leather cream or leather conditioner

[stampingdelight]

what does everyone like leather cream or leather conditioner for use on items or does anyone like using both on items to keep in good shape for years to come? my under standing is conditioner is more to replenish oils to keep from getting dry why leather cream helps keep item looking nice, just wishing to keep my leather items in great shape so asking see what is best or if would hurt leather any if used both to keep it nice. always nice to get peoples thoughts and feelings. 

[billybopp]

The conditioner used depends on the type of leather and how the leather is being used!  For most of what I do, vegetable tanned leather used in belts, more rugged bags, etc I prefer a beeswax & neatfoot oil paste that I found here on LWN.  I want to say the recipe was posted by @Dwight.  I usually include some with every item that I make.  Smaller items get a lipstick container of it, bigger items either a cupcake paper cup about half-full or I'm starting to look into silicone molds for it.

For chrome tanned things that are newer and not dried out, I like Fiebings Aussie cream.  I've tried others that seem to be fine for that use too.

- Bill

[chuck123wapati]

Didn't you just ask this question? You're screwing with an old man's mind.

[DoubleKCustomLeathercraft]

I used to use nothing but neetsfoot oil, but have recently stumbled across something that is highly underrated. 

Montana leather company in Billings MT came out with their own blend of oil. It's called "montana pitch blend" leather conditioner. It will darken the leather, but so does neetsfoot oil. What i like about it is it seems to take very little oil to get great results. After applying, you let it set for a few them wipe off the excess. Give it a good big with a horse hair brush. It'll have a nice satin sheen at this time, but it's the feel of the leather afterwards that gets me. It'll have a nice velvety feel to it without any compromise of the leather's integrity. I highly recommend this blend for any veg tan project you may be working on.