Some mold on leather handle?

[averageguy]

Hi. Could someone help me please. I have a leather handled knife that I had stored. It's been particularly wet and cool here this year and I recently noticed some mold on the leather. How do I handle this?

 

[Josh Feltman]

Try using a stiff brush to remove the mold/mildew. It's probably best to do this outside so the mold spores aren't released in your house. If that doesn't take care of the problem, try a mild soap and water solution on a rag, and then let the handle dry thoroughly, preferrably in the sun. I would avoid bleach, etc. as it may damage the leather. If the problem persists, you might want to look into a dehumidifier of some sort; mold grows best in warm, moist conditions.
--Josh

 

[averageguy]

Thanks, I'll try that.

 

[Don Luis]

I had a similar problem years ago, I used a stiff brush with alcohol, and after it was clean and dry I treated the leather handle with neats foot oil. Some time later I applyed melted paraffin to the handle (read about it somewhere, probably an article in an old issue of Tactical Knives) haven´t had any more problems.

Edited to add:

Both the neats foot oil and the paraffin affect the appearence of the leather, some darkening, etc. if the knife is a user it´s OK, if it´s a collector piece you may not want to use them.

Edited again to correct:

I had said liquid paraffin,should have been melted paraffin.