Reforming leather

[Angel_Eyes]

OK guys, brainteaser time!!

I have an old leather Doctor's bag, with kid leather lining and brass lock fitments.

Over the years this bag has sort of settled down on one side, which makes it awkward to use.

Has anyone got a reliable method of reshaping this item?

I was contemplating soaking it in the bath and then stuffing it with newspaper to something like its old shape, and then letting it dry out slowly.

My wife (she who must be obeyed) thinks this is a bad idea , so now it's your turn!

Ideas please, with thanks beforehand, AE.

[cowboywc]

She is right... Do not soak it. Use some good oil and make sure the leather is in good shape.
I would then hand it with a little weight in it and see if that does not help. If you need to add a little water
use  a spray bottle and a little at a time.
WC

[Rayban]

I found some saddle bags at an auction that looks like they had been stored under all kinds of stuff for years. The leather was in good shape but they were as flat as pancakes. I got them good and wet so that the gullets became very pliable, and I was able to stretch them out to the shape that I wanted them. I stuffed the bags with newspaper and hung them out to dry. I then oiled them good. It worked out very well...I made a couple man bags out of them as I already had custom made saddlebags.

A good old buddy of mine once told me there was nothing wrong with getting leather wet...the cows stood out in rain plenty of times...his idea of breaking in a new saddle was to soak it in the creek overnight, then go out the next day and ride in it till it was dry....he could tell a good story...

[JD Alan]

Having spent 100's of hours in the saddle when I was younger, that doesn't sound like fun at all! I can also remember lots of chafing from riding with wet Levi's too. JD ('Spose I should specify wet with WATER!)

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Having spent 100's of hours in the saddle when I was younger, that doesn't sound like fun at all! I can also remember lots of chafing from riding with wet Levi's too. JD ('Spose I should specify wet with WATER!)

[Dalton Masterson]

  wet levis, lol. I know what you mean. The water part anyway!
DM