shed skin...

[[email protected] 0]

My daughter found a shed snake skin, pretty much intact head to tail. Has anyone here used snake skin and if so, how did you use it?

 

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

Bob

[mikechell 0]

I would think it's too thin, too brittle/fragile to be of use in a fly. Once it is wet again, it would be even weaker.

 

But I think the most undesirable trait would be the lack of color. The shed skin retains almost none of the snakes beautiful coloration.

[Wavey1988 0]

It will be too brittle, and also turn into a lumpy mess as soon as it gets wet if left trailing

[[email protected] 0]

That's what I needed to know. Thanks!

[flytire 0]

Umm wet it and see what happens

[essequamvideri 0]

In a different direction of fly tying, I have seen it used on traditional bows, pens, tie clips, barrettes, and guitars. I suspect it would depend on how big it is.

 

Michael

[FlaFly 0]

I can imagine using it for wings, if you coat it with goo or epoxy, but then swiss straw is synthetic, strong, and much more available.

 

Some birds like great crested flycatcher use snake skins for their nests. You wouldn't want to deprive them would you?

[mikechell 0]

In a different direction of fly tying, I have seen it used on traditional bows, pens, tie clips, barrettes, and guitars. I suspect it would depend on how big it is.

 

Michael

I am not sure "shed" skin is used for these purposes. Snake skin items are made with the "skinned" skin. I've got a beautiful Coral Snake skin framed on my wall ... but a shed skin just doesn't retain the colors.

I can see the use FlaFly mentions, but even there, I believe there are better materials.

(I used to keep snakes, so I've seen MANY shed skins)