Is it necessary to dye leather?

Mudbug007

Mudbug007

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Nov 29, 2010
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I really like the raw look of the Hermann Oak leather I use. I was wondering if it's necessary to dye the leather? Does dye do anything other than color the leather? Saddle tan oil dye is by far and away my favorite leather dye these days.

Something I was thinking about and figured you guys could help me on.
 
As far as I know the only function of dye is to change the existing color to something else. I have had occasions when black dye stiffened the leather slightly. Using Neatsfoot oil, or Olive oil on Russet or Natural will darken it to almost saddle tan, as will exposure to sunlight.

Paul
 
I believe dye give the leather a degree of stiffness, but it will relax when broken in....I really like leaving leather natural color too, (however I'm talking W&C russet skirting) and having it sun tanned as it ages.
 
Thanks ya'll!

I think I"m going to try a sheath or two just natural. I'll still use leather balm and/or resolene, but I'm going to hold off on the dye and see how it turns out.
 
Been working leather or almost 20 years on and off. Dye is not necessary. As said above, it will stiffen it. I use snow seal and/or other natural oils whether I dye it or not. A good oil applied to un-dyed leather will add a really great looking finish. It brings out the imperfections, if there are any, which gives it a cool worn look. One bit of advise: don't oil the inside of a knife or gun sheath.... But hit the seams real good.
 
If you read Al Stohlman's "Art of Leather Cases" volumes - nearly every case is not dyed.

I take it as a sign of a good (clean) maker when I see a natural sheath of theirs.

Here is one of my most recent where I really tried for the cleanest leather I could get. The finish is Montana Pitch Blend. It has tanned some since then due to time in the sun.

ConvexAreteSheath001.jpg


TF
 
Thanks for the additional advice guys.

Tal, that is a very clean and elegant sheath!

Speaking of clean leather, up to a few months ago I'd been buying all my leather at the local Tandy store. But then I tried some Hermann Oak leather from Springfield leather and I couldn't believe how "clean" it was. It also worked well and I become a believer! One of these days I'll get around to trying some W&C.
 
Yeah at the moment, I'm pretty new to sheath building. I buy the less expensive shoulder leather that usually has a decent amount if scars. And the dye helps mask some imperfections. I think as I get more confident ill try to pick up some better leather and skip the dye on a few.
 
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