Need help softening rock hard leather!

[Cavalier]

Hi: I just received these 100 year old saddlebags; the leather looks great with lovely mocha patination, but is exceptionally stiff and can barely move. Does anyone have a treatment -- some sort of soaking solution perhaps -- that would be effective in softening them, short of blasting with TNT? I don't think ordinary applications of conditioner would be sufficient. Thanks much for your assistance!

 

[barnabus]

Neatsfoot oil has worked very well for me in the past to soften stiff leather.

 

[AeroFan_07]

I have had good success with Horseman's one step, use your hands or a sponge to apply, do it in multiple (preferably thin coatings) and slowly work it over the leather with your hands, letting your hands very gently warm, soften the leather and letting that help the product to slowly soak in. Doing outside in sunlight will help a lot with slowly heating and letting conditioner soak in as well. Do Not Rush the process of conditioning of this very old set of saddlebags. It may take several weeks to get them "softened".

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