(Potentially customizable) Leather shoe polishing mats

[dieworkwear]

I'm thinking about asking a craftsman if he could make leather polishing mats, a bit like the ones sold by Valmour. They would be handmade out of Horween or Ilcea leathers (Ilcea being the company that supplies operations such as John Lobb) and would have two belts to hold daubers, one belt for a large horsehair brush, and a pocket to store cloths. The whole thing would roll up nicely and have its own buckled strap, so that you could store it away neatly. When you wanted it, you can unfurl the mat, take out your brushes and cloths, and have a nice leather mat to place your shoes on while you polished them.

Would there be an interest in such an item? What kind of price would you be willing to pay?

The item will likely be handmade - leathers would be handcut, the stitches will be hand sewn, and the edges would be hand burnished. There could also be a monogram in the corner, if you wish to personalize it.

One last thing - there's a small chance that the item could be customizable. In other words, if you happen to have three daubers, they could maybe make one with three belts for daubers, instead of two. Or if you have a very specific welt cleaning brush like I do, they could make a belt for that. If you think you'd have an interest in that as well, let me know what you'd be willing to pay for a customizable option.

 

[NotoriousMarquis]

I've seen these around, and they're so expensive. In pars the boutiques I saw with shoe polishers just had large sheets of scrap leather that weren't even cleanly cut.

I'd like one of these but wouldn't really pay more than 40 dollars for it, and wouldn't really want the exact one you're describing. Don't get me wrong; i think you've designed something lovely but I like more room to polish, and I often do more than one shoe at a time. I also like putting down newspaper to work on. If i were an artisan I might be more interested but as it is, im just the guy that buys the artisan's stuff.

Also consider what happens if you use it for a year. The amount of polish and cream and incidental dyes and errant stained horse hairs that would accumulate would make it completely impossible to store anywhere dignified of the item (and the price).

But I think should consider bridle leather for this purpose. Durable, thick, if you scratch it it kind of gels up on its own, and with the heels of shoes and rolling around, its likely to get scratched.

 

[dieworkwear]



I've seen these around, and they're so expensive. In pars the boutiques I saw with shoe polishers just had large sheets of scrap leather that weren't even cleanly cut.
I'd like one of these but wouldn't really pay more than 40 dollars for it, and wouldn't really want the exact one you're describing. Don't get me wrong; i think you've designed something lovely but I like more room to polish, and I often do more than one shoe at a time. I also like putting down newspaper to work on. If i were an artisan I might be more interested but as it is, im just the guy that buys the artisan's stuff.
Also consider what happens if you use it for a year. The amount of polish and cream and incidental dyes and errant stained horse hairs that would accumulate would make it completely impossible to store anywhere dignified of the item (and the price).
But I think should consider bridle leather for this purpose. Durable, thick, if you scratch it it kind of gels up on its own, and with the heels of shoes and rolling around, its likely to get scratched.

Thanks for the feedback. I thought about bridle leather, but felt it would be too stiff, and didn't really see a problem with the leather developing its own "patina" through scratches and stains. I typically polish my shoes on my lap or a desk, so something flexible to accommodate both seemed best. I'm open to hearing other opinions, however.

As for the messiness, I imagine the leather can be wiped clean. Also, since it's rolled up, only one side would show, and certainly wouldn't be any more dirty than the rags we use to apply creams and conditioner.

Additional comments from others encouraged. I know this is a speciality item for shoe enthusiasts, but I assume I can't be the only one on this board.

 

[NotoriousMarquis]

Now that I think of it again, this would be a really lovely thing to own. I was just approaching it from a more practical, college student perspective; I don't have much money, so what I do have goes to things I will enjoy wearing more than simply owning, so my pragmatism and perspective spread negativity over something that didn't deserve it.

Good luck.

 

[JPHardy]

Was just thinking about this very thing the other day. So yes interested. Cost wise I think you would need to be around same as Valmour.

 

[Renton]

I'm guessing this idea never got any traction. If it does go somewhere, count me in as an interested party

 

[justinkapur]

Would be interested but would like to know pricing. Kirby Allison has one I believe