Hide Tanning Kit?
- Thread starter Bambistew
- Start date
Fire_9
Well-known member
You will be able to tan a hide just fine by yourself but good luck breaking it. In my experience it will be stiff as a board. I'd spend the extra money and have it professionally done
the nikster
Well-known member
I got a chrome kit from Van Dykes about 25 years ago. I used it for a cow elk I shot. Like was said, the hard part is working it dry. I had no way to shave it to a consistent thickness and there is an unbelievable amount of variation. The tanning part was straightforward, simple and fairly easy. Breaking it down took most of 2 days. I still have the hide and it is still really stiff. Works for a wall hanging but not a blanket or coat. I did it once, don’t need to do it again.
Bulldog0156
Well-known member
I bought a kit from Van Dykes for a fox I have and it worked great!
I used the same kit on a deer hide. I had enough to do two deer and it worked very well and softened it up nicely. It takes a fair amount of time to shave it and break it down but I think it turned out great.
Fire_9
Well-known member
What did you use to shave it down?
Bambistew
Well-known member
Thanks for the replies. I was a bit concerned about breaking the hide as well. I may just bite the bullet and send it off. Will keep the home tanning for thinner skinned critters.
Gut Shot
Well-known member
I've done it both ways. My advice is send it out.
If I remember correctly I used a large, old kitchen knife that was long and somewhat narrow. I fashioned a second handle on the pointy end so I could use both hands. To get it real smooth I believe the last step I did was run an orbital sander over it.
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