I know I've heard the words 'Saddle Soap' mentioned in passing inside the walls of this forum.

I read an interesting article concerning saddle soap this evening and I thought I would pass it along to everyone since the leather is on my mind...

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The Myth Of Saddle Soap

In the late 1800's the final tanning of leather required the talents of a "currier". This craftsman took the tanned but brittle hide and worked oils into it until the desired flexibility was obtained. This process was called fatliquoring. The fatliquor of choice was an emulsion of oil in soap. This "saddle soap" was not used as a cleaner. It was a softening conditioner.

In fact, saddle soap is a very poor cleaner. It must first dissolve its own oils, limiting its capacity to dissolve dirt and oils in the leather. Saddle soap is also inherently alkaline but alkalinity is damaging to leather. Another problem arises during application. Most saddle soaps instruct the user to work the lather into the leather. Since loosened dirt is suspended in the lather, it is pushed back into the leather's pores.

Saddle soaps have long been replaced in tanneries by modern emulsions which penetrate, soften and condition with greater ease and stability. the popular myth of saddle soap as a cleaner however persists as modern folklore.

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RP

 

oh

 

Someone told me the same thing a month ago, glad you confirmed this! You are an assett to us other KR owners!!!

 

An asset? hehehe, I've been called the 'root word' of your aforementioned comment... Not sure I've ever been complimented.

Thanks Damon. I appreciate it. Just thought I'd pass along that tidbit as I figured some would be interested.

RP