Deerskins into Buckskins: How to Tan with Brains, Soap or Eggs

By Matt Richards

240 pages, softcover: $19.95

DVD/VHS, 140 minutes: $25.00

Reviewed by Bill Scurlock for MUZZLELOADER. Published in September/October 2005 issue.

It’s hard to beat brain-tanned buckskin for frontier clothing. From breeches and trousers to leggings and bags, smoked brain tan is the historic first choice for a comfortable and durable garment or accessory. It is a little pricey if you purchase it, but if you have a little time and a little room to work, you can make it yourself.

In Deerskins into Buckskins, Matt Richards provides clear and complete instructions for making quality buckskin. Available in both book form (revised and updated 2nd edition) or video (VHS or DVD), this work has become the standard for brain-tanning how-to. The original book’s popularity derived from its easy step-by-step presentation, which utilized numerous photos and illustrations that made everything as clear as possible.

With the 2nd edition, Richards continues to apply a combination of traditional methods, leather chemistry and experience (he brain-tans for a living), to improve the process. One of the highlights is the addition of a 15-minute step that greatly improves the absorption of the brains, soap or eggs. This step results in easier to soften hides that come out super soft and do so more predictably. That example illustrates one of the keys to Richards’ success with this book: you don’t have to wonder how each hide is going to turn out. Though each hide is different, you can use his proven methods to produce consistently good buckskin.

The 2nd edition also features a section on skinning to improve the shape of the hide from the get-go, as well as tanning moose, elk, antelope, caribou and goat. Many sections in the first book have been revised to include important improvements and tweaks to steps that make the process easier and/or that yield better results.

I also watched the video on DVD and found that it’s a great addition to the book. Actually seeing the hide and Richards’ movement as he manipulates the hide in each step is a great help to the novice tanner. I also thought that it was quite helpful to see Matt setting up and smoking the tanned hide. Another nice thing about the DVD is the ability instantly to click to any step in the process if you’re in the middle of tanning and have a question. The video uses close-ups and different camera angles to show you important details. It is generally well shot and professionally edited.

I recommend buying both the book and the video, but each one will stand on its own as complete instruction for brain-tanning a hide. The video provides important visuals that can’t be shown in a book. The book provides considerably more background information, troubleshooting tips and detail that just won’t fit into a video. The book also has chapters on acquiring hides, history, tanning chemistry, how to make rawhide and hide glue, as well as finished clothing, bags, gun cases and the like from your finished hides. If I had to pick just one, I’d go with the book.

Order Deerskins into Buckskins from Backcountry Publishing, 3303 Dick George Road, Cave Junction, OR 97523. Order by phone by calling 888-443-3826 or online at <www.braintan.com>. The VHS or DVD sells for $25.00 plus $2.00 shipping. The book sells for $19.95 plus $2.00 shipping.