Sam Henne Hide & Fur

09/02/2026

I, of course, keep a copy of The Craftsmans Hide Tanning Manual for myself. So, I thought it fitting to make it a cover from a piece of full-grain deerskin I had made.

It was an experimental skin I had tanned, where I had attempted to use coffee to dye it. I hadn't loved the way it took to the grain, leaving it uneven and even blotchy. I had also damaged a couple spots of the grain during deharing, which only compounded the effect.

So the skin sat on a shelf for some time without a purpose.

I decided the imperfections gave it an aged and rustic appearance that might provide a nice esthetic to a book cover. I think I rather like it.

Now, to embosse the title into it somehow.

I find the irony here that the book does not cover the tanning of hair-off leathers.

09/01/2026

Due to some major home repairs, I am putting current tanning work on hold.

All affected customers have been notified.

I am hopeful the situation won't keep production down for more than a few weeks, and it won't result in more than a short delay.

It shouldn't affect our ability to take in skins for the upcoming season - including intake of bears.

Thank you all for your understanding and support!

08/29/2026

Let's compare two different tans - part 2!

If you watched last nights video, here's the follow up, if you haven't, go back and check it out!

These are the key differences I find most frequently between pain-on and submersible tans.

08/29/2026

Let's compare two separate tans in a little more depth.

I will continue to make the argument that there are a lot of variables that go into a great tan, and that the tanning agent itself is not the most important aspect - but they do directly influence the characteristics of the leather.

Let's hear your opinions on these two tans!

08/28/2026

Had a really good conversation with Inside The Outside Podcast.

We talked tanning, fur, the craft itself, and a bunch of the stuff that has led me down rabbit hole of a tanning.

It's not just an interview about tanning, it turned into a pretty wide-ranging conversation about the work, the process, and a bunch of entertaining sidebars.

Check them out and give it a listen if you've got a little time.

Learn how to put the hides and furs that you harvest to good use by...

08/23/2026

This was a really fun conversation! Go check out the Inside The Outside podcast.

This episode should drop shortly, go listen. Honored to be brought on the show!

08/22/2026

Dealing with grease burn. This is why thorough fleshing is so critically important before drying. These are salvageable. I've thrown away many that weren't.

They dont rehydrate well. Dont pickle well. They create dense areas, which can easily result in holes when shaving. And can permanently damage the fiber structure of the skin, resulting in a lower quality finish. Not to mention the increased labor required.

Quality fur handling may be the biggest predictor of the result you'll get back from the tannery.

08/20/2026

Ok fellow tanners and taxidermists.

I am in the market for a new fleshing machine in the next month or so.

I am torn one what to get so give me your best advice and why.

I've used a rawhide. Loved the simplicity of it. It just worked. It was fun and easy to use.

I used a Quebec. I liked it. Not as much as the rawhide tho.

Dakota Pro is accessible to buy, easy to change blades, shouldn't have issues with fleshings getting caught in the belt etc. The micro adjustment guards are attractive to me with the amount of light skins I shave. But I have not used it before.

What's your pick? Is there something else on the market you'd recommend over these two? Does doing mostly fur vs capes change your decision?

08/18/2026

Bear season is just around the corner and we will be open for taking in skins for soft, and garment style tans.

When freezing a bear skin with the intent of sending it to a taxidermist or tannery, please lay it open in a chest freezer for a few hours to cool before folding it up and bagging.

A 50 pound ball of insulated flesh and fur will retain heat for a surprisingly long time before it finally freezes solid. Bacteria continues to grow and may ruin your pelt. Chilling it thoroughly before bagging it up will be very helpful.

Also folding it and leaving it as flat and thin as possible instead of balled up decreases freezing and thawing times and reduces chances of fur slip.

$70 per foot, measured nose to tail, $360 dollar minimum. Fleshing, paw removal, and skull removal services provided for additional fees.

Back Squares for $95. These are roughly 18" x 36" rectangles taken from the center of the bear skin. Perfect as a throw or small rug. For when you don't have the room or budget for a whole skin or mount.

Will accept frozen - see comment above!