Repro roughtouts and boot oil

[DaveFox]

I got some repro roughouts from bayonet inc. a while ago, and I've been meaning to put some oil/dubbing on them. Now before I go and do something stupid, does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations for the type of oil/dubbing I should use? I figure better safe than sorry. Thanks for your time.

[Blitzdough]

A while back during my Civil War reenacting days, I was told that Neatsfoot Oil would deteriorate the stitching. I don't know for sure if that's true. For my roughtouts, I use period military dubbing. It will turn them almost black, and almost waterproof. That would be my recommendation.
Cheers!

[Steve B.]

A product called Sno-Seal also works well. It is very similar to the WWII dubbing. Anything you put on the boots will darken them.

[Bill Eldred]

I just left mine alone and they have been OK for 5 years.

[Tom Wolboldt]

Hi List

For anyone wanting some, I have WW2 boot dubbing. The cans are not dated but the cases are dated 44 or 45. Even if you don't use it it is nice to have a can in your pack. Price is $3.00/can or 2 for $5.00 plus shipping.

Tom Wolboldt
xstuff@juno.com

[Chuck Lutz]

I got a can of "Huberd's Shoe Grease" from a friend who suggested it for my Two-Buckle boots. It is made from pine tar and beeswax. Claims to not cause deterioration of the threads or stretching of the leather. Uses oils and waxes and does NOT use animal fats or tallow or synthetic compounds. Probably much the same as the WWII product.

And it does mention that it will darken the leather. My boots are fairly dried out so I have to put something on them before they get wet or I know I will have problems. Is this the right stuff?

Anyone ever heard of this stuff?

It's from up in McMinnville, Oregon so they probably know about wet weather and wet boots....made since 1929.

[Bill Eldred]

If they are getting hard then try and find some Doc Jackson's leather treatment. It will soften up the leather and condition it. I think you can still get it from Tandy leather if they are still around. The one here closed about 3-4 years ago. here is the url.
http://www.tandyleather.com/

[Bill Eldred]

If they are getting hard then try and find some Doc Jackson's leather treatment. It will soften up the leather and condition it. I think you can still get it from Tandy leather if they are still around. The one here closed about 3-4 years ago. here is the url.
http://www.tandyleather.com/
This is what you are looking for:
Dr. Jackson's Hide Rejuvenator #219780

[BuckshotSgt]

I have always used mink oil without any problems. Don't worry about the boots getting darker. If you look at original photographs, you will see that all of the boots being worn appear to be quite dark. The reason for this would obviously be dirt and moisture from wear in the field, but also would be because the troops were directed to use the dubbing issued them along with the shoes.
In my opinion, the darker, the better...gives you that "veteran" look.

[crapgame1965]

I have had excellant results using Red Wing Boot Oil on all my leather. It was reccomended over Neats Foot oil for the reasonas already mentioned.

[MAJ Tim]

You want to avoid any animal based oil for boots like mink oil, neets foot oil etc. I would go to your best local outdoor shop and get the products they sell. The boots will darken with time and wear..and of course rain....

Mine after a year have turned from the issue orange to more of a light brown and will eventually be dark brown.

MAJ Tim

[bob bartongpw43]

what about picards leather treatment any body heard of that

[Bill Eldred]

Picards is good would be my second choice after Doc Jacksons. As for animal oils I doubt that using animal oils on leather is going to hurt them. The idea is to restore some of the natural oils back into the leather that is what Doc JAckson's does it is a combination of animal oils and enolients to restore the leather I have used it on Civil War leather and it did a fantastic job in restoring flexibilty to 130 year old leather. Any product that does this is going to work use what ever you can find. Just remeber that some are better than others. I have been working with leather for a few years and have tried them all I perfer Doc Jcksons as it does not leave the leather with the oil feel.