Leather finishes

[PS_Bond]

Another knock-about thread:

What finishes are useful for leather sheaths?

So far, I've come across:

Neatsfoot oil - feed the leather until it absorbs very little;
Olive oil - same thing (recommended for knives used on foodstuffs?)

Beeswax/neatsfoot oil - preheat the (dry) leather to 80C, dip in the molten mix, drain, allow to cool, polish;
Variants thereof - paraffin/neatsfoot, addition of mink oil etc.

Shoe polish - apply, buff, repeat; spit optional.

Synthetics from Tandy & similar (can't remember the trade names)

Any others people can recommend for or against?

Peter

[Roger Gregory]

Oooh nice knife!

I really like those slim fighters - must be the contrast with me

Mike, time you put a few more pictures up, how about some in the Gallery? I want to see the one in your avatar.....

Oh and thanks for telling us about the leather treatment too, I forgot which thread this was for a moment....

Roger

[PS_Bond]

And here's a thread from CKD on the subject...
http://www.ckdforums.com/showthread....threadid=12962

Peter

[Dave Barker]

I would suggest you stay awat from shoe polish. especially if the polish has silicone in it. It will make the leater go soft.

I'd recommend you get hold of some Narvesvært. From natur-galleriet.com or jørn jensen ( jjensen.no)

As for fat, well i'd go for saddle fat or gold quality leather fat from the same suppliers. either colour the sheath and then rub the fat in or fat it whilst the sheath is damp ( then you have to colour it first)

Let it dry overnight and then rub it dry with bog roll or something similar.

any help?

[helmar4578]

Peter,my friend----I believe the finishes you are referring to are known as shenes, sheens, etc. The Leather Factory and Tandy calls theirs "Super Shene" and Fiebing's is labeled "Leather Sheen". They are both acrylics and are rather glossy when compared to Atom Wax, Neatsfoot oil or the wax/oil combos. The are easy to use and are excellent sealers over dyes. Although they are not waterproof they are water repellent and quite durable. They are an excellent "resists" when used with high lighters on stamped or carved leathers. -Sandy-

[PS_Bond]

Sorry about the tardy reply, Sandy - thank you.

I think I'll get some to experiment with.