Basic Holster care question (Hardshell)

RShaw · 12-24-2016, 02:55 PM

Hi All,

I have two holsters- a 1914-1918 P08 - and a 1942 P38 both in good condition, stitching in basically good shape with a few chafe spots only.

I would like to prevent the leather's drying out and cracking- also need to keep the straps supple.

I went to a leather furniture outlet- they had all kinds of leather care products, but none seems to do the simple job I describe above. Would simple "leather wax" work? or beeswax?

Thanks!

wlyon · 12-24-2016, 05:19 PM

I personally like Connolly's the best. Also had good luck with KIWI's Leather Lotion. Bill

lugerholsterrepair · 12-26-2016, 09:59 PM

Search both Forums..There is a wealth of information about this subject. Collector holsters are much different from leather furniture. Different leather and different use. Different from shoes and boots too..Remember this..leather holsters are like a sponge. They absorb things you may put on but once on..not so easily off. Think hard about what you plan to put on.
The good thing about Bill's suggestion is that Connolly's is a lanolin that is found and extracted naturally from sheep hide. It only penetrates the very surface where you want to stop cracking. Hand creams are made of the same stuff.

RShaw · 12-27-2016, 12:29 AM

Ahh Thank you!!

Edward Tinker · 12-27-2016, 09:27 AM

to add to the above - any leather 'conditioner" that makes the leather supple and sof is actually breaking down the leather, that is how it makes it soft. You will hear folks extol the virtues of mik oil or blackrock or the like. I too like Connolys and the only drawback (but true of anything you add) is that it will slightly darken the leather. On the other hand, if you have any scuffs or bangs, this evens out the look.

Like most things old, less is better - less oil, less conditioner etc.

Ed

RShaw · 12-27-2016, 01:25 PM

Thank you Ed
I didn't know about the breakdown of leather being the reason the leather is softened. I haven't put anything on these 2 holsters yet- I hope I can find Connolly's here. Would you know the full name of this product? Thanks a lot!

lugerholsterrepair · 12-27-2016, 02:27 PM

I didn't know about the breakdown of leather being the reason the leather is softened.

Ed is right..in hard shell holsters like the P08 and the P38 they are wet molded to shape. The leather fibers are formed wet and when dried..lock into place. This form is disrupted many ways..flex can break the fibers..or loosen them. A deep penetrating oil can loosen them making the leather lose it's shape and become soft and floppy. That's why LANOLIN is good for hard shell items. It does not penetrate past the epidermis into the leather fibers.

As Ed says the leather can darken some when lanolin is applied but that is natural and normal. The reason a lot of holsters are so light colored is nothing has ever been applied and the leather/color is losing it's essential moisturizers..becoming lighter, essentially bleached. When this happens..the surface is like a dry lake bed. The surface cracks even without flexing. ANY flex cracks the surface epidermis and once cracked there is NO fix. ONLY a preventative application of lanolin can stop this from happening. IF you get there in time.

The product you are looking for is easily purchased on eBay.
"Connolly's Hide Care"

RShaw · 12-27-2016, 06:20 PM

Thanks a lot Jerry... I'll look for Conolly's Hide Care on eBay.... Thanks for the help!

RShaw · 12-27-2016, 06:21 PM

Connolly's ..

Edward Tinker · 12-27-2016, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RShaw

Connolly's ..

that too

A small amount will last you for years - I have used it on many holsters and given away some at shows to friends.

RShaw · 12-27-2016, 07:48 PM

Thank you!!

rhuff · 12-28-2016, 02:56 PM

What I have had and used for many years, especially on leather interiors, is Connolly Hide Food.

sheepherder · 12-28-2016, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lugerholsterrepair

The good thing about Bill's suggestion is that Connolly's is a lanolin that is found and extracted naturally from sheep hide. It only penetrates the very surface where you want to stop cracking. Hand creams are made of the same stuff.

If 100% Lanolin is what you wish to try, check your local drugstore for a 100% Lanolin lotion used by nursing mothers.

I don't know how it affects holsters, but I can assure you that it leaves women's skin soft and smooth.

RShaw · 12-28-2016, 06:02 PM

Great ideas! I'll get busy on finding these...

hayhugh · 12-28-2016, 06:48 PM

I went looking for Lanolin in the drugstore and they wanted almost $8.00 for a little tube (1/2 oz.?) Looked on eBay and bought a small tub for about $5.00.

RShaw · 12-28-2016, 07:26 PM

$5 for a tub?? That's hard to beat.... thanks!

lugerholsterrepair · 12-29-2016, 01:06 AM

I have tried pure lanolin and it's a little thick for my purposes although I am sure it would be manageable if you got used to it. The trick I use often enough is mild heat. Put a little on a soft toothbrush an work on applying a light coat. No matter how thin you get it..it will appear tacky and stay on top. Place it in the sun, a warm car or lightly wave it under a hair dryer and it will glisten and disappear. Don't apply a heavy coat. A little goes a long way. Connelly's Hide Care has a mineral spirit dryer mixed into it which makes it easier ..for me anyway, A jar of it lasts me 6 months or more but I use it every day.

RShaw · 12-29-2016, 01:16 AM

Ahh OK!! Am thinking mainly about the connector between the top flap and the body of the holster- each time that top flap is raised, it flexes that connector- which can start cracking.... it's not a problem now- but could be. Thanks!!

sheepherder · 12-29-2016, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lugerholsterrepair

No matter how thin you get it [Lanolin]..it will appear tacky and stay on top. Place it in the sun, a warm car or lightly wave it under a hair dryer and it will glisten and disappear. Don't apply a heavy coat.

I used a floodlight to 'melt' it into my old baseball glove. You can tell it has been absorbed instantly.

