How do you clean inside a leather sheath?

[schmittie]

I may have <cough> done a bad thing.....ok I did.

Last winter, after field dressing a deer, I put my knife with frozen deer fat, back into the sheath I made. Yes I know now, that was stupid. Why am I asking in June? Well, to this day, when I take the knife out, it has a nice greasy coating on it. Yuck! At least the blade wont rust. Surprisingly enough, it's not going rancid and doesn't smell. But I'd like to figure out a way to clean it out. Is made from veg tanned leather I got at Tandy and has been wet molded to the knife.


Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Alberta Ed]

If it concerns you, take the sheath apart, clean it, apply some SnowSeal, and re-stitch it (I do this with all my leather gear). But it may be just fine as-is.

 

[schmittie]

Bump to the top.

Do any of you makers have a suggestion? I just may cut this thing open and scrub it out but I'd like to hear what you think.......

 

[Clem Kadiddlehopper]

Bump to the top.

Do any of you makers have a suggestion? I just may cut this thing open and scrub it out but I'd like to hear what you think.......

As Ed said - that's probably the only way you are going to get it cleaned out (really good)
you could clean it out still together, but not as good opened up?

Good luck,

 

[leatherman]

If you have the ability to re-stitch the sheath back up then yea, your best bet is to cut the existing stitches and wash it.

Knowing deer fat you will want to use a good grade saddle soap and warm water to work that tallow out. After the scubbing you will want to let the sheath dry slowly, open, then if you want to give it a good conditioner this is a good time. You can then sew it back up.

Hope this helps a little

PS, a good stiff tooth brush is a great friend when getting into the leather to get that stubborn fat out of all those nicks and crannies.

 

[schmittie]

Ed, Dwayne and Al,

Thanks for taking the time to give me an honest answer. I really appreciate it. When I can, I will follow your instructions and give it a thorough scrub.

 

[rayban]

You could make a new sheath in less time than it takes to scrub, dry, re-finish the old one, yes?