brain tanning (hair on)

[jouLe]

Hey all, I was asking about braintanning earlier, but now I am wondering if brain tanning (hair on) is going to make the hide too soft for chaps? Any ideas? What method would you recommend for the tanning of chap leather?

[whipit]

I have never Brain Tanned myself so I won't comment on that topic. As for chap leather as far as I know it is made from split cow hide. This is then tanned with chrome salts. Chrome leather can take a lot more punishment then veg tanned leathers. I have tried to get hold of some chrome salts here in Australia but it is a restricted chemical. One of those chemicals that is bad for the environment. Veg tanning will do the job but will not be as durable is chrome. I have tanned hides with the hair on using a alum salt. It is very durable but the salts will wash out if the hide gets wet. Alum tanning is a great home tan for floor mats but if you use too much Alum in the tanning process the hide tends to weep salt in humid weather. At the moment I am trying too explain veg tanning in this forum. If you can wait and are interested I could go though how I do a alum tan and also a type latigo. So in the long run I probably haven't helped you at all. I would like to know what type of hide is it.

I will end by saying that this is what I have learnt over some years and I have been wrong on many occasions and if I am, I'm open too comment.

Bob

[jouLe]

Thanks Bob. It is a 15 mo. old steer hide. I am not interested in anything that involves chemicals, so if I have to take the less durable option and go with veg tanning or brain tanning, I guess that's life. I will review your veg tanning articles. Thanks again,

jouLe