Basic Holster care question (Hardshell)

[RShaw]

Hi All,

I have two holsters- a 1914-1918 P08 - and a 1942 P38 both in good condition, stitching in basically good shape with a few chafe spots only.

I would like to prevent the leather's drying out and cracking- also need to keep the straps supple.

I went to a leather furniture outlet- they had all kinds of leather care products, but none seems to do the simple job I describe above. Would simple "leather wax" work? or beeswax?

Thanks!

[wlyon]

I personally like Connolly's the best. Also had good luck with KIWI's Leather Lotion. Bill

[lugerholsterrepair]

Search both Forums..There is a wealth of information about this subject. Collector holsters are much different from leather furniture. Different leather and different use. Different from shoes and boots too..Remember this..leather holsters are like a sponge. They absorb things you may put on but once on..not so easily off. Think hard about what you plan to put on.
The good thing about Bill's suggestion is that Connolly's is a lanolin that is found and extracted naturally from sheep hide. It only penetrates the very surface where you want to stop cracking. Hand creams are made of the same stuff.

[RShaw]

Ahh Thank you!!

[Edward Tinker]

to add to the above - any leather 'conditioner" that makes the leather supple and sof is actually breaking down the leather, that is how it makes it soft. You will hear folks extol the virtues of mik oil or blackrock or the like. I too like Connolys and the only drawback (but true of anything you add) is that it will slightly darken the leather. On the other hand, if you have any scuffs or bangs, this evens out the look.

Like most things old, less is better - less oil, less conditioner etc.

Ed

[RShaw]

Thank you Ed
I didn't know about the breakdown of leather being the reason the leather is softened. I haven't put anything on these 2 holsters yet- I hope I can find Connolly's here. Would you know the full name of this product? Thanks a lot!

[lugerholsterrepair]

I didn't know about the breakdown of leather being the reason the leather is softened.

Ed is right..in hard shell holsters like the P08 and the P38 they are wet molded to shape. The leather fibers are formed wet and when dried..lock into place. This form is disrupted many ways..flex can break the fibers..or loosen them. A deep penetrating oil can loosen them making the leather lose it's shape and become soft and floppy. That's why LANOLIN is good for hard shell items. It does not penetrate past the epidermis into the leather fibers.

As Ed says the leather can darken some when lanolin is applied but that is natural and normal. The reason a lot of holsters are so light colored is nothing has ever been applied and the leather/color is losing it's essential moisturizers..becoming lighter, essentially bleached. When this happens..the surface is like a dry lake bed. The surface cracks even without flexing. ANY flex cracks the surface epidermis and once cracked there is NO fix. ONLY a preventative application of lanolin can stop this from happening. IF you get there in time.

The product you are looking for is easily purchased on eBay.
"Connolly's Hide Care"

[RShaw]

Thanks a lot Jerry... I'll look for Conolly's Hide Care on eBay.... Thanks for the help!

[RShaw]

Connolly's ..

[Edward Tinker]

Originally Posted by RShaw

Connolly's ..

that too

A small amount will last you for years - I have used it on many holsters and given away some at shows to friends.

[RShaw]

Thank you!!

[rhuff]

What I have had and used for many years, especially on leather interiors, is Connolly Hide Food.

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by lugerholsterrepair

The good thing about Bill's suggestion is that Connolly's is a lanolin that is found and extracted naturally from sheep hide. It only penetrates the very surface where you want to stop cracking. Hand creams are made of the same stuff.

If 100% Lanolin is what you wish to try, check your local drugstore for a 100% Lanolin lotion used by nursing mothers.

I don't know how it affects holsters, but I can assure you that it leaves women's skin soft and smooth.

[RShaw]

Great ideas! I'll get busy on finding these...

[hayhugh]

I went looking for Lanolin in the drugstore and they wanted almost $8.00 for a little tube (1/2 oz.?) Looked on eBay and bought a small tub for about $5.00.

[RShaw]

$5 for a tub?? That's hard to beat.... thanks!

[lugerholsterrepair]

I have tried pure lanolin and it's a little thick for my purposes although I am sure it would be manageable if you got used to it. The trick I use often enough is mild heat. Put a little on a soft toothbrush an work on applying a light coat. No matter how thin you get it..it will appear tacky and stay on top. Place it in the sun, a warm car or lightly wave it under a hair dryer and it will glisten and disappear. Don't apply a heavy coat. A little goes a long way. Connelly's Hide Care has a mineral spirit dryer mixed into it which makes it easier ..for me anyway, A jar of it lasts me 6 months or more but I use it every day.

[RShaw]

Ahh OK!! Am thinking mainly about the connector between the top flap and the body of the holster- each time that top flap is raised, it flexes that connector- which can start cracking.... it's not a problem now- but could be. Thanks!!

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by lugerholsterrepair

No matter how thin you get it [Lanolin]..it will appear tacky and stay on top. Place it in the sun, a warm car or lightly wave it under a hair dryer and it will glisten and disappear. Don't apply a heavy coat.

I used a floodlight to 'melt' it into my old baseball glove. You can tell it has been absorbed instantly.

[RShaw]

Looked for Lanolin earlier today at a body care place.... but- no go.
I'll have a try in eBay )