Leather conditioner (for shooting glove)?

mrjsl · August 14, 2010, 03:47:00 PM

I spent my younger years on the rodeo circuit owned lots of leather goods... then got into traditional archery - more leather items. Married a barrel racer and acquired more leather goods. Spent 13 years as a baseball dad to a kid that played about every position - many gloves... During my son's 4 years in high school ball, I was the unofficial glove guy - relaced a few each year, reconditioned, etc. Baseball gloves are the worst too - they are in the dirt all day every day, get wet, sweaty, etc.....

Over the years I have acquired a 5 gallon bucket slap full of leather care products, and the best thing I ever used is Lexol leather conditioner in the spray on bottle you can get at most any auto parts store.

Many people use too much conditioner on leather - you don't have to over do it. Clean dirt off, spray on lexol wipe down - that's it. If it gets really bad, their cleaner works well also.

Most all leather conditioner products do work. I like Lexol cause it's light, the spray bottle makes it easy to use, and it doesn't over soften leather. MLB teams use it as well.

bmb · August 14, 2010, 04:56:00 PM

i use mink oil to bring a glove back. just worked it in after shooting each day

Ken Taylor · August 14, 2010, 05:19:00 PM

I tried a multitude of things through the years but what I think is the best is what others have mentioned.....Montana Pitch Blend!

I've been using it for several years now and even the smell is natural if you hunt where there are any coniferous trees.

Tom Anderson · August 14, 2010, 06:47:00 PM

Does Montana Pitch Blend make a gunky mess like Obenauf's?
Obenauf's 'bout ruined the inside of my truck and car....it was like I'd walked through the local auto repair shop and intentionally stepped in every grease pile and oil puddle I could get into.

John Scifres · August 14, 2010, 07:13:00 PM

Has anybody ever used bone butter? It is made by crushing the bones of a deer or whatever and then boiling them. All the fats from the bones go to the surface. You cool it off and then it is supposed to be a very pure form of fat great for conditioning leather. I made some a while back. It's really cool stuff. I aim to try it on a quiver and now I might do it on a glove that needs it.

tippit · August 14, 2010, 08:46:00 PM

Bob,
I make my tabs & knive sheaths. My wife is into horses and keeps stealing my Pitch Blend! What's left ovet on your hands actually helps soften all those snags on your fingers...double duty! Doc

Ken Taylor · August 14, 2010, 10:41:00 PM

Actually Montana Pitch Blend is relatively clean stuff...I wouldn't smear it on upholstering but it does seem to sort of penetrate and dry.

Sometimes in the bush when I have dry or chaffed hands I rub any excess into my hands until they feel conditioned but not greasy.

pickaspot · August 15, 2010, 01:54:00 AM

I have resurrected an old glove or two (to fit new fingers) by wetting it in warm water and having the new owner wear/shape it to fit his hand. Once it dries, a good treatment with Montana pitch blend & good to go.

That might not be ideal for the leather but it sure works. Have donn the same to hasten break in for cordovan tipped gloves like the Alaska Bowhunter Supply Superglove.

Dave Bulla · August 15, 2010, 02:18:00 AM

I make my own leather dressing....

But, I'm thinking that what pickaspot above said about wetting it in warm water might be the way to go. Might have to stuff the stalls to fill them out until they dry and it would probably get a lot of the crease out.

In my experience with gloves, any conditioner of any kind you put on it will actually make it crease more since it softens the leather and allows it to bend/flex easier. That's one of the reasons I prefer a tab.

The flip side is, in my opinion, whether you are shooting a glove or a tab, nothing beats cordovan leather for lasting without developing a crease. All other leathers are inferior in one way or another.

Hud · August 15, 2010, 02:26:00 AM

Over the years, I have used different products for boots, quivers, belts, etc. but Montana Pitch Blend does a nice job. A little goes a long way.

August 15, 2010, 01:17:00 PM

For maintenance Montana Pitch, but to revitalize a wrinkled up or sweated chunk of cardboard that used to be leather, Neets Glove oil will get the pliability back the easiest. It is also good for getting a stiff back quiver to shape up to your own body shape. Louis Armbruster showed me this many years ago and I have never gone without it since.

Ken Taylor · August 15, 2010, 01:23:00 PM

I get a crease in my glove when I do not use Montana Pitch Blend.

By the way, I don't have shares in the company! LOL

JamesV · August 15, 2010, 01:45:00 PM

Black Magic tire dressing, makes it slick and soft............James

lpcjon2 · August 15, 2010, 07:57:00 PM

Google a Horse saddle shop and see what they use.