Got a new back quiver waiting for me back home from Soap Creek. It's still pretty rigid leather and I'd like to soften it. He mentioned neet oil which I've heard of, but he also said people use other methods. I'm not doubting his method and I will probably go that route, but there are some real leather guru's out there and sometimes "tricks of the trade" tend to stay in each person's valley. So, does anyone know of a way to soften leather? If it darkens it at the same time all the better.
you might try Montana Pitch Blend ....it may not soften it all that much...sure smells better than neets foot oil though...
This may sound funny, olive oil, it was recommended to me by a Tandy Leather person. It will darken the leather. I used it on Latigo leather.
Thanks puma, but softening is the goal. Does olive oil soften it? I'm considering oil/hair dryer to heat it into the leather.
If you use neat's foot oil, be sure to use the 100% and not the compound.
X2 Montana pitch blend! Love the stuff. Tippit first told me about it. I remember Bud B uses olive oil in his quiver build a along with good results.
First get it lightly wet all over and wear it so it will form to your back,bend over with it on let it bend and form then let it dry fully.Lexol is a great product also and that is what I have used.Hope this helps.Lou
Heat the leather nice and warm and apply Montana Pitch blend or mink oil. Some more information here:
http://traditionalknowhow.blogspot.com/2014/03/hunting-with-back-quiver.html
Pitch Blend or mink oil worked well for me in softening my quiver. Seems more effective applied to the rough side, for absorption.
Might take more than one application - in fact probably will. I like to let the quiver hang in full sunlight to warm it, both before applying and to help the process.
Lexol brand products
Do what 1fly says and lightly wet it so it's pliable and form it to your back. Don't crease the sides. Just form it to our back so it conforms to your shape with the strap properly adjusted.
Let it dry completely.
Then use liberal amounts of pure olive oil with a cheap paint brush about 2" wide. (I get mine Olive oil from the dollar store - don't get olive blend) Olive oil will not waterproof it. Then, after olive oiling and the oil has soaked in, use a waterproofing substance like Montana Pitch Blend or a mink paste. With each application of oil or waterproofing place it on a towel in the dash of your car in the sunlight so the sun's rays and heat will help with even absorption.
Oiling or treating from the inside is also good, but do this side sparingly. It'll soak up alot and you can easily get the leather too oily. One light coat of olive oil inside would be all I'd do.
Enjoy your quiver. Taken care of properly it'll be here for your grandkids.
Lexol works great and it is supposedly ph balanced. If your quiver has a really smooth side make sure to apply it to the rough side also.
Saddle Soap works great also. softens and preserves any smooth leather.
I use sno-seal on mine. Softens and protects from moisture.
X2 on what Bud B says, I followed his instructions on the quiver He made me from last years St. Jude's auction and it turned out Beautiful.
Thanks everyone. Will the olive oil darken it if I use a hair dryer or the sun to heat it into the leather?
Olive oil will darken it. The more oil, the darker it gets, but don't put too much on it. The oil will transfer to your clothes.
A hair dryer will work, but sunlight seems to really get it to soak in.
As you oil it, work is along the side by folding the top and bottom towards one another by flexing it. You'll get the feel of it.
Ok thanks Bud. I also plan to wrap a towel around it and sit on the center portion driving to and from work for a week or two, its 45 minutes one way, so that should do the trick. Thanks again!
My Schulz back quiver was light tan in color, the heavy latigo. I would leave the quiver in the sun to get real warm and flexible, the apply Montana Pitch Blend twice a year.
The Pitch Blend darkened up the quiver nicely. I still apply 2 coats a year during the summer. The Pitch blend keeps both my Creger and Schulz looking brand new even though I beat them both up.
Ok, thanks Joe and everyone. Once I get home later this month I'll see what I can do.