When preparing a hide for tanning, one common question that arises is whether it is beneficial to freeze the hide before beginning the fleshing process. This practice has been debated among tanners and hunters for years, with conflicting opinions on its effectiveness.
What movies can you watch all the time and never get tired of watching?
One movie that I’ll never get tired of watching is Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. I’ve already watched this movie like 15–16 times.
It is seen as the crowning jewel of Nolan’s trilogy, fueled by the remarkable performance of Heath Ledger as the Joker. Sadly, Ledger passed away just before it premiered in 2008, but left a lasting impression in a role that stole the show, not just because of his death, but because of how he personified chaos.
MIND GAMES
This movie hinged on the unpredictable mind games of the Joker which undoubtedly set it, as well as him as a villain, apart from other comic book movies. He appeared rash and rabid at times, but throughout the movie everything he accomplished was down to his cold and calculating nature. Nothing was ever obvious with the schemes he plotted against Gotham. Every move was carefully planned, which often left Batman in the dark (pun intended).
From tricking Batman with Harvey Dent and Rachel Dawes, to poisoning Commissioner Loeb, to killing vigilante pretenders, judges and mob bosses, to blowing up hospitals, to a cerebral final act involving boats with inmates and citizens given the choice to kill each other to survive, no one knew what his end-game truly was. Batman resorted to invasive measures to catch him because the clown-gangster always seemed a few steps ahead. His reign of chaos was often out of reach and anything but random, as seen with how he eventually broke Dent’s moral compass.
A SYMPATHETIC VILLAIN
“Batman: The Animated Series” painted Dent as a tortured soul (as did most cartoons), which was better received than, say, Billy Dee Williams (“Batman”) or Tommy Lee Jones (“Batman Forever”), who both arguably brought too much levity to the character(s). This movie, though, got the balance and overall tone down right, as it showed Dent as someone who tried to fight for justice, but ended up engulfed by a failing legal system. It also took his love away, which made his villainous turn sympathetic, tragic and relatable.
Aaron Eckhart oozed charisma and implemented an apt duality, being a white knight as a lawyer, but then a dark one when he lost his way due to Joker’s plotting. “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain” — this adage, said by Dent, embodied the movie’s end as his descent was fueled by Rachel’s death and the corrupt cops he felt let her down in the process. Dent’s story was one of unabashed heartache, which led to Batman taking a fall as a symbol to maintain the lawyer’s legacy and crusade for justice.
MANIA
Nolan smartly placed his eggs in a single basket and focused (mostly) on one villain, which appears to be the case whenever filmmakers deal with Joker. Burton did it in his original movie (through Jack Nicholson), although “Batman Returns” properly balanced Catwoman and Penguin. The Schumacher franchise, however, mucked up “Batman Forever” with Two-Face and Riddler; while “Batman and Robin” bombed with Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy, highlighting that too many villains could complicate things.
The director played to his strength because he knew this Joker had so much depth, and devoted time to properly fleshing him out. “Batman Begins” did do Ra’s al Ghul and Scarecrow as a neat one-two punch, but Nolan approached Joker like a boxing match that went into the late rounds. We never got his origins in the movie but that was the beauty of it — Joker was just a force that came out of nowhere, wrecking Gotham to bring it “a better class of criminal.” Joker transcended the typical mafia boss or goon, making him the direct opposite of what Batman stood for.
THE BATPOD
The Batpod (a Batcycle) blew our minds when we saw it ejected from a stalling Tumbler (Nolan’s version of the Batmobile). It showed that Batman was ready to push the technological envelope and go for something that was strategically tactical for speedy car chases and eluding cops. It was so unconventional, being steered by the shoulders instead of hands, with the rider’s arms protected by shields, and fans thoroughly enjoyed seeing Nolan keep it for the sequel.
In this movie, we got our first look at its amazing arsenal, boasting grappling hooks, cannons and machine guns, with the highlight being how it tripped that humungous trailer Joker was in. The way it moved and of course, the fluidity it showed while gliding off walls, all of which left us in awe. The wheels rolled against their normal axes, for added stability in sharp turns or other maneuvers, which created instant changes in direction. The chassis also elongated, allowing the rider to pass under low-hanging obstacles, seen when Batman ducked under Joker’s trailer. The Batpod was a prime example of Batman’s innovation and thoughtful engineering like in the books.
