Leather Question

[Dot_mdb]

What causes vertical surface cracking of the outside layer of leather on a gun belt? The gun belt has been used daily for 10 years. Aside from this problem the belt still seems to be doing its job.

Bill

 

[Alpha Sierra]

It's dry. It needs to be conditioned with a quality (not Neetsfoot oil) product.

Being a horseman who prefers German made saddles, I also prefer German leather care products. In particular Stubben Hammanol and Effax Lederbalsam.

Either of those will, with repeated applications until no more is absorbed, restore your belt to suppleness. However, the Effax product smells MUCH better than its Stubben counterpart.

I like it so much that I use it on everything leather (hunting boots, car seats, holsters, belts) in addition to tack.

https://www.smartpakequine.com/effax-leather-balsam-10820p

 

[rayban]

Apply Neetsfoot oil.
If it has serviced you for 10 years you got your $$ worth...no matter what you paid for it......because it's dried out, replenish the oils with Neetsfoot oil...light coat about once a month.
Neetsfoot oil never hurt anything.

 

[Alpha Sierra]

Neetsfoot oil is nasty, rots leather, and smells like week old roadkill in the Oklahoma summer.

Nobody puts that stuff on saddles that cost thousands of dollars.

 

[gregintenn]

When you oil it, take care to only oil the slick side. If you oil the inside, it'll become soft as a pair of socks.

 

[howiema]

I have used Pecards leather dressing for years and have not been let down. It protects and also puts some moisture back into the leather. I use it on all holsters and sheaths. Just my 2 cents.
Good Luck
Pete

 

[lawandorder]

Blackrock Leather "N" Rich

 

[bamabiker]

Blackrock Leather "N" Rich

What he said. The stuff is good.

I have not used Pecards but have seen it used and it seems pretty good also.

 

[bagga]

Pecard Leather Care
it's what i use. made in green bay wisconsin.

 

[Dot_mdb]

I just ordered some Pecards. I will try it on the old belt with the cracks and also on a new replacement belt that I have had for about a year, but not started to use.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Bill

 

[Eaglestroker]

My favorite is Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP, Pecards is great as well. Obenauf's is abrasion resistant & water resistant but will darken leather more than most products available. It was designed for the boots used by hot spot fire fighters.