Hi folks
I remember reading something about oiling leather leads for longer life.
Could I trouble you for advise on how to prepare a long leather lead 9tracking lenth 10m) to ensure I get a supple and long lived one.
Is it also possible to give me links to any internet sites that sell the stuff. I vaguely remember there was a site that dealth with saddles etc that sold something like a soap that would do it.
A friend of mine said something called hydropaint (we were not sure how it was spelt) was suggested, tried googling and I am not entirely convinced paint would be ideal. Your experiences and adivice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Yash

Hi
If you have a decent feed merchant or saddlery shop get some saddle soap and/or neatsfoot oil. Use a sponge and go over the lead generously with the oil, (it will soak in) and then with a JUST damp sponge rub the saddle soap in, it shouldn't be wet enough to make any sort of bubbles, and use the saddle soap regularly especially if the lead gets wet, use after its dried.
horse tack lasts for years done this way.
Chris

Yup, neatsfoot is what i use before i send anything out!

Decent leather should be firm butN OT cardboardy hard, neither however, should it be REALLY soft..

Use a cloth well wrung out in warm water, to get off any grease and muck.... on horse tack i use a knife (non serrated) to scrape off any grease, then use a clean well wrung out, nearly dry cloth on some saddle soap.

If you have an item stitched iwth traditional linen thread though, be careful as water and oils can rot the thread!

Em

The traditional native north american way to make leather supple is to chew it.  ;)

I doubt that is with  bridle leather though... bridle leather if chewed (as my dog does) goes hard and brittle.

I think you might be thinking of rawhide or sinews used to bind things, in which case yes, chewing makes it go soft and sticky and then you can use it to bind something.. as it dries it tightens and hardens.

Em

I was kidding.

I use something called "Ko-cao-line".  I was told about this stuff years ago when I had horses and have used it ever since.  It waterproofs and softens the leather, amazing stuff!  It comes in a tin and looks a bit like strawberry jam!!  If you use this and work it in really well (takes a little while, especially with a tracking line!), then your leather will last a lifetime.  I use it every couple of months.  In between, when leads etc. get dirty, use saddle soap to clean.

Sarah.

P.S.  It also stops the thread from rotting!

Thanks for the tips.
Chewing... thats a thought might have to! with my missus trying to get me on a diet :-)

Sarah the stuff you use seems ideal, could you please let me know where  you buy your stock from?

Thanks for the suggestions  Chris and Em, sincerely appreciated
cheers
Yash

Hi Yash,
Try this place, seems to be about the cheapest!  http://www.saddlery.biz/pp/Horse_Supplements/Tack_Care/Ko-cao-line.html

Sarah.

Thanks for the link Sarah
Cheers
Yash

I also use Ko-cao-line - it was what we used to use on harnesses when I worked with show and driving horses.  #3 son left my police training lead out in the rain last week :(  Let the leather dry naturally and then worked the Ko-cao-line in (pronounced Kochaleen) and it's as good as new, soft and supple :)