I have an old sheath for a hunting knife that I found stored away. Needless to say it has been neglected for quite some time now and is very brittle. Is there some kind of "magic solvent" that can restore the leather or do I need to just contact a leather guy and get a new one? Thanks in advance.

Jeff

__________________
Cheers -Jeff

Jeff:

For old and brittle leather the key is to replace some moisture without overdoing it. There is a commercial product called Lexol that works pretty well for such restorations. Plain old lanolin can work wonders, but apply it sparingly, a little at a time, to avoid oversaturating the leather (many hand lotions contain lanolin as a primary ingredient, so you might find some around the house).

Hope this helps.

__________________
Life of the party until 8:00PM

Maybe this will be helpful:

How to Restore Antique Leather | eHow.com

home remedy is to rub in a bunch of shaving cream. It's full of lanolin.

Best way to break in a ball glove is to soak it in water for a couple hours until it is fully saturated. Then form your pocket while wet, put a ball in it and tie it up with a string. Let it completely dry. Start rubbing in shaving cream all over the glove. Leather will become soft and pliable. a brand new glove will feel just like a glove used for years.

Plus 1 for the Lexol!

__________________
Stay safe people!

I bought a baseball glove for my wife 30+ years ago, and keep it in good playing shape. I use vaseline on old baseball gloves. Use a little at a time, drying off with a terry cloth towel, and them rubbing in again. Important not to saturate leather, but rub in thoroughly. You can see and feel it getting softer.

Wax paper for storage is good too.

__________________
PC, censorship
with a smile.

I use Leather CPR. It used to be available only on the internet but I have seen it on the shelf at WallyWorld for a lot less. Works like a charm.

__________________
Fred
S&WCA 3238

Obenaufs.com will hook you up in fine fashion, incredible stuff and it made me literally throw away everything else I owned in the way of leather cleaners and conditioners.

__________________
TecRsq
North Gawga

Lexol washes out quickly. I made the mistake of using it on my leather jacket and my saddlebags. Looked like hell after the first rainstorm. I swear by a stuff calle SnoProof. Sort of like mink oil , it comes in a brown tin or tub at most Army/Navy and shoe stores. Softens , waterproofs and don't wash out.

http://www.hanksclothing.com/sno_pro...ofing_buy.html

Another vote for Lexol. It's Ph neutral so doesn't burn the leather. If you need waterproofing, try Pecards.

Here's what one sheath restorer does. Clean with glycerin, saddle soap(easy on the water) or Resolene and let dry completely. Permeate, under pressure if you have it, with Lexol or a lanolin. Apply several coats of Pecard Antique Leather conditioner over several days letting the sheath dry completely. Finish with a good wax to protect it.

If you want a pro to do it, PM me and I'll send you the contact info.

Bob