Home tanning Opinions Needed

[Robert V]

For Wall hanging furs which home tan gives the softest tan. I would like some that doesnt dry hard if possible. New to tanning so I dont want anything to complicated. Thanks

[George Roof]

Robert, all tans, regardless of name brand or chemistry, dry hard.  The hide has to be "broken".  Go to the SEARCH block at the top of this thread and type in "breaking a hide".  HOPEFULLY, the information will be there.

[cold trapper]

Robert, again the information supplied above by georgey is not 100% correct, I suggest you contact Bruce Rittel. If the chemistry is right your breaking is as simple as a little pull and tug. Most tans tan at 4 ph. and if you use a neg. charged tan with a positive charged oil it will go along way toward a soft hide. the kits are available on my website and elsewhere.

[Robert V]

George Thanks, Looking through the OLD archives quickly, seems that I will have to tumble or break over dull edge and oil. Any recomendations on tumble media, could I just use the corn cob I use for drying birds? Also do you have a prefered oil if any to use after breaking the hide? Thanks In advance.

[George Roof]

Hmm, very interesting.  Is this something new that the industry hasn't been made aware of that a hide can tan and be broken when it comes out?  I don't know of such a product though "cold trapper" seems to have a product that would enhance the softness. They would still have to be broken.

Robert, there are many good oils out there today.  McKenzie has one and I know Bruce markets one.  Cold Trapper also seems to have a good one.  In all honesty, I'll plead ignorance to all of it.  I have a furrier tan my small mammals and a regular tannery tan my "soft tans" of big game.

[jrosbor]

Regardless of tan as George said, they will dry out rock hard.  A high quality oil is the best start.  Tanning Oil #1 from Knobloch's, Super Soft from Rittels and Cam-L-C from WTDS are tough to beat.  Most all tanning chemicals will work and can be worked soft.  A 6ft drum turning at about 17rpm is the fastest and easiest way to work them soft.  Tanning is a lot of trial and error unless you are well educated in the Field.

[JohnW.]

Protal from van dykes is a very good softning oil with some of the tans suggested,it penetrates very well on damp hides,but like George said the breaking is the key regardless what tan is used.

[oldterryr]

safety acid pickle - lutanf tan - high quality tanning oil - tug and pull to break - small mammals are no big deal to get soft for wall hangers - garment tan is another story

[BlackHawk]

You tell him oldterryr. that is exactly what I use. I can produce a soft skin with such a good tan some experienced people thought I had it done professionally.

[JohnW.]

The breaking process is what produces soft leather ,not the tan.I use Liqua-tan the most and have capes that are just as soft as the ones that I used lutan-f or ez-100 on.