Leather Sheath Care/Treatment Question

IABIGBUCKGUY

IABIGBUCKGUY

Joined
Jul 7, 2011
Messages
753
Hey Guys :),
I have a few NIB Bark River knives Im going to brake out of the safe and start using and I want to darken the sheaths and waterproof them. What do you suggest ? For years I've just used mink oil. Time for a change.
 
You got my attention, why change?...the mink oil I've been using since Little League says " keeps leather soft, pliable,and waterproof. Also prevents drying and cracking"...what more can you ask for?
Pleeeeze don't tell me you're looking for something water based.:grumpy:
 
If they are natural colored leather, they will darken a little with exposure to the sunlight. I'm assuming the bark river sheaths are already sealed with something which means that dyeing the leather probably won't be effective.
 
There's no true water proofing leather, but...

Sno-Seal is a good choice as well as Fiebings Aussie Leather Conditioner. Coat it on nice and even, use a hair dryer to melt it in a bit. Dont get carried away, too much of a good thing is a rule.

The Aussie Leather Conditioner smells awesome as well.

If the leather is "natural", the sun will darken them in no time. I've had great success darkening leather with neatsfoot oil and a sit in the direct sun on a hot summer day. Again, dont get carried away with the oil, and ONLY use Pure Neatsfoot oil NOT the compound. The compound has petroleum distillates that are murder on leather. A couple of hours will produce a really nice tan. But use will do the same thing.

I hope this helps a little,
 
Somewhere/someplace someone did a comparison of popular leather conditioners/sealers (I believe it was on YouTube) and Resolene came out on top. I use resolene on a lot of sheaths, but it can be streaky if not applied correctly.

Edit: FOUND IT - Leather finishes compared
 
Good info! Thanks for the post! :)
 
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