Bear Hide Tanning: Salt and Borax Method

I do not brain tan my hides, I dont have tanning tools, or training. This is the method I use to tan my own hides, for my own personal use. I wanted to demonstrate how someone like me, can very easily tan a hide at home. I hope you find this video helpful, and I hope it gives you an understanding how well these hides hold up, even after a full year later. Happy prepping, homesteading, and learning new survival skills! Remember, the only skills you have, are the ones you have practiced for yourself!

[@suzanpurdy2536]

a tip for you from a fellow tanner..I cut a piece of heater hose about eight inches or so and shove it onto the sharp exposed blade end. This gives you two grips.

[@basichomesteadingandsurviv3699]

Good idea!

[@1INSOLENTDOBERMAN]

Very educational video & I thank you 🙏. Going on my first Bear 🐻 hunt in less than a week. I want to keep the hide & work on it myself. I was seriously worried about what to do since it will be my first time for this. I will use your method,, thank you 😊.. very educational.

[@basichomesteadingandsurviv3699]

You bet! And best of luck to ya!

[@johnleskinen734]

The hide should be fleshed degreased salted then pickled shaved and tanned and then neutralized after that it should be oiled and broken

[@basichomesteadingandsurviv3699]

Not every one tans the same. It might surprise you, but there are more than 1 right way to tan a hide. As long as the hide is clean, not smelly, and soft, the hide will last many years. You don't need all that stuff to produce a nice hide, from what little you have. Native Americans made hides with out all that. In fact, many used the sun and camp fire smoke to soften hides. No pickling, oiling, or any of that. Studding the old ways is a good thing to know, especially if you don't have any other choice. I encourage you to branch out! You might enjoy the old ways better!

[@MadMax-iz4vm]

Did you add the salt with the borax?

[@basichomesteadingandsurviv3699]

I have just used salt, I've used borax only, I've alternated between the two, and I have mixed them. Honestly, I like to mix them, or alternate. These days I generally use the salt first, then when the salt gets wet I take it off, and replace it with borax. Then when the borax feels wet, I remove it and replace it with salt. This method works extremely well in keeping the smell down, and keeps the hide a little softer.