Customer Reviews

Blue Mountain Buckskin: A Working Manual for Dry-Scrape Brain-Tan

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Jim Riggs originally wrote this book in 1979, on a typewriter, and published it himself. And although he never sold it through the traditional book trade, he sold tens of thousands of copies. Why? Because it was the first book to really teach people in a detailed step-by-step manner, how to 'brain tan': the method used by Native Americans and American pioneers to make garment leather, and still the most practical way for you to successfully make really good leather in your own backyard.

Riggs made and wore his own buckskin daily for years before writing this book, so his instructions are both expert and very detailed about the nuances (and odd situations) that this craft can entail. His love of buckskin, sense of humor, and respect for the animals whose skins he is tanning shine through the pages.

You'll learn step-by-step through words, illustrations and photographs; how to skin, tan, and then make clothing from the hides of deer, elk or antelope. You'll learn the 'dry-scrape' method of brain tanning (there is also a wetscrape method), and you'll have a great time doing it!

Don't know why Bobbie Huff only gave it 1 star. I met and learned from Jim way back when, and he was a great teacher (not just about brain tanning, but about many other skills). This is a guy that put food on his table with his skill. He is not an armchair writer. If you know about Jim, you already own this book.

The techniques described in the book are tried and true. Pretty good description of dryscrape. IMO, wetscraping is abit easier, and less messy.

This is a great book for learning hide tanning tecnique or if you just enjoy reading. Also, it looks great laying on the end table in my hunting room.