US GI holster advice

Enfielder · May 4, 2020

This was found in a pile of junk and red squirrel walnuts in an outbuilding that was being cleanid out. It's very dry and stiff. Can I get some ideas as to what product to use to recondition the leather? I'm not intending to use it (much) but I believe in passing it on to the next generation in some sort respectable condition.

Bwana John · May 4, 2020

Saddle soap, followed by paste wax.

No petroleum products!

beag_nut · May 4, 2020

Neatsfoot oil.
Google to find your preferred vendor. A very basic and traditional way to both preserve and "moisturize" your leather. Back in the day every old-time hardware store had it on the shelf.
Saddle soap doesn't go deep enough, though it's good to top off after reconditioning.

Ironicaintit · May 4, 2020

I 2nd the neatsfoot oil. I had a couple of old holsters and rifle slings that were so dry and stiff that I was going to toss them out. After a liberal massaging of oil into them, they’re ready for use!

BBBBill · May 5, 2020

I used one of those for years when I was an ARMOR officer on M-60s and M-1s.

Blue68f100 · May 5, 2020

Dr Jackson Hide Rejuvenator is the best I have found. Next choice would be neatsfoot and mink oil.

https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/dr-jackson-s-hide-rejuvenator

Steve762us · May 5, 2020

Nice, the older brown version. I used Thompson's Water Seal on mine, good to go.

The newer black ones never seemed to break in, and straps were funky.

AlexanderA · May 5, 2020

beag_nut said:
Neatsfoot oil.

No. Neatsfoot oil tends to rot the stitching. I use Lexol.

Steve in Allentown · May 5, 2020

BBBBill said:
I used one of those for years when I was an ARMOR officer on M-60s and M-1s.

During my time as a tanker we used the later version of this holster that had a chest strap.

12Bravo20 · May 5, 2020

Another trick to get what ever you decide to use on the leather is to warm up the holster with a hair dryer. It doesn't need to get hot, just warm. That helps the oil/conditioner soak in better.

And I also used both the old and new style holsters while in the Army. We used them for both the 1911A1 and M9.

CapnMac · May 5, 2020

Peccards is a museum go-to, as is British Museum leather dressing.

beag_nut · May 5, 2020

AlexanderA said:
No. Neatsfoot oil tends to rot the stitching. I use Lexol.

Wrong.

Enfielder · May 6, 2020

I have been liberal with the neetsfoot oil. It's working but slowly. It was super thirsty. Unfortunately the shoulder strap parted. I suppose that I'll source a piece of leather and replace it using the original as a template. The holster part will shape up.

beag_nut · May 6, 2020

Enfielder said:
I have been liberal with the neetsfoot oil. It's working but slowly. It was super thirsty. Unfortunately the shoulder strap parted. I suppose that I'll source a piece of leather and replace it using the original as a template. The holster part will shape up.

Most of the old-time leather suppliers (and tools) have gone away, over time. One of the fairly reliable ones still in existence is Tandy Leather. You might even be able to find a local branch. Just google them. I have a semi-local branch, and when I order online that branch is the one which ships to me. By the way, I adore leather. If you lived close by, or if I revisited the Finger Lakes (horseback riding) I would give you a pint of the neatsfoot for free.

Enfielder · May 7, 2020

beag_nut said:
Most of the old-time leather suppliers (and tools) have gone away, over time. One of the fairly reliable ones still in existence is Tandy Leather. You might even be able to find a local branch. Just google them. I have a semi-local branch, and when I order online that branch is the one which ships to me. By the way, I adore leather. If you lived close by, or if I revisited the Finger Lakes (horseback riding) I would give you a pint of the neatsfoot for free.

We have a Tandy up in Syracuse. It's about an hour and a half from me. They are my first stop.

DocRock · May 7, 2020

That's very recoverable. Cool find. Congratulations!

Saddle soap to gently clean it up, Neatsfoot oil to rejuvenate, and a larger paste wax or black powder lube to protect.

Double_J · May 8, 2020

Please make sure you use PURE neatsfoot oil. There are 2 types and you want the pure version, the other works but is not as effective. Many years ago I worked a part time job at Tandy leather and learned a lot about resurrecting old leather. Take your time and be liberal with the oil, and let the leather tell you when it is done.

Spats McGee · May 8, 2020

AlexanderA said:
No. Neatsfoot oil tends to rot the stitching. I use Lexol.

I was going to ask about Lexol. I know it's used for the leather sweatbands inside hats, but it took me a few days to remember the name. (I haven't actually used any in several years.)

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