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How do I Care for Leather on a USN Pal Mark I?

A USN Pal Mark I utility knife is a utility knife formulated for use in the Navy during WW II. The Navy issued these knives for utility use during survival situations. The blade is constructed of gray or black Parkerized metal. The handles are wrapped in a shiny leather. Since the knives are old, much of the leather may be dried, cracked or damaged in some other way. Cleaning and preserving the leather will help the knife have a fully functional life once more.

Things You'll Need

  • Pine pitch leather cleaner
  • Pine pitch leather conditioner
  • Pine pitch leather dressing
  • Dish soap
  • Work cloths
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Instructions

    • 1

      Strip the leather of all products with a small amount of dish soap. Work the soap into the handle of the knife with a damp cloth. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Do not use a soaking cloth. This can damage the leather handle and make it crack.

    • 2

      Work some pine pitch leather cleaner into the surface of the handle. This cleans the leather even deeper to remove all soap residue. This cleaner also protects the handle from drying, cracking and water damage. Continue to work cleaner into the handle until a rag brushed over the surface does not pick up any discoloration from dirt or oil.

    • 3

      Rub some leather conditioner into the knife handle to keep it from drying and cracking. The conditioner helps keep the leather soft and supple and acts as a moisturizer for the leather. Run conditioner into the leather until no more will absorb into the leather. If there is any excess, wipe it away with a soft cloth.

    • 4

      Waterproof the leather handle using pine pitch leather dressing. The pine pitch acts as a preservative in the leather, working deep down into the leather pores, filling them with the dressing so that they repel water. Many leather dressings combine with beeswax or another natural water repelant. This wax creates an impenetrable barrier over the leather handle preventing water, sweat and other liquids from ever reaching the surface or pores of the leather.


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