Thread: What is mink oil?

I have my doubts regarding this substance. Sounds unreasonable to believe someone would raise zwillions tiny mustelids for its fat.

Originally Posted by Matheus

I have my doubts regarding this substance. Sounds unreasonable to believe someone would raise zwillions tiny mustelids for its fat.

There are lots of Mink farms... they are mostly raised for their fur. The fat from the oil is just underneath the skin so its not too hard to get. Apparently it has a higher resistance to rancidity than any other vegetable or animal oils.

It used to be a byproduct of the fur industry and the mink were also raised for their fur, they also used to harvest the castor glands for the making of perfume. I think that now a days they used other oils in the products for the waterproofing of leathers. I would think if it were real mink oil it would be very expensive.

It is a combination of mink oil lanoline silicone and pure neetsfoot oil. I use it on my leather boots.

Thank you all, gents.
Livin' & learning!

Just google for the ingredients list of products for water proofing leathers sold as mink oil and I think you will find that they really do contain actual mink oil. The stuff does help in water proofing leather and also keeping it supple from personal experience.

Bob