philosophy on holster 'maintenance'

[xsexcess]

I'm interested to hear what more advanced holster collectors think about 'maintaining' an older holster for both notable makers like Brill, and no-name ones too. Obviously something valuable like a Wolf and Klar deserves professional conservation/repair if needed. And if damaged to beyond use.....cost/benefit must be considered. The holster I'm really wondering about today is low end vintage one I bought to go with the model 1899 you may have seen on the other forum. It's no BBQ gun, shows honest wear consistent with what I was told it was a LE pistol in Wichita Falls TX. So assuming it was in service there when new, I looked for a plausible LE holster for a HE in the horse and buggy era. Found this one which seems to fit the bill. Not too good, not too new looking, not too 'fancy' for a gun that shows wear. My question; should I just use Blackrock on it and call it good? Try to match-dye scuffed spots? What do you advanced holstrymen think should be done with it? It's very dry.

 

[crazyphil]

Pick up some Kiwi scuff cover. It does a good job. I would consider
making those edges black as well. I'm not really an advanced holstryman.
I sold all my holster last year. Kept a couple for my 1911.

 

[sonora]

Clean with saddle soap, let slowly dry and apply a coat of Renaissance Wax. That's what I would do.

 

[s&wchad]

Blackrock Leather N Rich. Follow their instructions...

 

[Rpg]

Crazyphill is one of the holster guys I'd listen to on this Forum.

Red Nichols is another.

 

[crazyphil]

Thank you for the compliment Rpg. In my #1 post, the second rig from
the left was made by my friend Red Nichols. He calls the holster his
Brill Persons. He also made the belt. Don't remember for sure
but I think the belt is called a sidewinder.

 

[chief38]

I can only tell you what I have used for 45 years. Kiwi or Lincoln Shoe Polish once a year or when needed. I also use it on my gun belts, magazine and cartridge pouches.

 

[sipowicz]

Crazyphill is one of the holster guys I'd listen to on this Forum.

Red Nichols is another.

I spray all mine with bleach and store them in baggies full of molasses. On second thought, check with Phil.

 

[54Bill]

I'm no collector, but to me an aged revolver deserves an aged holster. Preserve it, but don't recolor it.

 

[CH4]

Never saw a need to do anything special other than polish as needed, which was rare. This includes my duty belts and associated gear. Guess I am just not that hard on my gear.

 

[first-model]

I use a product called "Leather Honey" on my old leather. A good slathering makes the leather nice and supple again, and after a few days I wipe off the excess and go on my way.

There are a million different ways to treat leather ... if you ask twenty people you'll almost certainly get twenty-five different suggestions.

Mike

 

[chief38]

IMO oil or anything that will soften the leather should never be used. To me leather holsters should be stiff and rigid for proper retention and a soft mushy holster is usually worthless for much more than taking out the garbage.

 

[SS336]

I can only tell you what I have used for 45 years. Kiwi or Lincoln Shoe Polish once a year or when needed. I also use it on my gun belts, magazine and cartridge pouches.

This is what I do also. New or once I get it clean use Kiwi neutral shoe polish as needed. Some only once a year, some maybe more. My knife sheaths too.