18 replies to this topic

[hawk2009]

I have bought a 2.5kg bag of mixed leather off cuts, thickness varies between 2.5mm to 3.5mm some is very stiff how can I make it subtle and soft. If you could help I would appreciate it.

[mikeuk]

You could try dubbin, used to do a good job on my rugby togs

[Abe_Stranger]

There are many ways to soften leather. Of course you can go out and purchase a leather conditioning cream, but there are a few cheaper methods. You could soak a cotton ball into some isopropyl rubbing alcohol and rub that onto the leather a few times, you can also rub vasaline, or hair conditioner into the leather to soften it. Most households have at least one of these items already on hand, so you don't have to go to the store and make a special purchase.

[hawk2009]

mikeuk, on 06 February 2012 - 12:55 PM, said:

You could try dubbin, used to do a good job on my rugby togs

what's dubbin ? thanks Abe I have seen some suggestions on ask Jeeves similar to this the leather seems to have a smooth hard coat on one or both sides does it penetrate this or does it need to be sanded off.

[Jim Williams]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubbin

[Abe_Stranger]

Just to be safe, I'd take a small piece, and try the first method using alcohol (or vaseline, etc.). If it works, then you're done! You can safely continue using said method. If not, sand away, brother. The only way to know for sure is to test the individual swatch of leather, as each cow's hide is slightly different from the next.

[Abe_Stranger]

Sling Jim, on 06 February 2012 - 01:19 PM, said:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubbin

Also a good idea, if you have the time and money. I usually have neither, lol.

Edited by Abe_Stranger, 06 February 2012 - 01:23 PM.

[mikeuk]

hawk2009, on 06 February 2012 - 01:16 PM, said:

mikeuk, on 06 February 2012 - 12:55 PM, said:

You could try dubbin, used to do a good job on my rugby togs

what's dubbin ? thanks Abe I have seen some suggestions on ask Jeeves similar to this the leather seems to have a smooth hard coat on one or both sides does it penetrate this or does it need to be sanded off.

Hi,I see someone has posted a wiki link re dubbin, it can be bought in any suprmarket, will be with the shoe polish. I get it from Wilkinsons, not expensive and goes a long way.Hope it helps

[hawk2009]

Thanks for the tips folk's it's good leather at least I have some idea now. you like to think you know quite a lot about your hobby until you get reminders like this that let you know you don't know it all and probably never will.

[Rayshot]

Too bad for the money you spent I could have set you up with some fantastic pouches. Oh well.

[rubberpower]

One of the best to soften leather is pure Neats Foot Oil. Do not get anything but the real stuff. Tandy leather has it for sure. walmart brand is not the good stuff.

http://www.calvinseq...CFUHCKgodAk-Z4Q

[hawk2009]

Rayshot, on 06 February 2012 - 03:34 PM, said:

Too bad for the money you spent I could have set you up with some fantastic pouches. Oh well.

I have always used jacket leather and still do I don't have any problems with it, their is nothing wrong with trying something new it will not go to waste some is ok as it is and some is a little to firm, I am self motivated and don't like relying on other people for something I can do myself. their are only two things I will not touch and do require others to do for me and that is electrical work and car repairs. cars are ok to drive but that's it.

[Rayshot]

hawk2009, on 06 February 2012 - 05:11 PM, said:

Rayshot, on 06 February 2012 - 03:34 PM, said:

Too bad for the money you spent I could have set you up with some fantastic pouches. Oh well.

I have always used jacket leather and still do I don't have any problems with it, their is nothing wrong with trying something new it will not go to waste some is ok as it is and some is a little to firm, I am self motivated and don't like relying on other people for something I can do myself. their are only two things I will not touch and do require others to do for me and that is electrical work and car repairs. cars are ok to drive but that's it.

I follow you, I like to do things myself too.

But I will try something someone esle does that I am very capable of doing. Not making a dig here or at the first, I was mainly goofing with you at first since I now many of us here are pretty handy. We goof with the people we like.

PM me and I will send you a some to sample for all your efforts and posts you make for the community. I really do appreciate them!

[smitty]

Hey Hawk ! The time tested method of softening leather, is to have your squaw chew it slowly.

[Abe_Stranger]

smitty, on 06 February 2012 - 08:10 PM, said:

Hey Hawk ! The time tested method of softening leather, is to have your squaw chew it slowly.

Ha!

[Rayshot]

Abe_Stranger, on 06 February 2012 - 08:16 PM, said:

smitty, on 06 February 2012 - 08:10 PM, said:

Hey Hawk ! The time tested method of softening leather, is to have your squaw chew it slowly.

Ha!

Yeah, that is hilarious Smitty!

[hawk2009]

smitty, on 06 February 2012 - 08:10 PM, said:

Hey Hawk ! The time tested method of softening leather, is to have your squaw chew it slowly.

She is chewing it right now not fast enough though, I will have words as I need to get some pouches cut.

[Rockape66]

Alcohol will remove the oils from the leather and cause dry rot. Use saddle soap to clean the leather, and start softening. Then use something like neatsfoot oil or a 50/50 of beeswax and olive oil. The oils are what preserve the leather and keep it supple. Do not use anything with petroleum in it; it will result in rot.

[THWACK!]

Neatsfoot Compound or Bick 4 Leather Conditioner (Bickmore.com). Either will work.