Leather holster care

mouselvr · October-02-13 13:10

Sorry for the naive question, but I really never owned a leather holster before - they have always been either kydex or nylon. I would assume that the leather would need to be treated from time to time and would like to know what/how you all do yours. I recently obtained my Absaroka Kid pocket holster for my mini mag and would like to retain it's beautiful condition as much as possible. Do you use actual leather treatment/protectant? Light oiling? Just the outside or inside as well? Thanks.

bud · October-02-13 13:10

I always sprayed my leather holsters with a leather waterproofing on the inside and outside. Don't know if your supposed too, but it works for me.
Never leave your pistol or revolver in a leather holster because leather will draw moisture and rust your firearm. Stainless steel can rust, but it is less likely to do so then a blued firearm.

OV-1D · October-02-13 13:10

Myself I soak them down from time to time with Rem-Oil that you can get at Wally-Marts . Kinda darkens the leather a little bit but usually comes back to original color . Not sure what kind of dyes are used with the Kids holsters but should be fine . The oil softens the leather slightly when being worked in by rubbing .

MR_22 · October-02-13 13:10

I rarely treat leather holsters, but you could always use some leather lotion to keep it supple. I wouldn't apply it to any part of the leather that touches the gun, tho. Just outside surfaces, which are usually stained. I don't think I'd apply it to the backside of the leather.

But new leather from the Absaroka Kid is probably good for a few years before needing any treatment. I could ask him what he recommends, though.

TwoGunJayne · October-02-13 14:10

A shiny leather holster can also receive neutral (colorless) shoe polish. If you want it to turn black, use black polish.

OV-1D · October-02-13 14:10

Shoe polish works great for bringing out detail ( dark brown on lighter brown ) . Used it on those holsters from NAA's holsters and turned out special then , darkening up the basket waive pattern certainly so on those . Shoe polish gives them class and aged looking .

Goatpacker · October-02-13 19:10

Montana Pitch Blend or just plain bees wax!!! They both will do a great job protecting and waterproofing as well as buffing up real nice!!! The Pitch Blend I feel is a better and longer lasting product but will darken the leather somewhat!!! I like darker leathers anyway!!!

mouselvr · October-03-13 12:10

Thanks for all the replies and tips everyone!! I didn't know about not storing in leather, I better take my Mini out of the holster in the safe then...

blue_heron · October-06-13 11:10

Although I prefer kydex for my pug, I have money invested in many quality leather holsters and belts, including several custom horsehide ones.

I use Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP (paste) on my leather holsters or Obenauf's Leather oil on everything leather including my goatskin leather jackets from LL Bean.

The Absaroka Kid's work is top notch and it deserves the best.

The link https://www.obenaufs.com/index.php?route=common/home

OV-1D · October-06-13 11:10

Nothing like sitting back fondling your leathers and guns while watching football and munching on a homemade sandwich of cold cuts with chips .Lets not forget something cold to drink .

RogueTS1 · October-06-13 18:10

I would not be able to give the leather the proper attention and watch the tv at the same time. I would either neglect the leather/gun or miss something important in the show. At my house it is better to get the leather/guns cleaned and then sit back and give your full attention to the show being watched while snacking on something.

OV-1D · October-06-13 18:10

You doc's are too focused .

RogueTS1 · October-06-13 18:10

You are probably correct. If I do not follow this rule I just end up constantly rewinding the teli over and over again. Ends up being quicker and more enjoyable just doing them separately. Also avoids spending time wiping the cleaning products off of the remote too or trying to find a dry knuckle to press the buttons.......................... AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot stand to even think about it....................... LOL

I · October-06-13 19:10

Have you tried watching a show you don't like?

markstar · October-07-13 13:10

I use Galco's Leather Lotion on my holsters, Galco and otherwise. It is a cleaner/conditioner and works very well.

TwoGunJayne · October-07-13 13:10

I end up using this stuff most of the time on leather: Original Bike Spirits. http://www.originalbikespirits.com/products/spray-cleaner-polish/

It's pretty much for anything but suede. Also, it's great for rubber, stainless, glass, brass, nickel, etc.

Soak your bug-covered leather jacket in it and wipe clean, spotless your mirrors, wipe down your boots and even clean your belt.

Maccab · October-07-13 15:10

You should always piss in a new pair of boots, if that helps.

ikoiko · October-07-13 15:10

Quote from: Maccab on October-07-13 15:10
You should always piss in a new pair of boots, if that helps.

Think you could manage to pour the urine out if the directions were written on the heel?

Maccab · October-07-13 16:10

Pour it ooot.

How? It's warm.

PaducahMichael · October-07-13 19:10

Had a conversation with the Absaroka Kid this afternoon - here's what he said:

"As far as leather care goes.....placing anytype of oil preservative on leather will darken it...no matter....always be sure no oil is in leather care products........As far as cleaning finished leather as I ,make /sell.....a dampened slightly wet soft rag will remove most dirt grime etc....you can use saddle soap but very ...very lightly on the moist soft rag....just be sure the rag is NOT wet..damp but not wet......the water will penetrate to some degree...........Prevention is the true answer but when you fall in the creek....is another story.......with leather when caught in the rain or falling ino the river with a holstered gun you want to dry it slowly with a well oiled gun wrapped in poly inserted as normal but....in a cool dry place with no heat.....the heat will shrink.......after it dries lightly buff it ..."

I · October-07-13 20:10

Seconded! Water and leather are enemies! Also, saddle soap is the good sh*t.

I've saved many a pair of boots from the trash with an hour with a soft brush and saddle soap.

bud · October-08-13 08:10

I used shoe polish on a holster once and no matter how mush I brushed and buffed it, I would get the polish on my slacks or my shirt or coat sleeve.

TwoGunJayne · October-08-13 08:10

Gotta seal it with something if you're changing the color. For the most part, you don't notice neutral. It's a bit waxy, that's about it. The black loves to flake, particularly "parade gloss."

I knew a guy who would seal with "Mop and Glo" floor polish. It leaves a coating after a few tries, but it's bad for leather. Heat, sweat, and mop and glo will degrade leather. 'Till then, it looks great (on the outside.)

OV-1D · October-08-13 11:10

Quote from: bud on October-08-13 08:10
I used shoe polish on a holster once and no matter how mush I brushed and buffed it, I would get the polish on my slacks or my shirt or coat sleeve.

Yup Bud it tends to be messy myself I find cleaning the floor below me . You know one thing I've done is heat or melt the polish especially on real dry pieces of leather really good on getting the stitching down deep . Not sure if it's useful when using on waxed thread anyhow .

mouselvr · October-08-13 13:10

Thanks for all the info and details, everyone! Soaking it all in (pun intended).