Tanning a hide with the hair intact is a rewarding but challenging process requiring patience and precision. This detailed guide will walk you through the steps, ensuring you achieve a beautiful, durable, and hair-on tanned hide perfect for wall hangings, rugs, or other crafts. This method focuses on a traditional brain tanning technique, known for its softness and suppleness.
Preparing the Hide
Before you begin the tanning process, proper preparation is crucial for a successful outcome.
1. Fleshing the Hide:
- Purpose: Removing excess fat and flesh from the hide's inner surface is vital. Leaving this material can lead to putrefaction and ruin the tanning process.
- Tools: A fleshing beam (a sturdy, curved beam) and a fleshing knife (a sharp, curved knife) are ideal. Alternatively, a sharp draw knife or even a sturdy scraping tool can work.
- Process: Securely attach the hide to the fleshing beam, flesh side up. Using careful, controlled strokes, scrape away all fat, flesh, and any remaining membrane. Be patient and thorough; this is the most labor-intensive step.
2. Cleaning the Hide:
- Purpose: Removing dirt, blood, and other contaminants prevents unwanted odors and ensures even tanning.
- Process: Thoroughly wash the hide with cool water. You can use a mild detergent if necessary, but avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the hide. Rinse it well to remove all soap residue.
3. Curing the Hide (Optional, but Recommended):
- Purpose: Salting the hide helps preserve it and prevents bacterial growth, particularly crucial in warmer climates.
- Process: Liberally salt the hide, both flesh side and hair side. Let it cure for several days or even weeks, depending on the size of the hide and the ambient temperature. The hide is ready when it feels firm and leathery.
Brain Tanning Process: The Heart of the Matter
Brain tanning uses the natural enzymes in animal brains to soften and preserve the hide. This traditional method yields a softer, more pliable leather than other methods.
1. Preparing the Brains:
- Purpose: The brains contain the enzymes crucial for the tanning process.
- Process: If using brains from the same animal, carefully remove and clean them. Ensure they're thoroughly cleaned of any blood clots or other contaminants. You can then either emulsify them by mixing them with water or use them whole.
2. Applying the Brain Mixture:
- Purpose: The enzymes in the brains will break down the hide's collagen, making it soft and pliable.
- Process: Work the brain mixture thoroughly into the hide, ensuring full penetration. This may require multiple applications and a lot of patience, and you may need to let it sit for several hours in between applications.
3. Working and Stretching the Hide:
- Purpose: Repeatedly working and stretching the hide helps the tanning process and creates a softer final product.
- Process: Over several days, frequently work the hide. This involves stretching, folding, and kneading it, ensuring the brain mixture is evenly distributed and the hide becomes softer and more pliable.
4. Washing and Neutralizing:
- Purpose: Removing any remaining brain matter and neutralizing the pH to prevent further decomposition.
- Process: Wash the hide thoroughly with cool water to remove all traces of brain matter. Consider a mild acid rinse, like a vinegar solution, to help neutralize any remaining alkalinity.
5. Drying and Finishing:
- Purpose: Even drying is essential to avoid cracking or shrinkage.
- Process: Dry the hide slowly in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Avoid rapid drying, which can damage the leather. You may need to use a stretching frame to maintain its shape and size as it dries. Once completely dry, you can condition the hide with a leather conditioner to maintain its softness and flexibility.
Maintaining Your Hair-On Hide
Proper care will keep your tanned hide looking its best for years. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Occasional conditioning will maintain its suppleness.
Remember, tanning a hide with hair on is a time-consuming process, requiring attention to detail and patience. But the result—a unique, beautiful, and handcrafted item—is well worth the effort.
