An Introduction To Rawhide - Wildness Within

4.Drying- Find a sunny south-facing slope. Cut ½” slits parallel to the edge of the hide a few inches apart, this will create a “dashed line” around the entire hide. Keep track of how many slits you cut and carve an equal amount of 6” stakes. Place the hide hair side down and, with the first stake in the corner of the neck, pin it to the ground. With each subsequent stake, stretch the hide till it is taut (no ripples), and work your way around the hide. When the rawhide is fully stretched, gently “scoot” it up the stakes to ensure airflow underneath the hide. If the weather conditions are right, it will be dry before sundown. A “flick” test is a great way to determine if the hide is completely dry. Flick the flesh side of the hide with your finger. If the hide bends and absorbs the impact with a dull sound, keep drying. If the flick resonates and the rawhide feels hard against your fingernail, the rawhide is dry.

5.Storage- You now have a fully preserved rawhide! Care must be taken to ensure it stays dry, and safe from insect damage. This varies greatly on climate, and therefore it is best to keep it in a cool, dry place and check it often.

Using Rawhide

Due to rawhide’s versatility this section could be a book all its own, but here we will touch on the broad concepts, and discuss some tendencies of rawhide.

Soaking- Generally the first step in using rawhide is rehydrating it to return it to a more workable state. Soak in warm water to accelerate absorption. Let the hide drip dry for a few minutes before bringing it to the workspace.

Cutting- Cut out pattern or desired shape. Pay Attention to the orientation of the fur/hair if it is still attached. Plan each cut before making the first cut, and always “measure twice cut once.” Save any small scraps that you create for hide glue.

Assembly- Assemble the parts, watch the creation come into form.

Drying- The method of drying a finished product of rawhide can vary depending on the product. For cordage, dry suspended from a tree branch with a weight tied to the end keeping it taut. Fill containers, bags, quivers etc. with dried grass. Ensure the grass is tightly packed, filling every corner. Check on projects regularly as they dry. Notice the change of shape/length and make any adjustments necessary.

Curing- Traditionally agents such as fat, wax, resin and tar have been used to cure and waterproof rawhide. Apply the curing agent to the flesh side. To ensure complete penetration rub on agent, then warm the rawhide item next to a fire and allow the agent to absorb into the rawhide.

The natural glues in the hide give the material both structure and strength. This is why it creates such sturdy bindings and rigid containers. Anything made from rawhide will shrink as it dries. Rawhide lacing on snowshoes is a great example of this effect. Laced while wet and left to dry, the rawhide lacing shrinks length-wise further tightening each strand and augmenting the structural strength of the snowshoe!

This versatile material has sparked human creativity throughout the ages. Working with rawhide gives us a glimpse into the technological world of our ancestors, while strengthening our connection to our natural world.

Article written by Samuel Royce.