Any way to fix little cracks/tears like this? Advice or suggestions?

[dave13]

So, i have a 12 year old Filson bag that is very valuable and sentimental to me, and I am really hoping there is something I can do to fix this problem with the belt holes in the strap.

Realized the other day, that on the leather strap, the adjustment holes have some cracking around them, only in the surface “skin”, and not affecting the integrity of the leather.  

But the cracks really bother me, and would like to do something to improve it a bit if I can and help prolong it for the future.

 

i was thinking about ordering one of those leather dye repair kits with the glue/filler, but a lot of reviews say the stuff doesn’t work for all that long and eventually wears off.  

But ive seen videos of it being used on car seats, so obviously it’s flexible and strong enough to be flexed over and over.

This is Filson bridle leather.  The cracks are only seen if I flex the leather, so i am thinking perhaps some filler or glue or even some type of flexible epoxy type stuff would work if it bonds, just to “cover up” these tiny cracks around the holes.

 

i know it’s probably silly, but if there is anything at all I can do, I would love to hear.   Open to all suggestions.   Thanks in advance for any help, this bag is pretty valuable to me and would love to be able to cover this up and even strengthen it if possible.   

I can always dye or paint the filler when it dries, since the cracks are so small I don’t think it would be noticeable.

 

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Edited July 6, 2018 by dave13

[Mark842]

You would have to replace the strap. The fibers on the surface of the leather are torn and any filler or other garbage you would try to fill it with would be just that...garbage.  Filson's "iconic Bridle leather" is Wicket & Craig Bridle leather. That means there are hordes of leather craftsman, probably quite a few in these forums, that could make you a replacement strap the same of the same quality

[dave13]

6 hours ago, Mark842 said:

You would have to replace the strap. The fibers on the surface of the leather are torn and any filler or other garbage you would try to fill it with would be just that...garbage.  Filson's "iconic Bridle leather" is Wicket & Craig Bridle leather. That means there are hordes of leather craftsman, probably quite a few in these forums, that could make you a replacement strap the same of the same quality

Thanks for the reply, and that's what I was fearing.   The only thing, is that this bag is aged at least 12 years now, and if I were to get a new leather strap I wonder if it would match the leather on the bag itself.   

[chrisash]

Maybe treating it to a good leather cream would bring it back to life and give more years , but unfortunately the cracks are there to stay but do add caricature 

You could inform the maker and they may repair  free to protect their great name

Edited July 7, 2018 by chrisash

[dave13]

Thank you again.   I think I will do that.  If I send the bag in to the company, I don't see why they couldn't find me a strap that exactly matches the leather on the bag.