The biggest problem with Brooks is the break in period, and the thicker the leather the longer it takes. My Swift took only about 800 miles, but the B17 took about 1500 miles. Whatever you do though to break in a Brooks is too follow the Brooks advice for treatment. Following someone else who claims a lot of knowledge about breaking in a Brooks by using oil or water is full of schit, you will ruin the saddle. Brooks has been making leather saddle for over 100 years and they know from all that long experience what to use on their saddles that won't ruin them and their recommendations work; and following their advice should allow the saddle to last at least 20 years, there are Brooks out on the road older then that! If by chance your saddle is still under warranty, applying any other technique for breaking in other then factory recommendation will void the warranty.