Originally Posted by
bbattle
Use some mink oil, or neatsfoot oil, or some similar product on the underside to rejuvenate the leather. Be generous and rub it in well, then let it sit overnight. You can rub some on top, too. Proofide works great but it's not cheap; neutral shoe polish should do the trick.
It's not exactly expensive either considering that you need very little. A tin will last a long time.