Brain tanning is a labor-intensive, hands-on process that can take days to weeks to complete. It involves manual scraping, natural emulsions, and smoking, with attention to detail at every step. Here's how it's done:

1. Skinning and Fleshing

• The process begins immediately after the animal is skinned.

• The hide is fleshed—removing all fat, connective tissue, and membrane from the underside.

• This is done with a fleshing tool or scraper on a beam, taking care not to damage the grain.

2. Dehairing (Optional)

• If buckskin (soft, suede-like leather) is desired, the hair is removed using water and friction or natural enzymes (or sometimes by soaking in wood ash solution).

• If hair-on tanning is preferred (less common in brain tanning), this step is skipped.

3. Graining and Membrane Removal

• The grain layer (outer skin) may be scraped off for added softness, depending on the final use.

• Remaining membrane on the flesh side is carefully removed to ensure the hide accepts the brain solution evenly.

4. Braining (Applying the Tanning Agent)

• The animal's own brain is boiled and mashed into a slurry—it contains lecithin, a natural emulsifier that helps bind oils to the fibers.

• The brain mixture is rubbed or soaked into the hide, saturating it completely.

• Some people substitute egg yolks, soy lecithin, or natural oils if brains aren’t available.

• After saturation, the hide is wrung out and softened repeatedly to work the oils in and prepare the leather.

5. Softening and Stretching

• As the hide dries, it must be continuously pulled, stretched, and worked by hand to maintain softness.

• This is a long and physically demanding step. Without constant working, the hide will stiffen as it dries.

6. Smoking (Preservation Step)

• Once fully softened, the hide is smoked over a low, smoldering fire using rotten punk wood or hardwood chips.

• The smoke infuses the leather, giving it a warm golden brown or grey tone and a distinctive smell.

• More importantly, smoke acts as a preservative, making the hide washable and protecting it from bacteria, rot, and re-hardening when wet.

• A properly smoked hide can last decades or longer if cared for.

• Exceptionally Soft and Flexible: Often described as cloth-like, it drapes and moves unlike any other leather.

• Highly Breathable: Ideal for clothing, moccasins, and gear meant to be worn close to the skin.

• Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly: Uses no synthetic chemicals or heavy metals.

• Natural Aesthetic: Slightly uneven texture and tone, with a matte, suede-like surface.

• Strong and Durable: When properly smoked, it resists rot and can last for generations.

• Distinctive Smell: Smoky, earthy aroma from the final step in the process.

Brain-tanned leather is especially valued in traditional, outdoor, and heritage applications:

• Moccasins and boots

• Clothing and shirts

• Gloves and mittens

• Bags, quivers, and pouches

• Historical reenactment gear

• Traditional Native American crafts and regalia

• Washable (if smoked): Unlike many other leathers, smoked brain-tan can be washed gently and will retain its softness.

• Re-smoke if Needed: If it gets soaked and starts to harden, it can be re-softened and re-smoked to restore its properties.

• Store in Dry Conditions: While durable, it is still an organic material and should be kept away from prolonged dampness.