Proofide Question

[wackyjacky1]

I know there's been a million threads about this, but I did a search and didn't find an answer to my specific question: Will it hurt my new Brooks saddle if I ride it for a bit before putting Proofide on it?

The reason I ask is that I ordered and received the saddle, but neglected to order a tin of Proofide. It won't get here for several more days, and I just don't think I can hold off riding in order to wait for it! (In fact I've already ridden on the saddle. ) I have mink oil that I use on some leather boots, but I did see during my search that I shouldn't use mink oil.

Thx for any info.

[mimitabby]

it won't hurt the saddle a bit. but don't leave it out in the rain!

[malkin]

Yep, mimi is right.
I did the same thing; got my saddle and rode for a week or so before I got any Proofide.

[wackyjacky1]

Excellent news! Thank you.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If your Brooks saddle is brown or honey color, then using other stuff like mink oil etc on it will make it darker. My husband used either linseed or neatsfoot (I forget which) oil on his honey Brooks and it turned a dark brown permanently. Nice brown, but no longer honey colored.
I have used only Proofide (and lots of it) on my 2 honey colored Brooks', and they did not change color at all.
Riding on your saddle before PH'ing it will not hurt it, unless as Mimi said, you get it wet. Never a good idea to ride a wet Brooks- it can wreck and warp the shape!