how to tan a leather hide using the traditional vegetable tanning process with just a few tools.

Tanning a leather hide using the traditional vegetable tanning process is a time-tested method that results in high-quality leather. Here's how you can do it with just a few tools:

Materials you'll need:

Raw animal hide
Vegetable tanning agents (e.g. mimosa bark, quebracho wood, or chestnut)
Water
Large container or trough
Sharp knife
Fleshing tool
Sandpaper
Leather dye or oil
Step-by-step process:

Soak the raw animal hide in water for several hours to soften it.

Remove the hair and flesh from the hide using a sharp knife and fleshing tool. This will ensure that the hide is clean and ready for tanning.

Mix the vegetable tanning agent with water in a large container or trough according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Place the hide in the tanning solution and stir it regularly to ensure that the solution penetrates the hide evenly.

Leave the hide in the tanning solution for several weeks or until it has reached the desired level of tanning.

Remove the hide from the tanning solution and rinse it thoroughly with clean water.

Stretch the hide and allow it to dry in a cool, shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures, as these can cause the leather to become brittle and crack.

Once the leather is dry, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough areas and remove any remaining flesh or hair.

Apply leather dye or oil to the leather to give it a finished look.

Congratulations, you've successfully tanned a leather hide using the traditional vegetable tanning process! This method requires some patience and practice, but the end result is high-quality leather that can be used for a variety of purposes.