Deer hides - scraping and making leather

M

Michael Bennett

Joined
Mar 2, 1999
Messages
666
Well, I finally got around to turning one of 2 deer hides into rawhide. These deer were shot about 6 years ago, and I kept the hides. They were rough scraped, salted and rolled, then stored in sheds until I got around to working them. Surprisingly, they seem to be in good shape.

There was a little damage from rodents, mostly hair loss. I didn't care about that, since I ws de-hairing them anyway. I soaked them in wood-ash and water for about 2 weeks and most of the hair came off.

They're looking a lot like rawhide, except for small patches of hair that the scraper (me) missed. Any way to remove these when the hide is dry?

Also, I'm looking for solutions to turn them into leather. I don't have the deer brains, didn't keep them at the time. Smoking is sort of out, because of where I live.

I've heard alum was used. Any idea where I can get some? I guess it's used today as a pickling preservative.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Mike

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Resoak the hides to make them supple and fresh, then continue scraping until you have all the hair removed.

Salted hides are more difficult to tan, although it's not impossible. You can use cow brains from your local butcher. To brain-tan your hide you should also scrape off the epidermis, as the brains will soak in more easily and the hide will remain supple and soft.

Smoking the hide does not tan it. It only gives it color and helps protect it from water damage. It also helps to disguise the animal scent.

Alum works great, usually mixed in water with salt. Chemically tanned hides tend to not be as supple or soft, however.

You can also tan with plants that contain high levels of tannin (the compound that gives "tanning" its name). Tannin is most commonly found in oak trees. You can tan the hide with leaves, bark or acorns. I believe that sour dock also cantains sufficient tannins for the job.

Good luck!

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Camine con tranquilidad, sirva con humildad, y viva en paz.
 
Thanks for the information. It's been quite educational - and a lot of work. I can see why our ancestors either traded or didn't have a lot of free time.

I have a bunch of oak - red oak is plentiful here, but didn't think I'd have the time to chop, grind and leach the bark to get the tannins, Maybe I should revisit that one.

Mike

I'll do up some pictures if I get a chance.

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You don't have to leach the tannins out. I believe the recipe calls for the hide to be laid flat between two layers of wet leaves/bark/acorns. The tannin will leach directly into the hide on its own.

Check it out at the library to be sure. It's been a while.
smile.gif


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Camine con tranquilidad, sirva con humildad, y viva en paz.
 
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