I don’t currently have a fleshing beam. I do have a fleshing knife, the big long green one (can’t remember name). I harvested a bison, and need to prep the hide. I don’t have space to set up a a fleshing room, so I’ll be doing this outside. I always just used 1/3 of a maple log with the bark off, though I have used a “normal” beam before.

I’d really like to just get it done. Any recommendations like a larger pvc pipe? If I have to invest in a setup I’d like it to be portable. The next trapping trip I do will likely be out of a wall tent. Gritguy recommended a razor sharp ulu. I don’t want to learn on this hide however!

Thoughts or advice much appreciated.

A sharp knife and a 2x8 on an angle and lots of salt twice. oh and Tylenol for your aching back.

Just make a beam out of a pine 2 x 6 or 8. The fleshing knife is on the hide not the beam, you will never ware out a pine 2 x 6 beam. If your beam has the same shape as your knife, you can run a wider swath. I fleshed a buffalo hide with a dexter beaver knife, also did several black bears and a grizzly with it. Just hang them over the beam and go to work.

x2 for the above.......and about 10- 5 gallons pails for all the fat coming off................then find someone that makes candles.

I have done several and what worked really great for me and have tried 3 methods, was putting some schedule (I think 80) blue PVC pipe over a fence rail and dropped one end of the fence rail and straddled it and then used my Necker 600. Lots of surface area but you don't have to do it all at once actually did them in 2 days just keep them folded in a cool space so they don't dry out. Also make sure there are no mats or burrs in the the hair. The hair really cushions the hide and they are hard to tear unlike many furbearers. Get the angle, super sharp fleshing knife and keep a steel handy. I really didn't mind fleshing them they are big. Worst thing is the weight of the hide when it tends to slip it goes. I used a big C clamp to hold it at the top and it worked well. Keep a tarp below to keep it out of the dirt and the scraps work great for bait.