Our relationship with leather is complex. We value it because it's long lasting, but also because it won't last forever. It's a natural material rather than a perpetual one. Each leather item tells its own story, and we treasure items which have shaped to our bodies, tanned and burnished over time.
So, leather care is about striking a balance: bringing out the properties we desire in a piece, while preventing overstretching and structural damage.
Leather Care Tips
Use
Avoid stretching your leather or pulling it out of shape. Give pieces in continuous use a break to rest and breathe. Many folk enjoy the marks and scratches which come from using their gear, but if you have an item you'd prefer to keep pristine, handle it carefully around hard and sharp objects.
Liquids
Don't immerse leather in liquid or let it get soaked. If it does get wet, wipe with a cloth and hang it up to gently air dry, before reconditioning. I seal most items with a light wax, but if you want a custom piece for heavier outdoor use we can talk through some options.
Conditioning
Choice of conditioning products is personal and environment dependent, but in short has two purposes: keeping leather moisturised and supple to prevent cracking, and adding an attractive protective coating. An occasional light coat of Fiebing's Leather Balm with Atom Wax is a good general purpose option - most items I sell will be finished this way. Neatsfoot oil, used sparingly, is a great traditional conditioner for maintaining flexibility, but can darken the leather. If you're not allergic to lanolin, I am personally obsessed with this Czech Univerzal balm. Avoid harsh cleaners and test any new products on a small, hidden area of the item first.
Storage
Store items in the shape you want them to stay - hanging up if possible or laying flat if not. Keep items in a ventilated, cool, dry space out of direct sunlight, making sure they're not pressed against anything which may leave an imprint. For transport, ensure items aren't rubbing against each other - a stocking or cloth bag can work well.
Get involved in your local leather community
Nothing will help maintain your leather like learning about the material, and drawing from the wealth of knowledge and experience others have amassed.
Metal Hardware
Aside from the leather itself, many pieces make use of metal hardware. I use high quality hardware, and design pieces to avoid stress on any one particular rivet or strap.
At times, for strength, aesthetics or to allow other hardware to be switched out, I made use of "chicago screws" - a common alternative to rivets. I lock these with a thread glue, but especially in the case of screws which are designed to be openable in future, they may start to loosen over time. You should check and tighten these as part of your leather maintenance routine, but if a screw ever does ever go missing just get in touch and I'll sort you out.
Do you offer a lifetime guarantee?
Leather warranties are less about the products themselves, and more about trusting that a company will be around long term to honour them. As a newer independent leatherworker, it would be disingenuous for me to offer a warranty that's longer than the length of time I've been operating.
Additionally, I make gear to be used. For some people, that means going hard in the knowledge that it will eventually need repaired or replaced. For others, that involves close and attentive maintenance and care. I welcome both perspectives and everything in between (don't be embarrassed if you've damaged something in a way you know you could have avoided!), but solutions I can offer will be based on the way a piece has been treated.
I want you to enjoy your leather long term, and to keep items in use rather than discarding and replacing them, so please do reach out if you ever have questions or issues and I will do my best to help.
