Bible Care

For members who own leather bound Bibles, how do you care for the leather?
I understand that the more you handle the Bible, the oils in your hands will keep the leather supple, which will prevent cracking.
I was wondering if anyone used a moisturiser or another item to care for the leather.

I have an Oxford wide margin that I have used for about 20 years. I bought a zip up Bible cover for this one... The leather bound cover is as fresh as the day it came down from heaven....The inside is another story.

Thank you for your message.
That's a sign of use, and is a good thing. I may give the Bible covers a try, I never knew if they were actually effective.

Mine have all worn out. By the way, my first Bible was the Oxford Study Bible. Is that the same as yours?? You are the first person I have heard mention an Oxford Bible... thank you. God bless you.

I've not heard of that type 'The Oxford'. What is the difference with this version?

Most "leather bound" bibles aren't really bound with good leather. And if they are the leather is sealed.

What you want is saddle soap if it is. That will do more to help it than not....especially OLD leather.

Getting a Bible rebound with new leather is very expensive...but some bibles are worth the expense. We are talking about several hundred dollars for bridal leather. This isn't going to be cheap leather or an inexpensive process. It's extremely labor intensive to rebind a book with good leather.
If it isn't...find someone else to do it.

Thanks for your response.
I am not sure of the type of leather I am afraid. On the rear of the Bible it states 'Bonded Leather'. I believe on the sleeve of the Bible as new, it stated to regularly handle it so the leather will not crack. Saddle soap is a good idea, perhaps this may be the best option as necessary.

I have found a website that offers a rebinding service in the UK. If you see the price list (on the link below), the minimum charge would be about £110 + PP for the type of Bible I have, should it ever need it.

https://www.biblebinding.co.uk/bible-binding-restoration-price-guide/

Bonded leather is leather that is made from a combination of glue and ground up to powder leather to create a new leather sheet.

It's limited lifespan junk....usually.
The glue/bonding agent breaks down over time because it's a mixture of chemicals that eventually turn acidic over the decades.

True bookbinding with leather is a time consuming process. It's not quick. You can do a search on YouTube to see it done.

I have one bible that I might restore with a new binding. I bought a NIV study bible in 1985 brand new. It was expensive then and had a better leather binding. But the years have had their effects on it too.
But I've had the thing for so long now...it's seen me through the decades and I know every inch of it like my tongue knows my teeth.

I own a bunch of bibles....but that one is my "go to". It's sitting by my easy chair as I type. I probably do need to get it rebound.

I have hobbies....leathercrafting is just one of them. And it's going to require me doing it so that I will be 80% satisfied with the job.

Just looked at the link.

If I were you and going to pay for the process...(and it appears that they are going to do a brilliant job of it)
I would ask if they have a better leather to use...something other than a chrome tanned goat leather. Ask for bridle leather. It's a more expensive cow leather BUT it's made to withstand the years to come much moreso than the goat leather is.

If you Bible is worn, retire it, and purchase a new one.

I have a habit of inserting notes in the text of my Bible. I usually buy a new one every few years and retire the old one to the bookshelf. They are great reference books.

A few years ago I started using Bible software. I love it because it puts so much information at my fingertips when I need it.

I know that is how some people are...I understand why perfectly you feel that way.

But a worn out Bible is like an old friend. I know exactly where to look. Which side of the page and location of the paragraph I'm looking for. And know which book I'm in by the weight in my hands instead of the heading.

Getting it recovered is a form of gratitude to God. I know it's silly to you...but us old guys were raised up different and feel different about stuff.

I'm one of the old guys (I think that 81 qualifies), and it took me a couple of years to get comfortable with an electronic Bible. It has brought a whole new level to my Bible Study.

I like the ability to change fonts, enlarge text, quickly find related verses and other material, and to voice and text record meetings.

You could try beeswax its good for leather

I feel weird about having an expensive leather bible. Smells nice though I imagine.

I've had just one wear out through use and the binding fall apart. It took about 8 or 9 years I think.

Is that like bee pollen?

None of your beeswax!

Actually, Beeswax is one of the oldest conditioning substances still in use in countless different
ways today, and one of the uses is indeed for cleaning, conditioning, and even waterproofing leather.

It is a powerful all-natural ingredient that helps to protect leather goods by softening
the fibers, and creating a barrier against water penetration as well as harmful UV rays.

Beeswax doesn't last very long or pentrate that deep unless you literally cook the leather...which isn't good for the bible. And considering how often you have to do it....

Saddle Soap is the best...been around for hundreds of years already. Just saying...

Well I don't know about you but for me, it's my Bible I keep at home. The one I use at church is an app on my phone.

I don't need to show off my expensive bible..Bible...
To me it's an old friend restored to good condition.

It is certainly a versatile product for sure.

Beeswax candles are excellent room deodorizers. We always use them we serve seafood.