beeswax

[spoony]

When working leather to harden it, Ive heard folk use beeswax, is this the same type of beeswax you use to waterproof the thread while stitching leather????
And whats the proceder

 

[Toddy]

It's the same stuff. If you heat the wax hot enough to melt it will in some ways *cook* the leather. Effectively it tightens up the fibres and locks them in position. The process is known a cuir bouille. It works on vegetable tanned leather so check first.
I know that armour is made from it, as are waterbottles and sometimes holsters or rifle cases.
I use it to waterproof and stiffen up the soles of courrans, the lace up Scottish shoes, and to make the catch plate for the coal from my bowl drill.
Bardster posted some excellent tutorials on how to do it.
Cheers,
Toddy

 

[spoony]

exellent thanks Toddy, will pick some more up on monday, i can finish my first sheath now

 

[match]

Having just finished a leather water bottle, I can give two useful tips on this, but do search for Bardster's info on water bottles, as they are excellent!

Firstly, make sure the leather is warm before applying beeswax, this helps it soak in better, as the wax doesn't cool as quickly and the leather is more receptive to absorbing it.

Secondly, if you get too much wax on any part, it can be easily removed by hairdrying and rubbing and smoothing with a (lint-free) cloth.

Let us see pictures of it when its finished!