Leather treatment

Royston · 22nd June 2012, 02:29 PM

The photos show a Khukuri scabbard which has obviously suffered in the past.
There must be a way to stretch the leather back into place.
I have been looking on the web and the suggestions are varied. Steaming or soaking in water or leather oil appear to be the most likely although I don't know what the effect of this will be on the wooded insert. Which do I try first ? Or does someone know a better way ?

All suggestions welcome.

Thanks and Regards
Roy

spiral · 22nd June 2012, 02:41 PM

Hi Roy!

Sadley when the uncured hide has shrunk in that manor & to that degree, I think it is unlikely to get them streched without damage back to the full streched green hide size.

Spiral

Stasa Katz · 22nd June 2012, 03:00 PM

This is a long shot but may be worth a try.

Query a museum known for its weapon collections.

Also, consider quizzing the custodian of a library with an important holding of old/rare books.

Old leather bookbindings sometimes can be restored by a careful stretching of the leather and possibly that technique could be used to restore your scabbard.

The Imperial War Museum may have some kukris and know a thing or two about restoring and maintaining the sheaths.

22nd June 2012, 02:29 PM	#1
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 443	Leather treatment The photos show a Khukuri scabbard which has obviously suffered in the past. There must be a way to stretch the leather back into place. I have been looking on the web and the suggestions are varied. Steaming or soaking in water or leather oil appear to be the most likely although I don't know what the effect of this will be on the wooded insert. Which do I try first ? Or does someone know a better way ? All suggestions welcome. Thanks and Regards Roy Attached Images

22nd June 2012, 03:00 PM	#3
Stasa Katz Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 18	Ask someone at a museum? This is a long shot but may be worth a try. Query a museum known for its weapon collections. Also, consider quizzing the custodian of a library with an important holding of old/rare books. Old leather bookbindings sometimes can be restored by a careful stretching of the leather and possibly that technique could be used to restore your scabbard. The Imperial War Museum may have some kukris and know a thing or two about restoring and maintaining the sheaths.

22nd June 2012, 02:41 PM	#2
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Hi Roy! Sadley when the uncured hide has shrunk in that manor & to that degree, I think it is unlikely to get them streched without damage back to the full streched green hide size. Spiral