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Brain tanning alternatives?

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nclonghunter:
Clewis, I am going to attempt to say what I believe is correct. The soap makes the olive oil an emulsified oil, which means it will "blend with water". The oil in brains is a naturally occurring emulsified oil. Makes sense because the body is like 60-70% water. The oil mixing with water allows it to pass through and coat the fibers in a hide. Neatsfoot oil actually sells an emulsified oil and taxidermy shops will offer different brands. For a brain tan hide all you need is an oil that will blend with water and squeeze it through the hide and then smoke it. This may give some new ideas or other avenues to follow.  Good Luck

Had to look it up but Sulphinated Oil is also a emulsified oil

Hawkdancer:
Learn something new everyday!!  Those oils are a lot easier than cooking brains, and a lot more conducive to keeping the pother half happy - unless you are making her a new dress >:D!  Most any water soluble non- petroleum oil?  Have to try that, got some antelope (pronghorn) hides that need working.
Hawkdancer

aaron:
another vote for eggs.

Mo_coon-catcher:
I've done up one fox with the ivory soap and olive oil. Worked well, but has a slimy feel while working the hide until it's dry. I typically use egg yokes though.

Kyle

johnnieyost:
We have Chronic Wasting Disease here so it's not a good idea to use brains for tanning. Doesn't matter though, lecithin is the active ingredient in brains. I buy mine in a little tub, it comes in yellow granules. You just dissolve them in warm water until no more granules will dissolve, then use it just like you would brains. I've been doing it this way for about 20 years. Works great.

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