Got a question about the ph of pelts and tanning oil. I do a salt/alum pickle soak, degrease, then soak again. I wash the pelts in water many times then drip, rub soap into the pelt, and when that has been absorbed rub sulfated neatsfoot oil into the pelt then break as drying. I have a finished product I can sew with. My question is if getting g the ph of the pelt higher by soaking jn washing soda/water will help the pelt make better use of the tanning oil or am I at the limits of what salt/alumand neatsfoot oil can do. Thanks!

Your skin should be neutral after neutralizing.
Not sure what the ph of your lube would be,soap is alkali.

Thanks.