I use recently manufactured B-17s on my bikes and find them comfortable.

I also have a Brooks Professional from the late 70s, still in very nice condition. And it stays that way because I can't stand riding on it. It has much thicker, harder leather than the B-17s, and never softened or conformed in the slightest even after hundreds of miles. Bolt a bench vise on your seat post and sit on it - same experience.

Over the years I applied Proofide several times, top and bottom. It gave the leather a nice look but had no effect on its diamond-like hardness.

I have 3 choices: Hang it on the wall, EBay it, or find a way to soften it. I've heard of various forms of witchcraft, such as soaking it in linseed oil, or in water; executing a drum roll on it with 2 baseball bats; applying Paul Newman salad dressing and microwaving for 10 minutes (ok I just made that up). For each such suggestion, I've seen at least one corresponding post warning that it will ruin the saddle. I'm willing to take a chance, but only on something that sounds reasonable.

Advice anyone?