Fleshing.... how to, knives,etc

[Uncle Juju]

So I just fleshed and boarded 2 raccoons last night.... I totally feel like I did it all wrong! 
The hides still appear to have grease on them and a super thin layer of red meat in places. I got off everything I could. There are some spots where it is super clean but there are black spots... hair follicles I believe.
I am using a cheap fleshing knife that I got in the kit from F&T..... It is super dull!

I will be at the Trapping Class with my buddy so who ever is doing the demo will be getting a lot of questions. But I figured other a eine the same boat.

Thanks for any advice.

[Humptulips]

So I just fleshed and boarded 2 raccoons last night.... I totally feel like I did it all wrong! 
The hides still appear to have grease on them and a super thin layer of red meat in places. I got off everything I could. There are some spots where it is super clean but there are black spots... hair follicles I believe.
I am using a cheap fleshing knife that I got in the kit from F&T..... It is super dull!

I will be at the Trapping Class with my buddy so who ever is doing the demo will be getting a lot of questions. But I figured other a eine the same boat.

Thanks for any advice.

That would be me.
Big coon or small? Big coon I usually use something sharp on the back of the neck. A dull knife should work for the rest though.
I have some coons to flesh so I'll be prepared.

[Magnum_Willys]

Been a long time since I was fleshing them - they are greasy but I never got docked on $ for it.  Once the skin starts hardening up you can take the big stuff off. 

[lewy]

Get yourself a good fleshing knife it’s worth it, learning to flesh and put up fur is a challenge and takes practice, keep after it

[JakeLand]

Post fleshing knives are the best IMO and his skinning knives too
Coons are good for practicing

[lewy]

   I ordered one up after a recommendation from Jake and am very pleased with it

[Uncle Juju]

I know there is a lot of opinion..... but would you run a sharp knife or dull?
Raccoons aren't worth much but like ya said good practice, really don't want to screw up my first cat or coyote!

[Turner89]

Unfortunately your going to have some damaged furs while your learning. That's just how it is. Every time you put a pelt up you will get better.
  If you get some cats and coyotes either get someone to help you out or out them in the freezer until you get more confidence.

[Carp Commander]

I use a heavier fleshing knife for coon. Start with a sharp side, below the ears. Unless it is an old boar you should be push (dull knife) from mid neck to finish. Cold fat is much easier to deal with. All my coons go to the freezer just long enough to get the fat cold. Repetition is the key!

[DishBogget]

The good news is in this market it’s a great time to learn fur handling. Holes and tears aren’t as painful at these prices.


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[Magnum_Willys]

Wow! Those are nice Carp!

[predatorpro]

I learned a secret a few years when it comes to coons....i hate to even share this its such a good tip but here it is...dont trap raccoons!  Well there it is! Thats the best trapping advice i got!

[Uncle Juju]

After yesterday's trapping class and watching Bruce, I'm going to put some more Edge on my fleshing knife. Not super sharp but definitely more than it has now.