How do I soften a hard leather holster ?

[tercel89]

I got a old holster thats been in a basement and has gotten hard. Made for a Glock 43 OWB by Cobra Gunskin , which is nice and I got it cheap. I'm trying to soften it up since it's as hard as a rock. It had a strap but I tried oiling it and I was easy on it but the strap cracked so I cut it off. I am trying to save the rest of it. I have used Neatsfoot oil inside it and outside it. It has softened just a bit but not much. I took a toothbrush and used Neatsfoot oil scrubbing it down good. What is the best way to soften an old leather holster ? This didn't cost much so if it's no good then I'll throw it away.  I will add that I put it in an oven at as low as I could go at 170 degrees and made it warm and then rubbed the Neatsfoot oil into it. Heck , I dont know LOL 

Edited February 2 by tercel89

[Rob112o]

Always used alcohol and Vaseline for  baseball gloves then leave a ball in it. Rub it down with the alcohol then dab it up with Vaseline. Let it sit over night. 

[papa61]

Saddle soap then neatsfoot oil. lots of patience and no more heat, that's how we make them hard. Use enough water with the saddle soap to allow it to soak in. Then seal it in a ziplock and allow it to soak in. Once it's softened you can use beeswax to help maintain the oil level. It's hide, just like your skin, moisture is good. There are also cream type conditioners that work well, I don't have a recommendation there but any good leather conditioner will help. It's like losing weight, didn't get fat overnight, won't get skinny overnight. 

[Will]

I had bought a box of 1911 holsters from WWI&II. I tried everything until someone pointed out Lexol ,spray bottle from Walmart. It may be in automotive.  Spray holster and let sit for half a day then again if needed. works great on leather jackets and anything leather.

[River02]

On 2/2/2024 at 6:20 PM, papa61 said:

Saddle soap then neatsfoot oil. lots of patience and no more heat, that's how we make them hard. Use enough water with the saddle soap to allow it to soak in. Then seal it in a ziplock and allow it to soak in. Once it's softened you can use beeswax to help maintain the oil level. It's hide, just like your skin, moisture is good. There are also cream type conditioners that work well, I don't have a recommendation there but any good leather conditioner will help. It's like losing weight, didn't get fat overnight, won't get skinny overnight. 

All of the above and once you get it where you want it start spraying it down with Balistol on a periodic basis to easily clean and maintain the leather. Yes- I was surprised too--- 

[History Researcher]

On 2/18/2024 at 8:07 PM, River02 said:

All of the above and once you get it where you want it start spraying it down with Balistol on a periodic basis to easily clean and maintain the leather. Yes- I was surprised too--- 

I have also heard that ballistol is good to protect leather.  

[BHunted]

Ballistol? Gawd, I hate the smell of that stuff. Smells like wet farts in July. Yeesh. 

[River02]

5 hours ago, BHunted said:

Ballistol? Gawd, I hate the smell of that stuff. Smells like wet farts in July. Yeesh. 

You're not wrong-- but I've gotten used to it over the years I guess...

[monkeylizard]

Ballistol or wet farts?

[tk1987]

I would try applying some natural coconut or avocado oil first . Then let it sit overnight . If it’s still not soft enough repeat the process 2-3 times . Then put it in oven 200 degrees and check it every 10 mins to see if it’s soft enough for you . My friend was working at furniture store and that was his advice for me. Hope that helps