Can you restore old, dry and weak leather?

[DavidH1827]

Hi everyone, I'm pretty new to leatherworking, I've only made a few things at this point and I'm still quite the novice. However, I'm very eager to learn. At th moment I have a Solingen knife, made in Germany, with the original leather sheath. The knife itself needs some TLC but the sheath is what I'm here for. It's from the 50's and it hasn't been taken care of at all. It's got stains on it, the leather itself is very dry and weak. I went to pop the leather buckle open so I could use the knife and part of the leather strap for the buckle ripped right off. What I want to know is if there's a way to restore it to strength or if it would be better to just make a new one? Any help is greatly appreciated. I will post before and after pics if it's agreeable. 

[ChasCS]

Yes, there are several great products that bring life back into dry leather. Perhaps how effective they work, is how far gone is the leather?

Try pure Neetsfoot Oil, it's a good choice. So are the Lexol products. Some old western saddles are still in great shape, having been taken good care of, through the centuries. 

Since we are in the leather hobby or business, why not build yourself a nice new knife sheath/case?  Do both. ;-)

 

Chas

[DavidH1827]

Fantastic! Thank you very much. I think I probably will do both the restore and make a fully new sheath more customized to my liking. What stores would I buy those products at? 

[zuludog]

I recently did the same thing with an old knife that was made in Sheffield, and the company ceased manufacturing in 1955

All the knife really needed was a good clean up & sharpen, but the sheath was in very poor condition so I made a new one. I could tell that although the knife was well made the sheath was just a basic commercially made one, which was another reason for replacing it - you can do better yourself

Search YouTube for 'making a leather knife sheath'. There are lots of videos; those by Ian Atkinson/Leodis Leather and Jacklore are good, but the more you watch the more ideas & advice you will pick up. YouTube and these sections of this forum will show you the basics - Getting Started; Tools; and Hand Sewing.

Tandy is the best known supplier for hobby leatherwork, but I'm sure American members will be along to give you more advice

I use 3 to 3,5 mm veg tan leather to make my sheaths. To start with, Tandy's ready waxed nylon thread will be OK. I suggest you browse YT & this forum to get an idea of what & how, then visit a Tandy store to see what they have to say. You don't have to dye the leather; natural veg tan that has just been oiled or greased can look attractive, and will gradually acquire its own shades & patina

Do not be tempted to get a Tandy beginners kit for tools & equipment as it will have things you don't need, and conversely there will be things you need that it won't have. In particular, the 4-in-1 awl isn't very good, you're better off getting a fixed blade awl, and a few other tools as you need them

You might like this forum http://edgematters.uk

Edited November 17, 2017 by zuludog

[DavidH1827]

Awesome, very useful info. I really appreciate it. I'm leaning more towards just making a new sheath and customizing it to my daily needs. I hadn't thought of looking up videos on YouTube but that's a great idea. Thanks again, I really appreciate the help and advice. :-) 

[ChasCS]

17 hours ago, DavidH1827 said:

Fantastic! Thank you very much. I think I probably will do both the restore and make a fully new sheath more customized to my liking. What stores would I buy those products at? 

Neetsfoot oil can be bought at or through the Tandy Leather stores.

I also bought my Lexol at Tandy, but not sure if they still carry it.

Hang on, let me call our local store. Un momento!!

ok, just got off the phone with Anthony, store manager.

They no longer carry Lexol products, but look for Dr.Jackson Hide Rejuvinator.

From his description, that stuff works wonders, even on bone dry leather.

& you can find your local or nearest Lexol dealers from their website. http://www.lexol.com

Good luck, and have fun...

Chas

 

 

 

 

Edited November 17, 2017 by ChasCS

[DavidH1827]

Sweet! I didn't honestly think I would get much help on sites like these. People I've come into contact with seem to want to keep they're methods and products to themselves. I'm glad that it isn't the case with everyone, lol. 

Edited November 19, 2017 by DavidH1827

[Squilchuck]

Most Lexol products can be bought at ranch supply stores in the horse section.  Try one of their cleaners or plain saddle soap.  Neatsfoot oil is my choice for conditioning, but I also like Feibings 4-way care spray. The Al Stohlman 3-book series on case making, available at Tandy, will tell you everything you need to know In detail about making custom cases and lots of basic leather working techniques.  Volume 1 covers making custom knife  sheaths. Have fun! --John  PS  I got started w a Tandy starter kit and think it a good way to get started wo having to start from zero re tools and techniques.  The kits and books are often on sale.  Watch Tandy website  

[DavidH1827]

11 minutes ago, Squilchuck said:

Most Lexol products can be bought at ranch supply stores in the horse section.  Try one of their cleaners or plain saddle soap.  Neatsfoot oil is my choice for conditioning, but I also like Feibings 4-way care spray. The Al Stohlman 3-book series on case making, available at Tandy, will tell you everything you need to know In detail about making custom cases and lots of basic leather working techniques.  Volume 1 covers making custom knife  sheaths. Have fun! --John  PS  I got started w a Tandy starter kit and think it a good way to get started wo having to start from zero re tools and techniques.  The kits and books are often on sale.  Watch Tandy website  

Awesome, thank you very much John! I'll definitely be buying the books when I get back from being on the road. Those starter kits for tools look like they'd be helpful. Thanks again!

[tdiller]

On 11/16/2017 at 3:55 PM, DavidH1827 said:

Hi everyone, I'm pretty new to leatherworking, I've only made a few things at this point and I'm still quite the novice. However, I'm very eager to learn. At th moment I have a Solingen knife, made in Germany, with the original leather sheath. The knife itself needs some TLC but the sheath is what I'm here for. It's from the 50's and it hasn't been taken care of at all. It's got stains on it, the leather itself is very dry and weak. I went to pop the leather buckle open so I could use the knife and part of the leather strap for the buckle ripped right off. What I want to know is if there's a way to restore it to strength or if it would be better to just make a new one? Any help is greatly appreciated. I will post before and after pics if it's agreeable. 

Depending on the maker of the knife (several different knife makers from Solingen) and it's value you might not want to try restoring the leather. If the sheath is not from the same maker as the knife, I'd say go for it. If it is and the knife is form a maker of some notoriety I would think twice before restoring it.  Solingen was a knife making center in Germany for several years ( I have a knife from a solingen maker commemorating their 150th year) as well as several others from the area. Luckily these knives were never used even if I got them as an eight year ld kid  from family in Germany so they are still in new condition. Including the sheath.  I'd suggest making a replacement sheath and keep the original. If you can find out more about the knife and maker before trying to restore the sheath that would help you make a decision on it.