softening a bear hide???

[Scott C.]

I just got my son's bear hide back from the taxidermist that was "soft tanned".  Some areas are very stiff.  Is there some way I can soften these areas now?

thanks for any help, Scott

[Todweelz]

Scott, depends on how "stiff", you can gently pull it [stiff spot] over an edge of some sort, edge of counter, back of chair, go gently with hair side up, DON'T pull on the hair, you can also sand those areas with coarse sandpaper, I have a 1/4" thick piece of steel that has been rounded off and mounted between 3/4" plywood that I mount in a vise and use as a leather break, hope this helps. Just go slow and steady w/o pulling out hair, Todd

[Scott C.]

Thanks Todd. It's mostly the head that is really stiff, around the eyes, etc. and the lips are curled inside out.  This area would be hard to pull over an edge.  I've done a little research online and some say wet the area and "work" it, others have mentioned tanning oils or neatsfoot oil to soften stiff hides.  Just don't want to mess it up.  Thanks again for your help,  Scott

[Prairie Drifter]

Your hide was tanned as a taxidermy tan. A garment tan would have been softer. A taxidermy tan is supposed to be soaked in water so it can be mounted. Therefore a real soft leather isn't needed.Garment tans are softer so they can be sewn into coats.The heads on garment tanned skins can still be stiff. Oil can soften it, but too much and it will ruin the hide.Go slow. Not sure I would attepmt it.