New Brain Tanning Project

[Yooper Bowyer]

Well, I softened it today and it was easier than anticipated.  This may have something to do with the fact that the hide has been in the solution for a few days waiting for a sunny day, and I'm sure the vinigar helped to.  It was amazing to see a slippery animal skin turn into leather just like that.  I thought it was turning out softer than it did, but it is about the consistency I was looking for.  I left a little grain on the back, but that is coming off with a little abrasion.  It's airing out now, I will post photos later today.

[Fox]

Congratz! buckskin is a lot of work! but also one of the most amazing transformations, from sorta nasty smelly slimy skin to amazing soft and wonderful smelling buckskin! I have so many furs to do and a few more deerskins... but i don't know how to tan fur on yet only one chipmunk out of the 5 or six we taned as a test turned out right

[Yooper Bowyer]

I thought It was finished, but after letting it air out it stiffened up 

[Pappy]

never really done one like that but you are still probably going to have to stretch and pull it until it is dry instead of just letting it dry on it;s on.
 Pappy

[Yooper Bowyer]

I did pull it, but I thought it was dry and it turned out not to be 

[Pappy]

Been there. 
 Pappy

[Pappy]

usually to tell if it is dry I just squeeze it in my hand, if it fluffs right back out it is dry , if not it isn't.
 Pappy

[Fox]

Yeah .... you gotta stretch till REALLY dry that’s super hard to judge... once you get one buckskin go back to it and feel it compared to the one your working 

Another way I was taught is if you stretch it and the hide snaps back like rubber band it’s dry if it stays when you pull it it’s wet... also put it against your lips and feel how dry it is