Ambassador abn Posted November 4, 2010 Ambassador Report Posted November 4, 2010 Much like the experience of others who have posted to this thread, I've used both extra-virgin olive oil and pure neatsfoot oil over the years. I have no problem whatsoever with neatsfoot oil, but find that EVOO is lighter and seems to penetrate easier -- meaning I have to apply less. I also notice that EVOO darkens leather less than neatsfoot oil. I've owned, used and otherwise followed leather items treated with EVOO over the past seven years, and I've never seen any problems (rancidity or other). I think either one works fine, and the selection of which to use is simply personal preference. Quote
Members Leerwerker Posted November 5, 2010 Members Report Posted November 5, 2010 Leather Chemists Forum Would you mind sharing a link to the leather chemist forum? Thanks, Ann Quote JOhan ------------------------------------------- ****Afrikaans: Leerwerker ***** ****Zulu: lesikhumba isisebenzi Latvian: ādas darba ņēmējs *****Russian: кожа работника ****English: Leatherworker ****Dutch: Lederbewerker ****Flemish: Leerbewerker ****Hebrew: עור פועל ****German: Leder Handwerker ****Hungarian: Bőrdíszműves ****Turkish: deri işçisi ****French: Artisan du Cuir ****Spanish: Artesano de Cuero ****Norwegian: Skinn kunstners ****Swedish: Läderhantverkare ****Greek: δερμάτινα εργαζόμενος Sotho: mosebeletsi oa letlalo
Members CampbellRandall Posted November 5, 2010 Members Report Posted November 5, 2010 My father is an old saddle maker, and he has used a variety of oils over the years, including neat's foot, olive and even vegetable oils. Pure neat's foot is a good oil, but expensive. He would often use olive oil as an alternative for some projects; however vegetable based oils have one flaw - they can attract rodents. This might not be a big deal for a hobbiest or holster maker, but a big problem for an expensive custom made saddle that is stored in a barn. Quote
Members JRedding Posted November 6, 2010 Members Report Posted November 6, 2010 My father is an old saddle maker, and he has used a variety of oils over the years, including neat's foot, olive and even vegetable oils. Pure neat's foot is a good oil, but expensive. He would often use olive oil as an alternative for some projects; however vegetable based oils have one flaw - they can attract rodents. This might not be a big deal for a hobbiest or holster maker, but a big problem for an expensive custom made saddle that is stored in a barn. I've never had this problem so I just never thought of it, talk about learn something new everyday, I did have a customers new saddle that had a run in with a rat in Texas but it was just neatsfoot oiled, is there anything about it that attracts rodents that you know of or was that likely just a meal of opportunity? I mean I have seen rats get under the hood of a Ford truck and pretty much eat everything except the engine block. Quote
Ambassador abn Posted November 6, 2010 Ambassador Report Posted November 6, 2010 I've never had this problem so I just never thought of it, talk about learn something new everyday, I did have a customers new saddle that had a run in with a rat in Texas but it was just neatsfoot oiled, is there anything about it that attracts rodents that you know of or was that likely just a meal of opportunity? I mean I have seen rats get under the hood of a Ford truck and pretty much eat everything except the engine block. Agreed. I've had mice shred old carpets in my basement, shred synthetic flowers, and eat just about anything. Rodents will go after leatherwork, too -- regardless of the type of oil used in finishing. Quote
Members CampbellRandall Posted November 6, 2010 Members Report Posted November 6, 2010 It may just be coincidence, or an "old leather workers tale." It made sense to me. If the oil smelled more like food, I would think the rodents would be more prone to take a nibble. My background is in metal and grease, so I'll defer the last word to the guys with the experience. Quote
Members gary jackson Posted August 7, 2011 Members Report Posted August 7, 2011 I've never had this problem so I just never thought of it, talk about learn something new everyday, I did have a customers new saddle that had a run in with a rat in Texas but it was just neatsfoot oiled, is there anything about it that attracts rodents that you know of or was that likely just a meal of opportunity? I mean I have seen rats get under the hood of a Ford truck and pretty much eat everything except the engine block. Kia Ora, an addition of 5% Kerosine will rodent proof saddle oil. Quote
Members Wishful Posted August 7, 2011 Members Report Posted August 7, 2011 For those of you who may be inclined to dig in and research this topic, I came across an old book on archive.org called "The application of oils and grease to leather" from 1919 Application of OIls & Grease . If you do, please report back a summary of findings . Quote
Members Spence Posted August 7, 2011 Members Report Posted August 7, 2011 My father is an old saddle maker, and he has used a variety of oils over the years, including neat's foot, olive and even vegetable oils. Pure neat's foot is a good oil, but expensive. He would often use olive oil as an alternative for some projects; however vegetable based oils have one flaw - they can attract rodents. This might not be a big deal for a hobbiest or holster maker, but a big problem for an expensive custom made saddle that is stored in a barn. Adding a drop or two of kerosene to the EVOO will keep the varmints away. Quote Spence Mendoza, TX, USA
Members Kevin Posted August 7, 2011 Members Report Posted August 7, 2011 Castor oil is supposed to keep vermin away. Kevin Quote
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