Stripping feathers

[DC]

I thought I would take another shot at this. I soaked the feather for about a half hour and then tried to strip the narrow side off. I got a great wide membrane with the fletch. What did I do wrong? It's better than I've ever had but not right I don't think.

[Pat B]

That can easily be trimmed right off.
Try putting them in a plastic bag with a damp towel. It may take a few hours but maybe soaking in water is too much.

[bjrogg]

I trim that off the side with a good scissors. At least if I’m looking at it correctly.
Bjrogg

[artcher1]

I never had much success striping feathers myself. Never really seen the logic of gluing/taping or tieing down a flat based fletch to a round shaft either. I made a jig using a straight clamp and sandpapered doweled to concave the base. And you can sand it down as close to the quick as you want to..........Art

[DC]

Well now I'm torn between the two methods. I thought that stripping gave a better flatter(well, more square to the vane). My gut wants to go with Art but I've been a little chicken to grind them too close and the white spongy stuff shows. But, it looks like the stripped ones would sit closer to the shaft and be more attractive/aerodynamic. Maybe I'll experiment today.

[DC]

That can easily be trimmed right off.
Try putting them in a plastic bag with a damp towel. It may take a few hours but maybe soaking in water is too much.

I did two feathers and did notice that the second one was a little better. I'll put some in a bag like you say. Maybe overnight to make sure they're hydrated.

[DC]

I trim that off the side with a good scissors. At least if I’m looking at it correctly.
Bjrogg

It did trim off reasonably well but I thought it was a step I shouldn't have to take.

[WhistlingBadger]

I've never had a problem stripping feathers.  I start at the back of the feather and just peel it off.  If the membrane comes off too wide I just trim it with a pair of embroidery scissors.

[DC]

I've never had a problem stripping feathers.  I start at the back of the feather and just peel it off.  If the membrane comes off too wide I just trim it with a pair of embroidery scissors.

I guess it depends on what you class as "problems". I was always under the impression that stripping produces nice ready to use fletching. Nobody mentioned this problem. Now I find that other people do have this problem. It's just a minor issue so it doesn't get mentioned. It does move the balance between stripping and grinding though.

[Pat B]

Over the years I've stripped and ground feathers and decided I like grinding better. Don't ask why, it's just what I prefer.

[JackCrafty]

I just cut that part clean off. You only lose about an inch or so in fletch length.

Most turkey wing feathers are very long. If you need fletching that's 6" or more in length (for reproductions) it's better to grind anyway.

[Digital Caveman]

Grinding takes longer, but I generally use that method because the fletching is generally just a bit sturdier.  It's also easier to recycle, though ideally the arrow should outlive its feathers.