Beware of Buying a Used Buffalo Hide
Every day we get emails and phone calls asking for guidance about what to do with pre-owned, stiff, smelly, dirty hides that were just bought off of eBay, Craigslist, or an estate sale.
Yes, there are a few decent used hides out there but most are junk! Typically, it’s one uninformed buyer attempting to pass their problem to the next unaware buyer. Don't be fooled.
Bottom line, it's always better to inspect a hide in person before handing over your hard-earned money. Get it in writing, that you will inspect and return if it is a bad hide. Use a credit card or PayPal. If a seller doesn't hold up their end of the agreement, you have the advantage of contesting or stopping payment and getting your money back, if the buffalo hide is junk.
So here is what to look for and or do before you buy a pre-owned buffalo hide sight unseen.
#1
If the hide is stiff and not supple, reject it right away. There is no oil, salve, or leather conditioner that will help a bad, poorly tanned hide. End of story. If you're stuck with one, you can still let the dog use it or use it for a rug in your tepee. The bottom line is it will never be soft and pliable.
#2
If you see cracking or rips or crusty stains on the leather side reject the hide. If you see a hole or tear or rip, try pulling it apart with your hands. If it rips a little, (don't tear apart too much, not your hide yet) don't buy it. Return immediately. The hide is either really old or a poorly tanned hide.
#3
If the hide is dirty, smelly but the leather is soft and supple then there might be some hope.
If you have a fur dry cleaner in your area (check the internet) or you can call a tannery like Yost tannery in Wisconsin, Moyle tannery in Idaho, New Method in California, Tubari Tannery in New Jersey to name a few. These companies have huge tumblers that have chemicals and a medium that cleans and often softens most hides. Call or email them before you buy to see if they can clean a bison hide and find out the cost. Then decide whether to buy or negotiate a better price to cover the cleaning cost and shipping.
#4
If the hide is missing hair in spots it will not keep losing hair. That ended after it was tanned as tanning sets the hair. If the hair is dry and coarse feeling a tannery can tumble in a conditioner. Again, check with the cleaner before buying.
Buffalo hair has a tendency to curl. You can comb once or twice a year with a curry comb that has tapered teeth. Get a good curry comb. Straight teeth curry combs slide over the top and don't get in and under the fur, so avoid them.
Curry Comb
In conclusion, look over the hides really well. There are a few good pre-owned hides out there but a lot have things wrong with them. Depending on the use, some hides you can live with and others you should stay away from.
Claw, Antler Hide & Company offers quality new hides. Our buffalo hides all have deep, lush winter fur, few if any holes, soft supple leather, with tails. They are tanned by the best tannery in the USA.