I have read online how holsters should be conditioned with mink oil. My question is, should this be done on the inside as well as the out side of the holster?

I prefer to use a good grade of silicone spray on the inside , especially if it's suede lined. I use a stuff similar to mink oil called Snow-Proof.

From FAQ on Milt Sparks Holster site.

What can I do to maintain the appearance of my new leather? Nothing much needs to be done other than an occasional waxing to help maintain appearance. That applies to items with the smooth-out finish only! Rough out finishes such as on our SS-2 and Summer Special holsters, should be left as is except for maybe an occasional wipe down with a damp cloth. Waxing and polishing the rough-out finish only serves to negate the gripping qualities of the rough-out surface of the holster.
You can disregard most of the advice put out on the various internet forums suggesting applications for holsters that are better suited for a pair of boots, or on a saddle. On holsters and belts of our manufacture- do not use silicone, oil, or any leather conditioning product that advertises itself as an aid to help soften leather- Period!
Angelus has a product we use called Lustre Cream and it is available in both cordovan and black. Fiebings, Carnauba wax is also a good protectorate for smooth leather, but will oxidize on the leather surface if not used or buffed occasionally.
One product we recommend wholeheartedly is Renaissance Wax. Renaissance can be purchased direct from the above link, or you can purchase it directly through us. It is the only product we have found that will not permanently discolor our tan colored finish and it works great on black and cordovan finishes as well! You can even use it on metal and wood. We generally stock the small, 65ml tin for resale, as we found that a little bit goes a long way.
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From High Noon Holsters. I think you will find the same answers from any quality holster maker.

Questions

High Noon's® cowhide and horsehide holsters, belts, and accessories will need minimal care and maintenance.
Our products are made from natural cowhides and horsehide's that are range bred and grown. Therefore, there may be natural range markings in the grain of the hide. This is normal for top grain cowhide or horsehide and is a very desirable feature among collectors. This holster may contain range mark/marks. A range mark is a natural occurrence in the hide. It tells a story of the animal's life. It also adds to the beauty and character to your High Noon product.
DO's
The occasional application of paste shoe polish to touch up surface wear is all that is needed.
Do make sure the holster/magazine carrier provides secure gun/magazine retention.
If holster gets wet, dry the leather naturally. A fan blowing room temperature air will do the job or just leave it alone it will dry by itself.
Don't
Never use anything like saddle soap or mink oil. It will make your holster too soft. We oil them as part of the manufacturing process and that should be enough for the life of the holster.
Do not submerge or saturate your leather product in water or any other liquid.
Do not dry your leather product with forced heat from a hair dryer, oven, radiator, direct sunlight, etc.
Do not use holster if tension unit(s) are missing.

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Still Running Against the Wind

Thanks for the info, I hope I did not scew up my holsters by putting mink oil on them (inside and out). I know not to do it again. I guess sometimes you need to check out advice given on forums, thats where I read to apply mink oil.

Thanks again for the informative info, from those that know.

I spoke to the owner of DeSantis and he said never use any type of oil.

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Dom

put a revolver in it,, and WAIT

I dont use Mink Oil on the outside but I do on the inside.

29aholic, any adverse problems with putting it on the inside?

I think it makes the inside a little softer and helps the gun slide out easier. I have actually used it on the outside and the distressed areas do darken. I dont think a mild coat or two will hurt...I have never done one enough to soften one to an extent that it loses its shape.

Thanks, maybe mine will be alright when they dry.

I prefer my holsters to be a little on the soft side as they dont wear the blue as bad.

I have been told no oil and have seen the same on many holster makers’ sites. The story is the same from many boot makers, no oil, only wax. Oil only if you need to soften something.
My old Lawrence Holsters look very good after 30+ years with only a bit of wax.
Renaissance Wax is really very, very good. I put a god coat on the gun then holster it, done a few times it gets the wax were its needed.

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Ipsis Rebus Dictantitbus

i'll vouch for renaissance wax on leather...returns it to a like new look and does a great job of protecting it...works great on your knife as well

I've been told by boot mfg. NEVER use mink oil on any leather product as it will deteriorate both leather and stitching. I believe (but am not sure) that Neet's Foot Oil is very close to the same thing. Wax only on leather, not oil.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

ANYTHING you put on a holster (especially one used for concealed carry) will wind up on your clothes. Shoe polish, wax, oil, anything.

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Big bang, much smash'em.