable and requires little care but a little upkeep at frequent intervals will keep the skin in good condition. Dust and dirt that settles in between the scales will cause damage so carefully remove loose dirt or dust under or around the scales with a soft brush or rag. Search for a conditioner recommended for Rattlesnake at a local exotic leather shop or department store in your area. A thin coat will help the skin stay soft and flexible. Brush or wipe in the direction of the scale grain.

http://www.everythingsouthw...ke_leather_belt.html

Have a friend in TN who carries a 22 pistol just for them when he hays, and always wanted one he shot. But alas they were always to tore up to make a belt out of.

Nice belt, keep it well preserved it is worth some money.

Steve

------------------
Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

quote Originally posted by 84fiero123: Have a friend in TN who carries a 22 pistol just for them when he hays, and always wanted one he shot. But alas they were always to tore up to make a belt out of.

Man Steve, . You would die if you knew how many rattle snake skins I lost when my lake place mobile home burnt down. The shortest was four foot and that may be an under exaggeration. I lost at least six, maybe eight. I have a snake snare that I made to use for catching them (though the skins I have were given to me, all at one time). I have never found any big enough for a belt though the ones given to me were big enough. The ones given to me were from my work area but caught and skinned by a resident who had the time hunt them.
Presently I work just thirty miles north of Freer Texas, home of the Freer Rattle Snake Round-Up, billed as the county's largest rattle snake round-up. Heh, the event started out as Oil-O-Rama, a celebration honoring it's rich oil drilling heritage. Here is a picture of the front of the Chamber Of Commerce.

However, Sweetwater Texas proclaims their Rattle Snake Round-Up the world's largest.
I'll see about getting you a rattle snake snake skin.
I don't even remember where I got this belt. Hard to believe ...

quote Originally posted by 84fiero123: Snakeskin: Wipe against the scales to remove dirt and dust.

... to wipe against the scales as I would think that they have become frail from lack of oil. No matter, I'll give it a little more thought/research.
Thanks.

quote Originally posted by cliffw: I have a snake snare that I made to use for catching them

How do you get them to step into the snares?

Brad

quote Originally posted by twofatguys: How do you get them to step into the snares?

Step, ? Snakes do not have feet, .
Actually, my home made snare is made from 1/2" PVC pipe, with a reach. A rattle snake is supposed to only be able to strike 2/3^rds of the length of it's body. So it is important not to get too close, . I can't do pics but let me see if I can find one.

You basically get enough cajonies to get close enough to slip it over it's neck then pull the draw string to tighten the noose.

You can then safely handle them, .

Back in the mid 80s, I had a friend that processed snake skins for belts, and she used glycerin (sp) to soften the skin. You can buy it in a drug store, or in the beauty section of any big store.

I've been to the snake roundups in Sweetwater Tx, Freer Tx (x2), Taylor Tx (x2), Brownwood, and one in Oklahoma.
One year, the Sweetwater roundup had 16,000 lbs of rattlesnakes.

btw, in Tx, you are 'supposed' to buy a 'non-game collectors permit' from the State if you want to catch and harvest skins.

Just kill another snake long enough to fit your waist kill it, thread it through your belt loops, tie a knot in front and you're good to go.

quote Originally posted by johnt671: Just kill another snake long enough to fit your waist kill it, thread it through your belt loops, tie a knot in front and you're good to go.

Cliff's so tough, he needn't even kill it--he'll just grab it, thread it thru alive and leave the head and tail shakin in the breeze to ward off anyone that might think about givin him any sheet.

He is a Texas roughneck.

[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 09-12-2010).]

Years ago, I walked out to the parking lot after work, to see a large diamondback coiled up in the shade under my motorcycle.

I tried throwing rocks at it to get it to leave, but it did not budge.

Then I remembered that earlier that morning, a co-worker had told me he killed a snake the day before and it was still in the trunk of his car.

Smart a**!

[This message has been edited by williegoat (edited 09-12-2010).]

You do know you are not helping right? I am so jealous that you catch them. Me I run the other way, just common sense I guess taking over.

