Caring for a Vintage Leather Holster

[mtice]

I know this topic has been discussed before, but I recently acquired a late 1960's Bianchi black leather 5b holster for my Chief's Special and want to keep it in nice condition. The holster was dusty so I wiped it down with a lightly damp cloth and am letting it air dry. I want to use a product to provide a little moisture back into the leather but not soften it to the point the excellent form fit and retention it currently has is lost. I have heard Blackrock Leather n Rich is good for vintage leather but will it make the leather holster too soft that it looses its formed retention? Thoughts and recommendations appreciated. Thanks

 

[crazyphil]

I have used Blackrock Leather n Rich for several years now, on quite a
few vintage holsters, and have not seen any evidence that it softens the
leather. It cleans and shines. I highly recommend it.

 

[mtice]

For those that use Blackrock Leather n Rich, do you use it on the inside and outside of the holster or just just apply to the outside? Thanks

 

[crazyphil]

I only use it on the outside. If the holster is very tight I give it a little
spray of silicone.

 

[turnerriver]

I use Blackrock on my holsters and believe it is the best product I've found.
I rub it into the outside with my fingers, I use it sparingly. I let it sit for a couple minutes, wipe it off with a paper towel or cloth & brush the holster with a shoe brush.
There are a number of good products, I've been happy with Blackrock.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[Arisin Wind]

The Blackrock is fine. I've used olive oil on vintage holsters that dried out and it worked real well.

 

[crazyphil]

Actually it says right on the bottle that it "softens" the leather. But I
have not noticed any softening of form or effect on retention.

 

[Warren Sear]

It is not a good idea to use olive oil on any holster, old or new.

I have used Lexol leather conditioner by advice here on the forum, and it has worked well (smells good too).