Thread: Kangaroo leather

Mods: How would I give away some kangaroo leather without breaking any rules?

Within the next six months or so I'll be re-locating further North. This will involve my dogs pretty well living off 'roo-meat. Consequentially, I'll have access to a near unlimited supply of skins.

It occured to me that people here may be interested in them as strop-material, so would like to make a few hides available if anyone is interested. I'd be willing to remove fur and do some initial tanning to get it in a 'sendable' state, but they would neeed finishing after arrival.

So mods, is there a way for me to do this forum-legally, and if so , is there any interest in the idea?

cheers,




ed


ps This is not a money-making venture and covering postage (from AU to US) would be my only requirement.

Send a PM (personal message) to MickR on this forum.
I'm not sure where Mick is in OZ, but he makes roo
strops, and I'll bet he'd be interested.

Cheers,
Paul

G'day Thylacine, You might want to check into the legality's of exporting 'Roo hide, if you haven't already. You'll need permits to get it through customs. It'll also have to be in a finished (Tanned and bug/germ/bacteria free) state to get across some other countries borders (as well as past our own). Hope that is of some use to you. You might try flogging the hides off to a Tannery if you can't get them off shore. Then you'll have a little extra beer money to boot.
Contact Wildlife Trade on 02 6274 1900, or look at the Dept of Enviroment and Heritage website for information on the required permits and costs.
Just some thoughts.


Mick

Thanks for the offer & I'd be interested, very much so...if it weren't for all of the rules and laws on exporting. How does roo hide compare to cattle hide anyway when it comes to a strop?

'Roo is much thinner than bovine hide. We're talking from .6mm up to 2mm for the rarer thick hides. on average you will see the majority of skins between .6 to 1.2. Thicker skins are from 1.2 to 2mm, are harder to get, and generally sold to the raptor (falconry) crowd. 'Roo is far more flexible and stronger weight for weight than bovine. You can loosely roll 'Roo hide without detrimental affect to a strop. Somethng that may crease a thicker, stiffer leather and ruin it as a strop. 'Roo also tends to have a firmer draw than bovine hides.
I would recommend a 'roo strop for those already proficient with their technique, simply because the 'roo hide doesn't have the thickness of bovine. A nick on bovine could well be a catastrophic cut on 'roo hide. I would also recommend it for the person who likes a firm draw, tose who like a smooth, sliding on ice feel to their stropping need not apply.
Anyway, I hope that is of some help to you mate.


Mick

What Mick said exactly - you need a permit to export any roo hide, and if you do not have it a man with big hands and rubber gloves will happily check your cavities for you. I was lead to believe it was mainly to do with the culling quotas for kangaroos. I mean, the situation is already tricky with sending strops made with approved roo hides, let alone hides you collect from the roos you kill for dog food.

So if you are gonna do it this way, do what Mick suggested I reckon.

James.

I'd love to try some when the opportunity arrives. I'm in Oz so customs shouldnt be a problem
Cheers
Grant

I have been thinking of using some thin leather on a paddle strop or a cushion barber hone. Has anyone tried this with roo leather? Abrasive paste?

Randy, it would be perfect for that. I have used it on an old paddle I have, and I also have some pasted with CrOx. Works very well.

I've also used it on my retractable strop. Basically, it is thin, strong, and flexible leather with a nice draw. It can be used for anything leather-related with straights.

James.

G'day R.D.062449, Legion has made a paddle strop with 'Roo hide, I believe. Maybe look him up and ask how it went for him. I don't know if he pasted it though.


Mick