leather affects blade?

[butchesforge]

Hi guys,I have done quite a few sheaths,but my problem lately is-I do mainly scotchbrite finish on my blades,and when I leave the blade in for A little while I get some kind of ugly buildup on the blade and have to refinish.What I want to know,what is in the leather to make it mess the blades up like that,is there something to neutralize whatever it is--I appreciate any thoughts --Regards Butch

 

[cjpgeyer]

If you are using veg tanned leather, moisture is the main issue. Leather draws moisture, moisture deposits on blade.
If you are not using veg tanned leather, the chemicals used in the tanning process are effecting the blade.
THis is simplistic at best, and I am sure someone with more info will post soon.

 

[butchesforge]

Thanks Chuck,I don't think it is veg. tanned,I'm sure it's a chemical of some kind---Anyon else have any ideas It's not rust on the blades,something else--

 

[Mahoney]

old thick leather oil treatment of some kind oozing out onto the blade? It it's soluble in turpentine or paint thinner that could be it.

 

[butchesforge]

old thick leather oil treatment of some kind oozing out onto the blade? It it's soluble in turpentine or paint thinner that could be it.

Don't know leather looks pretty dry,I'll see if it will come off with acetone or something similar--Thanks for your thoughts..:thumbup:

 

[Balislinger]

Leather has tannins. The tannic acid will affect metal if the blade is stored in the sheath. If this is not your problem, then could be chemicals that were used to treat the leather. You could switch over to veg-tanned leather. But best not to store blades in leather sheaths anyways, you can't escape the tannic acid.

 

[leatherman]

Tannnins are not a problem in sheaths made with top quality leather. Cheap sheaths on the other hand I cannot vouch for.

Leathers that are not veggie tanned are a risk. Chrome tanning always leaves some of the chromium salts behind as a water proofing agent. Utility leather is also chrome tanned and treated with a water proofer, its really odd smelling leather and doesnt really feel like natural stuff. Oil and wax stuffed leathers are at risk as well.

Its best to go to a good supplier and spend a little extra and get the good stuff, your knives will thank you. Avoid Belly Leather at all costs! Its junk leather.