thanks for the comments guys, i had proofed the leather with a neats foot and beeswax mixture, 50/50 gently melted and mixed. this works very well for softening and seems to help cut resistance but wears off (or soaks in) quickly.
what treatments do others use? i am more interested in weather/waterproofing than hi shine or looks.
also i have read somewhere about working leather and/or boiling it to turn it into armour that will turn a blade. i want to make some shin and an arm guard but can not find the name of the process. any ideas?
thanks