I have an elk hide that was home tanned with the hair on. I would now like to remove the hair and use the leather to make clothing. Is there any way I can do this without messing up the hide?
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Depends on the type of tan.
If it's the usual alum / battery acid / "trapper's hide tanning formula" DP / whatnot thing, you can try washing it several times in soapy water and then letting it sit in a very alkaline bath for a few weeks. That should slip it just as it would a raw skin.
There may be areas which will not slip, you will clip the hair off those areas.
If it's a good home tan, your best bet is the clippers.
Been there & done that.