Molding problem

[nobearsyet]

Last night I destroyed the sheath that came with my beloved buck folding knife, so I did what anybody on here would do, I made a new one, but I am having a slight problem (that may just be nothing but I figure it doesn't hurt ot ask) I wetted the leather with my usual method for when some thing needs molded (held it under the spiggot in the kitchen until it was thoroughly soaked) and slipped my knife into a Ziploc bag and shoved it in the sheath, set it on my dresser until morning and low and behold, it's still too wet to carry after sitting for about 12 hours, never had this happen before, did I do something wrong? BTW, I have molded a lot of things this way, this is the first time i ever had a problem. HELP!!!!please.

[Dwight]

Nobears, . . . I make handgun holsters, . . . and often they are very carefully molded, and in very high detail.

I only use the weapon long enough to get the shape, . . . extract the weapon, . . . and either lay in the sun to dry (through my kitchen window), . . . hang it over the wood stove (in the winter), . . . but I NEVER leave the item the holster for a prolonged time.

Once the molding has taken place, . . . remove the item, . . . allow air to get to all sides.

I also do as you did, . . . the big soak trick, . . . but I always allow it to do what I call "flash dry" by just letting it sit by itslef for about 6 to 8 minutes before the molding process starts, . . . and I get really good results.

Often, my item is dry in less than a couple of hours.

May God bless,

Dwight

[BarryKing]

Dwight has a good point on the molding, by taking the item out. While it is drying, reinsert the item a few times throughout the process. The leather tends to shrink, so you need to do this a few times, or the item may not fit again.

Try using a fan or hairdryer to speed dry. I use a fan all the time so I don't have to twiddle my thumbs while waiting for the right temper when tooling.

You should be careful with using the sun. It will suntan the leather just like your skin. I use this method too darken leather when I am looking for a deep, rich tan without using any dyes, just oil.

Also, if you leave the item in the leather while wet, the plastic bag will sweat with moisture. This may make for an unhappy customer if you have their blued pistol in the bag.

[nobearsyet]

I'll keep that in mind, but as luck would have it I wound up having to scrap the project for an unforeseen problem (i'e' I mispunched the snap on the top and nothing lined up, but I'll be trying it again soon)