Soft Leather Goods

[n5yzv]

I am new to leather working. Naturally, I was drawn initially to holsters and such. I am wanting to make something such as a tote or other type bags. I see there are conditioners such as neatsfoot oil and lexol. I bought some neatsfoot oil, and well, it does great, but not very on the "nice leather smell" side.

So my question is, should I just start off with a piece of leather that is already "pliable" or condition as needed? Also, some examples of what you would use with what type of project. I could imagine the neatsfoot oil would be great for chaps or boots. My wife made it clear to me, she loved the way a test scrap treated with neatsfoot oil looked, but didn't care for the smell. Lexol dunno. I have done a little with beeswax, oil dyes and such.

I am learning for my own benefit, enjoying the craft.

Thanks!

Mark

[Matt S]

Describing a smell is always difficult but the traditional leather smell with which I am familiar is a result of using fish oils on the leather. (Yep I was sceptical at first too.) The initial smell is not... great but after a few days the oils fully oxidise and leave "that" leather smell. Cod oil from the health food aisle works fine.

Edited October 27, 2013 by Matt S