"IF YOU'RE GOING TO TRY, GO ALL THE WAY. OTHERWISE, DON'T EVEN START."
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I see you recommended Saphir Renovateur. Now during my regular shoe cleaning process should I use Renovateur only or should I look for a shoe cream as well? Does Renvoatuer work as both? Can you recommend the brushes & other items I will need for cleaning my shoes/boots? Thanks!
Saphir’s Renovateur acts as both a cleaner/conditioner and a polish. If you are polishing cordovan, I suggest you stop here. However, outside of cordovan, I would check out Saphir’s cream line (wax is just too ’80s Wall Street shiny). Also, with respect to brushes and other accessories, Kirby Allison’s starter kit will give you a good idea as to what you need. Keep in mind, though, that Kirby is trying to make a buck, so much of what they are suggesting is probably overkill.
As per technique and anything more specific than that which I have discussed above, I defer to Nico and Ethan, seeing that they know well more than I do about shoe care.
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My father gave me his 25 year old leather jacket, but unfortunately it's been badly cared for over the years. There is one significant rip in the leather, and the rest of it is dry. Overall, jacket has impressive vintage look. What are steps I can take to maintain this jacket and increase its longevity?
So you want to pop your collar like the Fonz, huh? The jacket may be too broken in (and damaged) to really respond to treatment, but I have heard great things about the following method:
- Conservatively apply some Saphir cream-based polish that matches the color of the jacket. If the jacket is black, ignore this step.
- Even more conservatively apply a coat of black Saphir cream-based polish.
- Even more conservatively than (2) apply mink oil to the jacket. This will prevent further water damage and give it an interesting patina. Mink oil smells like shit, so you’re going to have to air it out after application. Don’t worry, the smell is not permanent, nor does it reach Fes tannery levels.
- Stunt on them hos.
