Help for old leather

[dusty texian]

 I sure would appreciate some advice on trying to preserve some old leather . The old straps are about 50 + yrs. old and are still pretty tough but are dry and want to surface crack when bent . I may have made a mistake by already applying Vaseline and coconut oil mix . The leather has responded good so far . Question should I keep applying this treatment or should I stop ? I realize the straps will never be as strong as new made , but I would like to pass them on to my Grandchildren  in as good condition as possible . Thank you Amigos .,,DT

[Major 2]

My go to is Skidmores - https://skidmores.com/

I've used it on all my old original holsters.
This holster was brought back from WW2 and has been with Luger since 1944.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

That holster does look good. I have used Skidmore's myself and it's outstanding stuff. This holster was dry and Skidmore's brought it back to life. I still don't use it but it is preserved so it won't deteriorate as fast.

[Major 2]

Your looks good too..

This one was simply finished in Skidmores and nothing else, it is a replica WW 2 Austrian Styre Police holster.

[dusty texian]

Thanks for the Skidmore's suggestion , I'll look into getting some . ,,,DT

[Marshal Will Wingam]

The stuff is really a good product. It'll migrate all through the leather over a little time, moistening it all the way through.

It's good for other stuff, too. I brought life back into a piece of furniture with it, too. I have an old 1920's baseball bat (Louieville slugger) & mit to use it on, too.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

I'll second the Skidmores Leather Cream, I've been using it for years and haven't found anything better for maintaining and preserving leather...
tEN wOLVES 

[1961MJS]

HI

I've gone through a jar of Skidmore's and it works well.  I have a black tooled leather belt, colored with Vinegaroon, Extra Virgin Olive Oli, and Resolene (possibly half Resolene and half water).  It's been the recipient's daily wear belt since November 2020, and the Resolene on the back is a bit cracked.  My guess is that I should put another coat of Skidmore's on the back, let is dry, possibly smoothed it out with some Gun Tag and then a coat or two of half water and half Resolene.  Is there a better solution?

Thanks

[Professor Marvel]

I am not an expert, and I did not stay at a holiday innnn ....

But I have heard thru the grapevine that Ballistol may help leather if you can stand the aroma.

However, I too have and use Skidmore and also that archival wax stuff whatever its called.
Skidmire first over numerous days until it is no longer absorbed.

Then that good museum wax stuff.

Hope this helps

[Major 2]

Ballistol does work and softens leather

[1961MJS]

Hi, The leather is already soft, which makes me leery of using Ballistol.  I have all three products, Ballistol, Rennaissance wax, and Skidmore's.  I've never put the Rennaissance wax on Leather before though. 
Later

[Abilene]

I want to thank y'all for giving me the motivation to order Skidmores.  I have heard of it for years, and have some things that need attention.  The first thing I did was to apply it to my shooting boots.  I didn't seem to be very good at getting polish into the creases and folds, and was somewhat worried about those spots drying and cracking.  The boots in the pic were polished just before I wore them Saturday.  Even right after polishing, the dust in the folds was very visible.  Brushing didn't help much.  Boot on the right is after Skidmore application.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Great photo, Abilene. Thanks for the comparison. Skidmore's is great stuff. I put some on the leather collar on a vest and it looked great.

[Major 2]

I am not an expert, and I did not stay at a holiday innnn ....

But I have heard thru the grapevine that Ballistol may help leather if you can stand the aroma.

However, I too have and use Skidmore and also that archival wax stuff whatever its called.
Skidmire first over numerous days until it is no longer absorbed.

Then that good museum wax stuff.

Hope this helps

I believe the Good Prof. is speaking about Renaissance Wax ...

It is a fine product! for wood & metal rust & tarnish protectant. and works on leather even paper.

I've used Skidmores many years for leather finish, just Skidmores or dyed and coated with Skidmores.
I used the same Skidmore for wood finishing.

Ballistol was developed by the Germans prior to  WW1 for Gun cleaning, wood, metal & leather.
It also served the soldiers as a wound oil for minor injuries, lacerations and bruises.

Nothing will save leather from "red rot"  as the fibers have broken down and have weaken beyond service,
However, Ballistol can soften and allow said leather for display purpose, (no field use) a while longer.

[Abilene]

If using Ballistol on leather, just keep in mind (and Ballistol will tell you this) that lighter leather will turn darker.

[Major 2]

I used it to put an aged look to this Holster (replica WW1 French Ruby Holster)

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Cool photo of those guys in their blue uniforms. Dead center of the back isn't exactly quick draw but then I guess the belt could be slid around to access the pistol.

[Major 2]

There are several colorized photos on-line, they bring the Great War into view.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I didn't know they were available. That's pretty interesting.

[1961MJS]

Hi, I put 4 or 5 coats of Skidmore's on the back of the belt and 1 coat of Renaissance  Wax.  I wet the  back with distilled water and no color came off the Vinegaroon onto the paper towel.

Later