Is it possible to soften the temper of a piece of leather?

[SUP]

My question is more of "Is it possible..." rather than "How...?' I know it is possible to stiffen leather but can it be softened permanently?

I have a rather stiff split that I am thinking of using to make tool bags, IF I can soften it a little. I will only use small parts of the side. I will probably skive it too.

But I will do all that only if there is a chance I can soften it a bit.

I had thought skiving might soften it a bit but I read that thickness has nothing to do with temper.

Edited January 23, 2024 by SUP

[fredk]

Yes

But as you're not asking how I ain't telling  

[SUP]

@fredk, Could you please tell me how to soften stiff leather splits?  Pretty please? See? I'm asking so nicely! 

[fredk]

Its very simple but time consuming; apply a little of your favourite conditioner and work the leather. I mean, bend it, fold it (not tight), roll it,  sit on it . . . .  and keep doing this until its as you require it 

[SUP]

Oh. Okay. I will try that. I'm in no hurry to soften that leather anyway. Thank you.

[fredk]

Don't forget the 'conditioner' 

[Handstitched]

One piece of VT  leather I was given was so stiff  it could double as a  card table . Too good to throw out, I made a handbag out of it.  I oiled it, bent it worked it  etc etc  . Then I carved a pattern onto it.  Although I had to belt the living daylights out of my tools,  I  Laced it etc.   Looked quite good once I finished. So, as  a bit of a joke , I put  it in our local country show. Blow me over, I got the 'Blue Ribbon' Best in Section'   I sold it within a week, HA !!! 

 So if that is possible....?? 

HS

[SUP]

Oh wow! @Handstitched  got a pic of that bag? 

That's called making a silk purse out of a sow's ear!

I oiled a piece of the leather and bent it and bashed it a bit - it was slightly softer this morning, so rolled it up and held it in place for a while with rubber bands. I will keep it aside for about half an hour and then bash it some more. Great for when I am in a bit of a temper. @chuck123wapati, where are you? Sorry no. Just joking. No offense intended Chuck.

 

Edited January 24, 2024 by SUP
Correction.

[Handstitched]

17 hours ago, SUP said:

got a pic of that bag?

Yep, took a while to find the  pic I took of it,   as was taken in 2006. But here it is. Its not very clear, but you'll get the idea  

HS

[Dwight]

When I get done with a project . . . there will always be at least parts of it that need softened up a bit . . . 

Belts for example . . . get rolled over a dowel . . . and it usually only takes a couple of passes . . . the new owner always appreciates it being "pre" broken in.

Straps on my shoulder holsters are another that get the same treatment . . . 

And no . . . I don't use chemicals . . . if I do, it is only neatsfoot oil . . . and that is in very very limited quantities.

My holsters (pancakes) get the eyes worked over with a board I have that simulates an 1 1/2 belt . . . makes putting it on the first time and wearing it . . . make it feel more natural.

It's fairly easy done . . . and works for me

May God bless,

Dwight