Getting That Greasy "oil Tanned" Feeling

[LilyLambda]

First post!

In the gay leather community the most highly regarded leather feel/type is always called "oil tanned." I've noticed it's a pretty ambiguous and inexact term. Everything from chamois to leathers that have been given a good grease rub-down seems to get called oil-tanned.

So without getting into definitions, how do I get that rough greasy feel of "oil-tanned" leathers? Wesco, Chippewa, and Carolina boots are some outstanding examples of the feel I'm going for. Pretty much anything (belts, chest harnesses, sam browns, arm cuffs, etc) made from a high-end gear manufacturer like Mr S Leather in San Francisco also has that feeling (warning: their site models the stuff in rather pornographic ways!). The gear feels rough and greasy and never has a discernible hard finish if you turn it on its side.

1. Tanning: are oil-tanned leathers chrome-tanned? I believe that's how Wescos are made, but I'm not sure. I'm using 8oz vege-tan straps, so I have no options on that point.
   
2. Dying: I've surface dyed it many coats around with Fiebings pro oil dye to get good penetration. Looks very black now.
   
3. Finishing: should I use Bag Kote? It seems like one of the most matte options. The angelus acrylic ones look way hard/shiny from my tests, even the matte one.
   
4. Getting the greasy feeling: what should I add to encourage that supple greasy feeling I'm used to? Check out my profile to see the products I frequently use as a bootblack to maintain these garments. Maybe they'll give you a hint as to what I'm getting at.
   

Any ideas appreciated!

[ramrod]

speaking from personal experience, i've gotten a somewhat soft and, i guess i'd call it a greasy feeling, from leather when i've treated it with neetsfoot oil. now, that being said, i believe too much of the stuff is not good for the hide. i think i've read that on here before. but i must have put on a healthy amoount to get the oily feel that you are talking about. someone else might want to weigh in.

as far as tanning goe, i believe that oil tanned leather is chrome tanned.

as an afterthought, you might want to look into pull up leather. it had a greasy feel to it, although i'm not sure how well it does being used as a garment leather.

[LilyLambda]

Thanks for the advice. Definitely lines up with what I've been able to piece together. (My do I wish there was more tanning information out there!)

I ended up putting on bag kote -> neatsfoot oil -> obenauf's oil.

Hopefully in time with wear and additional oil applications it will get a more greasy feel.

[silverwingit]

You might try one of Montana Pitch Blend leather conditioners. They are a mix of bee's wax, pine pitch and oils. I use it when I want to "waterproof" a piece. They leave an oily/waxy feel that might simulate the leather you want. If you use Bag Kote the further treatments may or may not penetrate the leather.

However, vegtan, IMHO, is the wrong leather to be using. It is a poor citizen in the application you want. It's too stiff and reacts very poorly to getting the least bit wet, including perspiration.

Why not just purchase actual chrome dyed leather? There are several options for what you want. Leathertanneries and vendors sell chrome-tanned leather that is specifically made for motorcycle garments. There are other garment or upholstery leathers as well, and I like one called, "supersoft" that Weaver sells. It is nice and thick yet supple and flexible. It would make very comfortable clothing. And, no finishing is required.

At least that's the way I see it.

Michelle

Edited October 18, 2014 by silverwingit

[electrathon]

Are you making any of these or are they all ones you buy? If you are making them you just need to buy the correct leather. If you are trying to change something you already bought, try a shoe sealer, like dr jacksons ( my first choice) or snow seal.