Bianchi Holster Maintenance

[white cloud]

Howdy,

I have a newer Bianchi Lightning holster that I carry while doing farm work. I got the back of the holster wet with sweat once. This messed up the finish pretty bad. I cleaned the holster with saddle soap and then waxed it. This treatment is not durable. One wearing and it doesn't look good anymore. Does anyone have an idea of what Bianchi uses to finish the holster?

Thanks!

 

[rednichols]

Howdy,

I have a newer Bianchi Lightning holster that I carry while doing farm work. I got the back of the holster wet with sweat once. This messed up the finish pretty bad. I cleaned the holster with saddle soap and then waxed it. This treatment is not durable. One wearing and it doesn't look good anymore. Does anyone have an idea of what Bianchi uses to finish the holster?

Thanks!

I was responsible for Bianchi's manufacturing process quality until 1990 and can tell you how to fix up your finish. Which is a different answer than how Bianchi did it (neatsfoot oil for the brown color, then a leather dressing, and then we omitted the lacquer finish on the brown).

Hmm. If I had it in my shop I would strip off all the finish you've applied. Trouble is what would you want to use. I would suggest rubbing alcohol on a rag because it will dissolve the old finishes without attacking the leather; and will evaporate immediately.

If you get past this stage without doing any harm (at which point you are free to blame me) then rub in Fiebing's Tan Kote. Two coats maximum using a sheepswool pad. TK does contain some lacquer; good news it will give you back color and lustre; bad news is if you keep applying it then every new coat will dissolve the last and make a mess.

The smallest bottle available on eBay will cost very little and will go a long way.



A good finish requires no further protection with things like shoe wax . And oils will not penetrate a good finish.