How do you soften leather?

[Terry_Dodson]

I am working on 2 sheath's, i am using veg tanned tooling leather, probably 6-7 oz or so. I have been wetting the leather to tool it and form it. Now that the sheaths are pretty much done (dyed and sewn) they are pretty hard and even the belt loop and retaining strap are hard. Is there a way to soften them to make them more pliable and movable? by the way, the leather is from a local Tandy store if that makes any difference.

 

[gixxer]

I use Lexol a whole bunch but if you use enough of a leather conditioner that would work. Think like you are softening up a baseball mitt. I waterproof my sheaths by dipping them in melted paraffin and mink oil dunked twice, cooled and buffed. That by itself helps out a little.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

When forming the leather NEVER use hot water. It cooks the leather and hardens it.

Any leather restorer or good oil should soften the leather if it is just hard.Lexol, Atom wax, leather balm, etc.
Stacy

 

[Terry_Dodson]

Thanks guys.