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Grease and Brains

Another point that seems to raise eyebrows is that I always use grease (neatsfoot oil) and can find very few old accounts that do not tell you to do likewise. I have tried many times to tan with just brains but usually they rip somewhere before I can finish out the skin. Grease penetrates easily and most importantly lubricates the fibers and softens the grain making the breaking process come about with less effort and strain on the hide.

People today think in terms of "brain" tan and have a hard time believing in grease. But please before I get inundated with letters let me state that I didn't say it was impossible and I have had results to prove otherwise. But rather that I have run out of ideas and I use grease religiously now, it has a much higher success ratio for me.

Smoking

Another interesting point I've noticed is that old robes are rarely ever smoked. I believe that the addition of grease aids in keeping the hide soft when wetted. I have also found that if wetted too many times grease may have to be reapplied. Again, Warren Ferris claimed that coats made from robes were great unless wet then they became hard and useless. Just like your leather work-boots buffalo may need maintenance occasionally.

Conclusion

I am writing this with the most common misinterpretations and misconceptions in mind. Hopefully it will inspire people to tan these fine hides while giving them a real perspective of what to expect rather than what they think they can achieve based on the deer they've tanned.

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