Softening leather.

[Sword and Shield]

I've a Buck 112 sheath that is rock-hard, and after getting caught in the rain last night, it's even a little worse. What would be recommended for loosening it up a little? I was thinking a rubdown with either mineral oil or Snow-Seal.

 

[michdad]

I have started using baseball glove leather on some of mine. Seems to work well. Anybody else have thoughts?

 

[M. McCord]

I'd use Lexol leather conditioner.

Go to a farm supply center and look in the saddle care section. Sometimes they have single use packets of about an ounce or so. But I'd go ahead and buy a bigger bottle.

 

[ALAN24]

Saddle soap seems to work really good on leather gear i have gotten wet.

 

[L. Richard]

Lexol Leather Conditioner.

 

[leatherman]

Any of the leather conditioners will work plenty fine, though I'd stay away from the mineral oil as its too easy to over do it.

I'm a "use what ya got" kind of fellow, Sno Seal is what your familiar with. Start slow with thin coats and allow it to fully soak in before starting the next. Two good coats should get the sheath back to flexible and not floppy. As long as there are no cracks in the leather you should be good to go. If your wanting the process to go a little quicker sit the coated sheath in a sunny window till you see no more wet spots.

 

[Ben Dover]

Any barber/beauty supply should have Fromm's strop dressing. It's the best thing I've ever found for leather. (I get it from my barber !)