Main Discussion Area > Primitive Skills

Is baking soda safe for squirrel fur?

(1/2) > >>

Slackbunny:
So I tanned some squirrel hides the old fashioned way with salt and smoke, and now they have a very smokey odor. I know baking soda can remove odors but is it safe to put on the fur?

Pat B:
Salt and smoke won't tan hides and I doubt baking soda will eliminate the smokey smell.
  Brain tanned leather is smoked to seal the seperated fibers and keep them plyable. The hide has to be brain tanned first though.
  Salt is only a cure and should be totally removed or it will absorb moisture and rot the skin.

Slackbunny:
Are you sure about that? I watched some videos about this type of fur preservation, and the guy claimed he had furs that were ten years old and still in good shape. I guess time will tell one way or the other.

HoBow:
Pat's right.  You have smokey rawhide. 

Slackbunny:
Well that's not a big deal. Plenty more squirrels out back. I'll make sure to do it the right way next time.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page