hair removal

[ski76]

A buddy of mine at work gave me an old elk hide that still has the hair on it. I would like to remove the hair and make a possibles bag or moccasins out of it. Any suggestions on how to remove the hair

 

[bob1961]

i'v heard of people shaving it off after using electric clippers first, never seen it done but i guess it's like a hair cut and shave....not wanting to get into soaking it to remove the hair :v .......bob

 

[Twisted_1in66]

A buddy of mine at work gave me an old elk hide that still has the hair on it. I would like to remove the hair and make a possibles bag or moccasins out of it. Any suggestions on how to remove the hair

Has the hide already been tanned with the hair on or is this an untanned hide?

If it's an untanned hide, you can remove the hair by fleshing it first and then bucking it. Bucking it is soaking it in a lye (wood ash)/water solution for 3-4 days. You can do it in a sealed 5 gallon plastic bucket. Then you have to rinse it out real well and scrape it. If this is something you are seriously considering doing, go buy the book Deerskins into Buckskins by Matt Richards.

I don't know of a way to get the hair off of a hide that has been tanned with the hair on. The tanning process would literally cement the hair follicles in place. Perhaps someone else has had experience with it.

Twisted_1in66 :thumbsup:

 

[oldsarge]

I am assuming that it's already tanned since you said its old. If this is true then your kinda too late. The only way to get the hair off now is to shave it. I personaly would rather try to to take away a grizzly bear cub from its mother. :youcrazy: good luck. Maybe you could get some leather for your pouch and use the elk hide for the flap, that would be kinda unique but not unheard of. Have fun with it whatever you do :hatsoff:

 

[Blizzard of '93]

I have no idea if this would work but can't see as how it ain't worth a try. Use a hi-pressure washer to remove hair. I've seen 'em not only peel paint but tear the wood underneath up! In fact care may have to be taken not to blow a hole thru the hide. Stretch and tack it down to a wood or plywood backing of some sort.

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Just a SWAG, but if I, would consider applying some heavy duty clippers, such as for horse mane roaching etc. Clip off as much hair as possible, then moving quickly and with care to avoid overheating the skin, use a torch or other open flame to singe off the remaining stubble.

 

[ski76]

I appreciate the suggestions. I'm not sure if the hide is tanned or not. The hair is already coming off the hide in small chunks at a time. Thinkin off taking the clippers to it. Maybe it'll get the moth ball smell out.

 

[wildeagle]

I think tans got it right.I would try to remove the hair dry, with the clippers first, then if you have to try one of the other ideas.