We got into this business as enthusiasts. We found that none of the companies today were turning out the types of things we wanted to buy. When you really search out the good stuff you have to go through all the bad stuff too. Its an expensive and time consuming education to acquire.
We decided to go into business and pass on all that knowledge and quality to our customers. We love the good stuff and while we wish we could currently replicate these items, we are happy at least to be the largest purveyor of vintage gun leather in the world.
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]]>Although it’s not ideal, wet leather is not a hopeless loss—but it needs to be addressed right away. If you’ve been caught in the rain, and your leather products get soaked, try these steps to prevent the leather from becoming brittle.
WHAT TO DO WHEN LEATHER GETS WET:
1. Gently wipe off any standing water, and allow the leather holster or product to dry naturally, to the point of being damp - but not completely dry. (Do NOT apply unnatural heat, like from a blow dryer.) Stuff them with crumpled newspaper to help hold their shape.
2. While the leather is still damp, apply a coat of leather conditioner. Use a soft, clean cloth to massage the conditioner into the leather. Using small circular motions, apply the conditioner evenly over the entire surface of the leather. Leave it to dry for several hours or overnight. The conditioner will penetrate the leather through the pores left open from the evaporating water and will replenish the stripped oils.
3. If the leather still seems overly dry in places, apply additional conditioner to those areas and buff the entire surface of the leather.
After you’ve taken care of the wet leather situation, it’s time to make that leather water-resistant—before it gets wet again. Thankfully, the ingredients of a quality leather conditioner are not only restorative but also protective. If you are working with leather shoes or boots, those tend to face much more exposure to the elements and may require more protection to keep them water-resistant as opposed to a holster. Consider applying a waterproofing spray or a mink oil for added protection if you feel your items may get more exposure than usual.
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In many cases, all that is necessary to clean leather is a damp cloth or a store-bought leather cleaner. This will remove any surface dust or dirt. Always follow manufacturer's instructions when using a cleaner specifically for leather.
If the leather has been in contact with perspiration, water, or is stiff, you may need a more substantial method to cleanse it.
Hand Washing
Too much soap will make the leather dry and stiff! Once the leather has completely dried, then it is time to condition it.
Conditioning Vintage Leather
Conditioning leather replaces the tanning oils that are depleted over time through wear, heat, and moisture. Reconditioning leather every 6-9 months will ensure that it never becomes stiff, dry, or cracked.
A leather conditioner is necessary for this step. There are hundreds of products available for this task, so read the label before using a leather conditioner to be sure that that particular product is suitable for your vintage leather item.
Do not use leather conditioners that contain waxes or silicone which do not allow the leather to breathe