Making raccoon Rob Roy--tail or no tail--opinions please

[brewerpaul]

I am about to cut the leather on a new sporran project and wanted a few opinions from those who wear fur sporrans, those who make sporrans, those who like sporrans and anyone who would like to contribute. I am using my MOJO leather Rob Roy sporran as my model, photos below. I plan to make the front panel and the flap a combination of leather with raccoon fur showing. I also have the gnarly stag horn and leather for the closure. My question to everyone is tail or no tail. The tail, if used, will be on the main sporran body. It will then hang down from the lower center of the sporran. Ive not seen but a couple photos with tail included so I have no real basis for my choice. Please let me know what you think.

Front of MOJO Rob Roy



MOJO Rob Roy closed. I plan to use a similar way of closing mine.





My leather and raccoon. Both were auction items. The leather is goat that is distressed black/brown. It is very soft and supple and will work well with a draw string closure at the top. The coon has a 6 inch tail and nice black and brown color. Honesty please, will the tail look stupid or set me up for too much ridicule or will it add to the overall look of the sporran. My scissors and sewing needles await some input.

[piperdbh]

Yes. Use the tail. You'll be cool.

[LitTrog]

I don't know nuthin', but I'd say cut the tail. Use it as a tassle if you really want to use it--one that doesn't extend past the sporran's bottom edge. My two pennies.

[artificer]

Personally, I'd lose the tail.

ith:

[hylander]

Here's a visual for ya, it may be an extreme case, but I think it makes the "no tail" point nicely:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Zebr...-/290671176995

[AKScott]

I am sure some folks could carry off the look. If it was a sporran for me, I would ask for no tail.

[tulloch]

I am afraid that no matter how you work it the tail would be, ahem, suggestive. At best not good. At worst really offensive.

[ShaunMaxwell]

I've seen a couple of sporrans with tails, and honestly, I think they look pretty dreadful. I'd also vote for losing the tail.

[ThistleDown]

Reminds me of Davey (whatwashisname?). Keep the body, lose the head and tail. Maybe hang the tail from your gas tank lid.

[brewerpaul]

Well the consensus is pretty much what I had in mind, no tail. I know Jennifer (GF) would not appreciate any type of full mask sporran so Im going with the fur instead. Majority rules here so no tail. I appreciate everyones input as I value the experience of everyone around here. Cheers... time to start cutting this critter up......