How to fix leather stains on old sheaths?

[tsavickas36]

Hey everyone I had a buddy ask me to clean up a couple of old Western knifes and either make a custom double stacked leather sheath or refurbish the old. His uncle had duct taped them together so I took warm soapy water and removed the adhesive but there is some staining on the leather still.

The knives came out pretty good on the buffer, leaving scratches so they still look used but I hate to send back subpar sheaths for him.

I am wondering if there is a way to strip the leather back to start fresh or is that just part of the character of the leather at this point?

Any help would be great
.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Soap and water won't remove that dried adhesive.

Use denatured alcohol first and use it plentifully. Use a fresh paper towel regularly. If there is still some remaining residue, try acetone.

Do the whole sheath, as the rest probably has oil and wax on/in it.

Once cleaned and allowed to dry a couple days, apply Fiebing's tan stain, or their antique finish. Seal with a coat of Fiebing's Leather Balm with Atom Wax.

 

[tsavickas36]

Okay thank you I was nervous about anything more than water and soap but I will trust the expertise.