Leather Care

[White Oak]

Just curious as to what you guys and gals like most for caring for and preserving your leather items. Of the most importance to me are two back quivers that my wife and I acquired on this site quite a few years back. Mine was purchased new to me from the classifieds around 2007 and was made by a woman, a member here, that created some fantastic leather items for sale. Not sure that it would be proper to mention names but anyone around here at that time would remember her. I felt very fortunate to land this as I had wanted one of her creations since first seeing her work. Shortly after I found this for sale by another member she stopped taking orders. Anyway, it is a large quiver made of bison hide with a large cuff at the top which puts the rough side out. It has three antler buttons around the top and a nice size pocket about 1/2 way down with an antler button closer. Also a very nice, wide adjustable strap.
My wife got her quiver from the St. Jude auction around the same time. It is a beautiful piece with heavy braiding around the top and down the back. In the center is a intricate braided circle that bogles my meager mind. The donor of this item was a very generous person to a wonderful cause. I can't imagine the hours that went into it.
These quivers are never hunted. Cat Quivers are much more expendable and would hurt much less if damaged in the woods. We do use them but gently.
Point is these belong hanging around long after we are  gone. What is your favorite leather treatment? Is there anything that could or should be used on the rough exposed cuff of the bison leather? My go to stuff used to be mink oil but it was not the mink oil I see today. I have and still use a pair of Canadian made Sorel Pacs that my dad bought me for ice fishing when I was 15. That makes them nearly 55 years old. The rubber is still sound and the leather looks like new. Mink oiled at the end of every season. Odd how things are not made that way today.
I appreciate any suggestions.
Take care,
Ed

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I uses Huberd's Shoe Grease Leather conditioner or Montana Pitch-Blend both work great.

[Pat B]

I also use Montana Pitch Blend and have for years with my leather craft. If the leather needs cleaning saddle soap first then after the leather dries then use the Montana Pitch Blend.I like to apply the MPB then hand rub it in. The friction created by hand rubbing helps the MPB sink into the leather. Afterwards I wipe the excess off with a soft rag. 

[McDave]

I use Obenauf's Heavy Duty Leather Preservative on stuff that will be subject to extreme conditions, which may be similar to the Montana Pitch Blend described by others.

I'm no expert on this, but maybe you don't really want the heaviest duty stuff out there to protect a quiver that you don't plan to hunt with?  For example, the stuff I use leaves kind of a film on the surface which I assume aids in the protection, and is not exactly tacky, but definitely has a bite to it.  I like to use it on the leather patch I have on the bow handle of one of my bows because it aids my grip.

If I wanted to protect some leather from cracking and give it a lustrous finish, I might prefer something like Meltonian Leather Lotion instead.

[LookMomNoSights]

I've used this for years with success and no complaints.  Goes on easy with no fancy application tools or techniques.... Just rub a little on with your fingertips.  It's scentless,  which is handy.  A light application is all you need.

[Maclean]

Another vote for Montana Pitch Blend. I use it on all of my leather goods; L.L. Bean boots, American Leathers shooting gloves, leather shooting tabs, back quivers, the leather hoods on my bow quivers, and leather knife sheaths. Easy to apply and works great.

[Brockett]

One more vote for Montana Pitch Blend, great stuff.