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Brain tanning hair on?

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clewis:
I was curious if anyone has had much luck brain tanning deer hides with the hair on? I've never tried it before and have a sweet hide scraped and ready to go. Any tips or advice, this is new territory for me. Thanks

Outbackbob48:
Clewis, I have never braintanned hair on deer. You probably already know that deer hair is hollow so invidual hairs break easily so go gently . also hair can slip easily if it gets to wet and stays wet to long, Good Luck and keep us posted on how it comes out, Maybe Ed has braintanned some hair on and has some good tips. Bob

BowEd:
My experience brain tanning hair on hides is not as much as hair off hides but have the same opinion about deer hair like Outback.Hair on hides like buffalo[non hollow hairs] make nice robes.I have done some coyotes and coon too.I have gotten those soaking wet or as a ground cloth in the teepee too with no hair slippage occuring.Once the hair roots have been dried and locked in I have not had any hair slippage occuring.Letting them gently dry over a clothes line or suspended is the way I let them dry.Then scuffing them around after drying to resoften them.That's if they are smoked I might add also.That's a must.
Main thing is to get all of the membrane off the flesh side for brain oil penetration.Other than that finishing is the same with the roping method.A bit more work weight wise to rope but it's up to the individual as to what he wants to do.The experience will tell you something to go on for your next hide.Keep us posted.

clewis:
Thanks fellas, so my plan is to stretch and soften with a paddle on the frame. I was aware that the hair is hollow and slips when wet, so I think I'll massage the brains in while stretched then try to soften. I've thinned out the thick areas already do hopefully it works. I'll definitely be do a follow along successful or not for educational/critique purposes. Might help someone down the road. Wish me luck.

BowEd:
That's ok to do the majority of the stretching with a paddle in the frame if brained properly but to get a nice fluid loose robe a bit of roping and stretching will be needed yet before completely dry.Good luck.Everyone has their own standards I guess as to how soft their leather should be.

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