Need a little help with reconditioning leather holsters

[Aircrewman]

Hey there leather gurus ...... Need some help in restoring leather holsters.
I bought a couple of very nice leather holsters. One is a Bianchi Cyclone for a K frame 6" and a Shoemaker slide holster for a 4" Ruger GP 100. So, I bought these holsters cheap. Both exhibit heavy dryness. Stitching is solid. No tears, cuts or other problems. Just very dry.

so...., I saddle-soaped and cleaned as best as I can. What now? I have beeswax and thought that it would be good to start to rub it in. I have a leather treatment from Nakona baseball glove. I think that it's only Vaseline. I have a leather treatment from Danner Boot. Or..... is there something else that I can use...?

The holsters are in relatively good condition. They are just very dry and more saddle soap isn't going to bring them back to serviceability. I would like you folks with more expertise to assist me to help me get these holsters back to a serviceable condition.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Mike in Reedley]

Lexol spray, it’s carried in most auto parts stores.

 

[Gunhacker]

Not inexpensive, but definitely worth the money. They sell products for leather in varying degrees of degraded condition.

The product hierarchy from not to bad condition to basket case:


Leather Saver
Leather Conditioner
Leather Rejuvenator

Leather Care– Preservation Solutions

 

[s&wchad]

This is highly regarded…

 

[Narragansett]

Just make sure whatever you use will not harm the finish on your gun

 

[crazyphil]

Please don't use the Vasoline or any other kind of oil on your holsters,
I will 2nd S&WChad's recommendation for Black Rock Leather 'N' Rich.
Just work it into the leather with you fingers and wipe off
the excess with a rag.

 

[moosedog]

Never use any product with a petroleum base as it will eventually dry out the leather over time. As with anything in life, you get what you pay for.
I would recommend "Connolly Hide Care" which will nourish the leather, not just make it shine and does not have alcohol or petroleum distillates in it.
A small jar last for years.

 

[AlHunt]

Please don't use the Vasoline or any other kind of oil on your holsters,
I will 2nd S&WChad's recommendation for Black Rock Leather 'N' Rich.
Just work it into the leather with you fingers and wipe off
the excess with a rag.

As a bonus, you can rub the excess into your hands and soften them, too. Seriously ... here in the Frozen North winters are brutal on my hands and this stuff really helps. Leather is just skin, right?

 

[GypsmJim]

I used to make my own holsters and have never used anything on them but neatsfoot oil. In the '90's leather pouches and holsters came with many milsurp rifles and all were in horrendous condition. Neatsfoot made them all look good again.

 

[Bald1]

Good old fashioned Neatsfoot oil. Available at tractor supply or online. Made for leather horse tack. I’ve used it on holsters slings belts etc. Leather drinks it right up. cheap and effective.

 

[Ardeebee]

Basic recommendation: contact the holster’s maker for instruction. Holster makers do not all use the same leather. Kirkpatrick recommended boot polish for mine.

 

[smoothshooter]

I used to make my own holsters and have never used anything on them but neatsfoot oil. In the '90's leather pouches and holsters came with many milsurp rifles and all were in horrendous condition. Neatsfoot made them all look good again.

There are two types of Neatsfoot.
Both soften but one breaks down the leather over time.
Can not remember for sure, but I think it is the compound version that is bad.
Is that correct?

 

[GypsmJim]

There are two types of Neatsfoot.
Both soften but one breaks down the leather over time.
Can not remember for sure, but I think it is the compound version that is bad.
Is that correct?

I never heard of the compound version. My current bottle says "100% Neatsfoot". I first got it from the supplier that sold me the leather. I only ever used cowhide, and I don't know what type were used on the old military items.

 

[crazyphil]

I wouldn't use anything that has oil in the name.

 

[Bald1]

Nootfoot’s sole reason for existence is to restore flexibility and soften leather. Think saddles, bridles, reins etc…… ive used it on leather motorcycle jackets and vest for years.

 

[Onomea]

Nootfoot’s sole reason for existence is to restore flexibility and soften leather. Think saddles, bridles, reins etc…… ive used it on leather motorcycle jackets and vest for years.

Yes, and just in case someone misses it: you do not want a soft holster. Soft = floppy. Bad retention.

 

[flintsghost]

Lanolin is available in a tube. It is the best conditioner to save leather. Use it sparingly and only once for an item. That will put some moisture back into the leather. Don't get carried away with leather treatments. Use of a hairdryer will cause the lanolin to pentrate the leather and not leave the item sticky. Then you can dye the leather any color or leave it natural. Put a leather glaze on it to seal the outside against moisture and coming off on clothing.

 

[skywag]

Easiest and best is WD-40. Spray it on......done.

 

[crazyphil]

skywag - You are right. Your holster will be done!

 

[snubbyfan]

I use neatsfoot oil. Never dries or goes rancid. After dyeing, molding and finishing leather, I apply a thin coat, wipe off the excess and let it sit overnight.
I have used in on dry leather and it brought it back.