How good does this work for fleshing and shaving animals such as raccoon, badger, coyote, fox and deer. Is it really effective and fast. Right now i do all my fleshing and thinning with a knive by hand and it takes to long and i am sick of it.
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They aren't much for shaving per se, but with a good beam in talented hands, the fleshing can be done in seconds rather than minutes.
Hi Matt,
I too was using a scalpel and knife to flesh my deer hides. While I can thoroughly split, turn, and rough flesh a cape in about 2 hours with this method, it was still slow and a pain. I also thought that the rough fleshing with this method just left too much meat, membrane, fat, etc. I bought one of the cheap "necker knifes" and a piece of 4" PVC pipe and gave it a try this year. You would not believe the difference in time and in a quality fleshing job it does. I now can get ALL of the fat, meat, and membrane off with no problem and it does not take as long either. I find that, as long as I am carefull, I can really bear down with the knife on the tough spots without cutting through the hide. I would definately recommend it for the deer hides. I am going to try it on the raccoons and coyotes also. HOpe this helps,
Mrcobaltblue79
Matt, I've used this method with success, don't forget to bring a good back with you though! Marc R.
To give you an idea,I fleshed two large Canadian whitetail capes yesterday.After splitting lips, eyes, nose etc. and turning the ears,I go to the beam (9" PVC pipe)to flesh every thing from the ears back,using a 2 handle draw knife,only I am pushing not drawing.On took ten minutes,the other fifteen and yes I timed it.I use a draw knife that has a dull edge for fox,most coons,badgers coyotes and deer.They come out clean as a whistle and fastI have to use a sharp blade for old tough coons,coyotes,bears and most elk.I used to do it like you and after getting my first bear to flesh I was forced to change my ways.It does take some effort from your shoulders,upper back and arms.It will save you time.Don't be afraid to try something new that might save you some time.