Oil for Shagreen Grip On Antique British Saber

[Squalembrato]

What oil or leather conditioner would expert forum members recommend to use when restoring shagreen grips on antique Wilkinson and Pillin Victorian British sabers. I have googled this and seen collectors recommend everything from baby oil, 3 in 1 oil, exotic leather (reptile, sharkskin) conditioner, Museum Wax. Matt Easton, Schola Gladiatoria on YouTube used Brasso to polish the grip wire and shagreen. The consensus seems to be that shagreen is like any other leather and you can use whatever conditioner or oil you prefer. What do you think?

 

[horseclover]

How about fish oil?

Pick one. I would avoid 3-in-1 for leathers/organics but Matthew Forde touts it as plausible.

Antique Sword Cleaning — Forde Military Antiques

How and when to clean up antique arms and armour is, by far, the most common question I receive. Each collector has their own preferences—some like to leave their items completely untouched while others will happily embrace full-on restoration. For me, the correct level of cleaning lies somewhere in

www.fordemilitaryantiques.com

Show your project?

There is a huge difference between cleaning and conservation vs restoration. A very subjective matter.

I use a lot of Pecard's, which is mostly white spirits and beeswax but I do use fish oil on fishy stuff. Some swear by lanolin (which has its own merits).

Cheers
GC