So I bought 2 Polish Military slings for my M44 and M38 (here: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/371106014528?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649) and when they arrived the leather on the endings was STIFF. It was wood-hard. This is making things awkward for when the sling is attached to the rifle so I'm wondering what is the best way of reducing it back to its soft and supple consistency? Cheers-
Re-conditioning Leather on M44 Sling
- Thread starter Thiopento
- Start date
Bazzoka_Joe
Regular
- Location
- PRQ(People Replublic of Quebec)
neatsfoot oil does a pretty good job
Alberta Woodsman
CGN Regular
- Location
- In a holler some wheres
Neatsfoot oil works very well but be careful to not use too much. if you use to much it will make the sling very very soft. also it will darken the leather.
Woodsman
Woodsman
- Location
- West Quebec
Aparently Castor oil. Apply liberaly and give it a day or three to soak in. It will soften leather and allow for some stretching.
This might seem a bit unorthodox, but here is what I have done to bring back stiff hard leather on old tack.
Soak it in cold water overnight (rainwater is best). Take pure glycerin bath soap (the brand name everyone recognizes is Pears, but no name works fine as well) and put a chunk into hot water until it dissolves into a king of paste (again, overnight works best). Then work the paste into the leather it into the wet leather. The water helps the glycerin penetrate the leather. Suds are good. Once it won't drink up any more, let the leather dry for about a week, and it should be nice and pliant. When it is well and truly dry, give it a light dressing with neatsfoot or ballistol.
Soak it in cold water overnight (rainwater is best). Take pure glycerin bath soap (the brand name everyone recognizes is Pears, but no name works fine as well) and put a chunk into hot water until it dissolves into a king of paste (again, overnight works best). Then work the paste into the leather it into the wet leather. The water helps the glycerin penetrate the leather. Suds are good. Once it won't drink up any more, let the leather dry for about a week, and it should be nice and pliant. When it is well and truly dry, give it a light dressing with neatsfoot or ballistol.
