Olive Oil Vs Neetsfoot Oil

[abn]

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.

[Leerwerker]

Leather Chemists Forum

Would you mind sharing a link to the leather chemist forum?

Thanks,

Ann

[CampbellRandall]

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.

[JRedding]

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.

[abn]

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.

[CampbellRandall]

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.

[gary jackson]

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.

[Wishful]

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 .

[Spence]

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.

[Kevin]

Castor oil is supposed to keep vermin away.

Kevin