Burnished Calf Leather Question

[DoctorG]

I recently purchased a pair of Loake 1880 Buckinghams at my local shoe store. When I got home, I noticed that the shoe box had the description as "Brown Burnished Calf"

What exactly is "burnished" calf leather? From a quick google search it sounds like it's a process in which the leather is rubbed smooth. In the store I was holding these next to AE strands and McAllisters, and the leather didn't seem noticeably different to me.

Is burnished calf leather any different than regular full grain leather? Will it still absorb conditioner and cream just as well as non-burnished full grain leather? Can it be waxed to a mirror shine on the toe?

The shoe can be seen here:

http://www.thebigredbuilding.com/mens-shoes/loakes/loake-1880/loake-buckingham-full-brogue-shoe.html

Thanks!

 

[MyOtherLife]

Burnishing is a finishing process where the leather is rubbed with a spoon or piece of wood (etc) while the leather is wet or moist. This rubbing darkens the leather. Once dry it stays this way.
Best way to care for your shoes is to periodically apply leather lotion oncea month or 2, let dry, brush, then buff with a soft cloth (flannel). The factory Burnished finish should remain intact.
Welcome to Styleforum and congratulations on your purchase. May you enjoy them in good health.

 

[DoctorG]

Thanks for the welcome and the helpful information.

I was concerned that the burnishing process might change the quality of the leather (suppleness, ability to take a shine, conditioner absorbtion, etc). Lurking around the forums I ran into some discussion of corrected grain and how it differs from full grain, so wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into with "burnished" leather. From your description it seems that burnishing primarily affects the color of the shoe.

As you suggested, I'll purchase some leather lotion and a buffing brush to care for the shoe (already have some meltonian cream polish).

Thanks again!

 

[MyOtherLife]

Personally I have no experience with the Loake 1880 line. Others here can pinpoint the leather type for you.
With burnished finishes such as this one, I have many pair in Burnished Walnut by Allen Edmonds and I treat them as previously stated. I don't use polishes per se because they would cover the natural leather finish. I simply apply lotion periodically, let dry, brush and buff. This alone maintains the finish and, in the case of my AE's, a nice lustre as opposed to a high shine.
Hopefully someone with Loake 1880 experience will ring in to assist further.