Leather Care Instructions

Made to Be Used. Built to Last.

Leather is a natural material. It has character, imperfections, and a life of its own. It will soften, darken, develop marks, and change with use. Over time, these changes tell the story of the miles traveled and the work done along the way.

Your piece wasn't made to sit on a shelf. It was made to be carried, handled, and put to work.

With a little care and common sense, your leather goods can serve you for years to come.

Know Your Leather

Every piece of leather is different. Natural markings, variations in color, grain, and texture are part of what make each hide unique. No two pieces will age in exactly the same way.

Depending on the leather and its finish, your product may develop a darker color, a softer feel, a natural sheen, or visible marks from everyday use. This is part of the process, not necessarily a flaw.

Leather develops character through use. We don't believe every mark needs to be erased or every sign of wear needs to be corrected. Some of the best-looking leather goods are the ones that have been carried for years.

Everyday Care

A few simple habits will help keep your leather goods in good condition.

Handle it regularly. The natural oils from your hands and everyday use will influence how the leather looks and feels over time.
Keep it dry when possible. Leather and water don't always get along. If your piece gets wet, gently blot away excess moisture with a clean, dry cloth and let it air-dry naturally.
Keep it away from excessive heat. Avoid radiators, hair dryers, direct high heat, and prolonged exposure to intense sunlight. Rapid drying can cause leather to stiffen, shrink, or crack.
Wipe away dirt. Use a clean, soft cloth to remove ordinary surface dust and dirt. Avoid harsh cleaners, solvents, and household chemicals.
Give it room to breathe. Store your leather goods in a cool, dry place away from prolonged direct sunlight. Avoid airtight plastic bags and damp environments.

Conditioning Your Leather

Leather conditioner can help maintain suppleness, particularly when leather becomes dry from age, use, or exposure to the elements. But more isn't always better.

Different leathers respond differently to conditioners, oils, waxes, and other treatments. Some products can darken the leather, change its finish, or leave it feeling greasy.

Before applying anything to your piece:

Test the product on a small, inconspicuous area. We recommend Bick 4. Unlike mink oil, Bick 4 does not change the color of leather. If you don't mind the darkening of leather that comes from mink oil, that works too.
Allow the test area to dry completely so you can assess any change in color or finish.
Apply sparingly and only when needed.

Avoid saturating the leather with oils or conditioners. Frequent treatment isn't necessary for every leather, and over-conditioning can do more harm than good.

When in doubt, leave it alone. Regular use and sensible storage may be all your piece needs.

Water, Scratches & Everyday Wear

Life happens. A wallet gets scratched in a pocket. A notebook cover picks up a mark on the workbench. Leather gets wet, rubs against other materials, and develops signs of use.

Here's what to keep in mind.

Water: Blot moisture with a clean cloth and allow the leather to dry at room temperature. Don't rub aggressively or apply heat. Water may leave temporary or permanent marks, depending on the leather.

Scratches and scuffs: Some marks can be reduced with gentle rubbing using a clean cloth, while others will become part of the leather's character. Don't use aggressive buffing or treatment products without testing them first.

Darker spots and color changes: Leather naturally responds to light, handling, oils, and its surroundings. Changes in color are normal, though their appearance will vary by leather type and finish.

Stains: Don't immediately reach for household cleaners or solvents. These can strip color, damage the finish, or make the stain worse. If a stain is significant, seek advice before attempting treatment.

A Note on Natural Leather

We work with real leather (Wickett & Craig Tradtional Harness Leather), and real leather isn't perfectly uniform. Natural grain variations, scars, wrinkles, and other markings are part of the material.

Your piece will also change as you use it. It may darken, develop a sheen, soften at the edges, or pick up marks along the way.

We see that as part of owning something made from a natural material. The goal isn't to keep your leather looking untouched forever. It's to take care of it so it can keep doing what it was made to do.

Made to Remain

We make our goods to be used, not babied.

Carry your wallet. Fill your notebook. Take your gear with you. Let the leather do its job, and give it a little care when it needs it.

Treat it well, use it often, and let it become your own.

Nothing worth having comes easy.