Will Softened Leather Retain Water

[johnwaynejeep]

I'm making a butt stock cover for my antique rifle out of softened elk leather. My concern is that the leather might absorb moisture in the air and promote wood rot and rust. Does leather retain moisture absorbed through the air?

I've never worked with leather before. I bought an elk hide and I'm gonna sew together a simple gun case, a buttstock cover, barrel cover and a possibles bag. I might cover my bow quiver if I have enough leather left over. My one concern is the water concern mentioned above. Aside from that, I'm really interested in getting started. Next year I plan on tanning my own hides too.

Also, for a possibles bag, I'm debating whether to keep the bag wide open or to sew in some seperators or even sew in individual pockets for each tool I carry. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Robert

[johnwaynejeep]

BTT

[Bob Blea]

Hello Robert, and welcome to the forum. I can't tell you anything about the possibles bag (not really sure what that is) but I wouldn't think you need to worry about absorbing moisture just from the air, especially in the dry climate you live in. I would worry about moisture from rain, sweat, etc, and I would recommend some sort of sealing coat on your leather. I haven't worked with elk hide but since you say it's soft I'm guessing that it's not vegtable tanned leather. There are MANY options for conditioning that type of leather but since I don't work with it, I'll have to let someone more knowledgeable with it answer that.

Bob