**The Official Shoe Care Thread: Tutorials, Photos, etc.**

[Gdot]



Interesting points Gdot. I hadn't even considered any negative impact of Renovateur on shell. I looked at it like a variation of the Mac method, substituting wax for Reno. As you said, the key is likely to use any product sparingly. I have saphir's cordovan wax but have yet to try it.

And to be clear - I've just seen the one reference to the possibility of Reno not being good for shell. I'm not certain it is, or isn't.

I just ordered the Saphir cordovan wax in neutral (for all my shell shoes) and will also be reporting back.

Regarding shell's tendency to dull out quickly, yes. This dulling is the result of oils coming to the surface. As you mentioned brushing vigorously brings them right back up to looking great! I also find that rubbing quite firmly in small circular motions with a clean dry soft cotton rag brings up a beautiful lustor in less time.

As the shoes age a bit they will dull out much more slowly, as they will dry out more. The finish will get harder and slicker (if you have diligently worked on their care). This is shell at it's best.

Eventually, of course you must add oil back via conditioning - but less is more in general. You'll know how dry they are, or are not, basically by noticing how many wearings it takes for them to dull up.

 

[BostonHedonist]

While I know there may be a more appropriate thread for this question, I trust y'all's opinion on such matters. I'm at my wits end trying to find a well-fitting pair of Grensons by mail. I'm trying this pair, which i love and is the last in stock. Fits very comfortably but it seems quite roomy in the toe box. I've marked up the picture below. Thoughts on the fit?

 

[Stirling]

Now it is clear that Renovateur contains turpentine simply by the aroma.

I am pretty sure that it does not contain any turpentine, are you sure this is the case?

Eventually, of course you must add oil back via conditioning - but less is more in general. You'll know how dry they are, or are not, basically by noticing how many wearings it takes for them to dull up.

I really think this is unnecessary for shell. Firstly shell is so dense, conditioners aren't really going to absorb all that deeply & perhaps more importantly shell has so much natural oils it doesn't need any more. It would take many years before shell began to dry out.

 

[hikari013]



I am pretty sure that it does not contain any turpentine, are you sure this is the case?

It doesn't smell like it has turpentine to me. The Medaille D'Or wax polish on the other hand smells strongly of turpentine.

 

[Stirling]

It doesn't smell like it has turpentine to me. The Medaille D'Or wax polish on the other hand smells strongly of turpentine.

Yes both the wax polishes and the creams if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Gdot]

Wow - I'm the only one that thinks Renovateur smells like turpentine?!?!?!?!? Smells just like Pine Sol to me.

 

[Stirling]

Wow - I'm the only one that thinks Renovateur smells like turpentine?!?!?!?!?

Smells just like Pine Sol to me.

Pine Sol - uses Pine oil, that's completely different from Turpentine! so I really can't explain what you are smelling or using.

 

[Gdot]

Turpentine is made from pine oil.

Not trying to stir up trouble - just trying to reach a conclusion.

I've been searching for a better list of ingredients for Renovateur but have only found the waxes and oils listed - not the solvent.

 

[Stirling]

Turpentine is made from pine oil.

I am afraid sir you are sadly mistaken, again.


Whilst I acknowledge you are not trying to stir trouble, you are spreading misinformation.


For your information Pine oil is obtained from the needles & cones of pine trees. Turpentine is obtained from the Pine Sap resin, (not from Pine oil at all) they are two different products.

 

[Gdot]



I am afraid sir you are sadly mistaken, again.


Whilst I acknowledge you are not trying to stir trouble, you are spreading misinformation.


For your information Pine oil is obtained from the needles & cones of pine trees. Turpentine is obtained from the Pine Sap resin, (not from Pine oil at all) they are two different products.

Interesting. I did not know this. I thought both were obtained from the sap.

Having just looked up Pine oil on WikipediaI do note that Pine oil contains turpenes however.

 

[Stirling]

Interesting. I did not know this. I thought both were obtained from the sap.

We all learn something new everyday.

 

[Poshak Man]



I just ordered the Saphir cordovan wax in neutral (for all my shell shoes) and will also be reporting back.
.

I thought Saphir only made cordovan creams, inc one in neutral. Is the neutral cordovan wax a new product?

 

[Gdot]

I should have said cream, sorry.

 

[add911_11]

Hey guys I just want to find out when should someone resole his shoes..... I had been using my handgrade for a year and it seems the 'sheet' of leather which hides the stitchings will disappear soon, the heels had no problem, rubber had just eat in slightly. How can I tell if the shoes needs resole? When I start to eat in the stitches on the sole? Sorry for this nobb question.

 

[Winston S.]

I think it depends on how firm the sole is. I'll let someone else confirm.