New GFS saddle refuses to absorb oil!

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Catherine123

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I recently bought a new GFS / fieldhouse saddle (only thing I could get to fit)

I have tried to oil it but despite looking thirsty the top side of the flap and both sides of the sweat flap won't absorb any products. Everything I have tried just sits on the surface, even days later.

I have been using Pure neatsfoot oil, oakwood balsam, stubben hamanol and Leatherflex.

The saddle is made of smooth leather.

Any ideas much appreciated :)
 
TBH I would only ever put any oil products on leather that needs real emergency treatment, and it should only be put on the flesh side of leather anyway. I stick with the old spit on your saddle soap and rub it in well method. Do it daily for 3 or 4 days and that should do the trick.
 
Being brand new the leather is stiff and i feel it needs a bit of oil to help it supple up but its almost as if it has a plastic like coating. I have used the saddle about 10 times and already there are little cracks starting to appear on the top side of the leather :-(
 
My share fella had a new GFS last year - I oiled it a couple of times with Carrs leather oil which it absorbed quite happily :)
 
I was told never to oil a saddle but to use a leather balm instead.
I have copied this off GFS website about caring for their saddles :) Hope it helps.

Cleaning and care for your XCH Saddle : ensuring years of great service

Leather loses a percentage of its fat content every day of its life, and just as we need food to replace our energy, so leather needs constant replenishment if it is to continue to lead a useful life.
(Hartley Edwards, E., 1963 Saddlery)

Proper leather care is crucial to maximise the life of a saddle and bridle. Leather is a natural product and if it is allowed to dry out it will eventually peel and crack. Spending a little time cleaning and caring for your tack will pay dividends in the future.
Cleaning guide:

CLEAN leather by removing dirt with a damp cloth.
TAKE steps to replenish the lost moisture and fat content in your leather.
NEVER use hot water and do not soak your tack.
ALWAYS allow wet leather to dry naturally.

Products:

Traditional glycerine based saddle soap can be used to clean your tack. However, apply sparingly and do not use in isolation as saddle soap does not replace any fat content.
Hide foods should be used occasionally to replace lost moisture and fat content. Always allow three hours for hide food to soak in.
Oil must be used sparingly as over saturation will result in limpness.
Waxed creams create a waxy barrier between the leather and the atmosphere offering a layer of protection.
 
Ko-cao-line is brilliant. I think that's what its called, its cow grease i think, can get it from robbies. If you stick it on with your hands i find its good for your nails too Haha
 
I have had a GFS saddle for 11 years and it will never take much oil. I think it must be something to do with how the leather has been treated.
 
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