Wet forming leather

[BlackRabbit]

Hey there - this is my first post and apologies if somebody's already put up a thread on this subject.
I've wet formed sheaths before, but I recently acquired a roll of 5mm thick leather that I just can't get to soften up.
I've tried rubbing in several coats of neatsfoot oil but this didn't make any difference, soaked for several hours in cold water - still with no change.
Moved on to soaking in warm water, and even tried using shine remover before re-attempting a treatment with the neatsfoot oil, but it's still pretty tough.

Any ideas on other methods I could try?

BR

 

[John T Wylie Jr]

5mm would be .196 which is like a 12/13 oz leather...

I have wet formed 10 oz but only after running it under hot tap water.

 

[Lynn]

Wet a towel in warm water and roll the leather in the towel. If it does not soften the next day the leather has a coating and will not work wet.
Just what I do,
Lynn

 

[sheathmaker]

The leather you have is a little thick for successful wet forming. It also may be "hard rolled' finish which will make it very water resistant and extremely difficult to work even if you do manage to get it wet enough. (think of the process used for making shoe sole leather)

Secondly it may have hot stuffed oils incorporated in the tanning process and then your use of Neatsfoot oil prior to wet forming all worked against you.

Vegatable tanned leather seems to work the best and in weights (thickness) of 10 oz. or less.

If you are buying your leather from a professional sales source you should always let them know what you are going to try to do and they should guide you in your selection.

Paul