I have started a new side hobby of refurbishing saddles. I need some recommendations for super deep penetrating conditioners and oils for dried out but still usable leather. I have one saddle that I am redyeing and it needs something better than leather therapy.
@Bensmom’s Higher Standards Leather Care. Seriously. It has some hardcore revitalizing power, and leaves a nice soft moisturized finish. Not greasy or oily whatsoever. http://www.higherstandardsleathercare.com/index.html
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If you are dealing with really hard dried out strap goods, like bridle pieces that have been in the basement for 20 years, a true oil soak for a long time will work. I soaked some crusty junk for 6 months (kinda forgot about it) in unscented baby oil (mineral oil) and ended up with a functional old-school double bridle. But probably neatsfoot would have been better.
I wouldn’t however put oil on modern saddles or better quality bridles. I like Passier ledersbalm and Belvoir. I find if the leather is really dry it helps to wash it thoroughly and then put the conditioner on while the leather is still damp.
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what kind of leather? that really changes the game.
but in general, belharra’s saddle soap (which is also conditioning) is probably one of the best reconditioning soaps for very dry, worn out leather. and it is balanced enough that it’s fine to use on a variety of leather from pigskin to calf-leather without issue.
I have had good luck with a solid cleaning with Murphy’s oil soap followed by a deep conditioning with Effax Lederbalsam. A couple of times it has taken more than one coating of the Lederbalsam to really get worked deep into the leather.
I have also had good results with Stubben Hamanol.
I think a lot depends on the specific piece you have in front of you, but I’d add Oakwood’s conditioner to your list of contenders. It’s lovely stuff!
Effax is an excellent product; I have used both their oil and their conditioner – softens tack without leaving a greasy feel, and their oil is not your typical “saddle oil”.
It’s imported from Germany, so is a bit on the spendy side – but worth it for the quality you get 
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I like Stubben’s conditioner, though it smells a little like bacon grease out of the tube. (Haven’t noticed the smell on my leather)
I ?third? Effax Lederbalsam. I had been using Lexol for years because somehow that was always all I had and when I finally got some Effax the difference was amazing. It really brought out all the rich tones in the leather!
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Our recommendation at the tack shop was: “Whatever the bridle or saddle maker recommends, usually their own brand.” If you were still undecided, try to find a conditioner (this sounds ridiculous) from the same country/region as the tack. That is use: German cleaners and conditions (Effax, Stubben Hamanol) on German made tack (Stubben, Dobert, Passier). Use British made cleaners/conditioners (Albion Saddle Soap, KL’s Mad Cow, Leather Gel) on English made tack (Fairfax, KL Select, Albion, Frank Baines). The reasoning being that German leather is dyed and tanned differently than English leather, or French. The cleaners and conditioners are made to the leather type, so a German made conditioner may be to harsh to use on French calfskin or English leather. I’ve seen a Effax strip the dye out of a “English” brand bridle.
I didn’t really buy into this until I got my Fairfax saddle. For some reason, the conditioner that I had always used just didn’t have an effect. Then I bought the Fairfax Leather Gel and it LOVES it.
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Passier Lederbalsam. Smells heavenly too.
I’ve always loved Tattersall soap, which doesn’t darken my russet harness as much as some of the others mentioned here. It smells nice and leaves a nice sheen. They finally transitioned to a plastic container, which doesn’t get foul over time like the old tins did.
Totally off topic, but I’ve done the forgotten about it while it soaks in oil thing too.
I pretty much love everything Scibbler posts anyhow.
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I was using leather therapy but found the Effax Lederbalsam works MUCH better. Plus it didn’t make my skin break out like the leather therapy.
I’m a big fan of Skidmore’s Leather Conditioner. It brought this old, dried out headstall back to life and it’s one of my favorite pieces of tack. Just buttery soft without feeling sticky or oily. I love the smell of it too.
