Fleshing knives

[Oneday121o]

Okay so I learned that you can't go cheap with fleshing knives! I bought a cheap one that was on sale and it put more holes in the hide than a shotgun blast! I also couldn't get all the fat off the coon completely so I don't think it is going to turn out well. I guess I will add it to my collection...wasn't the best hide anyway. Any tips on fleshing? I purchased a necker knife and it should be here soon, threw the other one in the trash! I know to freeze coons to firm up the fat a bit but if you guys have any other tips would be helpful. When I go home I'll post a picture for a good laugh!

Edited March 7, 2017 by Oneday121o

[rgw]

dont throw the other one away, those cheapos are usually dull and good for mink fox etc. now on to your real problem, I doubt the knife was putting the holes in fur. its one of two things

A) the user not using it properly, example death grip on knife and pushing way to hard or

your not combing them first and getting all the dirt burs etc out. if you have anything in fur no matter how small you will put a hole or holes no matter which knife you use.

where do you live

Edited March 7, 2017 by rgw

[Oneday121o]

dont throw the other one away, those cheapos are usually dull and good for mink fox etc. now on to your real problem, I doubt the knife was putting the holes in fur. its one of two things

A) the user not using it properly, example death grip on knife and pushing way to hard or

your not combing them first and getting all the dirt burs etc out. if you have anything in fur no matter how small you will put a hole or holes no matter which knife you use.

where do you live

Oldbridge in Central NJ. I checked it for burrs but didn't comb it. Trash got picked up today...lol

[tinemaster]

If you wanna come by we will get you set up I'm probably 45 min away you probably just need a few adjustments and you will be good to go

[JerseyJaysTaxidermy]

What are you using as a beam? Sometimes the beam shape doesn't match up with the knife. I use a sharp 1 handed blade. I keep it razor sharp. Center knife in this pic :

 

http://www.jerseyjaystaxidermy.com

[JerseyJaysTaxidermy]

Or you can always buy this whizard fleshing knife...very expensive

https://youtu.be/0Hc1w5WBxm0

 

 

http://www.jerseyjaystaxidermy.com

[Oneday121o]

I use a custom beam that I built lol

[Kype]

like rgw said. dull knives have their uses. that necked you bought acutally has a sharp side and a dull side. it takes practice. i have messed up a lot of pelts when i first started. you need to take your time and make sure that animal is clean before skinning.

 

as far as the custom beam you made, can you take a picture of it? this may be a problem as well.

[Psehunter]

dont throw the other one away, those cheapos are usually dull and good for mink fox etc. now on to your real problem, I doubt the knife was putting the holes in fur. its one of two things

A) the user not using it properly, example death grip on knife and pushing way to hard or

your not combing them first and getting all the dirt burs etc out. if you have anything in fur no matter how small you will put a hole or holes no matter which knife you use.

where do you live

 

Oooooooo so that's why my Fox's neck looks like he was shot with buckshot ????...My first time fleshing and I definitely have a few hole but overall it didn't turn out too bad.

[Oneday121o]

As requested!

[JerseyJaysTaxidermy]

Take a pic looking down the beam from the point so we can see the curve

 

http://www.jerseyjaystaxidermy.com

Edited March 8, 2017 by JerseyJaysTaxidermy

[Buck154]

Your beam looks more like what you could use to board a fox on. Looks mostly flat and not much curve to it. Some knives work well with some beams. Depends on the curve of the beam.

[Bucndoe]

You need more curve with that beam. A dull knife will always cut and damage a pelt more than a sharp one. I used my old cheapy on my foxes just pushing. Fleshing is an acquired talent. You need to learn your knife, it's angles and your beam. By knowing your beam I mean knowing where you are on it and what type of motion you can do on that spot. You also need to know when and how to cut gristle based on the angles of your knife. I love my Necker 600 

[Oneday121o]

It's a stretching beam...what Board am I supposed to use?

[JerseyJaysTaxidermy]

Stretching boards are for stretching skins that are previously fleshed on a fleshing beam.

Fleshing beams usually have a curve to them, stretching boards I've never used, but I thought they were made of a wooden frame that was adjustable.. maybe they make them like you have, just 1 size fits all shaped for a coon..?

 

I use wire stretchers so I'm not up on my wooden stretcher knowledge.

 

 

 

http://www.jerseyjaystaxidermy.com