NIB, oil sheath?

R

Recoil Rob

Joined
Feb 13, 2008
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The GF just got me a nice 1973 PUMA White Hunter that is NIB with all papers, box, everything and original sheath.

I want to keep it as original as I have another one to use.

I am concerned about the leather sheath drying out over time. Would I ruin any value to collectors by giving the sheath a coat of leather dressing?

It might make the sheath darken a bit.


thanks,

Rob
 
Recoil Rob said:
The GF just got me a nice 1973 PUMA White Hunter that is NIB with all papers, box, everything and original sheath.

I want to keep it as original as I have another one to use.

I am concerned about the leather sheath drying out over time. Would I ruin any value to collectors by giving the sheath a coat of leather dressing?

It might make the sheath darken a bit.


thanks,

Rob
Click to expand...

While preserving something is not the same as restoring it, ( restoring some items can devalue them) I would be careful placing anything on a sheath that is already 36 years old and in good shape. Some leather dressings may be good for the leather and bad for the stitching. I would choose whatever I place on the sheath carefully. A good thread might be what kind of leather dressing is good for long term storage. I personally would choose something Natural like Bees Wax.

P.S. Many sheath manufacturers do not recommend Oil type preservatives on Leather sheaths.

Good Luck

Bill
 
I'm not a collector. I would think the value would be depreciated if the sheath dried to the point of cracking. I recommend that you do not use any petroleum based preservative, Neatsfoot Oil, or mink oil as these would be most likely to darken the sheath. I suggest Lexol or Bick 4. Test a small spot on the back of the sheath to see if the color changes.
 
Thanks for the reply Bill.

Pecards is safe on thread, I have used it for years on sheaths and leather gun cases. Would hate to have the leather dry out and crack.

I'll try a spot on the back though, Coyote.
 
I'm a firm believer in good ol' Zip-Loc bags. I've used the 1-gallon or 2-gallon freezer bags (if you can find 'em) to stash many of my larger knives and/or sheaths. That, by itself, goes a pretty long way towards keeping items clean & stable for a very long time. I just put the item in the bag, then roll it up to force most of the air out, then seal it. You could also wrap the item in a towel or tuff-cloth before putting it in the bag, for a little more protection from oxidation and dings/nicks.
 
For long term storage I would leave the knife separated from the sheath. If you do place them in the same bag I would wrap the blade separate from the sheath. Moisture / chemicals in the leather could cause the blade steel to rust, pit or discolor. Especially if the blade is in direct contact with the sheath for long periods of time.

Bill
 
Recoil Rob said:
Do you put the knife in the bag along with the sheath?
Click to expand...

No, I put 'em in separate bags. Sometimes you'll get some interaction & corrosion/staining between them, if they come into contact for an extended period of time (same as if storing the knife in the leather sheath; you don't want to do this).

Or, if there's enough room in the sheath:

With folders, sometimes I'll put the knife in a small zip-loc, then roll it up tight to squeeze out most of the air, then seal it. Then put the bagged knife into the sheath. This usually makes for a very tight fit, though, if it fits at all. More often than not, I'll separate the knife from the sheath for long-term storage (both bagged, of course).
 
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