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Edge Dressing (?) and Vintage Shell Cordovan!!!

post #1 of 31
4/9/12 at 11:43am
Thread Starter 
I recently bought a pair of vintage Florsheim SC v-cleat longwings in pretty nice condition, the original heel is hardly even worn down much. Only problem, somebody tried to apply edge dressing to the soles and got a little (lot) sloppy with the stuff. I'm assuming that this was done in an attempt to make the soles look fresher for an ebay auction (why oh why?) so it wouldn't be very old in that case. Regardless, what do I do. I read a thread suggesting Afta, now called Guardsman, but does the same rule apply to Shell? Shell experts, please weigh in.

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post #2 of 31
4/9/12 at 12:04pm
I've gotten edge dressing on my shell soles by accident, and couldn't get it off. I found nothing to be effective at removing it. Good luck!
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post #3 of 31
4/9/12 at 12:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeH View Post

I recently bought a pair of vintage Florsheim SC v-cleat longwings in pretty nice condition, the original heel is hardly even worn down much. Only problem, somebody tried to apply edge dressing to the soles and got a little (lot) sloppy with the stuff. I'm assuming that this was done in an attempt to make the soles look fresher for an ebay auction (why oh why?) so it wouldn't be very old in that case. Regardless, what do I do. I read a thread suggesting Afta, now called Guardsman, but does the same rule apply to Shell? Shell experts, please weigh in.
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meh. i wouldnt worry about it. wear em.
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post #4 of 31
4/9/12 at 1:34pm

That ain't comin' out, so make peace with it or resell the shoes.

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post #5 of 31
4/9/12 at 1:37pm
Wish a got a dollar for each time I heard "picked up a pair of vintage Florsheim"
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post #6 of 31
4/9/12 at 2:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NAMOR View Post

Wish a got a dollar for each time I heard "picked up a pair of vintage Florsheim"

i think florsheims are a rite of passage for shoe guys. I really dont know anyone (self proclaimed shoe guys) that hasnt had a pair or two in their life.
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post #7 of 31
4/9/12 at 2:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DerekS View Post

i think florsheims are a rite of passage for shoe guys. I really dont know anyone (self proclaimed shoe guys) that hasnt had a pair or two in their life.

As a child.

My father also wore them, or Johnston and Murphy. I SWORE I would never touch those old fuddy duddy shoes.

Imagine my chagrin now that they are back in style.
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post #8 of 31
4/9/12 at 3:02pm

I have a similar pair but in pebble grain tan.  When I had topys applied the cobbler "touched up" the edge dressing with a dark brown/black edge dressing.  I tried to remove it with acetone and it didn't make a bit of difference.  I have found that edge dressing on these shoes makes them look clunkier than they already do and was determined to remove it.

Here is what worked for me.  I took a fine grit sandpaper and was able to sand off the dressing leaving the natural leather grain visible.  Then I applied some Saphir reno to mositurize the leather  now that it was exposed.  Then I added a few coats of Saphir wax - it seems to repel Pacific NW rain pretty well so far.  The leather grain looks great and I have not noticed any problems. 

Keep in mind that this was on the sole edges and I would not recommend ever taking sandpaper to any other part of shoe leather. 

 

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post #9 of 31
4/9/12 at 3:06pm
I never knew it was impossible to get off. Now I know to be extra careful when applying mine..
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post #10 of 31
4/9/12 at 3:19pm
calling man of lint.
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post #11 of 31
4/9/12 at 4:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by plei89 View Post

I never knew it was impossible to get off. Now I know to be extra careful when applying mine..

Before you apply edge dressing, tape the upper part with some low-tack masking tape.
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post #12 of 31
4/9/12 at 7:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by NotoriousMarquis View Post

calling man of lint.

Just posted this thread to his "official" thread!nod[1].gif

Thanks for all the constructive help so far. Yes indeed, I think vintage Florsheim are required eventually. I have no problem with following in my father's footsteps though. In fact, my grandfather ordered (from a catalog!) shoes from Mason in Wisconsin because they were the only ones who fit him the way he liked. (This on a factory salary in N.C.) I kinda keep my eyes open for vintage Mason just as an homage, but that's another thread.

If nothing better is suggested I will probably just wear them as is (it is low enough down that it might go unnoticed) but I'd really like to get it off if I can.
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post #13 of 31
4/9/12 at 7:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DerekS View Post

meh. i wouldnt worry about it. wear em.

^^ this.
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post #14 of 31
4/9/12 at 8:23pm
Seriously, I can't imagine Man of Lint does not have a solution for this.
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post #15 of 31
4/9/12 at 8:32pm
I've been advised by several cobblers to never use edge dressing because of its potential damage to the uppers, and because it's difficult if not impossible to remove it.
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