Deer bone for shell cordovan shoes

FCS · Oct 27, 2004

Now I get my first shell cordovan shoes, I think I'll need those bones that people were talking about for polishing and smoothing creases on shell cordovan shoes. Any suggestion where to get those bones?

Kaga · Oct 27, 2004

Now I get my first shell cordovan shoes, I think I'll need those bones that people were talking about for polishing and smoothing creases on shell cordovan shoes. Any suggestion where to get those bones?

If my memory serves me correctly, in historic St. James's in London, England, there is a store by the name of Lobb.... ALLEZ LOBB........

Alias · Oct 27, 2004

I do believe there was a website listing pictures and prices. Do a Search on "deer bone" and see what you come up with. I remember the prices to be quite exorbitant. I'm tempted to just find myself a deer and get its bones the old-fashioned way.

shoefan · Oct 27, 2004

You can find the hind shin bone of a deer for this purpose, although the American ones seem smaller and less dense than the Red Deer of England; there are a number of ways to treat this bone. If you are interested, send me a PM for info on how to prepare this bone for use, based on some stuff I learned recently at a get together of bootmakers.

Alternatively, a number of bookbinding sites sell bones folding tools which can be used for rubbing down cordovan.

VMan · Oct 27, 2004

I do believe there was a website listing pictures and prices. Do a Search on "deer bone" and see what you come up with. I remember the prices to be quite exorbitant. I'm tempted to just find myself a deer and get its bones the old-fashioned way.

That's the real man's way. Don't use a gun either. Just climb a tree, wait for one to come by, and pounce.

AlanC · Oct 27, 2004

Yes, I'm no expert on the differences in bone, but I would imagine that other bone would work. I have a bone folder used for bookarts and bookbinding (which is what I have it for), but I would guess it would make an excellent subsitute for the deer bone at a bargain price. Here's an example. They're usually pointed on one end and rounded on the other as pictured.

VMan · Oct 27, 2004

Yes, I'm no expert on the differences in bone, but I would imagine that other bone would work. I have a bone folder used for bookarts and bookbinding (which is what I have it for), but I would guess it would make an excellent subsitute for the deer bone at a bargain price. Here's an example. They're usually pointed on one end and rounded on the other as pictured.

I was wondering that myself. Is there a real difference? Perhaps the deer bone is much smoother, and therefore works better without damaging the leather?

AlanC · Oct 27, 2004

My bone folder is very smooth. I'm sure it's been polished. I can't imagine a real difference, but I'll have my Dad get a deer bone for me in a few weeks the old fashioned way.

FCS · Oct 28, 2004

Thank you guys for the infos. Alan, what kind of bone are those bone folders? And how big is the large one?

j · Oct 28, 2004

If you can tell me which bone you need, I might be able to get one for you.

Oh, and by the way, what the bloody hell are you talking about?

Rocker · Oct 28, 2004

Here you go, they sell waxed leather/calf riding boots and deer bones for 10 pounds. Â Unfortuntately, the bones cannot be exported (similar restrictins with Lobb?) - apparently concerned about mad Doe/Buck disease. Â In any case, once you get the bone, I'm damned if I can find any instructions on its proper use. Â Apparently, if you're meant to know - you'll know. Â A bit of British esoterica intended only for the initiated: [URL]http://www.horacebatten.co.uk/Page7.h.... Batten[/URL]

globetrotter · Oct 28, 2004

ok people, sorry, but I have no f***ing idea what you are talking about, but if it will get more life out of my shoes, I am for it. Can somebody please explain what you use this bone for, and if it works on boxcalf?

Rocker · Oct 28, 2004

This page provides some small explanation: Batten

globetrotter · Oct 28, 2004

thanks rocker

AlanC · Oct 28, 2004

Alan, what kind of bone are those bone folders? And how big is the large one?

I suspect they are common bovine bone (ie, cow). The one I have is probably "large" and measures to about 8" long (to the point) and not quite 1" wide. I've had mine for several years and don't recall exactly where I bought it now.

Deer bone for shell cordovan shoes

Senior Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Minister of Trad

Distinguished Member

Minister of Trad

Senior Member

(stands for Jerk)

Well-Known Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Well-Known Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Minister of Trad

Classic Menswear Featured products

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: