Are there ways to 'soften up' leather on a repo holster?
 

I have a question for the leather experts out there. I picked up a repo leather Luger and P38 holster (like you see on ebay) for about 30.00 a piece. The holsters are stitched nicely and fit well, but are stiff as a board. I was wondering if there was a process to soften up the leather? I have a 1944 P38 holster and it is soft and supple. I would like to do that to these repo's. Any ideas would be sincerely appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

Mark, You might try Neatsfoot Oil. It was developed to soften up stiff new leather soles on shoes. Normally I would not recommend it on a vintage holster as it would soften up the hardshell. But since thats whats needed...

This is the best I can come up with untill you find a leather expert.

If you do this, let me know what happens.

Jerry Burney

It will be hard to find one with more experience and know how on holsters than Jerry!!

I swear by some stuff called Fiebings "Care - 4". It has lanolin, bees wax, neatsfoot oil, and saddle soap in it. I use it on everything. Furniture, clothing, car seats, etc.

DO NOT use a silicone based saddle oil. It will ruin the hard shell

FN

Hi Mark, When I was a lad, growing up in England, we used to use a product called Dubbin, to soften and waterproof our all leather soccer boots. This stuff is still available on the internet. Regards, Norm