Saddle Soap is bad

[Irving]

I've asked about cleaning my leather holster before, and many people have referred me to Saddle Soap. I've looked for it before, but never went out of my way, and never found any. I'm glad that I didn't. When you Google "Saddle Soap," you come across a host of articles explaining how it doesn't do what people think it does. Examples:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/74308/saddle_soap_truths.html?cat=69

http://www.properautocare.com/leatmytofsad.html

http://www.autogeek.net/nosasopl.html


Unfortunately, none of these articles suggests an alternative product. I'm going to be calling around to some leather repair and tack stores tomorrow to see if I can find some who will clean my holster for me (It's taking the finish off my new slide). I'll post up anything I learn.

Just wanted to post a heads up, since this is the ONLY leather product I've ever been referred to, no matter where I've asked.

[Graves]

If you want a pretty gun keep it in the safe. Ive used kiwi leather conditioner to get rid of an annoying squeak on my cbst's and it seems to soften the surface up quite a bit.

[Irving]

I more want a gun that still has a finish left and won't rust.

[sniper7]

I used mink oil on my baseball gloves all the time to break them in. that will soften them up and keep the look
you run it in, let it sit for a while, then clean it off. it will help clean the leather and soften it at the same time.

[Irving]

I called around to a few leather shops and everyone's "leather cleaning guy" isn't going to be there today, or is leaving today and won't be back till next week, etc. Turn around time seems to range from 1 day to 5 days as well.

I plan to take it in at least once and see what they can do and what they recommend.

I've decided that the reason my last slide rusted, is because whatever combination of sweats and acids from the holster are actually taking the finish right off the gun. Then when the layer gets thin enough, it rusts. No Bueno.

When I have the funds, I'm going to have Norghareli (sp?) whip me up a new one and water proof it for me.

[BigBear]

Stu, I recently had a leatherguy from LeatherTech come and repair our couch.... he did a friggin' AMAZING job on that. You ought to call him and see what he reccomends for a cleaner or if he can do anything for you. He seemed interested in the site and firearms. The fellow's name was "Brian". Can just google LeatherTech.

[Irving]

Thanks for the tip.

[Ah Pook]

I've used their wood finishes and really like them. Heard good thing about the leather products also. I highly recommend calling them vs online ordering.

Skidmores (http://www.skidmores.com/products.asp?cat=14)

I have always used mink oil or saddle soap, on finished leather, with no problems.

[Irving]

Check it out guys:

Here is what my holster looks like with the kydex taken off. You can see an outline of the slide, and the take down lever (to the left) where the finish has come off.

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq226/1stuart1/Guns/0812001042.jpg


I'm going to email this and some other pictures to leathertech and see what they say.

[Irving]

Here is the response from LeatherTech.


Dear Stu,

I am so sorry to be the bearer of bad news but,
The type of soiling you have on the type of leather your holster is made of can not be cleaned out, any attempt would be futile.
If you would like to purchase a protectant to apply to your next holster to increase its ability to resist this type of soiling,
I have attached a link for the best product I have found in 21 years of cleaning and protecting leather.
http://leatherworldtech.com/Products/Leather-Master-Protection-Cream---250ml__LMPC250.aspx

[BigBear]

Sorry to hear that... I would think that the wear on the holster adds "character"!! lol

[Irving]

I'd agree, if the character wasn't also the finish. Haha

Oh well, time for a new holster. Sorry for so many threads about an $80 holster. lolz.

[Ranger]

I've always used saddle soap on my leather and had good results, thanks for the post.

[SNAFU]

I use Saddle Soap to clean leather,wipe of excess.

Always used Neetsfoot Oil to preserve and potect,,$4.00 for 8oz bottle goes along way.
Biwell is used on hiking ,work boots.

[psawjack]

Stuart,

If you are interested I'll let you use some of my Renaissance Wax. It's what I use for cleaning/protecting of my leather. Stuff works great in my opinion and does come recommended by Milt Sparks company. Just send me a PM and we could meet up. I'll give you my container of it and when you are done you can return it. I don't know if it will fix your problem but I think it's a good enough product to try and see.

Patrick

[Irving]

Thank you for the offer Patrick. I think what I'll do is just get another holster, and since I'm spending that money, I'll pick up some treatment stuff that you have suggested. That will save us both a drive.

[psawjack]

No prob Stuart, I just thought I'd ask.

Patrick