From what I have read if you do any tooling you need the oil in it. I use neatsfoot and after a couple coats it does darken a slight amount. I have read olive oil can be used but unsure if it darkens I would assume it does because your replacing the missing oil which is needed to keep.leather soft and not cracking. I'd suggest try olive oil and just 2 applications. Beyond that you can probably use denim or other rougher material.to cut the shine down some. That part is a guess.