"In fact, I made a very nice pouch, then soaked her down in neatsfoot oil about 3 years ago."
Chilling words. Soaking leather in neatsfoot will destroy the body of the leather, turn it dark, make it soggy and limp, and will transfer oil and dye to your clothes.
The way I was taught is as follows. Get PURE 100% neatsfoot oil. Not the compound. Put a small amount of neatsfoot onto a folded paper towel. Rub a thin coat into the leather, and watch in the light for that thin coat to soak in and disappear. If it is over 3-4 seconds, add another thin coat. If it takes longer than 3-4 seconds, then the leather has enough. Usually two coats at most. Let it settle and disperse overnight. Buff with a dry cloth.
The famous Lawrence leather company actually dunked their products into neatsfoot oil. I guess they figured in the Pacific northwest that oil would repel the constant moisture. They closed in 1984. Their products today will still ruin clothes!
I hope this helps. Best wishes, and God Bless, Marc