Home Forums Gear Knives and Blades Restoring a knife sheath

Got an old knife sheath that I want to bring back to life. Have cleaned it with mineral spirits and it in good shape. Leather is soft, stitching great, will fit the knife I have bought perfect...a Schrade Sharpe Finger. What do you put on it to preserve the leather. Thanks

Lexol is good, if you prefer to oil my choice is Fiebing's Saddle Oil. It can be found at Tractor Supply and other farm supply stores, it is non-staining unlike Neatsfoot and others.

Bick Leather Conditioner

Thanks gunswizard, had not thought of Tractor Supply....they carry lot of horse...saddle items. Will check store near me. I know that long time ago treated a pair of leather shoes with snow seal...believe it was... and the leather got real hard. Thanks again.

NEVER EVER use Neatsfoot oil!!!!!!! On a sheath. NEVER!!!!! Nikwax. Period!!!!! Doesn’t soften leather

Knifeman, what do you suggest?

Nikwax cream. Is what I use on all my sheaths.

Where you purchase Nikwax cream?

REI. Sportsman’s Warehouse. Amazon. Are just a few

Thanks much.....will find it.

I’ve used Skidmores leather cream and Montana pitch blend. Among other stuff.

Knifeman - Why should you NOT use neats footoil on a sheath?

thanks...Jeff

I use Lexol NF it is a concoction of neatsfoot and several other oil preservatives.I use it on saddles, harness, chaps, bridles etc.Won't discolor leather or leave a sticking residue.Tandy usually carries it but I have bought it from Amazon too

Neatsfoot oil softens the leather. I water fit my leather sheaths. When they dry the shrink just enough for a good tight fit. Anything that softens leather will loosen the fit. Never store your knife in a leather sheath for long periods. Like from the end of deer season to the next. Your sheath will loose its tightness no matter if it’s water fit or pressure fit. Some may argue but I learned my lesson over the last 40 years storing knives in leather sheaths. Remember blood is very ascetic. After using your knife clean it and oil the blade. I have had customers bring a knife back that they used gutting deer the season before and never cleaned it. The blood etched into the STAINLESS Steel blade. It needed to be reground to get the pits out from the blood left on the blade. You pay good money for a custom knife. Take care of it.

Larry - thanks for the reply.

I've been using a mix of neats footoil and beeswax. No issues so far, but I am always willing to learn something new.

How do you use the Nikwax?

Nik wax cream. Rub it on with your fingers or put some on a cloth and rub it on. In the past I’ve tried silicone sprays and a bunch of other leather dressings. I have used Sno seal boot dressing in the past and it works well but don’t over apply it. Very light coat. When hunting my straight knives are in my Fanny pack or in my vest. I quit wearing a knife on my belt many years ago. A custom knife deserves a nice sheath. Going through the brush will tear a leather sheath up. I have always been anal about my knives. All my hunting buddies know not to ask for my knives. Some treat the knives I’ve made them the way they should and the others like a pry bar!!!! There my buds so I give them Hell and laugh it off. Hope this helps all.

Just a little update. My new shop should start construction mid February. Hope to be back making knives by April 2023.