Good morning!
So I'm fairly new to the tanning field. I've done 4 buckskin and realize I like the eggs better than using the brain for softening. I just shot a little doe during our gun hunt here in Wisconsin. I want to try hair on preservation. So far I've salted it and will be scraping that tonight. I've read some things about putting it in alum for about a week or so but my question is, does anyone know a good homemade softening solution? I like to utilize the old (cheap, easy) ways of doing my leather work. I pride myself on using what's available around me. So any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks

Softening comes from manually working the hide.

Yep hard work makes soft skins, I am sure the commercial tannerys do a lot of it mechanically but unless you want to put up some big bucks for it , you need to put some time and sweat into it

I really do wish there was an easy way but it is what it is

I’m breaking a doe skin right now. Old school.

Found a handy rock. I push the edge of the rock against the hide and push away from myself. From the backbone outward.


I find this method easier than holding the hide and moving it along an edge, with hair-on deer hides

Two of my favorite rocks for breaking deer hides.

I don't mean to hijack this thread but wanted to ask about membrane on the skin. I was able to clean 90% of the hide really well over the beam. Near the front shoulders/neck there is still some membrane that I cannot get with the beam/knife. I was going to string the hide on a drying rack and salt to make sure the hair sets well -- I am concerned with slippage. It has been a while but I think someone recommended sanding the membrane off with sandpaper once the hide is dry. If this is the case, what grit of sandpaper would be good? I think someone also recommending putting cornstarch down while sanding to keep the sandpaper from getting gummed up. Any info on the best way to remove the membrane is appreciated.

Thanks for reminding me - Best post ever!!!