How to finish this holster

[Oregon Bill]

Fellers, it has been years since I tried making a holster, so made a bunch of old mistakes all over again on this one, for a Model 1860 Army. I did give it a couple of coats of Fiebings leather dye and can't recall what to finish it with. The two products I have on hand are mink oil and Obenauf's Leather Preservative. I am leaning toward the latter as mink oil can make leather pretty soft, IIRC.
Advice appreciated.

[Buck Stinson]

Bill,
You're asking for advice, so here's my 2cents worth.  Neither product you mention is designed for saddle skirting.  These are excellent conditioners and waterproof products for boots and upholstery.  I would suggest either neatsfoot oil or believe it or not, olive oil.  I have been a full time holster maker for the past 45 years and I use only olive oil.  Since the holster has been dyed, use can use it as a top coat, but apply it sparingly.  You want just enough to set up the dye.  You can add Fiebings saddle soap later on to maintain the flexibility, without making it a limp rag.

[Oregon Bill]

Buck, I surely do appreciate it. I had never thought of olive oil!

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[Marshal Will Wingam]

Buck is right. I've used extra virgin olive oil on holsters for years. They last as good as with any other finish. Just recently I've started using Skidmore's restoration cream on them. Skidmore's has some bees wax in it and I like the slight extra sheen I get when I rub them out after the cream soaks in some. I can't say the finish is better than olive oil, though.

[Trailrider]

I have used Fiebing's Bag-Kote, especially on holsters dyed black. It stabilizes the Fiebing's spirit-based dyes, but allows the leather to breathe. 

[Major 2]

Buck, Marshal Will, and Trailrider, there are three top aces for you. 
Better advice cannot be given.

[Oregon Bill]

I used Bag-kote years back when it was easily available (i.e. a Tandy store in every community)  but did not know where it fitted into the truly traditional/historic finishing processes.
I always feel guilty about my crappy leather skills, as my great-grandfather, William Peckham Rathbone Wood, Third Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, was a harness maker by trade. I am sure he would look at my struggles and either grin or shake his head.

[Oregon Bill]

Got her finished and a second light coat of virgin OO rubbed in. In spite of my several mistakes, I had forgotten how pleasant a thing it is to make a holster.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Got her finished and a second light coat of virgin OO rubbed in. In spite of my several mistakes, I had forgotten how pleasant a thing it is to make a holster.

Congrats. Looks like a fine holster. Agreed, making a holster is a pleasant thing to do.

[Oregon Bill]

Thanks Marshal Will. She may be homely but she'll do the work. 

[Rube Burrows]

If it works and does the job its designed for then its good in my book.

[Buck Stinson]

Looks great, Bill.

[Johnny McCrae]

I'm a little late jumping in but I've always used Pure Neet's Foot Oil followed by Skidmore's Leather Creme with good results. Works the best when you let everything dry thoroughly between coats.