Care & Durability

• Conditioner: I use Bick 4 because it doesn't darken leather. Apply a thin coat with a soft cloth only when the leather looks or feels dry, and wipe off the extra. More isn't better, and wallets rarely need it: the oils from your hands condition them for years.
• Getting wet: blot it, let it dry at room temperature away from heaters and direct sun, then condition once it's fully dry.
• Light scratches and scuffs: on oiled and pull-up leathers, rub the spot with your fingertip or the back of a spoon in small circles. The warmth works the oils back in and most marks fade.
• White haze on a new belt: that's wax from the tannery (a "bloom"), common on bridle leather. Buff it with a soft cloth or your hand and it works into the leather.

• Shell cordovan: brush it with a horsehair brush to bring back the shine. If it water-spots, let it dry, then buff. Skip heavy conditioners.
• Horsebutt and oiled leathers: treat them like smooth leather, with something gentle like Bick 4.
• Kudu and waxy leathers: the waxes come to the surface and lighten over time. That's part of the look.
• Suede and roughout: use a suede brush; skip creams and oils.

• Wipe off dirt with a damp cloth and let them dry.
• New waxed laces can shed a little wax at first. It settles down after a few wears.
• About once a year, rub in a little lace or leather wax to refresh the finish.
• Waxed cotton laces have finished tips and can't be cut shorter.

• Honestly, just wear them. I've never conditioned my own leather laces, and they get better with use. Tan rawhide starts stiffer; a little conditioner speeds up its break-in. Never put leather laces in a dryer.
• They can be cut to length with sharp scissors once they're laced and tied. An aglet crimper kit gives cut ends a clean tip.
• Leather is a natural material: a lace can have a weak spot in the hide that's hard to see. If one snaps in normal wear within 90 days, I replace it.

• Untie before you pull your boots off. Yanking a laced boot off strains the lace right at the eyelet.
• Check your speed hooks. A sharp or burred edge on a hook or eyelet can cut a lace over time; if laces keep fraying at the same spot, that's usually why.
• Pick the right width. A lace that's too thick for the eyelets wears faster. Each listing shows its width.

I repair wallets, belts and watch straps for free. Message me with a photo first. You ship it to me, and I ship it back at my cost.