Finishing A Leather Sheath

[JakeKnives]

I have heard of people using boiled linseed oil on leather sheaths, Will danish oil work?

 

[Adam Buttry]

I've never heard of using either of those oils on leather.
I only use 2 different oils on my veg tanned leather sheaths. 100% pure Neatsfoot oil or Obenaufs leather oil. Nothing else.

 

[A.McPherson]

Try the “sheaths and such” section of this forum. They’ll have a bunch to say about it I’m sure!

 

[JakeKnives]

I've never heard of using either of those oils on leather.
I only use 2 different oils on my veg tanned leather sheaths. 100% pure Neatsfoot oil or Obenaufs leather oil. Nothing else.

Thanks,

 

[Scaniaman]

I have heard of people using boiled linseed oil on leather sheaths, Will danish oil work?

I'd be careful with those, you'll likely end up softening the sheath. On the sheaths I've made I never used any kind of oil for this reason. I think acrylic leather paint/dye followed by a coat of neutral shoe polish buffed on it gives nice results and sufficient water resistance.

 

[Horsewright]

I've never heard of using either of those wood finishes on leather. A very light coat of warmed pure neatsfoot oil during construction and then followed by a light coat of Fiebing's Bag Kote to finish. This gets your leather looking like leather. I recommend a paste type conditioner thereafter. Something like Skidmore's or Oakwood.

Edited to add:

Forgot to mention that on large articles I use the Oakwood as a finish not the Bag Kote.

 

[Kevin Kf knives]

I've never heard of using either of those wood finishes on leather. A very light coat of warmed pure neatsfoot oil during construction and then followed by a light coat of Fiebing's Bag Kote to finish. This gets your leather looking like leather. I recommend a paste type conditioner thereafter. Something like Skidmore's or Oakwood.

Edited to add:

Forgot to mention that on large articles I use the Oakwood as a finish not the Bag Kote.

The things you do with leather, don't seem like its humanly possible.

 

[Horsewright]

The things you do with leather, don't seem like its humanly possible.

Thanks!

 

[Tom Lewis]

Horsewright, I always really enjoy your pictures. Excellent work.

 

[Horsewright]

Horsewright, I always really enjoy your pictures. Excellent work.

Thanks Tom! Ya get a chance click on the Instagram link in my signature line. Ya don't have to have an IG account and you can view the pics on your computer. Lots and lots of pics, many of them, our stuff being used on our ranch.

 

[i4Marc]

Dave, does the Bag Kote provide the weather resistance or is that more of a surface finish? Have you used Montana Pitch Blend? If so, what are your impressions about its effectiveness or durability?

 

[Horsewright]

Dave, does the Bag Kote provide the weather resistance or is that more of a surface finish? Have you used Montana Pitch Blend? If so, what are your impressions about its effectiveness or durability?

The Bag Kote is more of a surface finish. Where I think it shines is in keeping dust etc out of the pores of leather. I have heard good things about Montana Pitch but have never used it.

One time I drove in to the ranch and saw our partner wading out to a water tank that the float had broken on. So I waded out to help him replace the float. We were standing in about a foot of water for bout 10 minutes doing our plumbing. When we were done my feet wet still dry. I'd conditioned my boots the day before with Oakwood. His boots were sponges. I do know ya can't make leather waterproof and have it remain leather but that was pretty darn good.

My fondness for cream type conditioners comes from my saddlemakers. A custom handmade saddle is really the only type that will hold up to the use and abuse that ranchers and working cowboys will put them through, on a daily basis, in all weathers. Base price on these guys anymore is about 5K. That's just for starters. I put down a $1,000 deposit yesterday on my next one to secure an April 2020 slot to start construction. All other slots prior were already taken. I'll owe another $5100 or so at that time. When ya hand a guy that kind of change and he says use Skidmores or RW Williams or Oakwood, ya kinda pay attention.