Cordovan Care

[dclassicman]

do you need a separate deer bone for every color or can you use the same deer bone far all the colors? Same question for the designated dirt horse hair brush?

 

[mymil]

I have a small tear near the little toe on my Park Avenues. Now I am afraid to use them, because I think it will just get worse.

What on earth should I do?

Take them to a good cobbler.

 

[McBear]

I have tried two different deer bones and i just can't notice any magic oils on the shoes. How does it work?

 

[mymil]

^ Where'd you get the bones? If it's just a random deer bone, I wouldn't be surprised if it's depleted of oils. On mine you can feel the oil on your fingers just from touching it, and it clearly deposits a thin layer of slightly cloudy oil (it's not really cloudy, just needs buffing).

 

[McBear]

They are Abbeyhorns so it's good brand. Can they be depleted of oils? Is that normal?

 

[mymil]

Sure, why not? I was thinking of some random old bone you might in a forest—not like what you clearly have. Mine looks like the left one in your picture.

 

[bpgf]

I just received my first pair of black cordovan shoes from Vass. I was expecting shiny new pair of black shoes but instead received some nice but very dull black shoes. Perhaps my expectations were out of line but any suggestions on how to get a glossy shine on these new shoes? I have already brushed and used a buffing cloth and had some improvement but nothing drastic. I was thinking of using some renovator but this thread seems to discourage doing anything but brush/buffing new shell. thanks for the help.

 

[JSO1]

I just received my first pair of black cordovan shoes from Vass. I was expecting shiny new pair of black shoes but instead received some nice but very dull black shoes. Perhaps my expectations were out of line but any suggestions on how to get a glossy shine on these new shoes? I have already brushed and used a buffing cloth and had some improvement but nothing drastic. I was thinking of using some renovator but this thread seems to discourage doing anything but brush/buffing new shell. thanks for the help.

One thing to consider before trying to make them shinier yourself: shell tends to get shinier as the natural oils seep out of the shell through creases, so wearing the shoes will slowly but surely build up a shine.

That said, if you're looking to get them shinier sooner, you can try the Mac Method (google it). I do a slightly modified version of the Mac Method when I'm trying to build up a better shine. It cleans the shoes, conditions them, and gives them a nice shine (and a delicious smell - VSC is intoxicating...)

(1) Get the shoes very damp with a damp buffing cloth.
(2) Brush the shoes vigorously until the shoes are no longer damp or wet.
(3) Apply Bick 4 to the shoes liberally using a buffing cloth, and buff the Bick 4 into the shoes.
(4) Brush the shoes vigorously until the Bick 4 is nicely absorbed.
(5) Apply a very light coat of Venetian Shoe Cream to the shoes using a buffing cloth.
(6) Buff the shoes and enjoy the lovely shine.

 

[bpgf]

great thank you for the tip! Ill give it a few more wears and see what how things look....I actually received 2 pairs of shell shoes, one black and one #8...the #8 is glossy and shiny as expected the black is much more matte....I was told that the black shell is tanned differently, hence the difference between the two.

 

[JjasonL]

One thing to consider before trying to make them shinier yourself: shell tends to get shinier as the natural oils seep out of the shell through creases, so wearing the shoes will slowly but surely build up a shine.

That said, if you're looking to get them shinier sooner, you can try the Mac Method (google it). I do a slightly modified version of the Mac Method when I'm trying to build up a better shine. It cleans the shoes, conditions them, and gives them a nice shine (and a delicious smell - VSC is intoxicating...)

(1) Get the shoes very damp with a damp buffing cloth.
(2) Brush the shoes vigorously until the shoes are no longer damp or wet.
(3) Apply Bick 4 to the shoes liberally using a buffing cloth, and buff the Bick 4 into the shoes.
(4) Brush the shoes vigorously until the Bick 4 is nicely absorbed.
(5) Apply a very light coat of Venetian Shoe Cream to the shoes using a buffing cloth.
(6) Buff the shoes and enjoy the lovely shine.

blasphemy!! all of that product is going to make shell super tacky

 

[Count de Monet]

My experience with Bick 4 is that what isn't absorbed is easily wiped off and no excess remains.

 

[JSO1]



blasphemy!! all of that product is going to make shell super tacky

Not in my experience.

 

[mrpo0nani]

Hey guys, I have a little nick on the toe box on my pair of black cordovans. What is the best way to buff out scuffs as well as slightly deeper cuts? The nick looks like a sharp object cut the top of the toe.

Thanks in advance.

 

[tmgaus51]

I just got my cordovan AE's shined, and before I had a chance to object, they were cleaned with saddle soap. I know this is a no-no, but what actual damage has been done? I assume I should just throw some Renovateur on them when I get home and no harm?

Thanks.

 

[awoodby]

May already have been posted here, but here's "How to Care for Shell Cordovan" from Horween themselves:

Shell Cordovan Care — Horween Leather Co.

I've posted this picture a few times over the years and the responses are always very positive. I found this pair of Aldens in our archives shortly after I started back at the tannery full time - sometime in early 2009. I'm not entirely sure why they fell out of someone's rotation, but I'm happy th

www.horween.com

"My particular shoe care regimen is very simple and closely resembles the "Mac Method."

1. Clean with a soft, damp cloth, allow to dry completely away from heat and moving air.
2. Brush, vigorously, for several minutes using a horsehair brush.
3. Every 10 - 15 wearings, apply a light haze of neutral Creme Cordovan or Venetian Cream sparingly.
4. Allow to sit at least 10 minutes (my great grandfather insisted on overnight).
5. Brush again, as long as you can stand it.
6. Buff with a soft, dry cloth.

In the winter, I will wipe my shoes with a damp cloth at the end of the day to remove any salt, a Chicago-type climate concern."
--Horween