Tips on leather holster care?

[Mus408]

So my Blackhills Leather holster rig came yesterday. Followed a few tips on how to break it in. So what do you use to cover any areas of scrape or wear,on the leading edges and inside wall of holster,from drawing and re-holstering the gun?
I'm wearing the rig around the house,as much as possible to get some stretch and wear into it.
With the New Vaquero,on the left strong side,and either the SBH Hunter or BFR, in the cross draw position, you do notice the carrying weight....loaded for bear!

 

[Hugh]

So my Blackhills Leather holster rig came yesterday. Followed a few tips on how to break it in. So what do you use to cover any areas of scrape or wear,on the leading edges and inside wall of holster,from drawing and re-holstering the gun?
I'm wearing the rig around the house,as much as possible to get some stretch and wear into it.
With the New Vaquero,on the left strong side,and either the SBH Hunter or BFR, in the cross draw position, you do notice the carrying weight....loaded for bear!

Nothing. Brush bruises and scratches happen. Inside wear and rubbing from drawing and re-holstering happens, it also smoothes things so the shooter goes in and out easier. Any residual oil on the revolver from your rag will also lubricate the contact points in the holster. I'm happy with the way that works; some folks aren't. :wink:

 

[WESHOOT2]

I have one Milt Sparks holster from 1995 I've used extensively.
I have not paid one iota of attention to it (except the one time I wiped the mud out of it).
I still use it. It remains fine fine fine.

When questions arise about holster care I find it best to direct my query directly to the specific manufacturer. They have the experience with their specific product, and they want the owner to gain the most satisfaction from it, so are glad to help.

 

[Don Lovel]

Montana Pitch Blend on everything leather I own.
It also does wonders for dry chapped hands

http://www.montanapitchblend.com/index.html

 

[Anonymous]

IF they need it, mine get a once a year wipe with Lexol. Nothing else. A carefully worn holster has character, like the gun carried in it gets over time.

 

[Cracker-American]

I enjoy working with and using fine leather. For care, and beauty, I primarily use one of two products. Ray Holes Saddle Butter and Lexol.

The Lexol softens and beautifies. The Saddle Butter adds protection.

 

[Viking Queen]

As an occasional leatherworker with some experience with holsters I would very much caution against oiling your holster unless it gets dropped in a puddle of water or gets drenched in rain. Too much oil will soften the leather and cause the holster to not retain the gun properly.

Lexol is fine on a very occasional basis, and used very very sparingly.

Best suggestion has been made, contact the maker, as the finish applied to the holster when it is made may vary from maker to maker and some products used after the fact can harm the original protective finish.

If your holster does ever get really wet, DO NOT dry it near a heat source, air dry only, then follow manufacturers directions for followup treatment.

A well used and well worn holster has character.

Take care, and enjoy that new gun rig!

VQ

 

[Mus408]

Thanks for all the info.!

 

[Cracker-American]

I have been reading and hearing that putting dubbin or Lexol on your leather products will cause them to become too soft and fail for over forty years.

During those forty years I have made and used more quivers and knife sheaths than I can remember. I also still use some Bianchi holsters bought in the early 70's.

My experience just does not back up the claim that more than occasional application of Lexol or a quality dubbin to the leather will cause it to get too soft and fail.

Now neatsfoot oil is another matter.

I cherish my old Bianchi holsters as well as the homemade onces. They have the well worn, used but not abused look and I for one strive for.

YMMV

 

[flyguy958]

Once a year I use a very, very small amount of "Sno Seal". Made from bees wax it does not break down the fibers or cause deterioration. To much of anything will cause trouble.

 

[twobisquit]

Lexol has a cleaner and a Conditioner. It is important to clean the dirt out of the leather and Lexol Cleaner also restores the proper PH. Lexol Conditioner will restore the original preservatives.

I also use renaissance wax to shine and protect.