Mink oil
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Petrol & Powder
Well-Known Member
I can't answer your specific question, but I’ve used Mink Oil on leather gear for many years. Mink Oil tends to soften leather, which is desirable for things like belts and shoes but bad for things that have a tightly molded shape, like some holsters.
A better product, in my opinion, is Sno-Seal, which waterproofs but doesn’t soften the leather quite like Mink Oil.
And for both products, placing the leather in sunlight to warm it is a big help.
A better product, in my opinion, is Sno-Seal, which waterproofs but doesn’t soften the leather quite like Mink Oil.
And for both products, placing the leather in sunlight to warm it is a big help.
oscarflytyer
Well-Known Member
Had a leather holster and gun belt custom maker swear tell me NOT to use mink oil on the belts/holsters - as P&P says, tends to soften the molded leather and stiff belt.
richhodg66
Well-Known Member
Mink oil makes a great case lube for resizing.
Agree with ll so far, except I cannot say from EXPERIENCE that it makes good case lube, BUT @richhodg66 tends to be a reliable source.
I have been using Bick's No. 4 on holsters and gun belts for years without any discoloration or softening, but it does a nice jib keeping the leather from deteriorating. It was recommended to me by a harness-maker in Amish country, but I don't remember which one. Apply it bare-handed, rub it all over the leather until it starts to "dry" a bit and then let it sit for a while.
Side-benefit is that it is an amazing skin softener. I have to wash my hands 50 times a day (not exaggerating and not obsessive-compulsive) and it's the only thing that works and doesn't leave me greasy. DISCLAIMER: For all I know, it may make me grow an extra thumb or cause cancer in the state of California. I live in Ohio, so I should be OK and what the hell, an extra thumb might be handy sometimes.
I have been using Bick's No. 4 on holsters and gun belts for years without any discoloration or softening, but it does a nice jib keeping the leather from deteriorating. It was recommended to me by a harness-maker in Amish country, but I don't remember which one. Apply it bare-handed, rub it all over the leather until it starts to "dry" a bit and then let it sit for a while.
Side-benefit is that it is an amazing skin softener. I have to wash my hands 50 times a day (not exaggerating and not obsessive-compulsive) and it's the only thing that works and doesn't leave me greasy. DISCLAIMER: For all I know, it may make me grow an extra thumb or cause cancer in the state of California. I live in Ohio, so I should be OK and what the hell, an extra thumb might be handy sometimes.
smokeywolf
Well-Known Member
IIRC, and I'm not sure I do, mink oil softens leather nicely, but after a year or two takes on a bit of an unpleasant smell.
RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
You want to make sure the thread is synthetic and not cotton or linen. Ask me how I know.
Petrol & Powder
Well-Known Member
I've never had a problem with an odor from Mink Oil but it does tend to soften leather.
richhodg66
Well-Known Member
Seriously, it's all I use for case lube anymore, except I usually wipe pistol brass with a rag dampened with Ed's Red when running them through a carbide sizer.
RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
Ah, I never was a carbide sizer die.
CWLONGSHOT
Well-Known Member
Ruined my first set 0f quality pac Boots because of this... Took about ten years... But for a boot worn so infrequently it should have lasted my lifetime.
CW