I have recently acquired two complete Romanian AK bayonets. They are in very good condition, except the leather frogs. They have definitely seen better days.
One is stiff, cracking on edges of button holes and definitely on the dry side. I took it off the scabbard and have not put it back on, because of its current condition.
The other is still sealed in the plastic it came in. However I can see that is stained badly on every mm of it. It should be natural brown, but its almost black in color. It feels a lot more movable, but it is still in plastic. The reason behind not opening it is to protect it until I know how I'm going to treat it. Otherwise I would have taken it out to better assess condition.
I want to "restore" the frogs back into usable condition.
I guess what I'm asking is what is best technique and/or product to use to "restore" these frogs.
I don't currently have pictures, but I take some and upload them if needed.
edt: I also plan to treat a couple of surplus slings using the same basic method. However the slings are in much better condition than the frogs.