Saddle care...can you help? Sorted now

[Piperdave]

Hi all,

i have a Brooks B5N saddle, which feels "damp". Can anyone tell me the best way to preserve this. The leather looks to be in good condition, no cracking.

I guess i need to bring it into the house to let it dry, then apply something, but it is that something i need advice on.

Many thanks,

D

 

[Banashapan]

I'd agree with you on getting it dry!

Then your Brooks will need some food-

Although there maybe other similar substances you can use, someone may suggest an alternative!

 

[stevevw]

I have just started using a old 70's B5N while my much loved B17 is back with Brooks due to braking the adjuster bolt. I noticed the Leather on the B5N was much harder and thicker than the B17 so gave it a good go with Proofhide after a couple of days I added a thick layer of Peter Storm Boot wax to the underside to keep the water out and have been polishing the top with kiwi shoe polish to get the shine back. The saddle is still harder than the B17 but 100% better than when I first put it on a couple of week ago.

 

[1duck]

I use saddle soap, it costs a fraction of the price of the brooks labelled stuff but works just as well.

 

[stevevw]

The stuff that my Mrs uses for the horse tack that is called saddle soap it's hard like soap not a paste like Proofhide. Used in the same way as we would use soap with warm water to clean the leather. She then uses neatsfoot oil to protect the leather once clean and dry

 

[1duck]

The stuff that my Mrs uses for the horse tack that is called saddle soap it's hard like soap not a paste like Proofhide. Used in the same way as we would use soap with warm water to clean the leather. She then uses neatsfoot oil to protect the leather once clean and dry

yeah thats the stuff! i use a softer type that is more like a paste, it contains neatsfoot oil and lanolin so it softens the leather up, i then wash it off and use beeswax to water proof it.

 

[Spokesmann]

Proofide, proofide and more Proofide... once dry.

 

[Piperdave]

Thanks for all your advice, proofide now ordered...

D