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Sunday, December 7, 2008
Preparing Your Deer Cape for Taxidermy VIDEO 3 OF 5
Dustin: I believe I got the big knife at a yard sale. But, you can get it, plus the two handled one, from a taxidermy supply company like McKenzie or Van Dykes. I'd probably go w/Van Dykes. They're cheaper. You don't have to spend much for them; probably about $30. Here's a link to VanDykes knives:
Hey thanks, I looked on the van dykes but couldnt really find one like yours or one around $30. I have never done taxidermy and i wanna make sure i can find a good knife that holds a good edge. Any suggestions on what a person should start out mounting for there first time?
Dustin: I would start out on a squirrel. Just take your time. You may be able to find some more help w/my videos. My newest video on Fleshing to Finished Hide would be helpful for sure. Email me with any questions anytime. You're right about VanDykes. I'm surprised they get that much nowadays for their knives. So, I checked around for the knives you're looking for. Two links are below. They'll take you right to the knives. Hope this helps. - Rick
Thanks! That "All Pro" skinning knife is really what i was looking for! Do you happen to have any videos on your site on how to mount a squirrel. Thanks for all the help, im very surprised about how quickly you get back in touch with people! Thanks so much
Dustin: I do have a video series on mounting squirrels, but, it needs to be edited, formatted, etc. I will try to get to that in the next week or so. Thanks for the reminder... I just get busy somedays. Your welcome for the help. When I was starting out, getting help and/or questions answered from others was next to impossible. I never understood that, so, I try to be available whenever possible. Thanks. Rick
Well i shot me an 8pt yesterday evening with my bow, nothing huge but good enough for a first buck with a bow. Anyway, i figured i would try and mount him myself so i will definately be putting all your videos to good use soon. I may be asking a few questions here and there too if thats alright. Thanks, Dustin Smith
Dustin: Congratulations! That's great. I haven't even had a chance to get out to bow hunt this year. Too busy and too much rain. Ask any questions you want. Just take your time. Refer to reference photos. I use them all the time. Also, if you're going butcher the meat yourself, I sell a video on that; from the Field to the Freezer. Very helpful. - Rick
I was looking on the van dykes website and came across a kit that has all the stuff you need to mount a deer. I was wondering if this kit would actually have everything i needed to mount it. here is the link.
Just a couple more questions and ill try my best to leave you alone for awhile, haha! I couldnt find a kit for the size mount i need from vandykes so i guess i will have to order everything separate unless you know of somewhere else i could look. But if i need to order everything separate where would be the best place to order from and what all exactly would i need. This is my first shot at ever mounting so i dont want to get in over my head in case it doesnt work out for me! my mount size is A-6 1/2" B-17 3/4" C- 16 1/2..You have been a big help and i appreciate everything! Thanks again!
Dustin: You can get it all at McKenzies or Rhinehart's. Don't forget that Rhinehart is owned by McKenzies. The best thing would be to order a quart of tanning cream (Rhinehart), salt for tanning (grocery or feed store), use the Bondo method for ears, need some clay for ear butts, and your form. McKenzie and Rhinehart have good forms. I would choose the forms with the pre-set eyes at Rhinehart's. That would be a big help to you. You can use latex chaulk for the glue. Don't forget a good C or S shaped sewing needle and artificial sinew or heavy string (Spider Wire fishing line). That should do it. Like I said, just take your time. Refer to reference photos, best from magazines. You'll learn alot from your first mount. It's a good learning experience. Email with any questions. By the way, the link you sent with your last question took me to the 2 in 1 knife, not a kit. Good luck. - Rick
What kind of knife is that youre using. Tried finding one online and cant find anything that resembles it. Thanks, Dustin...dustin_smith27@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteDustin:
ReplyDeleteI believe I got the big knife at a yard sale. But, you can get it, plus the two handled one, from a taxidermy supply company like McKenzie or Van Dykes. I'd probably go w/Van Dykes. They're cheaper. You don't have to spend much for them; probably about $30. Here's a link to VanDykes knives:
http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/search?arr_filter%5Bbrand%5D%5B%5D=&arr_filter%5Barr_variation_options%5D%5Bcolor%5D%5B%5D=&arr_filter%5Barr_variation_options%5D%5Bstyle%5D%5B%5D=&arr_filter%5Bprice%5D%5B%5D=&sSearch=knives
Thanks. Rick
Hey thanks,
ReplyDeleteI looked on the van dykes but couldnt really find one like yours or one around $30. I have never done taxidermy and i wanna make sure i can find a good knife that holds a good edge. Any suggestions on what a person should start out mounting for there first time?
