Stitched leather handle

[eagle24]

I have a recurve that I want to put a stitched leather handle on.  It has a fairly deep locator grip and a pretty good palm swell.  I have some 2-3 oz tooling leather that is unfinished, so I will need to form the handle then stain and finish it.  I've read where some recommend soaking in warm water and also been told to soak the leather in alchohol.  Which works best and do I need to take precautions in handling the leather before it is finished?  Advice would be appreciated.  I searched and read the threads I found on this forum.

[madness522]

it might be a good idea to apply neets foot oil to the leather before starting the grip.  this will help condition the leather and also help the stain absorb more evenly.  wetting with alcohol will make the leather dry harder than water.  I would wet it with water, you don't have to soak it just run it under cool tap water until its wet then form it.  After you stain it you'll want to apply a finish like Tandy super sheen or satin sheen to help make it water resistant because you will sweat on it.

[eagle24]

Will the neets foot oil not affect the leather taking a finish.  Also the Tandy Super Sheen is what I have and will be applying for the finish.

[madness522]

I never had a problem staining after a neets foot oil treatment.  Just let the oil completly soak into the leather (a day or two) before you stain it.

[tim roberts]

It will dry faster with alcohol than it will with water, giving you less time to work with it.  With the deep grip longer working time would be better.  Warm water will soak in the leather better than cool or cold water.  
>>>Tim------->