Can anyone calrify for me if I only need to CURE my cow hides to keep them soft or do I need to TAN them after curing to keep them soft and make soft rugs or throws out of them. Can anyone explain how this is done?
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For nice soft tan, they should be sent to a commercial tannery(ugh!)
If you want to try and tan yourself, use the search button and type in "TAN". the search button is the orange one, on the left side of this page.
Boy are you in for a treat. Softening cow hides requires thinning down the leather with a shaving machine, Turner or furdressing wheel. You can use a couriers knife, but that will require some REAL skill. Shaving machines are hard enough to master. If it is your first time, I think you will find that there will be alot of holes made. Especially if it never reaches the tanned stage.
Most furdressers will tan for 150-300 dollars depending on size. I think a fair price would be 5 to 6 dollars a square foot. You will be very happy if you use a reputable tanner. They have the means to produce a pretty fair product.
By the way, for clarification. It is a combination of curing, tanning, oiling, and breaking the skin that gives it the softness you are seeking.
Good Luck!
Thanks for the information folks! Chris.