Dustin:
ReplyDeleteI would start out on a squirrel. Just take your time. You may be able to find some more help w/my videos. My newest video on Fleshing to Finished Hide would be helpful for sure. Email me with any questions anytime.
You're right about VanDykes. I'm surprised they get that much nowadays for their knives. So, I checked around for the knives you're looking for. Two links are below. They'll take you right to the knives. Hope this helps. - Rick
VanDykes 2 in 1 Knive:
http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/product/103281/2-in-1-fleshing-knife
Wasco's knive Product #KF41842:
http://www.taxidermy.com/
Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat "All Pro" skinning knife is really what i was looking for! Do you happen to have any videos on your site on how to mount a squirrel. Thanks for all the help, im very surprised about how quickly you get back in touch with people! Thanks so much
Dustin:
ReplyDeleteI do have a video series on mounting squirrels, but, it needs to be edited, formatted, etc. I will try to get to that in the next week or so. Thanks for the reminder... I just get busy somedays.
Your welcome for the help. When I was starting out, getting help and/or questions answered from others was next to impossible. I never understood that, so, I try to be available whenever possible.
Thanks. Rick
Well i shot me an 8pt yesterday evening with my bow, nothing huge but good enough for a first buck with a bow. Anyway, i figured i would try and mount him myself so i will definately be putting all your videos to good use soon. I may be asking a few questions here and there too if thats alright.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dustin Smith
Dustin:
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! That's great. I haven't even had a chance to get out to bow hunt this year. Too busy and too much rain. Ask any questions you want. Just take your time. Refer to reference photos. I use them all the time. Also, if you're going butcher the meat yourself, I sell a video on that; from the Field to the Freezer. Very helpful.
- Rick
I was looking on the van dykes website and came across a kit that has all the stuff you need to mount a deer. I was wondering if this kit would actually have everything i needed to mount it. here is the link.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/product/103281/2-in-1-fleshing-knife
Just a couple more questions and ill try my best to leave you alone for awhile, haha! I couldnt find a kit for the size mount i need from vandykes so i guess i will have to order everything separate unless you know of somewhere else i could look. But if i need to order everything separate where would be the best place to order from and what all exactly would i need. This is my first shot at ever mounting so i dont want to get in over my head in case it doesnt work out for me! my mount size is A-6 1/2" B-17 3/4" C- 16 1/2..You have been a big help and i appreciate everything! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteDustin:
ReplyDeleteYou can get it all at McKenzies or Rhinehart's. Don't forget that Rhinehart is owned by McKenzies. The best thing would be to order a quart of tanning cream (Rhinehart), salt for tanning (grocery or feed store), use the Bondo method for ears, need some clay for ear butts, and your form. McKenzie and Rhinehart have good forms. I would choose the forms with the pre-set eyes at Rhinehart's. That would be a big help to you. You can use latex chaulk for the glue. Don't forget a good C or S shaped sewing needle and artificial sinew or heavy string (Spider Wire fishing line). That should do it. Like I said, just take your time. Refer to reference photos, best from magazines. You'll learn alot from your first mount. It's a good learning experience. Email with any questions.
By the way, the link you sent with your last question took me to the 2 in 1 knife, not a kit.
Good luck. - Rick
Thanks for all the info! What size sewing needle would you recommend? Im pretty excited to start doing all this
ReplyDeleteDustin:
ReplyDeleteFor this, I would use a 5" S Needle. You can get good angles and leverage with it.
- Rick