Tanning a Rabbit Hide With Vegetable Oil

Lay the skin on a flat surface with the hair side down. Rub ordinary table salt into the skin, using liberal quantities. Be sure to get it into every part of the skin. Leave it to sit for two to three days.

Shake the skin out to get rid of excess salt. Use a knife to scrape away any membrane, flesh or fat left on the skin from when it was originally removed. Be sure not to puncture the skin.

Lay the skin with the fur down again. Pour vegetable oil onto the skin until the skin is fully saturated and appears partially translucent.

Make a solution of water and liquid soap, with a heavy amount of soap. There should be enough water to fully submerge the skin. Leave it submerged and stir and knead the skin in the soapy water until it becomes opaque white.

Test to see whether the tanning process is complete by cutting off a strip of skin and boiling it for a minute or so. If it remains flexible after boiling, that means the tanning process is complete. If it curls and hardens, it is not yet done, and should remain in the soapy water.

Remove the skin from the soapy water and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Wring out the skin so that it is as dry as possible.

Bury the axe head deep into a section of log. Use the top of the axe head to work and stretch the skin by holding it on either side and pulling it down onto the axe head. Be sure that the axe head has no burrs or sharp spots that will cut the skin. The more the skin is stretched and drawn, the softer the end product will be.

Hang the skin and allow it to air dry.