I picked up an old, well-used Bianchi #3S holster for $10 at my LGS the other day. It's nicely molded and fits the gun I got it for perfectly, BUT it is so well "broken in" that its gotten kinda' floppy.

I'd like to restore some of the original stiffness to the leather. Anybody ever done that? Any good suggestions on products or techniques to make it stiffen up again?

Probably a couple of things affecting that holster:

1. Use. As a holster is used the leather is flexed repeatedly, which will break down the fibrous structure of the leather over time.

2. Accumulated oils. Applications of oily or greasy leather treatments, residual oil absorbed from the handgun over time, even the user's skin oils and perspiration. Each of these can be absorbed by leather, and the effects are cumulative. The leather becomes softer and softer, more and more pliable.

There really is no way to restore it to anything like original condition. It is what it is, and that is quite worn rather than "well broken in". There may well be some useful life remaining, but with a diminished function overall.

Best regards.

Yeah, it is definitely more than just "well broken in" - that's why I described it as "well used". It's otherwise in very good condition, which is why I didn't describe it as "worn". There is no question in my mind about it having more useful life left. It is an adjustable cant IWB holster and retains the gun just fine. The biggest issue is that it has a tendency to lay flat when the gun is removed - rather than stay open - which makes re-holstering more difficult.

It doesn't seem to have absorbed a lot of oils of any kind since it has a very even coloration and appearance with no significant discolorations. I think it has just been used so much it has gotten really pliable.

I know wetting and drying - maybe multiple times - will make leather boots stiff. You don't think something like that could work in this case?

I don't think you will be happy with any of the results for stiffening old leather.
My thoughts.
If the holster is merely carrying a utility firearm, and it provides adequate retention, use it as is.

If you really like the design and want it for carry, buy a newer one.

The holster probably started off pretty soft. Mass manufactured holsters don't always start with the best cuts of leather from the cowhide and tend to be soft or stretch with use.

There are custom holster makers using superior leather and making holsters as they are ordered. Milt Sparks would be my go to. Gordon Davis Saddlery now operated out of Ashfork, AZ would be another. El Paso Saddlery is a little more mass production but I have had good luck with them on OWB holsters.

Mass produced holsters these days are usually just as expensive as custom ones but are available off the shelf. Kydex... specifically blade tech is another option if your looking for something you can have now and get from amazon or possibly your LGS.

Daniel

I know that LoboGunLeather is a expert in his field of making holsters with new leather. I would give it a try to wet the leather , put the gun in it wrapped in plastic and let it dry for a week or so. I have had good luck with doing it this way.
What have you got to loose it only cost you $10.00
Good luck with your solution.

__________________
Be Safe & Shoot Straight

Is the Bianchi S3 holster the leather inside the waistband model? If it is that would explain the condition from being worn that way and to my way of thinking be fine for the intended purpose. I'v found that thick stiff holsters are uncomfortable inside the belt/pants and prefer a thin used/well worn but functional IWB holster. Just my personal preference.

Yup, that's the one. Adjustable-cant IWB model.
I was thinking along those lines too - about being soft makes it more comfortable. The only real issue is the difficulty of re-holstering I mentioned above. But then if you're in a situation where you have to draw your gun, re-holstering it is probably going to be pretty low on the priority list at that point.

Great minds (or at least our minds - be they great or not) think alike! I though this exact same thing. And worst case it doesn't work and the holster stays floppy, right? No big loss.

I think I'll give it a try and see what happens.

VIAGRA!

If you try it how about letting us know how it comes out?

I'm not talking about the Viagra.

Following my retirement, I put in five years with DeSantis Gunhide. "Softened" or ruined holsters were always the result of someone using Neetsfoot oil or mitt and glove dressing on them, then claiming a product defect.

Once a holster is really softened through constant use and abuse, it's best to discard it and get another one. Regarding "superior leather," Europe has not been criss-crossed with barbed wire fences and obstacles since WW2 so their leather has far less scarring from cows rubbing against barbed wire. Other than that, leather is leather as far as I'm concerned.

If a holster manufacturer buys entire hides, the "belly leather" as it is known, is the least suitable for holster making as it is already soft. Reputable holster manufacturers may find other uses for this leather but not for holsters.

Old leather, when subjected to long term storage in damp environments, does tend to stiffen to the point of being brittle and prone to cracking buy you would not want to put you firearms in such leather.

About 12 years ago I became a Horsehide Leather believer after I placed an order with Kramer Leather. The Horsehide Belt, Cartridge Carrier and OWB Scabbard Holster is as stiff today (12 years later) as it was when I got it. If you looked at it in person you would think it's a month old! And it gets used every week!!

So far over the past 10 years 4 of my friends have follow suit and ordered similar Rigs from Kramer in the Horsehide. I do not know if it's the Horsehide per se, or just how Kramer treats & constructs them, but I have never witnessed Cowhide leather to have these qualities of gun retention, durability, and longevity. Seriously..... I can not believe this holster is 12 years old myself!

The ONLY THING I do once a year is to use Kiwi Shoe polish on them to shine 'em up!

PS: The line on the center if the belt is from constantly sliding the cartridge carrier on & off. The Inside if the snap has created a line, but now I open the carrier and snap it around belt instead of sliding it on and off. Just a cosmetic thing of course.

As far as how to stiffen old Cowhide Holsters........ I have never been successful for more than a few weeks at best.

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Just so you guys know I didn't just start this thread and forget about it (not one of those guys). I just haven't got around to doing anything with it - other than using it.

I have to say this thing is so comfortable I'm debating whether to even mess with trying to stiffen it at all. As it is carrying my 2-1/2" K-frame 357 snubby in this holster is almost more comfortable than carrying my J-frame in my leather Galco clip-on IWB holster.

Kinda discourages me from even wanting to do anything to it. But if I do I'll be sure to post the results here.