pollux (who uses castor oil to bring life back to old leather?)

[dr greg]

I read recently that castor oil was good for leather lounges, so I bought some and applied it to the stiff-as-a-board old jacket I got last week (see thread below), the effect has been dramatic, I'd always used neatsfoot oil for such work but I was also recently told by a saddler that it rots thread, which is maybe why one of my older numbers is falling apart..anybody else used this cheap alternative?

 

[Close Shave]

No, but RM Williams in Australia make "RM's Own" which uses natural ingredients.

I have found it very good - and you can buy it from www.rmwilliams.com.au

 

[Caledonia]

Use it all the time. Shoe soles, uppers (not suede), bags, belts, and am about to try revitalising a 1930s German leather car coat. I've got a tin of RM Williams and will try that on the coat in one place to see the difference. So far, as you said, the effect has been dramatic and positive using the oil. I was a little concerned as I'd read the same about oil in general rotting the threads, but I haven't noticed anything with the castor yet.