Smith & Wesson Forum

Smith & Wesson Forum (https://smith-wessonforum.com/forum.php)
-   Gun Leather & Carry Gear (https://smith-wessonforum.com/gun-leather-carry-gear/)
-   -   How do you soften stiff leather? (https://smith-wessonforum.com/gun-leather-carry-gear/277222-how-do-you-soften-stiff-leather.html)

pownal55 11-12-2012 10:00 PM

How do you soften stiff leather?
 
Just picked up a nice German made Boker folding knife. It came with a very tight, stiff sheath. It needs to be softened to stretch a bit, any suggestions?
Thanks

Ron H. 11-12-2012 10:06 PM

Sir, try mink oil or neetsfoot oil.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

chief38 11-12-2012 10:11 PM

I would not use oil on it, but I would wrap the knife in a plastic bag and shove it in the sheath for a few days. That is what they recommend to ease up tight fitting holsters so I would think it would also work on sheaths.

Chief38

jkc 11-12-2012 10:45 PM

I understand that in North America's higher latitudes, it is accepted practice to soften mukluks (a sort of hide footwear) by chewing on them, a task usually assigned to wives. I for one, and others, perhaps, will be curious to know how this may have worked out for you ...

StatesRightist 11-12-2012 10:46 PM

I prefer wrapping it with wax paper, wax side out. The wax rubs off and makes pulling it out smoother.

StatesRightist 11-12-2012 10:49 PM

My other suggestion would be show it Jane Fonda workout videos, that witch will make anything go soft.:)

labworm 11-12-2012 10:50 PM

Be careful, old leather can be destroyed rather easily, believe me I know.:o

NFrameFred 11-12-2012 10:52 PM

I always break in a new leather holster by soaking it in spray silicone.

Soak it well, put the knife in the sheath and leave it a day or two. I have yet to have anything "mush" up or deform.

jkc 11-12-2012 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StatesRightist (Post 136799181)
I prefer wrapping it with wax paper, wax side out. The wax rubs off and makes pulling it out smoother.

I, too, once favored this technique, until modern advances in latex technology made it obsolete. " In days of old, when knights were bold..."

snubbyfan 11-12-2012 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pownal55 (Post 136799095)
Just picked up a nice German made Boker folding knife. It came with a very tight, stiff sheath. It needs to be softened to stretch a bit, any suggestions?
Thanks

Personally, I'd cut a hunk of wood slightly larger than the sheath, wet the sheath, shove the wood in and leave it sit until dry. The sheath should end up just as stiff but with a little more room.

jkc 11-12-2012 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snubbyfan (Post 136799228)
Personally, I'd cut a hunk of wood slightly larger than the sheath, wet the sheath, shove the wood in and leave it sit until dry. The sheath should end up just as stiff but with a little more room.

I'm not even getting close to touching this...

sipowicz 11-12-2012 11:33 PM

Show it a pic of Rosie O'Donnell in a bikini.

Oscarflytyer 11-13-2012 12:05 AM

lots of hand work and body heat... can't be beat

DeadAye 11-13-2012 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sipowicz (Post 136799298)
Show it a pic of Rosie O'Donnell in a bikini.

Who in the world would take such a picture?
Besides:
Aren't there laws that prohibit Indecent Exposure???


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:05 AM.