Q&A for How to Stiffen Leather

If you want stiff leather, I would recommend a mixture of Elmer's glue and water.

If it's the kind of handle I'm thinking of, they usually have a core of hard, cheaper material to give it form, and the leather is sewn around it. The best thing to do would be to cut the sewing line and re-do the handle's core; that way you can put even better quality materials inside, which will last longer.

Try mixing water with a small amount of cornstarch or corn flour! It should be a cloudy-like water. Dip it and let it sit for 24 hours before stamping. I haven't tried this, but from crafting experience, this method works well for stiffening hemp string when making string designs!

There are standard ovens shaped like a microwave. Some even have stoves on top. There are also microwave ovens that include an electric grill.

Lots of mink oil and working the leather, folding and rolling it, should bring it back to soft. This will take time, depending how stiff the leather is.

Make mixture of Elmer's glue and water. Rub the mixture on your leather and let it dry for about twelve hours.