Before you can make a pair of moccasins, you need tanned leather. What is invoved in this process? What is the difference between a dried animal skin and a piece of leather?
In reference to the latter question, skins refers specifically to the skin of a smaller animal, such as a calf, while the term hide refers to the skin of a larger animal, such as a cow. The process for both skins and hides are similar. Raw hides or skins, when not tanned, are rough, dry and hard due to tightly compacted collagen, the natural moisturizer of skin. When exposed to water, dry hide/skin usually begins to putrefy and rot. Yet, when exposed to hot water, glue or sizing can be made from it. However, hides/skins have the ability to absorb tannic acid and other chemical substances that prevent them from decaying, make them resistance to water and keeping them soft and supple. The 3 types of hides and skins most often used in leather manufacturing are cattle, sheep and pig. Other hides can be used from horses, moose, deer, elk, bison, seals and walruses. The process of turning skins/hides into leather is called tanning. The process for skins and hides are similar. For our purposes, we will use the term "hide" in the rest of the article.
Quote of the Day:
"Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of cheques."
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