You ever notice how the old timers always make it sound so simple, like it's just common sense... but it takes us three ruined blades to actually hear it? Now I keep two buckets out too, one oil for most stuff and water only when I'm feeling brave, and honestly the oil bucket gets way more use.

Old houses never forgive. Six hours sounds about right honestly, feel your pain.

I read once that some bookbinders use a warmed bone folder to gently press down the raised fibers after a gouge, which helps the area lay flat before you dye it. That trick plus a stone sounds like a solid combo. River stones are underrated for this, they push the leather down without adding shine like a slicker would. Matching the dye is the real gamble though, even a slight mismatch catches your eye every time you handle the piece.