What is YOUR shoe shine kit like?

[John B]

So far, I just have a paper bag to hold my shoe kit. I want to make one that's top notch, but want to see what everyone else has to see where to go with it.

My kit:
Brushes
One for black
One for brown
One for tan/neutral

Cream
1 Jar of Saphir Renovateur
1 Jar Saphir Tobacco Cream (#34)
1-1/2 Jars of Saphir Neutral Cream

Wax
Kiwi Black
Kiwi Brown
Kiwi Cordovan
Kiwi Tan
Kiwi Neutral
Kiwi "Custom" (where I mixed Cordovan, Brown, and Tan together to get a warm lightish-brown)

Other
Suede cleaner
Small paper bag of colored shoe laces (Red, Yellow, Blue, Pink, Burgundy, etc.)
Lots of cut up tees and a few shoe shine rags
Elbow grease (it takes a lot of this to care for shoes)



I know there are some really obsessive people out there, and some really organized ones, and I want to see what their shoe kits are like. I'd love to see some pictures too!

 

[dieworkwear]

I bought this box thanks to a suggestion from @nutcracker. It's from Gerstner & Sons, and I really like it. They hold factory seconds sales twice a year, which makes their cases and boxes a bit cheaper.

 

[Cuttingboard]

Beautiful...is that the GI 515 utility carrying case or 12 repair kit in walnut?

 

[comrade]

I'll get back to you once my valet returns from vacation.

 

[dieworkwear]



Beautiful...is that the GI 515 utility carrying case or 12 repair kit in walnut?

It's the 12 repair kit. Don't remember the color I asked for, but FWIW, what I got was different from what I saw on my screen. Don't know if they just don't have very accurate photos on their site, or if I was shipped the wrong box. Either way, I was happy with what I got.

 

[jrd617]



I'll get back to you once my valet returns from vacation.

 

[jrd617]

Thanks dieworkwear and nutcracker. Purchased that 12 repair kit in walnut

Currently storing all my stuff in a file cabinet upper drawer.

A proper box like this is essential if you want to shine your shoes outdoors. I personally can't stand the fumes for long, especially if I'm using Renomat or something. Truly noxious chemicals.

Had one incident where my throat and eyes felt seared after doing 2 pairs of shoes indoors.

 

[Montecristo905]



I bought this box thanks to a suggestion from @nutcracker. It's from Gerstner & Sons, and I really like it. They hold factory seconds sales twice a year, which makes their cases and boxes a bit cheaper.

Awesome !

Exactly what I have been looking for.

 

[Fred G. Unn]



Exactly what I have been looking for.

Me too, just ordered one in cherry since it looks like they are on sale right now.

 

[Cuttingboard]



It's the 12 repair kit. Don't remember the color I asked for, but FWIW, what I got was different from what I saw on my screen. Don't know if they just don't have very accurate photos on their site, or if I was shipped the wrong box. Either way, I was happy with what I got.

Thank you!

 

[jeffd]

I wonder what the difference is between that case and the GI series case here...

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2083931/36528/Gerstner-GI-519-Large-Carry-All-Case.aspx

Seems like only the hardware is a bit different, but there must be more to justify $150 price difference.

 

[dieworkwear]

The GI series is made in China, constructed from plywood, and is colored using a veneer. The mainline is made in Dayton, Ohio, made from white oak (although some use other woods), and is hand stained.

"GI" stands for Gerstner International. Mainline is just Gerstner & Sons.

 

[jrd617]

Amazon says to avoid the GI series. Very cheap metal hardware

 

[jeffd]

Makes sense. Thank you.

 

[dieworkwear]



Makes sense.  Thank you.  

They have some GI cases for about $80, which you can sometimes find cheaper elsewhere if you search around. Personally, I think they'd probably do fine for a shoe shine kit. People buying Gerstner & Sons cases are usually machinists who are looking for something really rugged and tough for their work. For shining shoes, a full Gerstner & Sons kit could be overkill.

If you don't mind paying the price, I think their 12 Repair Kit is quite nice. It is super heavy though. I haven't tried their GI line, but I think it'd be fine if you're looking for something to just hold shoe polishes. I doubt it would fall apart on you for such a simple use.