what's the best way to restore this sheath?

COSMO

COSMO

Joined
Feb 13, 2005
Messages
453
I picked up this knife as a restoration project, and it looks like the sheath needs some TLC as well. As it is the original sheath, I don't want to replace it, just try to bring it back to looking a little better. Main issues are just being dirty, wear, and the person having scratched his name in the leather on the back. any input on how to clean it up and get rid of the name on the back is appreciated.

Thanks

Cosmo

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I believe I would use saddle soap ( in the round can) and water and a soft bristle brush and scrub it thoroughly . When it is clean, wipe the soapy residue off completely with a damp bath towel and then let it dry naturally for a few days and then apply PURE Neatsfoot Oil very, very sparingly, let that level out for a day and then IF NECESSARY apply a very light second coat of the Neatsgoot Oil. At least that's how I used to do dirty saddles.

Paul
 
Fiebings saddle soap is the best @ cleaning. I know oil to nourish but which one specifically? Neatsfoot is a cattle based oil, so should be good. Avoid any petroleum sealers or silicone products for good leather.

Personally I use mineral oil (food safe) on everything but my boots, which get oil/beeswax concoction from Obenaufs.
 
sheathmaker said:
I believe I would use saddle soap ( in the round can) and water and a soft bristle brush and scrub it thoroughly . When it is clean, wipe the soapy residue off completely with a damp bath towel and then let it dry naturally for a few days and then apply PURE Neatsfoot Oil very, very sparingly, let that level out for a day and then IF NECESSARY apply a very light second coat of the Neatsgoot Oil. At least that's how I used to do dirty saddles.

Paul
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Great tips here.... And to answer his other question about the name tooled into it, ndmiller do you think while the leather is wet he could gently rub out some of the lettering?? may be making some impressions in that portion of the leather but do you think you could work out some of that lettering?? I have little leather experience.
 
I completely forgot to address the lettering on the back. Yes, the lettering as I see it in the photo could probably be eliminated almost completely.

While the sheath is fairly wet take any smooth object and rub repeatedly over the area. The lettering will literally "erase" in the process.
This works if the letters have not scratched every deeply into the top grain. This process in the old days was common and was referred to as "Glassing"
where the round, smooth edge of a piece of glass was used to burnish over light scratches and other accidental imperfections in saddle leather. There are also other beneficial reasons for glassing. It can make an otherwise spongy or limp piece of leather much more firm feeling.

Paul
 
You guys are awesome, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience. I ordered some Fiebings saddle soap and have gone over it once. When it is dry I will try your glassing suggestion. I was also wondering, when doing all this is hot or cold water best? Does it matter?

Thanks again
Cosmo
 
COSMO said:
You guys are awesome, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience. I ordered some Fiebings saddle soap and have gone over it once. When it is dry I will try your glassing suggestion. I was also wondering, when doing all this is hot or cold water best? Does it matter?

Thanks again
Cosmo
Click to expand...

The glassing should be done fairly damp, not wet but damp, and the moisture needs to have penetrated. Hot, warm or cold water makes little difference, but the water should be wet!;)

Paul
 
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Moisture content for me when slicking/glossing is when the color is just starting to come back to normal. Seems just about right then.
 
Saddle soap and water as suggested above. I use the Fiebings Aussie leather conditioner after it is dry. It works great. This is what i used on my leather boots when i worked in the oilfield. Wore the same boots for three years and they were exposed to some pretty nasty stuff. I would come home on days off blast them off with a pressure washer or water hose, let them dry a few days, and slather on some Aussie conditioner. When that dries back wipe the excess off and they looked almost new again.
 
I'll second that Aussie Leather Conditioner. I use it on my sheaths as a final treatment after a good coat of Atom Wax. The two work as a good team.
 
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