Learn how to care for or repair your leather products here.
Basic Care
Leather is a durable and rugged material, but with time and use it will tend to dry out and get beat up. You probably already have what you need to bring back your leathers to full functionality. Just add a dab of leather conditioner or oil, and rub it in very well. I’m a fan of mink oil, but I’ve known some farmers with horses, and lots of tack to maintain. They just used olive oil. That said… I would recommend you stay away from the expensive imported EVOO
The Saddle Stitch
This is the most basic, and possibly the most durable stitch used in leather working. It is straightforward and easy to learn. All that is required is thread, and 2 needles. Less than $10. Basically you start with the thread running through the piece and you just weave the thread through pre-made holes to the end of the stitch. Then tuck the needles and thread in between the layers of material and tie it off. Easy peasy.
Why leather?
The tactical market is saturated with plastic and metal.
Plus I hear cow farts cause global warming or something... so I’m eating as many of them as I can and using their hides as payback!
Leather grows with you
I only use natural vegetable tanned leather (except prototyping). This is important to know because your item will look significantly different (and better) with use, time, and exposure to the elements. Over time, a veg tanned leather item will become a unique item, and will take on a bespoke appearance and fit, specific to you and your gear. All it asks in return is a spot of oil every now and then. Many ranchers with lots of leather to care for even use olive oil.
If you want to accelerate the darkening of your veg-tanned leather items… simply leave them in the sun for a few days at a time… but remember leather is basically just skin, and it will dry out and burn if left long enough. You can use dye if you’re impatient. [photo credit: Galen Leather Co]
The same way guns don’t need to be cleaned after every mag, your leather products don’t need to be maintained all the time either. Just keep an eye on it. If it starts looking particularly dry or beat up… put a spot of oil or leather conditioner on it.