One thing I really enjoy about blacksmithing is the ability to make tools. I trapped a huge boar coon yesterday, he weighed 28 pounds. I skinned him and it was so fat and nasty I thought, go make a fleshing knife and beam and you still be done faster than if you flesh with a knife. Mine works just as good as the necker and cost me nothing. just got him on the strecher, nearly 48 inches long nose to tail. If it dries good we will send to the tannery and make my boy a great hat. Chicken eater no more.

Right on! That is one of the things I love about smithing as well. Need a tool? Look through the scrap pile and make one. Plus, getting rid of a problem coon is A-OK in my book, too. Good luck with your hat.

You can skin a coon.  Can you run a trot line?  Must be a country boy!  B)   I agree with you on the ability to improvise a tool.  You makin' a hat?

You can skin a coon. Can you run a trot line? Must be a country boy! B) I agree with you on the ability to improvise a tool. You makin' a hat?

LOL glad I wasn't drinking when I read that! Great tool!

Awesome!

Since this is posted in the 'hawk section, have you thrown the carcass out yet?

 

Male raccoons have a 'J' shaped oosic bone "down there", that some enterprising smiths turn into handles for micro-tomahawks suitable for necklaces and bolo ties. Quite a conversation starter.

 

Whoa John, I did save those bones, I have 3, maybe I'll try that for laughs

I am a coon hunter, so can appreciate this post on a few levels. I made the skinning knife I am using now. Killed a a big boar the first night I took it to the woods over my favorite dog. I think he was 46", cant recall, but one of the biggest I've ever gotten. Felt good skinning that coon with the knife I made, I also plan to get him tanned later. Nice job on the fleshing knife, and the BIG boar! I've never fleshed or dried a hide before, might have to PM you for some info :).

 

John - That's pretty neat. I have never saved them, but might have to start if I get back in the woods, flooded right now. Most hunters I know jokingly refer to that bone as the "toothpick", some have even been known to have contests to see who collected the biggest LOL.