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1. #ACID TANNING RABBIT HIDES HOW TO#
2. #ACID TANNING RABBIT HIDES MANUAL#
3. #ACID TANNING RABBIT HIDES TRIAL#

Differing variations of this process have been used, relatively unchanged, for thousands of years.Įven though there are multiple variations and preferences when it comes to tanning hides, there are really only two different types of tanning: Chrome and Vegetable.Ĭhrome tanning is chemical-based. The tanned leather was used to make pouches for carrying game, blankets, a cot to sleep upon, as coverings for animal bladder based canteens, as the only clothing and footwear material available, and to address other primitive needs.īuffalo hides were once the primary type of hide used in the making of footwear and saddles because it was so thick and durable.īefore the hides can become soft and pliable leather, they must be tanned. But, the processing of pelts of both wild animals and livestock was once a necessity. Tanned hides are primarily use for clothing, outerwear, and boot by choice and for saddles, and tack, in our modern world.

#ACID TANNING RABBIT HIDES HOW TO#

Since we are about to embark on tanning three hides, one of which we are going to tan in a manner that keeps the hair, Dan and I decided writing a how to tan hides series to create a step-by-step guide for the New Life on a Homestead community, was a stellar idea. Thankfully, I was working with a homesteading friend who had tanned hides before, and was able to pull off the mammoth chore without wasting the beautiful hides. This hide was from a well more than 1,000-pound Black Angus. This part of the process can take several hours when dealing with a large cow hide, like shown in this photo. Once the hide is dry after salting, the fat membranes and excess meat still attached to the flesh after butchering, must be removed before the tanning process can continue.

I started with a cow hide it was offered to me by a butcher pal who was going to let it become landfill fodder if I did not jump on the opportunity. I did not follow my own advice, but I had a good reason.

#ACID TANNING RABBIT HIDES MANUAL#

First, they are easier to work with, require fewer hours of manual labor to clean and process them.Īnd secondly, when you screw up or your creative dreams surpass your current skill set, you will waste only a small amount of leather.

Starting with small animals is best for several reasons.

#ACID TANNING RABBIT HIDES TRIAL#

I always have trouble with the patience part.Įxpect a lot of trial and error, when learning how to tan a cow hide. None of the processes are difficult or involve expensive tools, but each requires both exactness and patience. Odds are, you will try several different variations until you find the one that works best for your. There are as many way to tan hides as there are animals. But, your journey to a sustainable life, an existence where you always use resources wises and for optimal benefit, will not end before you learn how to tan hides. You get extra self-reliance points if you butcher the meat yourself. So, you live on a homestead and raise your own meat.