Barktan Raccoon leather

[Matt Soultz]

Heres some more fun stuff you you fine folks. Here is some raccoon leather that I barktanned using white oak bark. White Oak bark and Hemlock was commonly used in history to tan leather. Did they make Raccoon leather probably not but I wanted to do something a bit different. Fun stuff.

 

[Caterpillar Hunter]

Matt, how much (volume or weight) oak bark was needed for 1 raccoon hide? And what was used to de-hair the skin? Thanks.

 

[andy52]

Wood ash can be used to remove the hair, I've never tanned a racoon hair off but have with deer.

 

[NotDanielBoone]

Heres some more fun stuff you you fine folks. Here is some raccoon leather that I barktanned using white oak bark. White Oak bark and Hemlock was commonly used in history to tan leather. Did they make Raccoon leather probably not but I wanted to do something a bit different. Fun stuff.

Good use for a raccoon. They are a menace.

 

[Matt Soultz]

Matt, how much (volume or weight) oak bark was needed for 1 raccoon hide? And what was used to de-hair the skin? Thanks.

I used hydrated lime to slip the hair. Hydrated lime is also called builders S Lime.

The bark volume is tricky. I believe this batch was 4lbs per 1 gallon and you are going to want at least 4 gallons. So say 16 to 20lbs depending on quality of bark.

 

[Matt Soultz]

Good use for a raccoon. They are a menace.

Agreed and they give you about 2 sqft of decent leather.

 

[BillinOregon]

Fine project Matt. What do you think of the leather, and what might you use it for?

 

[Matt Soultz]

Fine project Matt. What do you think of the leather, and what might you use it for?

Its a pretty nice supple leather with good flexibility. I'm not sure. I am hoping to show it off to some bag makers in Feburary. Maybe I'll get lucky and get on their radar for future business. Gotta pay for this hobby somehow. Also Thanks.