Revitalize old suede IWB?

[mikerjf]

Any suggestions on treatments? These seem to get stiff when old and worn, but I've always liked them. Be nice to return them to better condition.

Question B: Does one of you experts know what type/weight of thread was used in these?

 

[rednichols]

Any suggestions on treatments? These seem to get stiff when old and worn, but I've always liked them. Be nice to return them to better condition.

Question B: Does one of you experts know what type/weight of thread was used in these?

Refurbishing the finish is done with a 'suede brush' readily available from shoe shops, and from hardware stores under another name. Choose the softest BRASS wire brush available.

Thread? Depends on the maker, but all such were popularized in the '70s which is the very decade that gunleather makers made the switch to nylon threads. Size? Typically a 5 cord linen (because that's what was in the machine for veg leather items) and for nylon, several steps doen in diameter which was 277 and even 207 (stronger than the linen, and the smaller diameter gets more on the smaller bobbins of the ideal machines).

Want to know which you have, linen or nylon? A cigarette lighter at any frayed end will tell you: nylon lights up in a flame, linen only smokes and chars.

How's that for knowing way too much about too little?

 

[mikerjf]

Thanks Red!

 

[chief38]

The bad news is that those type of holsters (I actually have a bunch and like them) aren't very restorable - other than maybe restitching. About the only think you can try is using a Brass Suede Brush which doesn't really do a heck of a lot.

The good news is they are so inexpensive to purchase, it's not worth even trying.

 

[jjrr]

That looks like horsehide, is that possible. That holster looks fine as is.

 

[oink]

Yeah, it doesn't look to be in bad shape as is.

 

[mikerjf]

It's originally for a Commander, but fits the CSX like a glove (with about 3/4" too much length).