Leather Finish Question

Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
3,143
For you leather guys out there. I made a sheath for my little JK Pocket Kephart and want to try something new to finish it. I use Tandy Carnauba Cream as a finish for things like this but I have been wanting to use something else, like beeswax or ...well anything. I want to try something new, fairly simple, and not extremely messy. Suggestions? Thanks

JKsheath.jpg
 
I've also been wondering about different finishes and was going to post a thread like this one but you beat me to it. :) Will definantly keep an eye on this one!

Has anyone used the Tandy All-In-One Stain and Finish? If so, what did you think of it? Thanks,

Heber
 
I will not venture a statement that this is the best....but it IS the way I do it. The vast majority of my sheaths go on to live in another home soon after they are finished. It has always been my opinion that the new owner's first impression is the the very most important test and therefore final finish has always been a high priority with me. I never use dye of any kind except on the finished edges. I use tannery dyed leathers in four colors, russet, chestnut, brown and black. I apply one coat of pure neatsfoot oil to the russet and chestnut colors. The brown and black do not need it. The oil will darken the leather and give it a rich color. I then apply one coat of Feibing's TanKote, and when dry follow that with one coat of Tandy's NeatLac. This process gives me the finish I'm looking for although as I said it may not be the best for everyone, but it is the way I do it. There are a lot of photos of my sheaths scattered around this forum so you can judge for yourself.

Paul
 
I treat all of my leather sheaths with SnowSeal, inside and out. I take them apart, melt in at least a couple of coats with a hot air dryer, then re-stitch them with waxed nylon thread. I have had very few problems with rust as the leather does not absorb water, and the leather does not get softened as with oils. Once it's melted in, there is little or no surface residue to rub off.
 
I finish my sheaths pretty much like Paul except for the NeatLac. This is just a difference in the final look being less shiney. Since most of mine are not lined, I do use the TanKote on the inside to seal as well as on the exterior.
Rick
 
Thanks for those tips, that is what I was looking for. Feel free to add something esle if you happen to think of it.
 
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