Normally leather requires frequent conditioning
to replace the natural lubricants lost during normal use.
Because of the tanning process, deer and elk leather we
use, and the final lubricant we put on, we have had very
little problems with drying or cracking. Most lubricants
used to treat leather will darken the leather used in our
bags, so we don’t suggest using a cream or oil.
Because unprotected leather is susceptible
to spotting from water, hand lotions and other liquids,
a newly purchased bag should be treated immediately to help
prevent permanent stains from occurring. If you prefer your
bag to age naturally and obtain a beautiful patina, you
can refrain from putting a conditioning agent on it.
The best time to treat a leather product
is at the time of purchase. Since we have put on a lubricant
before you have purchased a bag, pretreatment is essential
if you want to protect leather from staining, dirt and liquids.
We recommend a spray product to keep your bag protected.
These are usually found in good shoe stores and shoe repair
stores. After that, the leather should be periodically conditioned
to keep the leather from getting damaged. Follow the manufacturers
recommendations.
Leather is Natural
Leather is a natural material made from
the hides of animals. Just as no two animals are exactly
alike, no two pieces of leather are identical. In addition
to its own genetic heritage, each hide bears the little
nicks and cuts that marked the animal during its lifetime.
These natural characteristics are not defects and are considered
marks of distinction in "full grain" leather,
adding to the unique appeal of each finished product.
When hides are converted to leather, all
non-essential parts of the original hide are removed, leaving
only the surface "grain" and middle corium layers.
The remarkable structure of the corium layer is made up
of millions of microscopic fibers, twisted and interwoven
by nature and gives leather its highly tensile strength
and other desirable qualities.
Nothing equals leather for beauty, functionality
and versatility. The qualities of leather are superior to
those of any man-made material. Leather stretches to conform
to individual contours, yet retains sufficient shape to
provide support. Leather ‘breathes’ allowing
air in and moisture out. A natural insulator, leather protects
against extremes in temperature and humidity. A soft, rich
feel and pleasing scent further heighten the appeal of leather.
