Voltaire riders - speak to me about their grain flaps. I recently received a new custom with grain flaps and calf seat/rolls. While I adore the saddle (and the balance on it is phenomenal), I am curious as to how much I can expect the flap to soften and darken up to match the other leather. Either way, I love the saddle, I am simply curious. Thanks!
What’s a grain flap? Is that just what the rest of us know as basic thick full hide saddle leather?
If that’s what it is, it will soften some but it will never become like calf leather. That’s why you use different kinds of leather, calf for a soft seat and regular saddle leather for the flaps that take a lot of wear.
Condition it well and roll the flap as you condition. In a warm room if you can. That will help soften it up. The calf parts likely took up the dye and initial grease easier but while the two hides won’t look the same, the flaps will soften and darken up. It will just take more time.
Mine darkened up perfectly by just using the Voltaire conditioner on a regular basis - I’ve never used oil on mine, and the seat is just barely darker than the rest of the saddle.
