Clean or not clean?

[Bodes]

Forum members, I purchased a pretty clean Boyt44 hip holster today....Only problem is the verdigre on the rivets.....Should these be cleaned or does it help determine age?....Any thoughts appreciated, Bodes

[Bob Hudson]

That is the brass/copper equivalent of brown rust, caused by the metals reaction with the acidic tannin in the leather, and I have seen many, many holsters and knife sheaths with broken snaps from that green stuff. It is not a patina.

 

I use toothpicks and get as far under the snaps as I can: you'd be surprised at how much verdigris can be dug out.

[Bodes]

That is the brass/copper equivalent of brown rust, caused by the metals reaction with the acidic tannin in the leather, and I have seen many, many holsters and knife sheaths with broken snaps from that green stuff. It is not a patina.

 

I use toothpicks and get as far under the snaps as I can: you'd be surprised at how much verdigris can be dug out.

Thanks Bob, I have a shoulder holster that has a broken snap because of this....Wasn't sure if it attacks the rivets in the same manners....Bodes

[Bob Hudson]

Wasn't sure if it attacks the rivets in the same manners.

 

The rivets don't have the stress of a snap being unsnapped, but I still clean them thoroughly.

[Andrew]

Verdigris removal is a regular maintenance chore for some pieces.

[Dogsbody]

Forum members, I purchased a pretty clean Boyt44 hip holster today....Only problem is the verdigre on the rivets.....Should these be cleaned or does it help determine age?....Any thoughts appreciated, Bodes

Cleaning is the best option and afterwards regular inspection because it will come back.

 

Rene