Leather softening

[MickG]

Hi
I picked up at a boot sale an old sail makers palm
It is as stiff as a board
What is the best way to soften it so it forms around the hand better?
Is warm water ok as when it dries it should go hard again?
Thanks
Mick

 

[Ogri the trog]

That might prove to be a temporary measure Mick,
however, something like saddle soap or an old fashioned dubbin might be better. I know that Neatsfoot oil is prone to damage stitches over time but even that might be useful.

I'm not a leather guru though, so wait for a few more answers before taking mine as gospel.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[John Fenna]

I would wet mould it to my hand and then use a good quality leather conditioner.
Neatsfoot oil and Dubbin based on natural oils may cause premature aging of NATURAL fibre stitching but is fine with synthetic (more common) but if in boubt use a wax based product...or even hand cream!