Black Leather Hide

[ABB]

I recently got a black hide and after handleing it my hands are black.  How can I clean the hide so that I can use it?

[LatigoAmigo]

Too bad. Not knowing what type of leather you have, maybe you could clean it up with what they call a Magic Eraser. That is a sponge put out by Mr. Clean. You add water to the eraser and rub it over the surface of the leather. It will pick up excess residue but can leave the leather with a somewhat "flat" look (again, not knowing what kind of leather you have), to which you might want to apply a conditioner.

[ABB]

Thanks for the input.  I'm new to leather working and I'm unsure as well.