Holster care/restore

[Dapper Dave]

Now I was lucky enough that when I picked up my new gun cart, a certain someone had something I was interested in...leather.

 

The belt, which is a nice rig marked "Giby Made Gun Leather, Ottowa, Kansas", an outfit I've never heard of. It's also a touch too short for this fat old man. BUT, the holsters, while they might have some miles and years on them, (Them's CHARACTER marks, BOY, show some respect!), they cleaned up halfway decently with what i have on hand.  So, long and short of it is - what do you use to restore older leather? I am going to get a new belt from Mernickle to hold these - they ARE Mernickle holsters, after all. 
 

[PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L]

Why not ask the maker what is best for their products?

Contact – Mernickle Custom Holsters

[Dapper Dave]

Well, now THAT is not something I even considered, so used to just making do with what I can find.  I also wanted to know what you guys were using, but that's OK. The belt is going to the next match to see if someone else can use it. 

[Old Man Graybeard]

Bluff Creek Gilbert made your rig. He is still actively working as far as I know. Nice guy...does good work...and a Cowboy shooter

[Choctaw Jack]

In the meantime, you can use Lexol Leather cleaner and conditioner.

Be careful of oil based treatments.They can soften the leather to the point that they won't hold their shape.

I wipe my Mernickle leather down with Lexol every few months ,and use a good neutral shoe polish once or twice a year.

Choctaw

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

I have some similar Mernickle holsters, made by Bob in Canada over 25 years ago.  I'm betting yours are Canadian-made.  It seemed weird to me when Bob sold his business, since it was all based on his name and his craftsmanship.  But Cliff was more than up to it and has done a wonderful job.  You will be happy with a belt from him (get on his mailing list - there are periodic sales) but you can also have a short extender belt made to use belts that are too short.  A few friends use them that have very customized rigs they didn't want to give up on when they got bigger!  

 

As for treating them, I think they are sealed which may make a difference.  In all that time I never really did anything much to mine but in the last few years have started using Skidmore's leather cream on all my leather.

Edited December 28, 2024 by Abilene, SASS # 27489

[Dapper Dave]

Nice to know, thank you. The older rigs with newer belt will be nice. 

The only thing I was worried about is the leather has cracked along the top folded edge of the holsters - the cleaner I was using seemed to soak in pretty well. I'll go look for that Lexol stuff. 

Edited December 28, 2024 by Dapper Dave

[Kid Rich]

Talk to Marvin over at the gourd farm. He is a cowboy shooter and does leather work. He also might be able to extend that belt for you.

kR

[Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646]

Move the tab out on the belt, if it's only a little short.

 

Imis

[Dapper Dave]

6 hours ago, Kid Rich said:

Talk to Marvin over at the gourd farm. He is a cowboy shooter and does leather work. He also might be able to extend that belt for you.

kR

I found a much better use for the belt, and the Wurtz gourd farm is also famous in Forged in Fire. Someday I have to stop by.

3 hours ago, Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646 said:

Move the tab out on the belt, if it's only a little short.

 

Imis

It is both screwed and sewn.

[Rip Snorter]

If the belt is a touch short, a trophy buckle can probably make it long enough.  They are cheap enough and come from many vendors.

[TN Mongo, SASS #61450]

16 hours ago, Choctaw Jack said:

In the meantime, you can use Lexol Leather cleaner and conditioner.

Be careful of oil based treatments.They can soften the leather to the point that they won't hold their shape.

I wipe my Mernickle leather down with Lexol every few months ,and use a good neutral shoe polish once or twice a year.

Choctaw

 

Great advice here! Lexol is great stuff, but honestly, those holsters look pretty good.

 

Even if the buckle and "hole" billets are sewn and riveted or Chicago screwed on, it's a simple matter to move the billets if you really like the belt.

[Irish Pat]

I was watching “Legacy Collectibles” on youtube the other day. They specialize in lugers and PPKS from WWII. he said only use gun oil on guns and never on leather. use a leather product. my wife has stuff for leather chairs and I have saddle soap. I rubbed that on my WWII 45 auto holster that was real dry and cracking and it immediately looked better 

[Dapper Dave]

The belt went to Dr Zook a few minutes ago. I'll get a new one.

[Captain Bill Burt]

I bought a used Rod Kibler rig recently for $75 (an amazing deal). Three holsters (one crossdraw) a belt, speed rifle reload, and a knife. 
 

This rig is old! Perhaps one of his first.  It was scuffed, dried out and had white mold in the crevices. 

I wiped it down good with a damp paper towel to get the dust off then dried it with a paper towel. I used a soft brush and slowly scrubbed all the white mold out. I wiped it down again and then applied White’s Boots Heavy Duty Leather Preservative. I let that soak in overnight then applied more. I let that soak in then wiped everything down again. Here’s one of the holsters.

 

[Dr. Zook]

I want to extend a BIG THANK YOU to Dapper Dave for the opportunity to add a fine piece of leather to my starter rig.  Being able to find bits-n-pieces and assemble into a working rig is fun but the best part is getting to meet other fine members & learning from their experiences...  Thank you VERY MUCH Dave, pleasure meeting you today  🙂

[Dapper Dave]

Not a problem, Doc, always happy to help.  

BTW, I have no idea what that square piece of leather with the star on it is for - it came with it. 🤠

[Dapper Dave]

@Captain Bill Burt , it seems that quality leather, properly cared for, will outlast the original purchaser and perhaps a few after that!

[Dr. Zook]

It looks the right size for two 12g shells side by side...

[Dapper Dave]

I'm told helping pards here is the Cowboy Way.

[Dr. Zook]

1 hour ago, Dapper Dave said:

I'm told helping pards here is the Cowboy Way.

[Zach Taylor,SASS#14359]

After you clean it, with a soft damp cloth, give it a coat of resolene.

[Mossy Horn Gent]

Aussie Leather Conditioner

[Dapper Dave]

It looks good with its new pistol.

[watab kid]

yes it does , looks perfect , 

[Sasparilla Groz]

I have a few Giby Made gun rigs/belts.   He made good stuff.   He is still with us but has retired from the leather business.   That belt should last you a while!

[T.K.]

I use LEXOL leather conditioner on all my leather products. I have used it for years. It was recommended to me by an Old Timer who took care of all the tack at El Rancho del Cielio , Reagans ranch near Santa Barbara, Ca.

[Rip Snorter]

Several famous Museums use Pecards.  Lexol is good, but it can darken and even soften leather if used too much.