Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: WhistlingBadger on November 11, 2024, 11:26:48 am

Title: Removing excess grease from a hide?
Post by: WhistlingBadger on November 11, 2024, 11:26:48 am
A couple years ago I bark-tanned an elk hide, and I'm starting some projects I'd like to use it for.  Trouble is, I went a little crazy with the lard while I was softening it, and now it's greasy to the touch and leaves grease spots on anything it touches.  Any idea how to remove the grease?  I wanted it to be water resistant, but this is a little crazy.

Tried soaking some strips in lukewarm, soapy water, which did absolutely nothing.  Ideas?
Title: Re: Removing excess grease from a hide?
Post by: Pappy on November 11, 2024, 08:47:36 pm
I would say wash with dawn and wring out well , maybe a couple of times. If that doesn’t do it I have no idea. Never tried softening one with lard , have used mink oil but not a lot and had no problem. Pappy
Title: Re: Removing excess grease from a hide?
Post by: White Falcon on November 13, 2024, 06:33:42 pm
I have heard , M.E.K. works great!
Title: Re: Removing excess grease from a hide?
Post by: WhistlingBadger on November 14, 2024, 11:53:23 am
I have heard , M.E.K. works great!
Whew, I'm not sure if you're serious or not...I think MEK would definitely get the grease out of the hide, and probably dissolve the hide in the process, and my lungs too.   :o
Title: Re: Removing excess grease from a hide?
Post by: Pat B on November 14, 2024, 03:42:04 pm
I think I'd try Pappy's method with the dawn detergent. It will probably stiffen the hide a bit so you'll have to rework it to soften it back again.
Title: Re: Removing excess grease from a hide?
Post by: mullet on February 14, 2025, 04:00:45 pm
I'd try the extra strength Dawn, that usually works pretty good. I have also used white gas or Coleman fuel on greasy otter hides and then Dawn. And before everybody starts whining about the Gas, I used Nitrile gloves and did it outside in a 5-gallon bucket.
Title: Re: Removing excess grease from a hide?
Post by: Pappy on February 15, 2025, 07:25:37 pm
 :) :) :) :) I hear ya Eddie, worked with gas/diesel/antifreeze and oil all my life,no gloves, guess if it was going to kill me it would already done it. ??? Nothing wrong with being safe , I just never seen the need.  ;)
 Pappy