I recently made a pouch sheath and dyed it ith the Febring (sp?) leather dye. it has been a week and I am still getting dye on the ivory micarta I used for the handle. How do I prevent this?

Also how long does it usually take for a sheath dipped in neatsfoot to dry out? Is there some way of speeding up the precess.

Thanks
Steve

Steve, my friend---The problem you refer to is one that is easily preventable. I use FIEBING'S leather dyes almost exclusively but there is a great difference between their spirit dye and their Professional Oil Dyes. The spirit dyes leave more of a residue on the surface of the leather and will rub off unless they are sealed. The acrylic leather shene by Fiebing's is a great sealer. The Oil dyes are so good that they rub off very little but should still be sealed. Before you sew your sheath together dye the interior, wait for it to dry and then apply a coat of acrylic sealer. If you do not wish to dye the interior, seal it anyway as it will help to slightly stiffen the leather and afford extra weather protection---Not a water proofer, however! As for the time it takes for a sheath to dry out from applying neatsfoot oil-- This is a large variable according to the amount of oil used. The more oil, the longer the drying period will be. Even the weather will have a bearing on whether the oil will leach onto the surface which can stain everything it touches. It is far better to apply light coats of oil occasionally rather than a heavy coat or soaking. Let them sit and absorb the light coat and then wipe them often for a few days. This will help but is not a cure all by any means. I personally believe that neatsfoot oil was OK in the 18th century when used by the frontiersmen on a daily basis, wearing deer skins that did not mind a little oil or bear grease, bathing was not a primary concern, and the girl friend was not too picky--------Sandy