Rusty old wallet MT.

[Neil]

Not as shiny as the one Mat has en route but look what I found at this morning's car boot sale..



Something else to add to my to do project pile

Anyone have any tips for cleaning up the leather?

[jzmtl]

I know how to clean up rust, not leather. 

Is the key end suppose to fit into handle?

[J-sews]

Neat!


Be careful cleaning up the metal. Its probably nickel plated, and will flake off if you're too aggressive with a buffing wheel.

[Neil]

Yep the key end fits into the handle.  Hopefully anyway as I haven't tested any of them yet.

I think I'm going to end up with quite a mess patina however I clean the tools up

[jzmtl]

If it's unplated you can mix up some water and molasses to remove the rust.

[Neil]

I'm quite a fan of electrolytic rust removal but I'll pick their poison after I've given them a good look over.

Its the pouch I'm most concerned about 

[jzmtl]

I have little experience with leather but can't you just wash it, then oil/wax?

[AHB]

Looks really interesting (and old)..  

Its the pouch I'm most concerned about 

Ohh, Chako, where are youuu..? 

[Neil]

I have little experience with leather but can't you just wash it, then oil/wax?

From past experience I've not been able to really bring it back life after washing.  Probably just doing it wrong.

Where are all the leather guys when I need them

[J-sews]

I have little experience with leather but can't you just wash it, then oil/wax?

From past experience I've not been able to really bring it back life after washing.  Probably just doing it wrong.

Where are all the leather guys when I need them

Leather men? Did someone say leathermen?!

[Mr. Whippy]

In the equestrian world, dried out old leather is treated thus:

1.  Lightly clean with a quality product (in the UK, I'd recommend Carr Day Martin) or glycerol soap.  Then, heavily apply conditioner and let it set for a day or so. Wipe down the leather and assess.  Apply more conditioner if needed and let set for another day or so (possibly in a sealed plastic bag).  Wipe again and assess.  The leather will soften up, but the thing to worry about is dry rot of the stitching.

Carr Day Martin products are excellent for saddle leather.  We prefer it to Lexol (another brand of cleaner and conditioner).

[Neil]

Would this be a good idea?

[Chako]

Exactly as Mr. Whippy stated in his post.

I would use neat’s-foot oil. Apply it sparingly. Remember, you are trying to impart the natural oils into the leather, not drown it. Too much oil and it will fall apart. Likewise, I am very partial to saddle soap to finish it all off.

The trick is to take your time and to rub the oils into the leather. That goes with the soap also.

[Mr. Whippy]

Would this be a good idea?

I've not used their leather oil.  We've rehab'ed a few really dried out saddles before using just conditioner and light cleaning.  Read the can instructions.  Usually, they tell how best to use the product.  If it's not for resuscitating leather (ie, if it's mostly for waterproofing), I'd try conditioner instead.

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

Nice score Neil...

I agree with the other leather guys...a cleaning then conditioning.