I read in the archives that some folks pickle there hides twice,once before fleshing and again after fleshing. Is this neccesary? If so Why?
Return to Tanning Category Menu
After the hide has been in the pickle a couple days(static bath), it is drained and shaved and then returned for another day or so to ensure that the pickle has penetrated all the way through the skin.
This may not be necessary with thin skinned pelts like coyote and bobcat; but it is a smart move for anything as thick or thicker than a deer cape!
Thicker skins like elk and bison are often in and out of the pickle several times, shaving each time, until the desired thinness is reached.
Be sure to keep checking the pH when you repickle. I even repickle the thin hides.