Saltwater & Leather

[Bondurant]

Im working on some new projects like knife holsters and mostly they are for usage in a freshwater tropical environment, namely, the Everglades. At the same time I have some stuff that is saltwater maritime and I do not want to go to kydex so I was trying to figure out the best way, if there is even a way, to prepare leather so it can be dipped in and out of saltwater during normal maritime uses, fishing, sailing, boating, and such.

My first thought was to just do my normal thing and heavily treat with SnoSeal or a similar product. It seems to me the thing to do would to be to try and close the cells or fill them. I normally sew with natural thread coated in wax but second guessing that too. Ultimatley I would like to find a workable solution so I can make all holsters and sheaths the same without having to say this is for saltwater, this is for freshwater.

Any experiences or ideas on the subject would be awesome. I know all the old sailers used leather holsters and sheaths, its just they did not hold up so great. I would like to improve on the wearability if possible. Thanks in advance.

[Alamo]

Maybe dip it in hot wax?

[Leela Valley Leather]

Yeah, hot dipping in a suitable wax would be one of my choices, the second would be something like a liquid paraffin bath. Maybe a mix of wax and the liquid paraffin?

[Bondurant]

Maybe dip it in hot wax?

Alamo, Thanks, video was awsome and gives me a great place to start. Will let you know how things work out.

[Bondurant]

Yeah, hot dipping in a suitable wax would be one of my choices, the second would be something like a liquid paraffin bath. Maybe a mix of wax and the liquid paraffin?

Leela Valley, thanks for the comments, Im going to start checking on some wax and see what I can get,,,,,,,,,, will let you know what I come up with,,,,,,,,

[Alamo]

Sounds good, keep us updated.

I'm interested to see your results!

[KurseD]

Not sure about treatments, but I've had lots of experience with combat boots being submerged in saltwater for long periods of time. The boots were standard G.I. black boots that were around since the 60s. When they would dry, the salt would come to the top of the boot and crackle. It looked like the salt and water were merely messing up the last coating of kiwi and not really affecting the leather. We would just clean them with warm water and a soft bristle brush and re-apply a sturdy coat of black kiwi polish. They actually held up great with very little care and I still wear them sometimes with no issues. I think you'll find less is more, let the pores breathe and the leather should somewhat care for itself.