Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Cleaning and Conditioning Old Leather Slings - Advice Needed

I have an old 1907 sling that came with a 03 Springfield that's in need of some serious attention. My approach would be to clean it with saddle soap, let it dry, and then treat it with olive oil. The reason for latter is that I was told years ago that neats foot oil would open up cracks in old leather and olive oil wouldn't. I don't do this kind of thing too often and figured the gunsmithing forum would be the best place to ask for help. Any and all advice is much appreciated and thanks.

I clean vintage leather items with Lexol and treat with Fiebing's Saddle Oil. Hard to understand why anyone would put salad dressing on a sling.

Only because I was told olive oil it didn't open up cracks in the the finish of old leather like neats foot oil would do. That's why, but perhaps that's "old school." I'll keep the salad dressing to my salad and thank you for your advice.

If dirty clean with Murphy's oil and let dry completely. Then instead of olive oil or neatsfoot oil, use Lexol's Neatfoot, not plain Lexol.. It use to be called Lexol NF. It binds the leather fibers and is not sticky like straight neatsfoot. Use a small brush to apply and then let it soak in out in the sun. Then wipe off excess.People started to use olive oil because it would not turn rancid, but it has no redeeming qualities of protecting or rejuvenating leather.

Neatsfoot oil was noted for hastening the deterioration of cotton thread that was used on saddles and tack years ago.Nylon thread stopped that.


https://www.amazon.com/Manna-Pro-Le...mp;psc=1&refRID=6BFM4ZQ3HVF5XMD1P5FH

It comes in a spray bottle too.

A veteran leatherworker suggested Fiebing's Saddle OIl because unlike neatsfoot oil it is non-staining. Makes sense cause if you use it on your saddle you wouldn't want it all over your butt !

Olive oil, canola oil pretty much any vegetable oil. Just put it on with a soft cloth and don't be stingy. Let set over night, and buff with another dry cloth the next day.

I use lots of lexol stuff...

If worried about weather/ moisture tearing it up I might try a thin application of sno seal and a heat gun. try to get it all in the leather and not have any excess.

I believe he was meant it does not darken the leather.The Lexol Neatsfoot does not either.



Vegetable oil will turn rancid over time

I use a good grade of wax after the cleaning and preservative. I usually use Obenaufs but it will darken light colored leather. Shoe polish or any wax will help turn water and keep the leather pliable.

Thanks. guys, I appreciate the advice.