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How to really soften stiff, thick leather? Extreme methods only!

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11,149
Location
SoCal
You could put them in a sturdy fabric bag and use it as a piñata. Hitting them over and over with a baseball bat should soften them up. For a little extra, fill the bag with candy and let the neighborhood kids do all the work.;) It will take awhile for them to get through the canvas bag.
 

Psant25

One Too Many
Messages
1,607
I recall one of the PNW boot makers like drews or franks saying to break in their boots quicker to spray a mixture of 1/2 water 1/2 rubbing alcohol solution until wet and wear them to dry.

i have used a lot of different conditioners. There was some apple leather care conditioner product that turned a couple of my heavy cxl aero jackets quite soft and i was pleased with the results. Searched amazon and found it.
 

Psant25

One Too Many
Messages
1,607
Found it. If works 8 oz work boots prlly works for anything less weight
0F73C9AB-22B6-47A2-9998-2B2EB9AE5BFB.png
 

born113

One of the Regulars
Messages
270
I recall one of the PNW boot makers like drews or franks saying to break in their boots quicker to spray a mixture of 1/2 water 1/2 rubbing alcohol solution until wet and wear them to dry.
Alcohol is a very old recipe for shoes. But this is primarily for temporary softening to make it easier to make the desired shape. And there is almost no long-term softening effect from alcohol. Exactly the same as for a person :)
 
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Messages
16,810
Guiz, leather conditioners, oils, greases, lubricants, etc. are NOT an option for me. I cannot buy them. To me, these things are unobtainable. Household products are my only option. I cannot acquire mink oil. I cannot acquire saddle soap. I have never even seen saddle soap. [insert brand name here] product is precisely what I was trying to avoid with this thread.

Just curious, What leather item are you trying to soften?

Leather pants. Massively heavy and very stiff leather.

@yellowfever; The leather is naked, almost raw. No surface finish to speak of. I do believe there are some waxes in the leather as it has got that CXL vibe going on but I am not 100% sure plus heat doesn't seem to have any effect on it. The pants do not become softer, more pliable with

I have pants that are more wearable but I want to wear these because I really like them. Leather is stunning with character appearing with each wear. Also, I got them tailored to perfection, I really invested a lot of time in them, they're just too robust. The thing is, this helps a lot with the fit. They crease just perfect, look great... But spending an entire day in them is... Tiresome.

At this point, I know they would feel and look much better if fully broken in, borderline destroyed, but I ain't got the time to get there. By the time that happens, I doubt it I will be in any condition to wear leather pants.
 
Messages
16,810
Alcohol is a very old recipe for shoes. But this is primarily for temporary softening to make it easier to make the desired shape. And there is almost no long-term softening effect from alcohol. Exactly the same as for a person :)

Interesting... Okay, but will the leather retain the broken in shape it attained whist intoxicated, or will it shrink back to its previous dimensions once the leather dries up, do you know?
 

born113

One of the Regulars
Messages
270
Interesting... Okay, but will the leather retain the broken in shape it attained whist intoxicated, or will it shrink back to its previous dimensions once the leather dries up, do you know?
I am not very experienced in large leather goods. I have done this many times with only small functional leather parts of large mechanisms. I can only argue about the long-term softening effect. But it was a lot of kinds of leather.
 

Will Zach

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,831
Location
SoFlo
Guiz, leather conditioners, oils, greases, lubricants, etc. are NOT an option for me. I cannot buy them. To me, these things are unobtainable. Household products are my only option.
Vaseline then. Available in your local pharmacy. John Chapman swears by it. Bonus - good for your skin - you know how it is with leather pants...;)
 

TREEMAN

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,564
Location
USA
IMO This garment needs some kind of treatment then a lot of battering. The treatment might just be hot water and then a long time in a dryer ( no heat ) . They need to be beat into submission .. leave them in the dryer until they beg to come out or in this case until they’re on their knees !!
 
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