softening a hide

[fast_pass88]

I had my bear hide soft tanned and it's really stiff around the head. His nose is all scrunched up and stiff. What's the best way to soften the leather up? I tried a bit of mild leather conditioner on it last night, and it worked ok, but it's not great. Could I use the leather conditioner we use on our horse tack on it? Or would that be too aggressive?

Thanks

[HunterDave]

First of all, I'm not an expert but I have tanned a few hides. What I do for beaver and deer is go over the leather with a wire wheel in my drill. This will soften the leather somewhat but to get it supple you have to break down the fibers in the leather by running it back and forth across a rope. I'm not sure how that'd work on the head area of a bear though. Perhaps a combination of wire wheel and then re-hydrating the head area by putting a damp cloth on it and re-stretching it might help.

[Red Bullets]

Originally Posted by fast_pass88

I had my bear hide soft tanned and it's really stiff around the head. His nose is all scrunched up and stiff. What's the best way to soften the leather up? I tried a bit of mild leather conditioner on it last night, and it worked ok, but it's not great. Could I use the leather conditioner we use on our horse tack on it? Or would that be too aggressive?

Thanks

Maybe try sending a PM to SugarCreek with this question.

Neats footoil or linseed oil conditions and softens leather great but also absorbs in and darkens the leather.