Leather Care
Natural vegetable tanned leather has unique properties which make it ideal as an artistic medium. If properly cared for your item will develop a natural patina over time, ergonomically form itself to fit its intended use and can last for generations. Vegetable tanned leather does not contain any toxic chemicals and is completely biodegradable.
Our products are sealed with a semi-permeable finish which allows the leather to "breathe" and absorb natural oils and moisture from the environment. Although you may find it stiff when new, with time and use the fibers will relax and soften. Although naturally resistant to water it is not waterproof and soaking may affect the tooling, colors and shape.
Much like our own skin, leather needs to be moisturized and cared for to prevent it drying out or cracking.
Fitting for Knife Sheaths: Our sheaths are designed to stretch to some extent, allowing a custom fit and wet molding for certain tools. If your sheath is reasonably tight fitting, you can spray the interior with distilled water until it is lightly saturated then insert the knife and set it aside overnight or until dry. If your tool or blade is not stainless steel, wrap it in plastic first to avoid rust.
Afterwards treat the interior with a light coat of conditioning agent or oil.
Cleaning: Please avoid any strong solvents or detergents when cleaning your leather; we recommend using saddle soap, water and a soft brush if cleaning is required. Allow the leather to dry completely, then gently rub the surface with a clean cloth treated with olive oil, leather preservative or balm.
Conditioning: Regular conditioning is necessary to keep tanned leather items supple and prevent cracking and dryness. As such, it's recommended to condition your leather goods every few months or as needed. A variety of commercial preparations are available and should be applied sparingly with a clean cotton cloth or dampened sponge. Unfinished surfaces on the interior of knife sheaths and other areas should be lightly treated with olive oil or leather conditioner but not deeply saturated.
Heat and Sunlight: When leather is exposed to the heat or UV radiation from the sun it can become brittle, fade, and even crack over time. To avoid this, store your leather items in a cool, dry place. If they get wet, use a cloth to absorb the moisture and let them dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.
By taking these simple precautions, you'll help keep your tanned leather looking its best for years to come.
Excess Moisture: Moisture can wreak havoc on tanned leather, causing it to shrink, swell, change color or even mold. To keep your leather looking and feeling its best, don't let it get wet much. If your tanned leather does get wet, use a soft cloth or dry towel to dry it off immediately.