How to soften a leather FEDKA strap?

[cambolt]

I just received a Japanese leather strap from Fedka, and was a little disappointed that it has a texture much like cardboard. The page linked on the fedka site says that the strap should be softened before use. What can I use to do this? Note that the inner side of the strap is not rough, kind of like suede (don't know what you call that 😀).

Thanks

 

[bgetty]

I have the same strap on my Zorki-4 and coated it with a generous layer of mink oil, found at most CVS's and general stores. Leave it to soak in overnight and it'll be soft, flexible and ready to use the following day.

 

[Bill58]

You can use Lexol or Bick 4 leather conditioner, both available at good shoe repair/ boot sale shops or eBay.