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AZ, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 9:26:39 PM EDT
Any great ideas? I have a new leather IWB holster that's a bit on the stiff side. I know that wearing it constantly will break it in eventually, but does anyone have an idea about how to speed up the process? Neatsfoot oil? Plain H2O?
Lots of leather websites out there...what works for you? Thanks in advance... |
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USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 9:35:37 PM EDT
[#1]
Nice dinner and a bottle of wine?
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Posted: 4/25/2024 9:35:54 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ske714]
[#2]
Spray the inside real good with DRY silicon lubricant.
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NV, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 9:38:30 PM EDT
[#3]
Jojoba oil, soften leather up and restores it. Use it all the time restoring old Galco Jackass holsters.
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Posted: 4/25/2024 9:39:16 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ske714: Spray the inside real good with dry silicon lubricant. Correct! OP, DO NOT use oil or other softeners. This will destroy the retention. Wear the holster, let it break in. The silicone on the inside will allow a smoother drraw without screwing up the retention. This is assuming it's a quality holster made by a good leathersmith. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 9:39:53 PM EDT
[#5]
Originally Posted By davekd7ds: Any great ideas? I have a new leather IWB holster that's a bit on the stiff side. I know that wearing it constantly will break it in eventually, but does anyone have an idea about how to speed up the process? Neatsfoot oil? Plain H2O? Lots of leather websites out there...what works for you? Thanks in advance... White shaving cream seems to work well on baseball gloves. Chris |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 9:46:02 PM EDT
[#6]
Don't over-do it. There is no un-softening it. I use Obenauf's Leather Conditioner, but only a tiny amount and only in the few specific places where it is tight.
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Posted: 4/25/2024 9:48:42 PM EDT
[#7]
Time.
It's about the only real way to get leather anything to break in. |
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NY, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 9:53:59 PM EDT
[#8]
"Softening up" a holster is a stupid idea. You want to break in a quality holster gently to the point it holds retention yet the draw is smooth. Once you go too far the holster is junk.
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USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:05:54 PM EDT
[#9]
Place pistol in a plastic lunch bag,. Slip bag with gun in holster. Let it sit for a day or two…
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:12:11 PM EDT
[#10]
I always used Mitch Rosen’s Leather Lightning.
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OK, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:19:05 PM EDT
[#11]
Equal parts taint grease and morning urine every day between the new moon and full moon.
Then purify it with sage smoke. |
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AK, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:28:18 PM EDT
[#12]
Works on my boots, belt and holster:
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:32:39 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By DJLTX: Place pistol in a plastic lunch bag,. Slip bag with gun in holster. Let it sit for a day or two… This. Most likely there is a card that came with the holster telling you to do this too. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:33:08 PM EDT
[#14]
 Whose the holster maker? |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:41:48 PM EDT
[#15]
You don’t want to soften a leather holster.
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:44:08 PM EDT
[#16]
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:45:39 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pr24guy: This. Most likely there is a card that came with the holster telling you to do this too. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pr24guy: Originally Posted By DJLTX: Place pistol in a plastic lunch bag,. Slip bag with gun in holster. Let it sit for a day or two… This. Most likely there is a card that came with the holster telling you to do this too. Yep. Card came with my Versa Max 2 advising me that. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:45:51 PM EDT
[#18]
What kind of leather? Chrome or veg?
Effax or lexol for most Smith leather. Albinon LLB if you're feeling fancy. Work it in worth your hands, the warmth helps the conditioner spread and it's not bad for your skin either. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 11:08:59 PM EDT
[#19]
Softening leather is for belts and boots. Don't do it to a holster.
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CA, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 11:10:36 PM EDT
[#20]
Dont it will fuck up retention and increase the chance of it getting snagged in the trigger guard when reholstering
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Posted: 4/25/2024 11:10:57 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MeInMediocrity: Don't over-do it. There is no un-softening it. I use Obenauf's Leather Conditioner, but only a tiny amount and only in the few specific places where it is tight. |
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USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 11:20:58 PM EDT
[#22]
Start by rubbing it with water, because water is free. Then toss that thing in the garbage and buy some kydex.
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Posted: 4/25/2024 11:24:48 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Pallas: You don’t want to soften a leather holster. Exactly, Sir. Doing so ruins it for retention, IMO. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 11:28:38 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By adversor: Start by rubbing it with water, because water is free. Then toss that thing in the garbage and buy some kydex. Ewe |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 11:30:16 PM EDT
[#25]
I bought a Brommeland holster for my G23 back in the mid 90s. Brand new, that thing was tough to draw from.
Wrapped my G23 in wax paper, holstered the pistol, and let it sit for a few days. Still have that holster |
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Posted: 4/26/2024 6:54:26 AM EDT
[Last Edit: RTX]
[#26]
Man up and tough it out is what works best. I don't have any trouble with IWB leather against my bare naked skin. Maybe you should wear granny panties until it softens up, princess?
