Dyers and other lookalikes are firm, but not hard, per se. At least, they shouldn't be.
Ol' Bill of Lube 103 fame claims his potion is great for waterproofing leather stuff. And in fact, I did used to use it on my hunting boots and my feet stayed pretty dry. I also used it on my leather gloves. Rumor is it is not much else but Chapstick. And it did keep my lips from chaffing and my cheeks did not get windburnt, either. I didn't really care for it for a patch lube but it was good as a wood and metal preservative as well as a leather dressing. It would make my shooting bag perk right up after a winter'w worth of hiding in the closet.
Bumblin' Bear Grease from October Country is also good for all the above, and I probably like it the best. Lube 103 and BBG are great as a leather dressing.
Jojoba oil and beeswax is another good thing. The Jojoba oil duplicates sperm whale oil.
I have never tried most of the other items above mentioned, but have no doubt that they are also good.
John
