Leather Handle Questions

[m]

I like the feel of leather handles, but I have a few questions.Is there a way to protect them from drying out and from absorbing blood or harmful chemicals?Can they be easily replaced if they do degrade over the years?What are your experiences with leather handles?What do the government suppliers use to treat their sheaths and handles on the "k bar" type issue knives?
Thanks for the help,
m

 

[the4th]

DON'T use oils or leather balms that will seep in and soften the leather. I have used wax based compounds (shoe polish) on my leather handles with good results. Usually clear or whatever color matches the handle. Use paste wax, not creams.

 

[Allen Blade]

Hello,

I use to use a very Watery SUPER GLUE that can be found at hobby stores in big bottles. it Seals and penetrates the leather, and also hardens it to a Degree of depth.

This worked fine for Arid and semi moist areas, but i found for the best Protection
try using A bees wax / parafin mix, and be sure to Heat the Leather SLightly with a Warm air source an apply until it will not absorb any more ,then Buff with a Cotton Rag.

Im sure there are alot of other methods you could use.

You might Try Calling Randal Knives and asking them what they would recomened.

I have seen more than one Randal from Guys who used them in service in VIETNAM,
and there leather handles looked in very good condition.

Anyway hope this helps.

Allen Blade

 

[m]

Thanks for the tips you guys.