Butter Soft Hermann Oak

[rufusjames]

I have built afew saddles using Hermann Oak 13-15oz skirting. I have been really pleased with the leather, however I had a potential customer looking one over and told me the leather feels like "cardboard" . I oiled it with two light coats of neetsfoot oil. what do I do to get that "butter" feel. He was comparing my just finished saddle feel to a saddle that was over twenty years old. Not really apples to apples. But they were both made of Hermann Oak. As far as I can figure twenty years of use is why the leather has a different hand to it. But if there is something I can do soften it up I would love to hear it.

Thanks,

RufusJames

[AdamTill]

If you knead leather by rolling it back on itself, it gets softer, but that's breaking down the fibres a little bit. Flexion breeds flexibility, as does lots of repeated oilings. English folks have forgotten this - they all want soft leather, but for it to be durable. Since it doesn't work like that, makers have taken to covering synthetic straps with useless but soft leather to get that "customer appeal."

[CWR]

Rufus,

I use Hermann Oak for just the reason that fellow is complaining about. I want it to be firm and hold its shape when new. If you get one in the condition that he wants, in my opinion it will never make it to the twenty year mark. With that being said, I think you might want to use more oil. I start with a heavy coat then several light coats over a couple of days. I hate a new saddle that sounds like a rusty hinge.

And sometimes you just don't make the sale or get the order.

Good luck,

CW

[rufusjames]

Thanks for the responses. I am very frustrated. I have been a little scared of over oiling as I did that once to a new saddle I had just finished. The glue broke down and the seat separated... I have been asked "is it more to use good leather?" "Dont you think you find the best leather youu can and use that?". As far as I know there is two tanneries making leather suitable for a "good" saddle. HO and W&C. Iam using HO. What more can I do?

Thanks.

Edited January 28, 2014 by rufusjames

[SethJ]

I love Herman Oak,...I used to use the Tandy Skirting, but after using Herman Oak its hard to go back. i still use the tandy stuff on gunbelts sometimes, but for saddles, its strictly herman oak. The saddle I'm working on right now is "hard". even with oiling prior to dying. I oil, dye,..then use atom wax,..then give a topcoat of leather sheen. It gives a nice flexible finish but it's pretty "hard" . over time is does soften up, but when new,...I have to put mink oil sometimes to get rid of some "rusty hinge" spots. Back on point I go for durabiltiy and and nevermind about how soft the leather is,....I want it strong and resistant...nature will do what it will eventually anyways.