I have recently ventured into sheath making. I dyed the first few with leather dye. It seems to really dry out the leather. I would like to try making an undyed one, but I am unsure of how to treat the leather. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Leather Treatment
- Thread starter Bamafan14
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There are lots of products on the market. Sno-Seal gets great reviews on Amazon.
I made my own by melting beeswax and coconut oil. Double boiler, melt equal parts then remove from heat, stir until cool. You'll need to adjust the mix until you get a product that solidifies at room temperature, but melts under friction from rubbing into the leather.
I applied a thin coating and have run it under the tap a few times. It has remained water resistant, but I just did it recently. The thinking is that the wax waterproofs while the oil conditions. I just followed a recipe that I found on the net and I'm happy with the results. I've got a thread with pics a few threads down.
I made my own by melting beeswax and coconut oil. Double boiler, melt equal parts then remove from heat, stir until cool. You'll need to adjust the mix until you get a product that solidifies at room temperature, but melts under friction from rubbing into the leather.
I applied a thin coating and have run it under the tap a few times. It has remained water resistant, but I just did it recently. The thinking is that the wax waterproofs while the oil conditions. I just followed a recipe that I found on the net and I'm happy with the results. I've got a thread with pics a few threads down.
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I haven't tried it on undyed leather, no. I believe it would work well, and I would expect the oil to darken it.
That's actually a good experiment to try. I think I'll take a scrap and use the stuff on one half and leave the other half untreated. I'll let you know how it works out.
That's actually a good experiment to try. I think I'll take a scrap and use the stuff on one half and leave the other half untreated. I'll let you know how it works out.
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No problem, I'll take pics too. Now I just have to wait until this friggin shift (I'm @ work) is over, then I'm on it. 
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Alright man, here are a few pics of the little test.
Top is treated, yes it darkens the leather some.
Under the tap (excuse the dishes).
Thoroughly soaked, I'd say it was a success. Not sure how long the finish lasts, as I mentioned its new for me, but I see no reason for it to fail.
Top is treated, yes it darkens the leather some.
Under the tap (excuse the dishes).
Thoroughly soaked, I'd say it was a success. Not sure how long the finish lasts, as I mentioned its new for me, but I see no reason for it to fail.
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alright man, here are a few pics of the little test.
Top is treated, yes it darkens the leather some.
under the tap (excuse the dishes).
thoroughly soaked, i'd say it was a success. Not sure how long the finish lasts, as i mentioned its new for me, but i see no reason for it to fail.
win!!!!!
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Sure, no problem.
I had a little trouble finding beeswax at a decent price. Ended up buying a pound that was meant to be used in candle making from Joannes Fabric. It just happened to be on clearance for $10. Probably more than I'll ever need, but the stuff is good to have around. Worth a shot anyway because I almost bought an ounce for $8 that was meant to wax thread.
Coconut oil can be found at large walmart stores that carry food. Super Targets also carry an organic oil. If you're not familiar with coconut oil, it's really great stuff. It can be used for many things. Keep in mind that at room temp it is solid. I only mention this because you might miss it if you quickly scan the shelfs for a bottle. Walmart carries a white plastic jar while the stuff at Target comes in a clear (mason like) glass jar. The stuff at Walmart is a better buy as it contains more product, I believe, for less money. Unless organic is important, I recommend the Walmart stuff.
I forgot that I added a tiny bit of Lexol leather conditioner just because, but I seriously doubt the amount I used had any effect. Just thought I'd mention it.
Edited to add pic-
I had a little trouble finding beeswax at a decent price. Ended up buying a pound that was meant to be used in candle making from Joannes Fabric. It just happened to be on clearance for $10. Probably more than I'll ever need, but the stuff is good to have around. Worth a shot anyway because I almost bought an ounce for $8 that was meant to wax thread.
Coconut oil can be found at large walmart stores that carry food. Super Targets also carry an organic oil. If you're not familiar with coconut oil, it's really great stuff. It can be used for many things. Keep in mind that at room temp it is solid. I only mention this because you might miss it if you quickly scan the shelfs for a bottle. Walmart carries a white plastic jar while the stuff at Target comes in a clear (mason like) glass jar. The stuff at Walmart is a better buy as it contains more product, I believe, for less money. Unless organic is important, I recommend the Walmart stuff.
I forgot that I added a tiny bit of Lexol leather conditioner just because, but I seriously doubt the amount I used had any effect. Just thought I'd mention it.
Edited to add pic-
Last edited:
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Wayne Goddard told me many years ago that he used a combination of beeswax and neadsfoot oil. I had a hard time finding enough beeswax, but finally got some and did about a 60% beeswax to 40 % oil, or there a bouts. i did several sheaths, water just beads up and tools off them. I have one sitting by my desk and it is a minimum of 10 years old and no problems so far. John