Fleshing Deer Hides for Tanning or Drying, Natural Leather Tanning

Summary

This video demonstrates the process of preparing and fleshing a deer hide. The presenter explains the importance of soaking, flushing, and using the right tools to avoid damaging the skin. Viewers are guided through steps like removing excess flesh and fat, managing skin length, and keeping the hide clean. The process is shown to be delicate yet satisfying, with tips on tool sharpness, timing, and handling. Safety, technique, and cleanliness are emphasized to ensure proper preservation for future use, such as making buckskin or glue.

Takeaways

• 🧼 Soaking a hide for too long in warm conditions can lead to spoilage, so it's better to flush or refrigerate it immediately.
• 🪓 The tool used for flushing a hide should not be too sharp or too dull to avoid damaging the skin.
• 🔪 When flushing, it's important to advance the process in small sections rather than working on one side continuously to avoid tearing the hide.
• 🍖 Flesh, fat, and meat left on the hide are normal, and there's no need to overly clean the hide before flushing.
• ✂️ Avoid cutting the hide when removing meat or fat, as cuts are permanent and can ruin the hide for future use.
• 🪵 Hair forms a cushion during flushing, so the beam doesn't have to be perfectly smooth, as long as there aren't large bumps or dents.
• 🌞 Flushing is easier once the skin has dried, as some remaining tissue will come off easily after this step.
• 🦟 Be cautious when working outdoors, especially in early fall, as insects like flies and yellowjackets become more aggressive.
• 🪤 It's possible to tie the skin into a knot to make it shorter if it's dragging on the ground during the flushing process.
• 🛠️ Always clean up your workspace, tools, and equipment thoroughly after finishing the flushing process to maintain hygiene.

Q & A

What is the ideal soaking duration for a hide before flushing?

The hide should ideally be soaked for a shorter time, as two days in warm water can make the hide ripe. Flushing immediately or refrigerating the skin is recommended to prevent spoilage.

Why is it important not to use a tool that is too sharp when flushing a hide?

If the tool is too sharp, it increases the risk of cutting the hide, which causes permanent damage. A duller tool is safer, as it allows for controlled removal of flesh without cutting the hide.

What technique is used to effectively flush the hide?

The process involves working across the hide a few inches at a time. Advancing in a straight line with each pass helps avoid pairing and catching, making it easier to work.

Is it acceptable to leave some flesh on the hide during the initial flushing process?

Yes, leaving some flesh and fat on the hide is fine during flushing. The goal is to avoid cutting the hide, as removing the remaining material will be easier later in the process.

What is the purpose of turning the hide during the flushing process?

Turning the hide allows the flesher to work on different parts of the hide efficiently, ensuring that the entire hide, including the neck and sides, gets cleaned thoroughly.

Why is it not necessary to flush parts of the hide that won’t be used for buckskin?

If certain parts of the hide, like long tags, will not be used for buckskin, they can be trimmed or left unflushed unless they are being saved for other purposes like making glue.

What precautions should be taken when soaking the hide in water between steps?

The hide should be fully submerged in water with a rock or weight to prevent exposure to air. If only the hair is exposed, it is important to ensure no skin is left out to avoid drying prematurely.

How can you tell if the hide is ready for the next step after soaking?

The hide is ready for the next step if the hair begins falling out, which indicates it has soaked sufficiently and is softening. This is a sign that the hide can be scraped next.

What type of tool is used for flushing, and what is its recommended sharpness?

A custom tool forged from a car leaf spring with antler handles is used. It is recommended to have it sharp enough to remove material with some pressure but not so sharp that it risks cutting the hide.

What is the final step after flushing the hide?

The final step involves cleaning up the work area by dumping out the bloody water, cleaning the tools, rinsing the flushing beam, and ensuring the workspace is tidy before moving on to the next stage.