Thanks again for purchasing (or considering) a Leatherbound item!

 

I hope it will provide you many years of service. Please review the following suggestions to extend the life of your item and keep it looking great!

Note: Depending on the leather(s) you chose, your item may be a bit stiff at first. If so, it generally will just need a short break-in period to soften up.

 

• Keep items away from hard or sharp objects like keys and coins as much as possible. Leather can be dented, scratched, or the wear, in general, will be accelerated.
• Brush debris off with a horsehair or goathair brush regularly to keep the leather clean.
• Don’t bend folding items past 180 degrees. It can cause irreversible wrinkling around the fold.
• Don’t worry about the wear your item experiences like small scratches. They are inevitable, especially on vegetable tanned and smooth leathers. The good news is they will blend into the character of the leather as it ages and become part of a rich patina.

• Try to limit each card pocket to 1 card, and certainly don’t exceed 2. Larger pockets can accommodate more, but keeping it at or under 4 cards is best. This will keep pressure off the seams and minimize stretching.
• Please remember that leather will stretch to accommodate more cards or other items you put into pockets. If you, for example, put 2 cards in one pocket, it may be problematic to revert to carrying just 1 card in that pocket in the future.
• Don’t sit on your wallet. It is well known by now that this is not good for your back, but it’s also not good for your wallet or your cards. If you carry your wallet in your back pocket, I’d suggest switching it to your front pocket while sitting down.

In addition to the above tips, some leathers may benefit from conditioning products. Unless indicated otherwise, I recommend 1909 Crème de Luxe from Collonil or Crème 1925 from Saphir. A horsehair or goathair brush is also needed to buff the leather. Please see specific recommendations below.

Note: The recommended care is performed before sending your item out, so there’s no need to do it yourself upon receipt.

Chèvre, Sherpa, Sharkskin

A damp cloth may be used for cleaning the surface. Leather creams may be used sparingly if desired. It’s not advisable to apply more than every several months.

Pueblo

Do not use conditioning products on Pueblo until the leather is completely smooth, which depending on usage, likely will be a year or more. Once that happens, a cream can be used if you wish, but is not necessary. Note that it may change the feel of the leather.

Smooth Cowhide or Calfskin (Vono, Museum Calf, Buttero, Dakota)

These leathers love to be brushed. Feel free to (sparingly) use a cream every few months or so.

Pull-up Leather (Wax)

Conditioning products are not recommended at any point for this leather. Plenty of wax is already imbued in the leather and may be dispersed by rubbing the desired areas.

Shell Cordovan

Sparingly apply a cordovan-specific cream when desired and buff with a horsehair brush. I recommend the cream from Saphir.

Epsom & Saffiano

Clean with a damp cloth. You may very sparingly apply a cream if desired, but make sure to wait a little while before buffing to allow it to penetrate the surface.

Alligator and Crocodile

Use cream (sparingly) if desired. Reptile leather specific cream is recommended, but not essential.

Python

Let patina occur naturally. Avoid using creams..