Help!

OK, i wax dipped my sheath today(a pouch sheath), and it shriveled up like a prune. but not the entire sheath, just the part that i had formed around the handle

the wax was at about 350(possibly more, unsure), and i heated the sheath for ten minutes at 180, so what did i do wrong?
the wax was too hot is my best guess for now......


Thanks,
Ben

I think your guess is correct. First, make sure the sheath is completely dry, then pr-heat it as you did. Next dunk it for a few seconds (3-5) in the hot wax mixture. I use 50/50 beeswax and neatsfoot oil, heated just until it's all liquid- probably not over 200 degrees F. As you discovered, if the sheath is damp or if the wax is too hot, you make french fries.

cool Don, thanks

just enough to melt the wax. i'll keep that in mind on the next one( no salvaging this one, so in the trash it goes, tried boiling it in water and reforming the leather, DOESNT WORK,: : :

Don is right about the sheath being dry. for some reason if thee is a trace of moisture it hardens the leather. "Feels dry" is not enough. Place the sheath so air can circulate around it and leave it 24 hours longer.

thanks foxcreek, i'll be sure and do that