softening leather

[porchini]

I am going through my first attempt at making a sheath, I have the basic tools and some leather which had been in my workshop and has dried out considerably. I have cut out the leather from my pattern but when I fold the leather it feels like it could split, in fact it has slighty it needs somekind of nourishment. The question is do I use neats foot oil to make it more supple, is there anything else I can use? I have quite a bit of this leather and I would love to bring it back to life again.

There are some skilled leather makers on here I wondered if you could help.

ASH

 

[BIGWOLFY]

Neatsfoot oil will work if you have it, You can also tray this mix if you wont to make your own see video link (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bcndMLZV7hs&feature=channel_page) Beeswax Coating it can be used on metal as well as leather and other stuff it should help. You can tray Care Cleaner, cleans leather thoroughly while it restores natural oils and suppleness.(http://www.leprevo.co.uk/photos/care_cleaner.html) good firm to deal with i get a lot of my supplies from them hope this helps.
all the best wolfy

 

[porchini]

Thanks mate thats a great help will try all variations to see which is best! I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[gregorach]

It might also be worth trying a moisturising hand cream - leather is just skin, after all.

 

[porchini]

It might also be worth trying a moisturising hand cream - leather is just skin, after all.

I will produce some test pieces first to see which works best, are there substances that I should avoid, that might effect the dying process. I have used vegtable and olive oil to stain before, I take it this should work also.

Thanks for the suggestion

 

[gregorach]

Can't help you there I'm afraid...