What did you do with your Cape buffalo skin?

R eight said:

Not something I’m interested in….. but, even with a small hide one could get a few sets of these things made.

I reckon that sort of thing would make a great accessory to a 35 Whelen .

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I was literally on a countdown until someone mentioned assless chaps. "In three, two, one....."

LOL

The ideas are great but it would be super helpful if you let us know WHO did the work.

My stuff is being made by Lauriston Taxidermy in South Africa Eastern Cape.

Since my previous post of what I did with my buff back skin I have had a belt and 8 wallets made and that about used all that was left after the large purse and boots were made.

Altitude sickness said:

Bull scrotum shot shell holder.

And carry on duffel bag

Ammo wallets,belts, slings View attachment 605993View attachment 605992

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Buzz always told me to get that made from my Cape bull scrotum haaaaaa

Ridge Runner said:

For what you have mentioned you want vegetable, or brain tan. Vegetable and brain tan won't be caustic to metal; ie. knife sheaths, holsters, belts, upholstery, boots/shoes, pouches, etc.

Chrome, salt, other types of chemical tans; the chemical will leach out of the leather when the leather gets wet.

Oil tans, the oil also leaches out but usually not reactive on metals. They just leave a mess on clothing and skin. And needs much more leather care/maintenance.

Another consideration is soft tan vs "hard"/"stiff" tan or "split" leather. ie. wallet, upholstery, etc, is soft tan or split leather. Holsters, sheaths, saddle leather is full hide.

There is also hide/leather weight/thickness. Different weights/ thickness for different uses.

Do a Google search on types of leather and tanning as it is a lengthy subject to try to explain

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So what do you do if you want an assortment of different items made ?

Tra3 said:

Grocery bags! I just made two out of giraffe hide. Buffalo would be excellent. Open top, two handles, simple. And you can leave them in your vehicle.

Tool bag. Perfect material for that.

Small square for closet rug. Look at little spaces in your house where a 3x3 rug will be perfect.

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pictures ?

JimT said:

Since my previous post of what I did with my buff back skin I have had a belt and 8 wallets made and that about used all that was left after the large purse and boots were made.

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Do you have pictures ?

Where did you have it made?

Altitude sickness said:

Bull scrotum shot shell holder.

And carry on duffel bag

Ammo wallets,belts, slings View attachment 605993View attachment 605992

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I love the duffle bag!! who made it?

Love this thread, I had my buff hide tanned in Namibia and shipped to me, as of yet I havent decided what to do with it. It is a huge chunk of beautiful leather, naturally grey in color, soft and supple but thick. Getting some ideas.

Huntforever said:

So what do you do if you want an assortment of different items made ?

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Choose the proper leather weight (thickness), type (full grain, split (top or lower/bottom grain) for each item.

That said, It depends on the project.

Let's say I only have a half hide of any thick/heavy leather.

1. I want to make a new daily wear/work pant belt, Plain Jane. I cut the belt width, trim to length, attach a buckle, and punch the buckle holes, using the full thickness of the hide.

2. I want to make a nicer dress belt. Using that same thick/heavy hide. I'll cut and trim the hide to size, then I'll thin the thickness using a hide splitter till the hide is shaved down to my desired thickness, pull out my tooling dies, draw out a pattern on the leather, tool the leather, attach a buckle and punch the buckle holes.

Same scenario as above but I only have a lighter/thinner, a mid weight hide.

I'll cut 2 pieces out, trim, shave, mark, the hide accordingly, then "glue" and sew the 2 pieces together to get the desired thickness, attach the buckle and punch the buckle holes.

Not being a smart ass. It is what it is, or isn't. It's best to always use the proper thickness/weight leather for the intended project.

Same scenarios as above, but all the leather I have on hand to make a belt from is thin/light weight soft leather used for making possible bags, moccasins, lining leather, etc.

I go shopping for various thicker/weights, and types of leather to make my belt(s), with enough left over for other future leather projects.

NOTE: Not all dyes are the same. Thus In all cases whether factory dyed or I dye the leather I use and highly recommend using an inside leather liner to keep the leather dye from bleeding out onto clothing, firearms, etc, just in case the leather gets wet.

I hope this helps.

African Game Industries made my items shown. Very reasonable using my provided leather.

Leatherlinks will make items from your leather. Especially elephant leather.

I’ve also had items made in Bulawayo that came out well.

Thanks for sharing which one made the duffle bag? That’s beautiful!!

Kevin Peacocke said:

A vertical brief case or mail bag as they were known. The stiffer buffalo hide works well for this. Shown is a similar thing made by Els Fine Leather, they are top notch.
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Would els make one with my tanned skin?

wolfhunter said:

Two rifle cases one shotgun

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Who made them for you?

Hornedfrogbbq said:

Would els make one with my tanned skin?

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I am not sure, but there is a section on their web site to ask, pop them a question.

Mine and a second one have been sitting in a box for over 12 years now
I keep getting side tracked for going to Abilene to James Leddy boots for a pair of boots

Hornedfrogbbq said:

Who made them for you?

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The company was from owatana mn. I think they are closed now.