Leather care

[Major Tom]

I recently bought an original trapdoor sling in excellent condition. No rotten places and it is very pliable. Al Frasca recommended a product called 'Black Rock Leather Preserve'. Since I can't find this product, what do you guys recommend?

[JB White]

I've been using Pecard's Antique Leather Dressing. One of the conditioners the Smithsonian uses.
If unavailable locally, you can call them in Green Bay WI. and they'll take a CC over the phone. Shipping is quick too.

Or...order direct from their web site
http://www.pecard.com/

[Skookum]

I've used both. First Pecards, years ago. Now exclusively using Black Rock. I've found it at shows. A friend ordered from a distributor. In my opinion Black Rock is a much better product. Make the effort to find a Black Rock source--it's worth it.

[Gunner]

I work since many years in a saddlery we often restore old leather parts. You can use those famous products from above, they are worth every $ you pay for. You can also go to a saddlery buy a good leatheroil, clean the sling with mild soap and water let it dry and apply the oil as long as the leather will soak it. Then let it dry a few days and apply twice a year a thin layer thats enough to hold the sling for many years in excellent condition. Dont dry it in the sun or with an hairdryer, because it`s harden the leather. Beware of using baby cream and leathercream that contains silicone oil thats bullsh## .

Regards

Gunner

[JB White]

This is the first I've come to know of Black Rock. I did a quick search and even read a few comparrisons between the two (Pecards). I was also looking for pros and cons one versus the other. From what I gather....it seems as though they are about equal in application and performance?

Those of you who have used both, do you have a preference? Oh, and why?

Thanks

[Johnny P]

Whatever you use, don't use Neetsfoot Oil on 100 year old leather. It may be good for boots and baseball gloves, but is death to old leather.

[JB White]

It can also rot stitching.

[Johnny P]

I've used both. First Pecards, years ago. Now exclusively using Black Rock. I've found it at shows. A friend ordered from a distributor. In my opinion Black Rock is a much better product. Make the effort to find a Black Rock source--it's worth it.

I have been using Pecards for about 25 years with excellent results, and have seen the Black Rock at gun shows, but never tried it. In your opinion what makes the Black rock much better than the Pecards?
When I started using the Pecards I had never heard of the Black Rock, or would probably have tried it too. I went through several products before I settled on the Pecards. Ruined one old holster with Lexol, and while Mink Oil kept the leather soft, a white substance still forms on leather treated with it almost 30 years ago. My father believed in Neetsfoot Oil, and treated a Randall knife sheath with it about 35 years ago, and today the leather is coming apart.

[kragnut]

Dick Hosmer and 5madfarmers recommended Pecards to me and I've been using it for a couple of years now with great sucess. It wont soften up stiff leather as fast as neatsfoot will, but neatsfoot will ruin leather over the long haul.

[Fox Wood]

I recently bought an original trapdoor sling in excellent condition. No rotten places and it is very pliable. Al Frasca recommended a product called 'Black Rock Leather Preserve'. Since I can't find this product, what do you guys recommend?
Ground control to Major Tom! :-D
If you have not yet found Blackrocks Leather Products, please check the link listed below.

www.blackrockleather.com/Blackrock_Leather_N_Rich/Welcome.html

Fox.

[Major Tom]

I tried that link to black rock leather some time ago and you had to request an invoice then mail in your payment. They never replied.

[Major Tom]

No response from black rock leather website. Tried twice.

[Dick Hosmer]

At this point, I'd go with the Pecard. :-)

Also, just remembered another product I was told by a knowledgeable curator NOT to use on old leather: Lexol. May be fine for softening or waterproofing boots, etc., but don't use it on valuable collectibles!

[us019255]

"...It can also rot stitching...."

Wrong! Saddles were literally dipped in it in the good old days. Many modern horsemen believe this legend. It puzzled me because in the old days good leather was stitched with linen thread, now it is nylon. Neither is dissolved or rotted by oils. I also had been using Neetsfoot oil for years with no problems.

When I was in a leather shop, I finally figured out what is/was going on. Typically a harness maker will glue the pieces together before stitching. In the old days the glue was hide glue, water soluble but not oil soluble. Today modern leather workers use contact glue. Easier to use etc., but dissolves in oily stuff.

Now the item has been in use for awhile, the thread has worn through on the back but the glue holds it together. Some oil is applied, the glue dissolves and the PO'd owner thinks the Neetsfoot oil rotted the stitching.

Doesn't change the problem with preserving old leather goods, just the reason they sometimes come apart.

[Fred]

I don't know...I once took a perfectly crisp, tan 1907 sling that was a little stiff and put neatsfoot oil on it and it went to hell quick. It was ruined. fell apart like it'd been aged 200 years over night. I've used neatsfoot on other slings and they've softened up but only turned dark. It was a mistake on my part not to use something like pecards on the sling. Should've left it alone. Don't know why the leather went bad after the neats foot oil, but it sure did. I just yesterday sent off for some Pecard's.

[Iceman66]

Pecards only.