Holster Care

Dwight Gruber · 08-01-2004, 06:27 PM

Going through some past copies of "Auto Mag" I ran across an article in the June 2002 (Vol. 35, #3) issue, a letter reprinted from the April 2002 issue of "Man at Arms" regarding proper leather preservation.

The article is from a PhD professor of biology and paleontology, who appears to have a lot of experience with leather holster and military accoutrement conservatory.

He clearly explains the scientific, biological reasons why leather (and wood) deteriorates, and why the practices of the users of leather goods run completely counter to the practices of those who would preserve them.

The article is lengthy and copyrighted, so I won't do more here than report the conclusion. Commercial or home-formulated leather "treatments" are intended for leather in use. The best treatment for conserving leather is to avoid any kind of application, simply brush it clean and keep it dry.

--Dwight

08-01-2004, 06:27 PM	#1
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,890 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,282 Times in 424 Posts	Holster Care Going through some past copies of "Auto Mag" I ran across an article in the June 2002 (Vol. 35, #3) issue, a letter reprinted from the April 2002 issue of "Man at Arms" regarding proper leather preservation. The article is from a PhD professor of biology and paleontology, who appears to have a lot of experience with leather holster and military accoutrement conservatory. He clearly explains the scientific, biological reasons why leather (and wood) deteriorates, and why the practices of the users of leather goods run completely counter to the practices of those who would preserve them. The article is lengthy and copyrighted, so I won't do more here than report the conclusion. Commercial or home-formulated leather "treatments" are intended for leather in use. The best treatment for conserving leather is to avoid any kind of application, simply brush it clean and keep it dry. --Dwight