MyOtherLife
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If this has been done already, my apologies and please post the link(s)
We've seen many thoughts on other threads about the ethical issues of purchasing or wearing exotic leathers.
This thread is specifically about the proper care and maintenance of such leathers and it would be greatly appreciated if this stay the focus. Please share any methods, tips and tricks that you use to maintain your exotic leathers; those being anything other than calf or cow.
Whatever the article, be it shoes, boots, bags, belts wallets, billfolds, etc. All information would be a great contribution.
I'll begin (and will add photos later)..
Camel Skin Shoes
I have recently acquired a nice pair of shortwings in camel. I am only learning about this wonderful leather and so far my observance is that, at least in the case of my shoes, the leather is quite thick yet suprisingly pliable. It has a wonderful grain to it and so far, I have treated it only with leather conditioner (lotion), working the lotion into the leather with my bare hands. It darkens very little when wet and dries back to its original camel colour. Personally I have no intention of using any polish at this point as I love the natural lustre over a high shine.
Alligator Shoes
My pair of captoe bals in black receives leather lotion once per 2 months. I work the lotion into the leather by hand, paying attention to lotioning between the plates as I feel these areas would be more prone to cracking than the plates themselves. Once dry, I brush, then buff. If I want additional shine I will very sparingly apply with a finger, some wax polish, let dry, brush, then buff. Typically I will only apply polish before wearing and only when they really need it.
Stingray Shoes
In my case, a pair of black penny loafers in stingray. This is by far the most unique leather in my arsenal at this time. The leather is very pliable and comfortable to wear. I leather lotion these from the inside, applying the lotion by hand. For the outer uppers I apply dabs of leather conditioner and wirk in between the bead stones with a toothbrush. I want the lotion to pentrate between the beads and the toothbrush seems to do the trick. It takes more lotion than calf because there will be excess. Once I have toothbrushed the lotion onto the entire upper surface, I leave the shoes sit for an hour, then wipe off any excess. I then brush and buff. It is to my understanding that stingray pelts start off as almost colourless when produced and that colours are added during the manufacturing specific to the product being made. In my case, the stingray pelts, once made into shoes, then had black dye applied. Therefore, it is possible hat over time and with wear, the black finish will get scuffed off. So far I am not to this point and the shoes continue to look as new.
We've seen many thoughts on other threads about the ethical issues of purchasing or wearing exotic leathers.
This thread is specifically about the proper care and maintenance of such leathers and it would be greatly appreciated if this stay the focus. Please share any methods, tips and tricks that you use to maintain your exotic leathers; those being anything other than calf or cow.
Whatever the article, be it shoes, boots, bags, belts wallets, billfolds, etc. All information would be a great contribution.
I'll begin (and will add photos later)..
Camel Skin Shoes
I have recently acquired a nice pair of shortwings in camel. I am only learning about this wonderful leather and so far my observance is that, at least in the case of my shoes, the leather is quite thick yet suprisingly pliable. It has a wonderful grain to it and so far, I have treated it only with leather conditioner (lotion), working the lotion into the leather with my bare hands. It darkens very little when wet and dries back to its original camel colour. Personally I have no intention of using any polish at this point as I love the natural lustre over a high shine.
Alligator Shoes
My pair of captoe bals in black receives leather lotion once per 2 months. I work the lotion into the leather by hand, paying attention to lotioning between the plates as I feel these areas would be more prone to cracking than the plates themselves. Once dry, I brush, then buff. If I want additional shine I will very sparingly apply with a finger, some wax polish, let dry, brush, then buff. Typically I will only apply polish before wearing and only when they really need it.
Stingray Shoes
In my case, a pair of black penny loafers in stingray. This is by far the most unique leather in my arsenal at this time. The leather is very pliable and comfortable to wear. I leather lotion these from the inside, applying the lotion by hand. For the outer uppers I apply dabs of leather conditioner and wirk in between the bead stones with a toothbrush. I want the lotion to pentrate between the beads and the toothbrush seems to do the trick. It takes more lotion than calf because there will be excess. Once I have toothbrushed the lotion onto the entire upper surface, I leave the shoes sit for an hour, then wipe off any excess. I then brush and buff. It is to my understanding that stingray pelts start off as almost colourless when produced and that colours are added during the manufacturing specific to the product being made. In my case, the stingray pelts, once made into shoes, then had black dye applied. Therefore, it is possible hat over time and with wear, the black finish will get scuffed off. So far I am not to this point and the shoes continue to look as new.
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