>>> It feels like there is no moisture at all in the leather
The moisture mentioned is then fatliquor (fat and oil) content about 15% average from the tannery and the leather feels dry. This can be scientifically determined with a leather moisture meter or by weight.
>>> it will hardly bend due to being hard.
The reason that it can hardly bend is that the interlocking fiber behaves like hinges cannot move, just like a hinge of a door without lubrication.
>>> due to being hard
When the fatliquor evaporates or migrates off the leather fibrils, it collapses without air spaces for the sliding fibrils.
>>> I was needing advice on what steps and products I should use to help diminish the cracks
Cracks are just like broken strings. Any repairs will be obvious with a darkening effect from the leather bonding effect. Recommend to leave it alone.
>>> and to soften the vachetta straps on my vintage Babylone tote.
The softening will require hydration to relax and open up the stick-to-gather leather fibrils system. When the leather becomes limp and soft, fatliquoring continues to replenish the required percentage of fat and oil through hydrogen bonding.
Softening the leather and correcting the browning and darkening effect is performed with the help of this Kit-V3. Read the description, tips and instructions accordingly.
http://www.leatherdoctor.com/leather-vachetta-browning-remover-kit-v3/
10002
Further questions are welcome
10003
Roger Koh
Leather, Skin, Hair, Eye & Acne Care System Formulator
Consultant / Practitioner / Instructor / Coach
web: www.leatherdoctor.com
forum: www.leathercleaningrestorationforum.com
email:
[email protected]