Anyone here know anything about leather care?

[Guest bneshe01]

Just bought a leather 1911 shoulder holster from cheaperthandirt. It was really stiff and dry so I applied alot of saddlesoap, like nearly a whole can of it, because it wasn't really working too well to soften the leather up. Well i went to wipe some of it off with a damp cloth and it softened up. Anyways, I was just wondering if there's any problem with me using too much of the saddle soap and if i should soak the holster or something and scrub it out. Or am I just worrying about nothing. Thanks.

[R1100R]

In the old days to break in the old Legg boots (infantry) We use linseed and mink oil. A mixture.

[Guest Seraph]

The holster was made on purpose to be somewhat rigid. It makes for better retention and draw characteristics. You're working hard to undo what some little guy in Indonesia worked hard to accomplish.

[East_TN_Patriot]

I make holsters as a side business and I always tell my customers to use nothing more than a LIGHT treatment of preservative/conditioner every once in a while. I recommend Lexol (I don't get any sort of benefit for saying that), but a very light treatment using saddle soap, mink oil, or neatsfoot oil is all that you need. Likely, it was the water that softened up your holster more than it was the saddle soap. Most people prefer their holsters to be rigid, which is what the wet-molding process is for. I don't think you have destroyed the holster, but you have likely reduced any of the stiffness that was molded into it.

[gregintenn]

Why in the world do you want a soft holster?

[Guest Octo]

Why in the world do you want a soft holster?

That...is a fine question, sir.

[gregintenn]

I make holsters, and part of the process is wet molding them to a gun. This way, they fit the gun properly, providing retention, and reducing wear from the leather rubbing the gun every time you move. I can't speak for the quality of a holster from Cheaper than Dirt, but with a quality holster, you want them stiff. There really isn't much care required.

[enfield]

You probably should have asked before you ruined it.