A SOWS EAR TO A SILK PURSE?

[crazyphil]

Any time I can pick up a Lawrence for under $20 I jump on it.
Such was the case with this Lawrence Model 22 IWB size 540
made for J Frames with 2" barrels.

Bargains sometimes mean that repairs or rehab is needed, which
was the case with this one. Nothing serious, just a basic cleanup.
I kinda enjoy trying to make silk purses out of sows ears.

I start by spraying the holster with distilled water. Water is
boiled into a vapor and condensed back into liquid. leaving
behind the minerals and metals.

Then a couple of drops of Dawn dishwasher detergent. (It's
what they use to rehab wildlife after being rescued from oil
spills.) Then I use a microfiber cloth and lots of elbow grease.

After completely dry, I touch up any spots that need it with
brown Kiwi shoe polish.

The last step is to wipe on some Fiebings Tan Coat for that
nice shiny look.

Here are some photos. Not an earth shattering improvement,
but I hope you can tell the before rehab from the after rehab.

Front
Back
Front
Back
With my 642-1 on 30$ 1.25" belt (won't fit on 1.50")
Piranha knife and my NSA cap.

 

[stansdds]

Nice holster rescue!

 

[jmace57]

Nice job!

I get a surprising amount of satisfaction as well, taking these older holsters and refurbing them a little bit. In most cases, as you say, just a cleaning and a little leather treatment works wonders.