Knobelbecher / Boots...¿how to soften?

[octopuss]

Hello!!

I think there is something posted on this forum about this issue but I can not finds it. I just purchased original boots are a little stiff. I would like to know the best material, oil, grease ... to apply it to soften a bit.

Thank you!!
Raul

[floriskok]

Hello!!

I think there is something posted on this forum about this issue but I can not finds it. I just purchased original boots are a little stiff. I would like to know the best material, oil, grease ... to apply it to soften a bit.

Thank you!!
Raul

Hi Raul,

I always soften my boots (if necessary of course) like this:

* If dirty I clean them with a wet sponge (without any soap)
* I let them dry again (a full day to be sure)
* To soften them I take a paint brush and apply saddle grease
(without any chemicals, coloring and smells in them)
* I let them dry again for a full day so the grease gets the
chance to infiltrate deep in the leather
* Next day I clean them with a clean piece of cloth untill they
don't feel greasy anymore.

Hope this helps

[octopuss]

Many thanks Floris!!!

Only one question: when you mean "saddle grase" is grease for ... chair riding (horse)? Can you send me a photo of you using? Where I can purchase it?.. maybe in horse specilized stores?

Thank you again!!
Raul.

[floriskok]

Hi Roul,

Yes the grease they use for saddles for horses.

You can get it in a horse shop or in the better shoe shop.

Just make sure there aren't any chemicals, colors and smells in it!!!

Floris

Many thanks Floris!!!

Only one question: when you mean "saddle grase" is grease for ... chair riding (horse)? Can you send me a photo of you using? Where I can purchase it?.. maybe in horse specilized stores?

Thank you again!!
Raul.

[MikeP]

Most treatments including the saddle "grease" actually damage and hasten the demise of old leather.

It attacks and weakens the fibers.

You will never make it new or even very useable.

Some use "Hide Food" or "Peccards" claiming they are less invasive, but don't expect much.

Lots of helmet liners and other leather goods were doomed by 50s and 60s and evven later treatments.

[besslein]

i only buy them without this issue.

[floriskok]

Most treatments including the saddle "grease" actually damage and hasten the demise of old leather.

That's a first for me. How could grease possibly deteriorate leather?

[Paul R.]

As a museum conservator I would not recommend using any type of leather treatment. I would only suggest a few leather products that will not further destroy your leather items. These so call leather conditioners can and will deteriorate not only the leather, but also the cotton sewn threads.
Saddle soap used in the past as a "cleaner and conditioner," although originally developed as only a conditioner. Saddle soap has the additional problem of being very alkaline, which causes degradation of the leather. The soap can also react with the oils in the leather and leave a white scummy deposit on the surface. Many of the products will work only for the short term not for the long haul. Once the products are applied it's almost impossible to remove them.