NeatsFoot Oil vs. NeatsFoot Compound

[Caleb the bow breaker]

been looking for neatsfoot oil to treat some leather products.  Today I found a bottle of stuff called neats foot compound.  Is the same stuff???  If not whats the difference and which is better.

C

[Dusty Nethery]

Not familiar with the exact difference of the products.

However, I've done extensive research in regards to leather care, and despite common practice, using straight oil (i.e. mink oil) is not recommended. Oil is harmful to the leathers natural fibers causing them to become brittle. Stick with the wax type treatments.

Also, the use of saddle soap is warned against as well. In fact, soap of any kind is to be avoided for cleaning. Simple warm weather is best.

[Caleb the bow breaker]

come on theres got to be some more info out there

C

[Kip l Hoffman]

neetsfoot oil is found in just about every western store or saddle shop you come by.  i use the heck out of it and it works great.  i put it on my goretex boots and it makes the gore tex last a whole bunch longer like 3-4 extra years.   I actually have had it make gortex lasst till the soles wore smooth.    i use it on my arm guards and indian style quivers.  never have had it cause a problem other than it does darken some leathers.  I have tryed the blends and neetsfoot with added ingrediants.  they just cost more, that is about all.

[Bud B.]

Neatsfoot oil is oil. The compound is a mixture of oil and other substances and has a waxy component to it. It is also cloudy in appearance. The oil will absorb more into the leather and is great for treating older leather. Both will darken leather. The compound will lighten up more quickly than the oil.

I use them both.

[stickhorse]

a lot of saddle makers use 100% olive oil on their leather projects. very little color change, use it on my projects.

[Roughcountry]

You have to be pretty carefull with neatsfoot oil these days. Pure neatsfoot oil used to be a animal by product and was used to put the natural oils back into leather after the tanning process removed it from the raw hides.

A lot of the neatsfoot oil offered now is a petroleum industery byproduct and not very good for leather. There is also neatfoot prime to confuse you futher.

I use pure neatsfoot oil on my new saddles when they are ready to go out the door. I recommend a conditioner after that first treatment unless they should get very wet and leach the oil out.

To much oil is as bad as no oil in leather, but it has to be the right kind of oil. The amount is determined by the kind of leather and what the use will be.
Olive oil can be real good in some climate's

What about the olive oil and climates?

[Jacko]

I use 100% olive oil to protect / preserve or rejuvenate all my Leather goods. An old time saddler give me the tip. It does not create any problems if used sparingly. I apply a small amount to a small flannel rag and rub it in. I buff the leather after giving the Olive oil a chance to soak in. I live in a humid hot climate and have experienced zero issue's

regards Jacko

[HATCHCHASER]

Stay with animal by products.  Petroleum based oils clogs the pores of the leather and keeps it from breathing.  This is important on boots.  I have never tried the olive oil but since its a natural product I think it would be fine.  I need to try that one.

[Ringneck]

On the sheaths I make, I use a product called Fiebings Mink Oil Liquid. It is a combination of Mink Oil, Silicone, Lanolin, and Pure Neatsfoot oil. It does a fine job. Your local Tandy or Leather Factory will have it for $6 a bottle.

[stickbowhntr]

one thing for sure the old stuff I have is no where near the same as the new...I like the old better