How to Soften a Hard stiff Zebra Skin

[AFRICANSKINS]

Can someone help...I get NEWLY TANNED zebra skins from South Africa and Tanzania. The South African Skins are perfectly soft and ready to go but the Tanzanian skins are very thick, stiff and dont lay flat. Im really interested in learning how to soften and stretch the harder zebra skins myself. When the hard zebra skins arrive from Africa the folded creases dont come out. Any advice for me and equipment I would need? I dont know much about tanning and all the Tanning schools I have contacted told me they are filled up until next year. I have read about oils and maybe a shaver?? My e-mail address is below. Thank you in advance.

Owais

E-Mail: Owais@AfricanSkins.com

[WBB793]

Zebra need to be shaved down carefully. Sounds like this one was not. They have a "rhind" or cartilage down the back that if not removed will leave the hide stiff. There is a special machine for this or can be done on round wheel. I personally would only do a zebra on the round knife if it was my own and I could take my sweet time doing it. It is a tall order..

[tic]

Ive tanned and shaved stuff from all over the world and I will tell you this, I HATE ZEBRAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. That cartilage sucks! Like WBB793 said,it sounds like this one was not shaved thin enough and the cartilage is still on there.

[AFRICANSKINS]

Aside from the round wheel what other machine are you reffering to that is the special machine?

[WBB793]

Turner fleshing machine. Hard to find one, expensive if you do. Really expensive if it is in good working order!!