Everyone here is right. It's amazing what a leather saddle can survive. I have over conditioned enough leather in my time that I no longer trust myself with oils and conditioners that soften. In fact, Brooks doesn't really trust us either. That's why they say to go easy with Proofide, despite the fact that they might only be able to sell you a single tin in a lifetime. Once, I thought that Proofide was mostly beeswax and parrafin, but no longer. If it were beeswax, then no application warning would be needed, because beeswax cannot over soften leather. Perhaps my logic is flawed, but I don't think so.

Impatience will ruin a Brooks. It's been done. By me once, by others, I'm sure. Too much oil and/ or conditioner will keep on softening beyond the owners intent, often for weeks or months. You simply can't gage when enough is enough. Yes, I know all about the story of the famous guy who immerses his saddles in 30wt motor oil for six years, then rides them while still dripping. So? Maybe he likes the hammock effect. I know that Sheldon Browne, whom I nearly worship, has said that motor oil works, too. Yeah, sure it works. So do all the other unquent's, salves, and witches brews that people use.

Softeners, conditioners and the like belong in the realm of clothing, boots, ball gloves, etc. A saddle should remain very firm, but molded to the rider. Many oils will reduce the slickness of a smooth finished Brooks. This is a mistake. The slick surface is one of the most important characteristics of a super comfortable long distance saddle. It allows for air to get between the rider and the surface, thus aiding the wicking process. There should be little or no clamminess on a Brooks in hot weather. If a rider is sliding out of position, re-adjust the setup, but don't try to make the surface 'grabby'.