SUPERVILLAINS
It’s not often that you see villains cowering in fear from someone other than the hero, but that’s what Joker offered. He broke the concept of the mob and mafia, and made them bow to him. From ramming a guy’s face into a pencil, to burning the mob’s money, to taking out police stations to get informers, to attacking the Batman head-on, Joker truly went maniacal on Gotham. The criminals that weren’t aligned with him quickly found themselves doing so as he made it clear everyone else was expendable.
His schemes were chilling because it didn’t matter if you were a cop, an innocent, a prisoner on a boat or Batman himself — everyone was fair game. The way he threw Rachel off a building, the way he fearlessly raided black-tie events, and how he sat waiting to show Batman that Gotham’s people would destroy each other truly took villainy up a notch. Joker admitted that Batman “changed things forever,” which is why he had to recalibrate the scale and up the ante in terms of Gotham’s criminal element.
BATMAN/JOKER
This is the biggest and most intriguing rivalry in all of comics because they dance around each other with such contempt. What’s even more interesting is how Batman manages to never kill him. In this movie, that trope was played up too, but Nolan did cut it close at times. Joker didn’t even need to get personal with Bruce because he just knew that torturing Gotham was all he needed to do to weed Batman out. His quips showed he had no fear of the hero, and from the trailer scene to the end where Joker kicked him up while using dogs, it was all about chaos.
The interrogation scene summed things up where Joker admitted he didn’t want to kill Batman anymore as he was now a factor in the villain’s life, saying “you complete me” in a strange twist on a romantic cinematic line. In the finale, he also joked they were destined to do this forever, as an immovable object and an unstoppable force, even when the narcissistic villain was captured. Their dynamic was poetic yet violent, throwing back to when writers like Alan Moore and Jeph Loeb spun their takes on the duo.
CHRISTIAN BALE
Bale’s emotional depth was one of the most resonating aspects of this movie. In fact, in the entire franchise, he gave a great impression as Bruce, hiding the truth about his heroics. But in this movie, we really saw him tormented and torn by being Batman and sacrificing his identity as a Wayne. That was further amplified as the movie focused on breaking Batman’s spirit due to the rivers of blood that Joker was spilling, and here we saw Bale confused, dazed and lost as the vigilante.
We felt his attachment to Rachel, the desperation he had with Alfred and Lucius, the hatred for Joker, and the worry he shared with Dent and Gordon that their plans to clean up Gotham was coming undone. The range Bale showed touched on the altruism we saw when Michael Keaton donned the cowl, but also felt more humanized because this iteration of the hero had much more people to care for who overlapped into his crimefighting.
AN UNBEATABLE CRIMINAL
Make no mistake, Joker lost the battle but he won the war. In the climax, it wasn’t Batman that took him down, but the denizens of Gotham as both the prisoners and the everyday people failed to blow each other up. This stunned Joker and led to Batman gaining the upper hand, but up until that point, Joker was winning their rivalry. In fact, the war Joker waged actually came full circle when Dent turned evil and Batman had to (inadvertently) kill him.
This led to Batman being vilified as a villain by Gotham to uphold Dent’s legal framework. At this moment, it was clear Joker broke the Bat as a symbol of justice. Batman knew he had to take this hit so that Dent’s legacy would live on, fostering hope in the justice system as opposed to vigilantism, so he became the scapegoat. Even when Joker gave Dent a gun after killing Rachel, Dent still couldn’t kill him because by then, it was clear Joker himself was a symbol of how society was in the gutter.
HEATH LEDGER
Ledger won the Best Supporting Actor posthumously in what was one of the most deserving depictions of all time. He left folks intimidated and scared in how ruthless he was in his vendetta against justice. Almost every line was quotable, made all the more scary by his smarmy, cotton-mouthed, snake-like delivery. He remained in character a lot on set too, immersing himself in what many felt contributed to his battle with depression. Every scene was stolen when he appeared, especially with his “Why so serious?” stories.
Ledger truly represented an agent of turmoil and when he went toe-to-toe with Batman, you could see his presence overshadowing the hero. If ever Nolan wanted to cast someone to truly be the author of pain, he nailed it here because this wasn’t just one of the best villain in comic book movies, but in film on the whole. His laughter also set him apart from what Nicholson did, as well as Mark Hamill in the cartoon. Ledger made the role his own and set an unreachable bar.
Proponents of freezing the hide argue that it can help to preserve the hide and make fleshing easier by firming up the tissue. They believe that freezing the hide can also help to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage, especially if the hide cannot be fleshed immediately.
