I recently received a number of tanned backskins from my African hunt (2 years ago!). The work was done here in Canada, and seems to be of very high quality. Unfortunately, my buffalo backskin was tanned the same way as the other skins, i.e. hair on. This is entirely my fault...I had intended to use that backskin for either a guncase or to upholster a chair, but I never thought to mention that to the tannery.

Is there some way to remove the hair and turn this skin into the nice piece of usable smooth leather I had envisioned? Otherwise I am left with a great big tanned scabby semi-hairy rectangle of useless hide.

Failing that, can anyone make a suggestion for how to utilize a great big tanned scabby semi-hairy rectangle of otherwise-useless hide? There must be something for which this could be used. My buff skull will be Euro-mounted on a wall plaque...would it look crazy to partially cover the back portion of the plaque with this stuff? I am even considering trimming it into a rough-edged, random shape and mounting it on the wall with other skins, on top of which I am planning to hang other skulls and photos, or...?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

John

I think your best bet would be to send it to a buckskin leather tannery and have them re-tan it into hair off leather.

quote:

Originally posted by jwm:
Failing that, can anyone make a suggestion for how to utilize a great big tanned scabby semi-hairy recangle of otherwise-useless hide?John

If Jerry's idea does not work, then I'd make a shoulder cape out of it. Wear a cape made of scabby semi-hairless buff skin onto the bus or subway and I am pretty sure you would get a seat all to yourself.

Thanks for the tip, Jerry. I didn't realize that a hide could be re-tanned. I will look into it.

Thanks, Rob, for your alternative suggestion...I think?

John

Rob H

You win!