Cordovan Shoe Care?

[Sluggo]

Ok, I think I have my cordovan shoe care process down, but I see there is some conflicting information depending on where you look. Here is what I am thinking, but I need some feedback.
1) Don't do too much with them too often, too much brushing and polishing is not good for cordovan...right?
2) damp rag wipe down
3) brushing
4) deer bone, if you have it
5) AE cordovan cream or Saphir cordovan cream
6) wax?

step 6 is where I have question, I see waxes are not good for cordovan, but the first video on YouTube has the polisher applying two coats of Saphir wax.

So what say you?

 

[professorchaos]

Just vigorously brush them. And then brush them again. Get a scratch? No problem. Rub it out.

 

[Sluggo]

So Henry, no deer bone for you?
http://www.hangerproject.com/closet/polishing-shell-cordovan/

 

[DukeGrad]

My friend

Saphir, I use kiwi lotion for leather.
Have been on top of my leather stuff, including the cordovan. Just wipe donw, and apply the lotion once a week. Polish with a soft cloth.
Nice day
Jim

 

[gaseousclay]

Ok, I think I have my cordovan shoe care process down, but I see there is some conflicting information depending on where you look. Here is what I am thinking, but I need some feedback.
1) Don't do too much with them too often, too much brushing and polishing is not good for cordovan...right?
2) damp rag wipe down
3) brushing
4) deer bone, if you have it
5) AE cordovan cream or Saphir cordovan cream
6) wax?

step 6 is where I have question, I see waxes are not good for cordovan, but the first video on YouTube has the polisher applying two coats of Saphir wax.

So what say you?

here's my process:

- buff with rag
- buff with brush
- apply small quantities of saphir renovateur with rag and then buff with brush
- buff again with rag
- apply saphir cordovan cream with rag and buff with brush
- buff again with rag
- apply just a dab of water here and there and buff with rag until shell is nice and shiney

^^
some might consider this process overkill, and it probably is, but it gave me the desired results I was looking for. you could probably skip using the saphir renovateur and go straight to using the saphir cordovan cream and get the same results imo. I wouldn't use wax on shell cordovan, unless it's specifically formulated for cordovan

when I'm done wearing my shoes I let them air out overnight, put the shoe trees back in and give the shell one more buff with the brush and rag before storing them in their cloth bags.

 

[jtc33]

No wax, no brush. Allen Edmunds cordovan cream, a soft cloth like a diaper, and rub. It will shine like crazy.

 

[Sluggo]

Thanks guys, I am going to use my AE leather conditioner (sparingly), brush, buff, AE cordovan cream (sparingly), brush, buff. Then let them be for several months...I think the key will be far less leather maintenance versus my calf leather shoes.

 

[Doc4]

Just vigorously brush them. And then brush them again. Get a scratch? No problem. Rub it out.

A harmonious solution.

 

[Sluggo]

No wax, no brush. Allen Edmunds cordovan cream, a soft cloth like a diaper, and rub. It will shine like crazy.

When you apply the cream do you let it dry then buff off? Or keep it wet?

 

[professorchaos]

So Henry, no deer bone for you?
http://www.hangerproject.com/closet/polishing-shell-cordovan/

Nope. Never needed it. A brush and time are all I've ever needed.

A harmonious solution.

I see what you did there!

 

[DukeGrad]

Exactly now shoe wax or polish, just a cream. ONCE a WEEK. It will last your whole life.
Nice day