Next one you catch big enough for my 33 inch waist send this way, after you kill it of course. I have always wanted to figure out a way to use the snakes head and fangs as the belt buckle. Is that possible? It would look amazing if it is. Don’t you think?

quote Originally posted by maryjane: Cliff's so tough, he needn't even kill it--he'll just grab it, thread it thru alive and leave the head and tail shakin in the breeze to ward off anyone that might think about givin him any sheet. He is a Texas roughneck.

If I wasn’t sure you are kidding I would ask for pictures. But then again are you?

You guys are living up to my idea of you.

Out of your fkn minds.

Steve

------------------
Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

quote Originally posted by 84fiero123: You guys are living up to my idea of you. Out of your fkn minds.

We got rattlesnakes around here, not as many as cliff has. Rumor has it that 100's of years ago this "separator" guy showed up from down south, and cleared up all the Fornicating snakes.

Brad

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 09-12-2010).]

If you live in Texas like i do, Look up your nearest Cavender's Boot City. They carry all of the supplies for maintaining rattlesnake skin boots. Heck, they could probably clean it for you if you ask nicely.

quote Originally posted by BlackEmrald: Look up your nearest Cavender's Boot City. They carry all of the supplies for maintaining rattlesnake skin boots. Heck, they could probably clean it for you if you ask nicely.

Excellent advice, .

quote Originally posted by 84fiero123: Next one you catch big enough for my 33 inch waist send this way, after you kill it of course.

Can and will do if I see one.

quote Originally posted by 84fiero123: I have always wanted to figure out a way to use the snakes head and fangs as the belt buckle. Is that possible? It would look amazing if it is. Don’t you think?

I have never seen one. Even looked at Google images.
This is my belt buckle ...

... and the belt ...

[/QUOTE]

quote Originally posted by maryjane: Cliff's so tough, he needn't even kill it--he'll just grab it, thread it thru alive and leave the head and tail shakin in the breeze to ward off anyone that might think about givin him any sheet.

Now now, I don't need an accidental bite and my package swelling up any larger than it already is, .

quote Originally posted by 84fiero123: Next one you catch big enough for my 33 inch waist send this way, after you kill it of course. Steve

quote Originally posted by cliffw: Can and will do if I see one. .

A phone call before you send it might be in order so I know its coming, and don‘t have a coronary when I open it.

thanks a head of time, I think.

Steve

------------------
Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

quote Originally posted by 84fiero123: Next one you catch big enough for my 33 inch waist send this way, after you kill it of course. I have always wanted to figure out a way to use the snakes head and fangs as the belt buckle.

PM your address, I just got a five footer. About four and a half now since the head is cut off and due to shrinkage from curing in the sun, salted. Eighteen buttons on the still attached rattle (suggesting eighteen years of age or older if it shed every year). The head contains the venom sack and still can secrete venom while detached from the body. I did once buy a "coiled in a strike posed" rattler which had to be done by a taxidermist which did have the head but that is beyond my knowledge.
The rattle end, is the slimmer part of the body and may not cover the width of a belt. I think there is enough ahead of the rattle portion to make a belt. If not, it will make an excellent wall hanging (perhaps on a stained routered edged board).

quote Originally posted by maryjane: .... she used glycerin (sp) to soften the skin.

I have heard to use anti freeze which contains glycerin but our rig was out at present.

quote Originally posted by maryjane: .. btw, in Tx, you are 'supposed' to buy a 'non-game collectors permit' from the State if you want to catch and harvest skins.

That I did not know, and even missed that you posted this earlier. I don't hunt them, per se, I just take advantage of them when I find them. I'll have to check into the legalities.

LOL I don’t believe you, you hot St!t.

Do you just go looking for these things or are you clearing out the rig area?

Well I suppose hunting rattle snakes is safer than separating them.

Anyway I will PM my address and what will it cost to ship? I can’t have you sending this for free.

I have a friend who is a taxidermist who will have a heart attack if I bring this to him.

Steve

------------------
Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.