Canadian Trappers Talk Forum

Hey wahbush,

Couple questions…

I see video’s online that use the mckenzie system to tan hides for taxidermy.
In both your technique and the mckenzie system the main thing to watch is the ph of the pickle.
(Does the means of achieving that ph really matter that much?)

Your system that you called a taw has a tan step that uses a higher ph bath for a few days followed by a oiling where the mck system omits this step and uses a tanning oil after the neutralizer.

If i wanted to have a tanned fur for a hat, lets say, or gloves, what are the drawbacks of one system vs. The other?

Just seen this.
A taw is not an actual tan like chrome or veg.
A mineral tan(aluminum sulfate and salt) can leach out when subjected to moisture like sweat or water.Also if not neutralized,acids or salts left in the leather makes it hygroscopic and it will get damp or clammy in high humidity,which causes acid rot in the skin over time.
If you want an actual garment tan re tan the tawed skin within a couple months with chrome,synthetic,(complexed aluminum) or veg (organic tannin)

Are these three different tanning methods something that can easily be done at home similar to your other process?

Although I have never used trubond it seems to be the flavor of the day for synthetic tanning.
KT tan I have used in the past.It is a complexed mineral tan similar to lutan and the soda and aluminum sulfate tan
Any tawed skin can be further tanned for garment use as long as it has not deteriorated.
Just follow the instructions with the tanning kit.