Can red buffing compound be used to seal sheaths?

[David Schott]

Can red buffing compound be used to seal leather? On a whim the other day, I tried buffing a piece of leather with a heavy coating of red buff on the wheel. What resulted was a very nice, even, reddish finish as the buffing compound heated up into a waxy form on the leather. I rubbed the leather with a cloth and very little color came off, so it seems impregnated in the leather much like nixwax does on boots. It is waterproof and highlights tooling very well. I was thinking a simple coat of wax can't be too much different, but wanted to avoid any huge problems.....I hardly ever make sheaths....its more of an experiment.

Of course, dyes and oils are the best for this.....

 

[indian george]

This is what I use to seal sheaths.
3 parts wax (canning)
1 part Liquid Gold ( Ace Hardware has the liquid)
heat to around 160 deg.
soak around 3 minutes, do this 3 to 4 times. Make sure you watch it or you will deep fry the leather.
will harden in a few weeks.
I forgot who give me this recipe?????

 

[David Schott]

Ah cool...thanks!

I more liked the really cool smokey red finish it left me with than anything else...

Do you dip the complete sheath in that mixture?

 

[Rick Lowe]

Try using Fiebings Tan-Kote or Bag-Kote. You can use several light coats on the inside and outside to effectively make it water resisitant. The Bag-Kote can be diluted 20-1 with water to stretch it. These products give a nice low sheen finish that's really rich looking. The buffing compounds usually have a grease base which may not hurt the leather, but won't be as effective long term. It's a very good thing to seal the inside of the sheath, too. IG's formula is another route that works well. I just like the simple, one step approach.
Rick

 

[Dan Gray]

http://www.knivesby.com/mike-hull.html

see sheaths here
http://www.knivesby.com/knifemaking.html

 

[David Schott]

Thanks for the links! I was more looking for if anyone knew anything specifically about cons of using a red buff as a final treatment....guess not, but it was worth a shot!

 

[Ilovetoolsteel]

Thanks for the links! I was more looking for if anyone knew anything specifically about cons of using a red buff as a final treatment....guess not, but it was worth a shot!

Most stick buffing compounds are just abrasive mixed with wax. Ifr that is what you used I can't see how it would hurt the sheath over the long run. You could even use the stitched edge of the sheath as a strop. My only concern is that the abrasive compound if worked into the stitches would abrade and wear out the stitches prematurely.

Liquid or paste compounds might use oils or greases that break down leather.

If I understand you, You like the way the red abrasive colored your sheath. You could mix up a wax and add some red pigment into it, Red Ochre seems like a pretty good match. Art and craft stores sell dry pigments.

 

[David Schott]

Thanks! And good point about the abrasive. I had tried it o a whim and just was curious. I know in reality the best would be to use a proper wax and dye. I appreciate everyones' help!