How To Soften Old Holster?

[chadwimc]

I just found a new(but thirty years old) holster for my Smith and Wesson hand ejector. It has sat wrapped for many years. How can I soften the leather a little bit?

[GunCat]

"Mink oil" rubbed in the leather generally works well. You can find it at most tack stores.

[kycowboy]

saddle soap

[westkybanded]

I just found a new(but thirty years old) holster for my Smith and Wesson hand ejector. It has sat wrapped for many years. How can I soften the leather a little bit?

BE CAREFUL!!! I don't know what type of finish your smith has, but I've seen more than once where certain oils meant for leather have "odd" effects on older nickel and blue finishes. With the way smith and wesson prices have been going up, you wouldn't want to ruin a potentially valuable collector piece.

[KYVarminthunter]

Hand Rub extra virgin olive oil into the leather.

[trust me]

I use mink oil on mine and have no problem on blue, nickel, or stainless finishes, but these guns are not stored in the holsters. The time spent in the holster is limited to the time that it is on my hip. Storage is separate, because leather could contain some acids from the tanning process, hold moisture, etc.

[BigDaddy]

Barbarsol Shaving Cream works well on all my leather. Very cheap (88 cents) and softens well.

[C.L.Button]

I use mink oil on mine and have no problem on blue, nickel, or stainless finishes, but these guns are not stored in the holsters. The time spent in the holster is limited to the time that it is on my hip. Storage is separate, because leather could contain some acids from the tanning process, hold moisture, etc.

Good advice there. I do not store mine holstered either. ;)

[newshooter05]

i have seen some beautiful guns ruined by leaving em in holsters and gun cases. it will harm them in a short time .i believe there are 2 ways to tan leather . vegetable tanning won't do as much harm to finishes as the old way of tanning .

if u work saddle soap and some mink oil or boot softner into the leather it may come soft. leather does rot so it depends on how dried out it is.

i just want to add also that if u ever need to oil a clock wheel or a small part for a firearm u can do what clock makers do . they use a lub. from the liver of a shark which is the best in the world to lub with. this oil also comes off your nose. where the nose meets the face u can wipe that natural oil on a small gun part and u have used a oil that costs a fortune when purchased by closk makers.some kinda useless info .
david

[chadwimc]

"Real" pipe smokers rub their pipe bowls on the side of their nose. Supposed to be good for the curing and break in process...