Post by: snake eyes on October 22, 2014, 01:13:43 PM
snake-eyes
Post by: prairie dog on October 22, 2014, 01:21:38 PM
Post by: hawkthrower on October 22, 2014, 02:59:40 PM
A glycerin soap is good for surface cleaning, Saddle soap has glycerin as well as neatsfoot and lanolin some versions have bees wax added to seal the leather.
I think each as a separate application works best.... Clean with the glycerin/lanolin soap, then apply neatsfoot oil, allow to dry then apply a dilute mix of neatsfoot and bees wax to seal. Makes for clean & shiny long lasting leather goods
If I could avoid the lanolin I would unless the leather has hardened and I want to soften it up. Lanolin makes shaped leather too supple and tends to let it lose shape. So if you can find pure glycerin soap (which is what I use most often, though I have Saddle Soap too) perhaps it would be better than "Saddle Soap" for some items. I find it at the local tack store or you can order it on line....
There are some general rules for application of neatsfoot oil to leather that were published by the US Cavalry as a manual in the 1860's or 70's, I think the British also have a similar publication on the care of leather goods - I'll see if I can locate them on the web and publish the link here later....
Post by: snake eyes on October 22, 2014, 06:35:33 PM
Quote from: "hawkthrower"
There are some general rules for application of neatsfoot oil to leather that were published by the US Cavalry as a manual in the 1860's or 70's, I think the British also have a similar publication on the care of leather goods - I'll see if I can locate them on the web and publish the link here later....
:shake [/color]
Post by: hawkthrower on October 23, 2014, 09:12:27 AM
see chapter 2 section 5 - this is for saddle care, there is another section on dress leather goods and how to get a "spit shine" as well but I haven't found it yet. there is care info in the preceding section as well regarding care of boots and new leather -
this manual is later than the one I was thinking of but has similar information
Post by: snake eyes on October 23, 2014, 10:34:49 AM
Thanks! Lots of good info. :shake [/color]
Post by: Bigsmoke on October 23, 2014, 02:44:04 PM
Also liked Bumblin' Bear Grease from October Country.
The Just Good Lube from Fletcher is also a good product for leather conditioners.
John
Post by: Hank in WV on October 23, 2014, 05:26:06 PM
Post by: cb on October 24, 2014, 12:25:49 AM
19th century tanning, leather, buff, bridle, waxed, Russia, fair, russet, hemlock, black, split, belt, tallowed, sleeked, jacked, patent, enameled, Hungry, stained, logwood, iron dyed, copperas (http://www.jarnaginco.com/leather%20definitions%20index.htm)
for a good conditioner I recommend Lexol Leather Conditioner which does not dehydrate as fast as other types leaving the leather conditioned for a longer time. It's what many pros use including myself....
Post by: hawkthrower on October 24, 2014, 09:26:33 AM
A word of caution about modern leather - don't use "traditional" leather care for modern chemically tanned leather. Modern tanning process sometimes finishes leathers with treatments that require the use of silicone based wax and petroleum based oils and other types of products. High quality boots will come with a suggested care information sheet - read it!
Although care must be taken to identify the type of tanning for a leather article before using anything on it - most "vegetable tanned" items are identified as such and can be cared for in a more traditional way..... Thanks again CB!