Birchee

I have been making Salmon leather on and off for 4-5 years now, I always make it in very similar fashion as Russia leather was made. I believe I am the only one that makes Salmon leather in this way. The result is a very durable and wear resistant leather which is highly resistant to water, saltwater, molds, fungus, bacteria, and pests. After scraping and descaling the skins are soaked in a lime bath for 24 hours, followed by a vinegar bath for a few hours to bring the PH back to 5.5-6. They are then started in a 10:1 tea (inner bark of birch), tea is swapped out for full strength tea in small amounts as needed for seven days. They are then put in full strength tea for three days. Than they are partially dried and oiled either with mix of coconut oil and birch tar, or jojoba and birch tar, worked by hand until fully dry to keep them from stiffening up. They need to be hung for 3-4 weeks to allow the birch tar smell to mellow out. That smoky smell will persist for up to a year. This is the lime bath Bringing the PH back down in vinegar bath: Into the 10:1 birch tanning tea: Out of full strength tea and drying: Flesh side oiled and drying: Oiled and being worked until dry: Fully dried and oiled, hanging to air dry for a few weeks to let that smoky smell mellow out: Hope some of you find it interesting, a fair chunk of work but really enjoyable taking something that ends up in the garbage and making something useful from it. Oh and a bonus, me trying to tear it 😄

Great, thank you. Thanks! I will do that.

Thanks, great example of doing lots with little.

Hi all, I have been making salmon leather (russia leather style) for a few years now as well as some conditioner and wax all based off birch tar. They have become pretty popular in the area and I have people asking me if I can create some items like wallets and gunslings and use the salmon leather as inlay. There are no leather workers anywhere in this area that I am aware of. All things leather has my interest and so I would like to start learning, I have made a basic list to get started, if I am m issing something or you have any recommendations please do! - Utility knife / Xacto knife - Metal ruler + metal square - Japanese skiving knife - Hole punch - Stitching chisels (high quality) - Awls - Strap cutter - Stitching pony - Self healing cutting mat / board How does that look for starting?