will it stretch ?

[ABOVE CAMP]

I just bought an elk cape that was commercially tanned,don't know what kind of tan,looks good,but it has been froze for 3 years, i thawed it out,then soaked it in downey and a bit of salt,for about 1 1/2 hr. It didn't stretch very well,kinda springy,they claimed 30" but i could only get 26". Do i need to soak it longer or did the 3 year freeze affect the tan. thanx for any input.

[oldshaver]

What alot of folks dont realize, is that leaving even a tanned skin in the freezer that long, evaporation of water is still occuring. A raw skin would be freezer burnt.(total water loss)

Try this. To every gallon of 85deg water, add 1/3lb salt, and 1oz of a surfactant based degreaser. Let it soak 2 more hours. If that dont work, call me. It can be fixed, once you get the fibers to fully rehydrate. You might also have to re-oil.

Not everyone will have problems like this, but here is how to remedy it.

Every 3 months or so, take a milk jug, and fill it half way with water. Put it in your freezer,  and dont put the top back on. This will combat freezer burn, and keep tanned skins from losing stretch from dehydration.

Have a good one!

[Thistle]

Every 3 months or so, take a milk jug, and fill it half way with water. Put it in your freezer,  and dont put the top back on. This will combat freezer burn, and keep tanned skins from losing stretch from dehydration.

That is such a good tip, thanks!
(had probs with freezer burn before, you can tell  )

[ABOVE CAMP]

Thanx, oldshaver, I will give it a try.      and also a great tip.