What To Use On Dried Out Leather

[mack the knife]

i have a job to redye a set of saddle bags that have been ridden hard in the sun and rain the leather is hardened and i need to prepare them for dying and also have a few spots to sew up what is the best thing to use to soften them up i have some fiebings saddle oil i sprayed on them

[marine mp]

Mack,

I'd use neatsfoot oil or Fiebings 4-way care. Also might try Mink Oil. But.........I would do it AFTER I did the re-dye. Lets see......1) Repair torn places on saddlebags 2) Re-dye and after drying, rub off excess powdered residue 3) Oil up the bags. 4) Seal with product of your choice. (Mink oil, Resolene, etc.) Semper-fi MIke