Best way to protect Ka-Bar leather?

[Jack19]

Recently picked up a Ka-Bar and it'll see some weather. What's the best way to protect the leather tang? Wax? Oil? Silicone?

Or should I just order one with a kraton tang?

 

[Samael]

This issue seems to come up at least once a month or so around here. I wouldn't use regular oil on it (it can soften the leather, and if it's animal or vegetable oil can turn rancid), but mineral oil doesn't seem to bother it much. Other people use things like Renaissance Wax. But you know, honestly, nobody pampered the handles too much when they were being used in combat, and the leather on most of those knives has survived just fine.

In a nutshell: Use your knife, enjoy it, and don't worry too much about stuff like this.

 

[Jack19]

Samael, thanks, it's going to see some weather, we'll see how it goes.

Jack

 

[Sevorius]

elbow grease. I've beat the hell out of mine, never paid any attention to the leather handle and its held up great. The worst thing for it would be to let it dry out, but that would take quite a while of non-use. If you intend to use it often then body oils alone should take care of it. My grandfather's leather Kabar handle was worn completely smooth from decades of use, the leather darkened to almost black from sweat and oils, but it was still very usable - comfortable actually as it had melded to the shape of a human hand.

 

[Alberta Ed]

I treat all my leather handles with SnowSeal (also, belts, sheaths, boots). Works great. Rub it on, melt it in.

 

[Jake Bauer]

seems sweat works Ive used mine for years and never treated the leather with anything and its still holding strong.

 

[2manyknives]

Kiwi neutral boot polish. Use it on the leather sheath as well.