humperdingle Report post Posted February 12, 2013 Hi folks, I got a couple of sides of larp veg tan (split). Whilst it's not board-like (it came rolled), i'd like to soften it a bit to make a floppy satchel (Same kind of feel as the wartime canvas bags) How would I go about that? I have Aussie Conditioner - Would that help? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
humperdingle Report post Posted February 16, 2013 Anybody? I tried the Aussie conditioner. It turned a cardboard-like moulded bag into a slightly less cardboard-like moulded bag. I really need it to be 'floppier'... Any ideas? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David8386 Report post Posted February 16, 2013 Does it have finish on it yet? If not try a light coat of neats foot oil on it and let it dry. Oil can darken it a little also though. David Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oltoot Report post Posted February 16, 2013 you will probably have to utilize a physical rather than chemical approach to accomplish your objective. Pulling over an edge, pounding as if tenderizing. Most chemicals will do things with the color. The Inuits would have their old women chew leather to soften it. I'm not suggesting anything like that just pointing out what others have used in order to take from it what we may. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted February 16, 2013 My suggestion is to get some more leather top grain no splits and just chalk this time as a lesson learned in what not to buy. No i'm not trying to give a smart a@# answer. I know i have bought stuff that didn't work out. Lessons i have paid for stick a lot better than ones that people have told me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
humperdingle Report post Posted February 16, 2013 Does it have finish on it yet? If not try a light coat of neats foot oil on it and let it dry. Oil can darken it a little also though. I don't think so... I have Neatsfoot on order, so I'll try a sample with that, thanks. David you will probably have to utilize a physical rather than chemical approach to accomplish your objective. Pulling over an edge, pounding as if tenderizing. Most chemicals will do things with the color. The Inuits would have their old women chew leather to soften it. I'm not suggesting anything like that just pointing out what others have used in order to take from it what we may. I might give it do the dog to chew My suggestion is to get some more leather top grain no splits and just chalk this time as a lesson learned in what not to buy. No i'm not trying to give a smart a@# answer. I know i have bought stuff that didn't work out. Lessons i have paid for stick a lot better than ones that people have told me. Yes, I only bought it because it was cheap, and was interesting to try if nothing else. I think I may just use the leather for dividers on larger items. Cheers for the comments. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tree Reaper Report post Posted February 16, 2013 (edited) For breaking hides I use a rounded steel plate similar to a round nose shovel. You oil the leather slightly then draw it back and forth on the flesh side. Possibly some round heavier balls like India rubber in the dryer on cold temperature will soften it also. Edited February 16, 2013 by Tree Reaper Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
