How do I flatten armadillo ?

[SVanderkolff]

Yah I know,"Run over him with a pickup truck"
Seriously, I have a really nice piece of armadillo 10" by 4" that was shaped into about half a sphere. How do I go about flattening it.
Thanks
Steve

 

[Godspeed]

Well, I have to admit i've never even seen an armadillo in real life, but I recently straightened out some deer antler by
soaking it in water for a day or so and then tightening it down in a bench vise between two boards, I left it there for
a couple days until it dried out and it worked pretty well. You might try something like that. But i don't know that a dome shape can be
flattened without making some relief cuts in it. Sorry I cant be of more help. good luck!
-Adam

 

[Original]

Assuming it is tanned, you could try warm water and saddle soap til it softens then press it flat, gently.

 

[Diamond G Knives]

Steve
Is this a "raw" hide, or had it been tanned or preserved in some way?
If raw, Id suggest soaking in warm water, then scraping as much "protien" from the inside and then press between 2 flat surfaces. Best Luck Ive had was gluing it to a backing, but I bought mine pre tanned and flattened. Makes some killer looking handles!!!

Good Luck and God Bless!
Mike