However, some tanners are skeptical of this practice, suggesting that freezing a hide may actually damage the tissue and make fleshing more difficult. They argue that freezing can cause the cells in the hide to burst, leading to potential quality issues during the tanning process.
Why is it beneficial to freeze a hide before fleshing?
Freezing a hide before fleshing can be a useful technique for several reasons. One of the main benefits is that freezing the hide helps to make the fleshing process easier and more efficient. By freezing the hide, the tissues become firmer and less prone to tearing, making it easier to remove the flesh without damaging the hide.
Additionally, freezing the hide can help to preserve it until you are ready to flesh it. This can be especially useful if you do not have the time to flesh the hide immediately after it is harvested. By freezing the hide, you can ensure that it stays in good condition until you are ready to work on it.
Another benefit of freezing a hide before fleshing is that it can help to reduce the risk of bacteria growth and spoilage. Freezing the hide can slow down the growth of bacteria and prevent the hide from spoiling before you have a chance to flesh it.
Overall, freezing a hide before fleshing can be a useful technique to make the fleshing process easier, preserve the hide, and reduce the risk of spoilage. If you are planning to flesh a hide, consider freezing it first to make the process smoother and more efficient.
### Benefits of Freezing a Hide Before Fleshing
Freezing a hide before fleshing can offer several advantages to the tanning process. One of the main benefits is that freezing the hide helps to preserve it, preventing any potential decay or spoilage that may occur if the hide is left untreated for an extended period. By freezing the hide, you can effectively stall any enzymatic processes that could lead to the breakdown of proteins and other organic matter in the hide.
Another benefit of freezing a hide before fleshing is that it makes the fleshing process much easier and more efficient. When a hide is frozen, the tissue becomes firmer and less elastic, making it easier to remove excess flesh and fat from the hide. This can help ensure a more thorough and effective fleshing process, resulting in a cleaner and higher-quality hide that is ready for tanning.
Additionally, freezing a hide can also help to prevent hair slippage. Hair slippage occurs when the hair follicles become damaged or weakened, leading to the loss of hair during the tanning process. By freezing the hide before fleshing, you can help to maintain the integrity of the hair follicles and reduce the risk of hair slippage, resulting in a hide with a more uniform and intact hair pattern.
In conclusion, freezing a hide before fleshing offers several benefits that can help improve the overall quality of the hide and make the tanning process more efficient. By preserving the hide, making fleshing easier, and reducing the risk of hair slippage, freezing can be a valuable step in preparing a hide for tanning. Check out the table below for a summary of the benefits of freezing a hide before fleshing:
| Benefits of Freezing a Hide Before Fleshing |
|——————————————–|
| Preserves hide and prevents decay |
| Makes fleshing process easier and more efficient |
| Reduces risk of hair slippage |
Preventing Bacteria Growth
When it comes to freezing a hide before fleshing, one of the primary reasons for doing so is to prevent bacteria growth. Freezing the hide can help slow down or inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause the hide to spoil or degrade. By freezing the hide, you can effectively preserve it until you are ready to begin the fleshing process.
Bacteria thrive in warm and moist environments, making fresh hides susceptible to bacterial growth if not properly stored. Freezing the hide can create an environment that is less conducive to bacterial activity, thereby helping to maintain the quality of the hide until you are prepared to work on it.
Additionally, freezing the hide can also help to preserve the integrity of the hide by slowing down enzymatic activity. Enzymes in the hide can lead to deterioration and degradation if left unchecked, but freezing the hide can help to mitigate this process and maintain the quality of the hide for a longer period.
In summary, freezing a hide before fleshing can be an effective way to prevent bacteria growth and preserve the quality of the hide. By taking this step, you can ensure that the hide remains in optimal condition until you are ready to begin the fleshing process.
Preserving the Hide
When it comes to preserving a hide before fleshing, one common method is freezing. Freezing the hide can help to halt any bacterial or enzymatic activity that may cause the hide to degrade. By placing the hide in a freezer, you can effectively slow down the deterioration process and buy yourself some time before you are able to properly flesh the hide.
Before freezing the hide, it is important to ensure that it is cleaned and salted properly. Any excess flesh, fat, or membrane should be removed to prevent any potential issues during the freezing process. Once the hide is clean and salted, it can be rolled up and placed in a plastic bag or airtight container before being placed in the freezer.
When freezing a hide, it is important to note that freezing does not completely preserve the hide indefinitely. While it can slow down the deterioration process, it is not a permanent solution. It is recommended to flesh the hide as soon as possible after freezing to ensure that it remains in good condition.
