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Post by cc712400 on Feb 17, 2021 7:09:36 GMT
Hello folks,
Have been expanding some of my collection of Imperial German sabers, and a new one to the collection is in a bit rougher shape in the scabbard. This most recent acquisition is missing the the wire bracket which attaches the brass fitting to the leather, and I realized just how dry the leather must be.
While I concluded it was probably time to add something which would keep the leather hydrated, it seems there's quite a world of options out there. I've found some general thoughts on maintaining leather (and scabbards in particular), but am curious if there are special concerns with joined brass-and-leather scabbards.
I'm planning to add some saddle soap to the maintenance kit, but I'm curious if anyone here has had unpleasant surprises or unexpectedly good results with any particular methods or approaches.
Cheers and thanks in advance!
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Feb 17, 2021 12:40:48 GMT
Unfortunately leather is much neglected and it’s good that you are paying attention. Saddle soap should take care of dirt, and oddly enough I’ve never used it. When using it let the leather dry naturally do not apply heat. I’ve used a number leather conditioners over the years and found they all work. It is largely your preference as to brand, cream, paste, or liquid. The important thing is not to let the leather dry out.
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Post by Lord Newport on Feb 17, 2021 15:37:08 GMT
Timing on this thread is perfect and I am looking forward to hearing what everyone else is doing. I just applied Lexol leather conditioner annually to scabbards that are holding swords in gun safes with goldenrod dehumidifiers.
I am wondering if I should store the scabbards outside the safes. I live at the beach and salt in the air is a daily issue.
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Post by Sir Thorfinn on Feb 17, 2021 17:47:19 GMT
About a million years ago, this came up...Dave Kelly pointed me at this: PECARD Antique Leather Dressing It's about 14.00 on Amazon. Dave said this is what most of the restoration folks use, and considering he has enough antique swords to build a roof...I'd say he knows stuff. Lord Newport, As to keeping scabbards out of the safe, I'd lean towards no in your case. Salt air might corrode the fittings, and humidity may make the sword not fit. Consider storing them out of the scabbard, but all of it in your humidity controlled safe. Assuming there's room.
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Post by Brian Kunz on Feb 17, 2021 18:21:36 GMT
IMO, storing a sword outside of a scabbard for long periods is a no-no. Wood breathes with the seasons, humidity, and elevation. Without a sword inside it will likely shrink. Not all scabbards are ideal for long-term storage, and the sword should periodically be taken out of such scabbards to prevent corrosion. However, a wool-lined scabbard makes for ideal long-term storage.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Feb 17, 2021 19:33:21 GMT
Lexol was the first that I used. I applied it to the leather seats and trim in my roadster that was subjected to the sun and rain alike. The leather held up perfectly. Pecard was suggested to me by a friend that was in the shoe business, worked fine. I used a few others. They all worked. At present it’s Protexol made in Colombia mainly because of availability. Having said that I must say it’s about the best I’ve used. It also waterproofs great. I use it on all of my leather goods from hats to boots and yes sheaths and scabbards.
As for scabbards stored outside of safes; I’d say not necessary. When using a safe I placed a light bulb inside in hopes that it prevented mould from forming as it was prone to do in that area. I also used a desiccant, not for the leather but metal. A controlled atmosphere would be best, mine wasn’t but there was never a sudden change allowing time for equalization. Never had a bit of trouble.
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Post by cc712400 on Feb 18, 2021 8:36:03 GMT
Thanks for the thoughts, everyone. I had indeed heard of Pecard, always nice to hear independent conclusions. Unfortunately this newest piece is almost rawhide-stiff, so I expect something on the more cream/liquid side will be necessary to recover it, and am anticipating multiple applications.
Still open to hearing any thoughts on how the household brands perform on leather/metal junctions, but if I find out anything from firsthand experimentation I'll share it here.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Feb 18, 2021 12:50:46 GMT
Avoid bending, even when not stiff. I recommend on all old sheaths to hold vertically by the throat when removing or returning a blade in order to not allow a flex. And of course handle very carefully when not reinforced by a blade.
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marcofthecovenant
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Serpent's breath, charm of death and life, thy omen of making
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Post by marcofthecovenant on Feb 20, 2021 15:46:54 GMT
I melt beeswax and mink oil together, one part wax nine parts oil. I apply a little to the leather and then buff with a soft brush.
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