I get asked how to moisturize leather sheaths regularly.  Up until now, my go to solution was either Mink Oil or Neatsfoot oil that I would rub in by hand.  The idea is that the heat and pressure of your hand helps the oils to get worked into the leather.  This has worked fine for me for years.  I was recently recommended to try “Lexol Leather Conditioner” and have been doing so for about a month.

The following photos if of a khukuri sheath that was very dry.  I applied the Lexol, still rubbed it in my hand, and then buffed off the residue.  It seems to have done a very good job.  I have done a number of items now including work boots and the Lexol seems to work.  I have been rubbing in two passes – not just one.

In case you are interested, I’ve had very good luck with the following products:

[amazonjs asin=”B000637TNM” locale=”US” title=”Lexol 1013 Leather Conditioner 33.8 oz. (1 Liter)”]

[amazonjs asin=”B000FJP4NO” locale=”US” title=”Fiebings Pure Neatsfoot Oil 16 oz”]

[amazonjs asin=”B000HJBKU8″ locale=”US” title=”Fiebing MOIL00P006Z Mink Oil Paste”]

I grew up working on boots, gloves and saddles.  If something was dirty, I would use saddle soap but more often focused on conditioning.  It’s amazing what a little care can do to old leather.

One tip – I like the paste mink oil and use a hair dryer to help melt the paste into the leather of boots.  It does a great job sealing them up but it definitely darkens the leather but boy are they supple and waterproof afterwards.