Or....try a soft leather from Muddy River Tactical. Nothing fancy, but really comfortable from day one. The only thing he does wrong is the belt clip. It's really thin and doesn't work well with thicker belts or with any type of gun belt with jeans. Now he tells you to get the tuckable if you wear thick belts. Who doesn't wear a thick belt and/or jeans? He could have spent an extra 30 or 40 cents to upgrade the clip, so not sure why that hasn't been done yet. But, the holster isn't expensive and it does feel good from day one. Edit: Muddy River leather linky |
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Posted: 4/26/2024 6:58:38 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pr24guy: This. Most likely there is a card that came with the holster telling you to do this too. |
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NY, USA
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Posted: 4/26/2024 7:02:51 AM EDT
[#28]
This will do nothing to soften a holster, but will dramatically help smooth draw:
Wrap the firearm in wax paper. Insert in holster. Draw/insert/draw/insert/... it ever so slightly waxes the rough interior of the holster, provides a modest lubrication and permits easy drawing without breaking the structure of the holster. Your mileage may vary |
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Posted: 4/26/2024 7:38:55 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By frozenny: This will do nothing to soften a holster, but will dramatically help smooth draw: Wrap the firearm in wax paper. Insert in holster. Draw/insert/draw/insert/... it ever so slightly waxes the rough interior of the holster, provides a modest lubrication and permits easy drawing without breaking the structure of the holster. Your mileage may vary This is what dry silicon spray does, without having to fool with bags or wax paper. Spray it in the holster, let it dry for a few minutes, and you're done. |
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Posted: 4/26/2024 7:46:28 AM EDT
[#30]
Stiffness is good. Attempts to accelerate breaking in will result in a floppy holster so I’d go easy. Just wear it. You can put moleskin on the inside that touches your skin if there is a chafing issue.
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MO, USA
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Posted: 4/26/2024 7:54:25 AM EDT
[#31]
You don't want to soften up a leather holster too much
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Posted: 4/26/2024 7:57:52 AM EDT
[#32]
Just wear it...
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/26/2024 7:58:24 AM EDT
[Last Edit: goodguy2021]
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Newnimprovedusername: I always used Mitch Rosen’s Leather Lightning. Also my go-to. Anybody that recommends softening a holster should be publicly ridiculed. And punched in the neck. |
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Posted: 4/26/2024 10:55:37 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pedaler: Just wear it... That's what I did. After a couple weeks, it's about perfect for me. It's still got some stiffness to it, but it's also softened up just a bit. Mine has a thumb break, too. And that thing was very hard to get snapped when I first got it. But after about a week, it loosened up and now it's pretty easy to snap 1-handed. |
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Posted: 4/26/2024 10:58:13 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By goodguy2021: Also my go-to. Anybody that recommends softening a holster should be publicly ridiculed. And punched in the neck. |
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Posted: 4/26/2024 11:06:29 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Jeffg: "Softening up" a holster is a stupid idea. You want to break in a quality holster gently to the point it holds retention yet the draw is smooth. Once you go too far the holster is junk. 
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Posted: 4/26/2024 11:22:28 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Newnimprovedusername: I always used Mitch Rosen’s Leather Lightning. Same, but several of the holster makers sell products for this purpose; use as per the directions but it's usually recommended to put a very light coat on the inside to help slick the leather for the draw. There are a couple of other recommendations depending on the maker (there are some professionals on leatherworker.net who use various products depending on what they're doing; there is a holster specific forum). Use a very small amount of saddle soap to clean the outside if needed. Otherwise just wear it in. |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 4/26/2024 8:43:34 PM EDT
[#38]
Thanks for all the ideas...I guess I'm just not used to IWB carry! My P365 usually just goes in a pocket, but that's becoming a situation where wear and tear on the clothing isn't worth it.
I live in the middle of the desert, in one of the hottest places on the planet. Summertime attire consists of a sleeveless t-shirt and "jorts" (no understanding of the hate for "jorts" here, but I love my Wrangler carpenter-cuts...been wearing them for 30+ years). My main gripe is comfort. I'm not used to having that holster crammed inside my waistband. I use Kydex OWB for my winter carry (Glock 17) or a shoulder rig for the 1911 when the weather is cool enough to wear a jacket (not too often!). I suppose I'll just have to adjust and adapt. Old dogs CAN learn new tricks! 
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Posted: 4/27/2024 11:35:22 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By davekd7ds: Thanks for all the ideas...I guess I'm just not used to IWB carry! My P365 usually just goes in a pocket, but that's becoming a situation where wear and tear on the clothing isn't worth it. I live in the middle of the desert, in one of the hottest places on the planet. Summertime attire consists of a sleeveless t-shirt and "jorts" (no understanding of the hate for "jorts" here, but I love my Wrangler carpenter-cuts...been wearing them for 30+ years). My main gripe is comfort. I'm not used to having that holster crammed inside my waistband. I use Kydex OWB for my winter carry (Glock 17) or a shoulder rig for the 1911 when the weather is cool enough to wear a jacket (not too often!). I suppose I'll just have to adjust and adapt. Old dogs CAN learn new tricks! It's a different feel and takes a little fiddling to find the exact right spot for your waistline and clothing. Angle between the butt of gun and your abs makes a huge difference in comfort. Nested VS poking. I have an old galco aiwb that fits perfectly for me and was a total no go for a buddy that asked to try it. I have the opposite scenario with owb, on the rare occasion I carry owb I feel like I have a tumor becuase I was born with hips like a damn holstein. |
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Posted: 4/27/2024 11:48:47 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By DJLTX: Place pistol in a plastic lunch bag,. Slip bag with gun in holster. Let it sit for a day or two… But, nothing beats wearing it normally for a proper break-in. Don't use oil products... |
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