after tanning what should i do to keep the skin soft for a rug,besides applying oil?
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Obviously the thickness of the skin will determine how ultimately soft it be - but that aspect depends on your shaving skills. Otherwise by using a good tanning oil on it, and "breaking" it to soften it afterwards - that combination should keep it nice and soft even in the future.
HOW SOON AFTER TANNING AND OILING SHOULD THE BREAKING OF THE SKIN START?
I hope you shaved it real thin in the neck area if it is an Axis buck. The skin is very thick there and almost impossible to soften. Also, if you don't get the hide thin enough in the neck it can start to decay. We have had a couple of bad experiences with these animals and they are one of those weird skins that just seems to pose problems. They are very beautiful though and worth the effort to learn how to tan them correctly. You should almost religiously work the hide every chance you get. The slower it dries and the more you work on it the softer it will be.
I usually wait until they are 95% dry then I work them soft. Almost all dry but maybe some small spots still damp. When you pull it and the areas show white - keep working the skin. Take John's advice on the shaving!