My only leather straps are on my 30mm Fisheye and 500mm Hasselblad lens cases and I hold the lens cases when I use the straps because they are old and one shows signs of wear.
Did you ever treat the leather with saddle soap or other material?
If you consider replacing them, I will suggest double thick, quality bridle leather, twice or three times as wide, for a really strong carry strap; a narrow, single thickness width will no be comfortable if the leather is doubled and no increased; also have the strap edges rounded for comfort as well.
You could also make your own by sourcing the leather in single thicknesses and having a local luggage repair shop, or saddle maker, (expensive) put them together, with waxed #4 linen cord, or better.
You can also get the leather worker to replace the case lugs and leather pieces that hold them at the same time.
For extended trips with leather straps, bags, etc, you also might consider buying a Harbor Freight leather/canvas stitching tool, and some small rolls of cordage, linen, or hemp or artificial sinew, just in case something gives and you need to repair it yourself.
I wear a Filson Belt made of vegetable tanned, double thick bridle leather, and other than lightly coloured stretch markings, think it's good for another 20-25 years as a casual and utility everyday belt.
Saddle soap cleans, it does not preserve in the strictest sense, but clean leather is happy leather.
Pure Neatsfoot oil (neatsfoot compounds can harm stitching, so you'll want 100% neatsfoot) is good, as is beeswax.
This is what I use on my leather camera straps, works great. https://www.obenaufs.com/natural-preserving-oils-p/leather-oil.htm
Roger
Yes thats what I use. Some leather is too far gone and no amount of oil will help. Beeswax is a bit more work,doesnt absorb as well, probably better at weather proofing. Haven't tried Rodgers selection, looks like the best of both worlds.Saddle soap cleans, it does not preserve in the strictest sense, but clean leather is happy leather.
Pure Neatsfoot oil (neatsfoot compounds can harm stitching, so you'll want 100% neatsfoot) is good, as is beeswax.
I exclusively use this product:
It is almost miraculous for anything leather. Made for saddles, but I've been using it for camera gear and my WW2 leather reproduction equipment. Unlike other leather treatments, it does not soften the leather at all, just serves to preserve,maintain and keep the leather supple, which is what you want as oversoftening the leather can lead to tears, especially if you forget to regularly treat and let it dry. It can also serve to sometimes "revive" vintage hardened/brittle leather gear, but results will vary depending on how far gone the item in question is.
Mink Oil on my Gordie straps a few times a year, maybe. Check for damage and replace as needed. I don't really use leather for much.
I have a few collectible rifles with leather slings that I just keep in a moisure controlled gun cabinet and wipe down once a year or so.
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