Ep 12. Leather Tanner

In season 3, episode 12 of the hit show Dirty Jobs, host Mike Rowe takes us on a journey into the world of leather tanning. In this episode, Rowe travels to a tannery in Michigan to get up close and personal with the process of turning hides into leather.

The episode starts with an introduction to the world of leather tanning. Rowe explains how the leather industry used to be a major part of the American economy, but has since declined due to the availability of less expensive synthetic materials. However, there are still people out there who take pride in their leather crafting skills and keep the tradition alive.

Rowe meets with a group of leather tanners who are eager to show him their skills. They explain that the process of turning a raw hide into leather is long and difficult, but the end result is worth it. Rowe is hesitant to jump right into the process, and it's easy to see why. The tanning process involves many dangerous chemicals that can burn the skin and even cause blindness if proper safety precautions are not taken.

Despite the risks, Rowe decides to don a pair of protective gloves and dive right in. He starts by soaking a hide in a large vat of lime for several days to remove any hair and flesh from the skin. Next, the hide is soaked in an acid solution to further remove any remaining tissue and fat.

Then comes the hard part: actually turning the hide into leather. Rowe observes as the leather tanners stretch the hides out on a wooden frame and use an old-fashioned tool to scrape away any excess flesh and fat. This takes hours of intense manual labor, but the tanners say it's an essential step to achieve the desired thickness and texture of the leather.

Once the hide is sufficiently scraped down, it's ready to undergo the actual tanning process. Rowe watches as the tanners use large machines to coat the hides in tannins, a type of organic compound that helps preserve the leather and prevent it from breaking down over time. The tanning process can take several weeks and involves constant monitoring to ensure the hides are not over-tanned.

Finally, the leather is ready to be dried and shaped. Rowe watches as the tanners hang the hides up to dry and then use a hydraulic press to flatten them out and create a smooth surface. The leather is then cut into pieces and sent off to be made into various products, from belts to bags to furniture.

Although Rowe admits that the process of leather tanning is tough and time-consuming, he says that he gained a newfound appreciation for the art of leather crafting. He also notes that leather is a sustainable and long-lasting material that is worth investing in.

Overall, this episode of Dirty Jobs provides a fascinating look into the world of leather tanning and the skilled craftsmen who keep the tradition alive. Viewers will be amazed by the amount of hard work and dedication that goes into creating a single piece of leather, and may even be inspired to seek out leather products in the future.