We have all seen the “raw” hide
![Image](http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii189/fence-pro/th_DCP_1607.jpg)
First, clean the muscle tissue, membrane and snew off the inside of the hide. I used a hunting knife almost perpendicular to the hide and stretched it as I cut the “stuff” off. This is the hardest part and takes a couple of hours. I have cut the hide more often than I care to say. If anyone knows how to do this properly, please let me know.
Next, lay the hide on a flat surface and coat it with about ¼ inch of salt, noniodized is requested (I don’t know why).
![Image](http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii189/fence-pro/th_DCP_1618.jpg)
Leave it a day then clean it off. And I rinse mine. Let it dry so it feels like a wet chamois.
![Image](http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii189/fence-pro/th_DCP_1623.jpg)
Here is the product I found. I bought it at the Leather factory in Mississauga (Ontario). I believe they are associated with the Leather Factory in the US.
![Image](http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii189/fence-pro/th_DCP_1624.jpg)
It feels like shampoo. Apply a generous coat, and try not to let it puddle
![Image](http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii189/fence-pro/th_DCP_1625.jpg)
It takes about a week for the hide to dry. This seems to be determined by the temperature of the room.
![Image](http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii189/fence-pro/th_DCP_1628.jpg)
The hide will be quite stiff at this stage. I brush the suede side with a wire brush
![Image](http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii189/fence-pro/th_SUC50700.jpg)
Then I buff it on this to make it pliable
![Image](http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii189/fence-pro/th_SUC50701.jpg)
This is the final product...
![Image](http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii189/fence-pro/th_SUC50703-1.jpg)