RShaw · 12-29-2016, 11:58 AM

Looked for Lanolin earlier today at a body care place.... but- no go.
I'll have a try in eBay

)

12-24-2016, 02:55 PM	#1
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Basic Holster care question (Hardshell) Hi All, I have two holsters- a 1914-1918 P08 - and a 1942 P38 both in good condition, stitching in basically good shape with a few chafe spots only. I would like to prevent the leather's drying out and cracking- also need to keep the straps supple. I went to a leather furniture outlet- they had all kinds of leather care products, but none seems to do the simple job I describe above. Would simple "leather wax" work? or beeswax? Thanks! __________________ Enjoying any firearm is like staying happily married- take her out on a regular basis, treat her with respect and pay attention to proper maintenance. Looking for magazine no. 7097 Venlo, the Netherlands- RShaw

12-24-2016, 05:19 PM	#2
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,636 Thanks: 3,174 Thanked 2,559 Times in 955 Posts	I personally like Connolly's the best. Also had good luck with KIWI's Leather Lotion. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

12-26-2016, 09:59 PM	#3
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,772 Thanks: 4,940 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,434 Posts	Search both Forums..There is a wealth of information about this subject. Collector holsters are much different from leather furniture. Different leather and different use. Different from shoes and boots too..Remember this..leather holsters are like a sponge. They absorb things you may put on but once on..not so easily off. Think hard about what you plan to put on. The good thing about Bill's suggestion is that Connolly's is a lanolin that is found and extracted naturally from sheep hide. It only penetrates the very surface where you want to stop cracking. Hand creams are made of the same stuff. __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 l[email protected] 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

12-27-2016, 01:25 PM	#6
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Thank you Ed I didn't know about the breakdown of leather being the reason the leather is softened. I haven't put anything on these 2 holsters yet- I hope I can find Connolly's here. Would you know the full name of this product? Thanks a lot! __________________ Enjoying any firearm is like staying happily married- take her out on a regular basis, treat her with respect and pay attention to proper maintenance. Looking for magazine no. 7097 Venlo, the Netherlands- RShaw

12-27-2016, 02:27 PM	#7
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,772 Thanks: 4,940 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,434 Posts	I didn't know about the breakdown of leather being the reason the leather is softened. Ed is right..in hard shell holsters like the P08 and the P38 they are wet molded to shape. The leather fibers are formed wet and when dried..lock into place. This form is disrupted many ways..flex can break the fibers..or loosen them. A deep penetrating oil can loosen them making the leather lose it's shape and become soft and floppy. That's why LANOLIN is good for hard shell items. It does not penetrate past the epidermis into the leather fibers. As Ed says the leather can darken some when lanolin is applied but that is natural and normal. The reason a lot of holsters are so light colored is nothing has ever been applied and the leather/color is losing it's essential moisturizers..becoming lighter, essentially bleached. When this happens..the surface is like a dry lake bed. The surface cracks even without flexing. ANY flex cracks the surface epidermis and once cracked there is NO fix. ONLY a preventative application of lanolin can stop this from happening. IF you get there in time. The product you are looking for is easily purchased on eBay. "Connolly's Hide Care" __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 l[email protected] 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

12-27-2016, 12:29 AM	#4
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Ahh Thank you!!

12-27-2016, 09:27 AM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,033 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	to add to the above - any leather 'conditioner" that makes the leather supple and sof is actually breaking down the leather, that is how it makes it soft. You will hear folks extol the virtues of mik oil or blackrock or the like. I too like Connolys and the only drawback (but true of anything you add) is that it will slightly darken the leather. On the other hand, if you have any scuffs or bangs, this evens out the look. Like most things old, less is better - less oil, less conditioner etc. Ed

12-27-2016, 06:20 PM	#8
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Thanks a lot Jerry... I'll look for Conolly's Hide Care on eBay.... Thanks for the help!

12-27-2016, 06:21 PM	#9
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Connolly's ..

12-27-2016, 07:48 PM	#11
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Thank you!!

12-28-2016, 02:56 PM	#12
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,291 Thanks: 2,709 Thanked 972 Times in 717 Posts	What I have had and used for many years, especially on leather interiors, is Connolly Hide Food.

12-28-2016, 06:02 PM	#14
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Great ideas! I'll get busy on finding these...

12-28-2016, 06:48 PM	#15
hayhugh User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Florida/Penna Posts: 896 Thanks: 857 Thanked 513 Times in 275 Posts	I went looking for Lanolin in the drugstore and they wanted almost $8.00 for a little tube (1/2 oz.?) Looked on eBay and bought a small tub for about $5.00.

12-28-2016, 07:26 PM	#16
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	$5 for a tub?? That's hard to beat.... thanks!

12-29-2016, 01:06 AM	#17
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,772 Thanks: 4,940 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,434 Posts	I have tried pure lanolin and it's a little thick for my purposes although I am sure it would be manageable if you got used to it. The trick I use often enough is mild heat. Put a little on a soft toothbrush an work on applying a light coat. No matter how thin you get it..it will appear tacky and stay on top. Place it in the sun, a warm car or lightly wave it under a hair dryer and it will glisten and disappear. Don't apply a heavy coat. A little goes a long way. Connelly's Hide Care has a mineral spirit dryer mixed into it which makes it easier ..for me anyway, A jar of it lasts me 6 months or more but I use it every day. __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 l[email protected] 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

12-29-2016, 01:16 AM	#18
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Ahh OK!! Am thinking mainly about the connector between the top flap and the body of the holster- each time that top flap is raised, it flexes that connector- which can start cracking.... it's not a problem now- but could be. Thanks!!

12-29-2016, 11:58 AM	#20
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Looked for Lanolin earlier today at a body care place.... but- no go. I'll have a try in eBay )