Leather Saddle Bags

[steely]

I have a pair of cheap leather saddle bags that a buddy of mine purchased off of ebay. He gave them to me because he didn't like them. The leather they are made of feels like cardboard. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to soften them up, or are they pretty much junk? I have put some neatsfoot oil on them, but the outside doesn't seem to absorb any of it. The inside will absorb it readily, should I just continue to oil them over the next few weeks to see if they get any better?

[Billyboy]

I'd keep doing that.

Read the "breaking in a heavy leather jacket" thread.

[runewolf]

Ok, just a dumb question here.... but wouldn't you want them stiff? If they weren't your bags would be saggy.... an nobody wants to see that now do they?

[Billyboy]

Ok, just a dumb question here.... but wouldn't you want them stiff? If they weren't your bags would be saggy.... an nobody wants to see that now do they?

OWW! Zing! :-D

[argonsagas]

Neatsfoot oil is a superb softener for leather, but you should not expect it to work instantly. It works by capillary action, and is slow.

If you try to rush it by over-application you will saturate the leather and end up with wet bags.

If the leather is as dry as suggested, it will take at least a few days, and likely longer, for the oil to do its work completely. It will work, and should not require a lot of oil to do the job, so just use a bit at a time, spread it evenly over the surface, and be patient between applications.

[steely]

If they weren't your bags would be saggy.... an nobody wants to see that now do they?

Heh, I keep trying to tell my GF that, but she doesn't listen...

Thanks for the replies guys. I applied the oil last night, and set them aside. I will wait a few days for the oil to soak in properly before I apply again.