Smoky
01-02-2007, 08:01 AM
This reply is for Remington, about the way to tan deerhide with the hair on.
Basically, you need to clean the hide of all flesh and fat, then work in some kind of acid to "de-nature" the proteins in the hide so they don't rot. If you use anything alkaline, it will cause the hair to slip, and come off. Usually that is done on purpose, deerskins being made into leather more often, BUT they can be tanned with the hair on. Remember it's hair, not fur. The hair won't be soft when you're done, but sorta stiff.
If you only have one hide a year, I'd say go with the bark tan. Takes a while, but you'll be all done when you get the next one. Use enough ground bark that the water looks like strong coffee and enough water to just cover the hide. Use a non-metal container and write down your amounts, could be different for each container.
Basically, you need to clean the hide of all flesh and fat, then work in some kind of acid to "de-nature" the proteins in the hide so they don't rot. If you use anything alkaline, it will cause the hair to slip, and come off. Usually that is done on purpose, deerskins being made into leather more often, BUT they can be tanned with the hair on. Remember it's hair, not fur. The hair won't be soft when you're done, but sorta stiff.
If you only have one hide a year, I'd say go with the bark tan. Takes a while, but you'll be all done when you get the next one. Use enough ground bark that the water looks like strong coffee and enough water to just cover the hide. Use a non-metal container and write down your amounts, could be different for each container.