In conclusion, freezing a hide before fleshing can be a useful method to help preserve the hide and buy some time before further processing. However, it is important to remember that freezing is not a permanent solution and the hide should be fleshed as soon as possible to ensure optimal results.
How to freeze a hide before fleshing
Freezing a hide before fleshing is a common practice in the taxidermy and leatherworking industries to preserve the quality of the hide and make the fleshing process easier. Freezing the hide helps to kill any bacteria or parasites that may be present on the skin, preventing them from causing damage or deterioration.
To freeze a hide before fleshing, there are a few important steps to follow. First, make sure the hide is clean and free of any excess blood, dirt, or debris. This will help prevent any contamination during the freezing process.
Next, lay the hide flat on a clean surface, such as a plastic sheet or tray. Make sure the hide is spread out evenly to allow for even freezing. If the hide is large, you may need to fold it over to fit it into the freezer.
Once the hide is laid out, place it in the freezer. It’s important to make sure the hide is not touching any other items in the freezer to prevent cross-contamination. Leave the hide in the freezer for at least 24 hours to ensure it is completely frozen.
After the hide has been frozen, it can be removed from the freezer and stored until you are ready to flesh it. When you are ready to flesh the hide, allow it to thaw completely before beginning the process. This will make fleshing easier and ensure the best results.
Overall, freezing a hide before fleshing is a simple yet important step in the taxidermy and leatherworking process. By following these steps, you can preserve the quality of the hide and make the fleshing process more efficient and effective.
Preparing the hide
Before fleshing a hide, it is important to properly prepare it for the process. Freezing the hide can be a useful technique to make the fleshing process easier and more efficient. By freezing the hide, the moisture content is reduced, making the flesh firmer and easier to remove. This can help prevent the hide from slipping and ensure that the fleshing process is more effective.
To freeze a hide before fleshing, start by placing the hide in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove any excess air from the bag to prevent freezer burn. It is recommended to freeze the hide for at least 24 hours, but longer periods of freezing can also be beneficial.
When you are ready to flesh the hide, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw slightly. This will make the fleshing process easier and more effective. Make sure to use sharp fleshing tools to remove the flesh from the hide, as dull tools can damage the hide and make the process more difficult.
Overall, freezing a hide before fleshing can be a helpful technique to improve the quality of the final product. By properly preparing the hide before fleshing, you can ensure that the process is more efficient and that the final product is of higher quality.
Conclusion
Wrapping and storing the hide in the freezer is a crucial step in the fleshing process. By following these steps, you can ensure that your hide is preserved properly and ready for future use. Here are some key points to remember:
- Wrap the hide in plastic: Make sure to wrap the hide in plastic to protect it from freezer burn and contamination.
- Label the hide: Clearly label the wrapped hide with the date and any other relevant information to easily identify it later.
- Store in the coldest part of the freezer: Place the wrapped hide in the coldest part of the freezer to maintain its quality.
- Avoid stacking heavy items on top: To prevent damage to the hide, avoid stacking heavy items on top of it in the freezer.
- Thaw before fleshing: When you are ready to flesh the hide, make sure to thaw it properly before beginning the process.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully freeze a hide before fleshing and ensure that it is well-preserved for future use.
Fleshing with a Pressure Washer (Raccoon & Beaver)
FAQ
Can you freeze hides?
It does seem when you go to scrape the hide that if it is a little chilled not icy but chilled the fat scrapes off the hide alot easier. If your freezer’s big enough, lay them flat with the fur out. If not,try folding them in half. Rolling them can keep parts from freezing. Make sure the fur is good and dry before freezing.
How do you freeze chicken hide?
Roll hide up in tight bundle, tie, put in plastic bag, and freeze indefinitely. You can flesh first to reduce volume. If you have the freezer space, this is the easiest way to go. Wet-salt. Lay hide out flat with the flesh side facing up. Spread fine salt over the entire surface, all the way out to the edges. Don’t skimp, salt is cheap.
Can you freeze skin out?
If you want to skin out and still freeze then apply stop rot to the skin for safe keeping. That product will work on those skins in freezer and protect you better than any other chemicals. The greater the level of salt, the lower the freezing point gets.
Can You thaw hides after refreeze?
I know I’ll have to thaw the hides again after I refreeze them and was curious to hear your thoughts on the matter. They will not slip by re-freezing. Place them individually in zip-lock bags, expel the air, and lay flat for quick freezing and thawing. They will thaw in an hour or so. DO NOT SALT before re-freezing.
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