Greetings, what is/has been the best way to care for a Leather Holster? When i was young in baseball (70s) and beyond, Mink oil was recommended for Leather items - of course i didn’t own any firearms then but had ball gloves, boots & dress shoes of leather etc
What is best for the exterior? I realize it would be crazy to do anything to the interior of the holster, just seeking advice, TY
I exclusively use Muddy River Tactical Leather IWBs. I saddle soap them when I get them, then I do nothing. I let the oils from my body take care of the rest. So far 5-6 years in, they seem to be weathering just fine.
Don’t oil leather holsters, especially don’t use Neatsfoot oil compound, which will not only soften the leather, but rot the stitching as well…
Use a good saddle soap for cleaning, and a wax, like Piccard’s for preserving/weatherproofing.
I hope nobody is thinking about soaking holster in the oil
Leather holster should be only soaked once with water to fit to the firearm and then only light touch of “something of your choice” to preserve the exterior.
I got tired of the prices of leather holsters so, I decided to make my own. Fits like a glove and secure. I use the same thing I used to spit shine my military boots, old school style spit shine. I also made my own holster belt with two layers of leather glued and sewed together. Twice as thick as a Hanks belt.
My first pure Kydex was used for M&P9 and once I found it completely fine I never came back to leather / boltaron combo holsters.
All my new or replacement holsters are Kydex now.
I have liked Urban Carry, but they are a bit generic. I really like Hidden Hybrid Holsters. They are leather against the body and kydex for the firearm. Custom made in Ohio.
Let’s the see the difference, so nobody is confused…
Neatsfoot oil is pure oil, derived from the hooves and shin bones of cows. Neatsfoot oil compound is neatsfoot oil mixed with synthetic oil, usually petroleum-based. (some people say compound contains sulfur… which is not good for leather)
Pure neatsfoot oil makes leather more supple, which is why it’s used on tack (saddlery) which needs to be supple—who’d want to drive a horse with stiff reins? If a holster needs to be supple, then pure neatsfoot oil is your Huckleberry but it’s critical that most all leather holster designs need to retain rigidity.
I’m not sure what legit use there is for neatsfoot oil compounds other than it’s cheaper than pure neatsfoot oil, but it will eventually harm any stitching. Good leather holsters deserve better, IMHO.
Once again everyone has offered up great advice and experiences. One leather clip on belt holster i have is black and bought in '09, i tried to find a tan holster like it but the company stopped producing them so i decided i better learn how to make this one last.
Thanks Everyone
I use the pure neat’s-foot oil. It has served me well with leather holsters(I don’t use much at all) and has served me through my younger years with baseball gloves and boots.