Username Posted December 2, 2015 Share #1 Posted December 2, 2015 I have an Old ww1 medics bag that has some leather straps and binding, its very dry, and I am looking for some way to soften the leather without oiling it. I dont want to alter it at all, but of there was some way to make the leather less fragile without changing the aperance I would give it a try. Perhaps steam from a kettle? I dont want to take any risks without taking some advice first. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted December 2, 2015 Share #2 Posted December 2, 2015 It is animal flesh and only Dr. Frankenstein can bring it back to life. We've discussed leather conservation and preservation in many, many threads here over the last nine years and learned that it's tough to do anything about damaged leather, but if you want to try, the top museums have done lots of experimenting and here's some ideas (and it's not just a matter of rubbing on saddle soap, mink oil or other lotions and potions): http://nautarch.tamu.edu/CRL/conservationmanual/File7.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Username Posted December 2, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted December 2, 2015 It is animal flesh and only Dr. Frankenstein can bring it back to life. We've discussed leather conservation and preservation in many, many threads here over the last nine years and learned that it's tough to do anything about damaged leather, but if you want to try, the top museums have done lots of experimenting and here's some ideas (and it's not just a matter of rubbing on saddle soap, mink oil or other lotions and potions): http://nautarch.tamu.edu/CRL/conservationmanual/File7.htm Thanks for the link, I have decided to leave it alone for now. I don't want to mess with 100 year old leather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluehawk Posted December 22, 2015 Share #4 Posted December 22, 2015 Leather (assuming it is not flaking off and falling totally to pieces), of almost any age, will always benefit from use of a good quality saddle soap... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BROBS Posted December 22, 2015 Share #5 Posted December 22, 2015 I disagree. -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluehawk Posted December 22, 2015 Share #6 Posted December 22, 2015 Microcrystalline wax is possibly another best alternative... but, all is conjecture since we cannot see or handle the actual straps and binding. A photo could help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BROBS Posted December 23, 2015 Share #7 Posted December 23, 2015 both will change the appearance of the leather.. wax is a good way to preserve, but will darken. The best thing you can do is control the climate in which the leather resides (temperature, humidy, and UV light), and be very careful to avoid undue stress on the areas. -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluehawk Posted December 23, 2015 Share #8 Posted December 23, 2015 True... The current state of preservation is, however, possibly the issue at hand. If severe deterioration has set in, or not, there is or could a point in stablizing the artifact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FTLewisBrat Posted January 9, 2016 Share #9 Posted January 9, 2016 I've used Bickmore Bick4 with great success for many years, it will not darken the leather. It WILL prevent further deteration and help preserve, but, it WON'T bring it back". The best you can hope for it to prevent further damage. Anything you use that has the power to make it more subtle will darken and potentially ruin it. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FTLewisBrat Posted January 9, 2016 Share #10 Posted January 9, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BROBS Posted January 10, 2016 Share #11 Posted January 10, 2016 Do you have a picture of the results? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FTLewisBrat Posted January 10, 2016 Share #12 Posted January 10, 2016 Here are some pictures of my 1942 dated Sears Holster. The one on the left was taken (according to my computer) Dec 12, 2011, the one on the right (next to a haversack strap for comparison) was taken 5 minutes ago. I condition all my leather at least twice a year; so it's had at minimum 8-10 applications of Bick4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BROBS Posted January 10, 2016 Share #13 Posted January 10, 2016 Wow that actually looks great! I may have to give bick4 a try! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldabewla Posted January 10, 2016 Share #14 Posted January 10, 2016 When they tan the leather they remove all the oils and fats so the leather will not rot. What I've used is Lexol leather conditioner and preservative on all my original WLA Harley leather parts and it works great , comes in a brown plastic bottle and can get at you local hardware stores. The Knuckle head vintage Harley saddle bags can sell in the thousands of dollars range and that this is what other guys use on their expensive bags. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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