Main Discussion Area > Primitive Skills
Tanning for beginners
Digital Caveman:
Thanks for your comments.
This post is my research so far. I'm not concerned about whether it's technically brain tanned, I just want to make durable, water proof, non-stinky leather out of rawhide.
@Fox, how do you soak a hide in less than 3 quarts of liquid? or do you just rub this solution in on both sides?
Fox:
Unless your doing a real monster buck or something you should be able to soak most sized deer hides in 2 quirts of water... if your worried about it or your hide is too big just double or triple the recipe...
Fox:
ive also heard of people using neets foot oil (or however you spell that) all you need really for the softening process is an emulsified oil of some sort. although how you handle the hide before the actually oiling part will effect the softness and durability
Hawkdancer:
Whatever works best for you! I have seen a recipe for tanning with sourdough starter in the Special Forces training, but never tried it! I think the end result of soft leather that stays soft after being wet is the key.
Hawkdancer
Digital Caveman:
Yea, soft leather is what I want, or maybe something stiff enough for a quiver. There are so many ideas out there that I have a hard time believing they all work well. Clearly brains work, but why isn't stuff like eggs and oil used as much? I guess I'll find out!
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