I recently decided to try Chamberlain's #3 Water Protectant on my Saddleback briefcase. It's an older model before they started putting their logo on the front and when they only used two rivets for the main strap. If I remember correctly, this model is a "traveller's model" because it has a slightly longer flap. The color is tobacco brown and I was a bit hesitant about using the water protectant because of the possibility of darkening. I couldn't find any comparison photos. So, I thought I'd take some before and after photos for the curious. Plus, I thought it'd be great if maybe this thread could prompt others to post photos of how their saddleback products have aged or developed patina through the years as I don't think one has been started yet. So, let's see how your saddleback has aged!
For reference, I've not done much else to it for cleaning / conditioning except for some Lexol once and Chamberlain's #1 Leather Care Liniment #1.
Here are a few before photos. The shoulder pad that isn't attached to the strap hasn't ever been used (see third picture). So, it more or less reflects the color of the tobacco brown leather when I got it about four years ago.
And here are the photos after it was treated about a week ago. I also treated the upper half of the original and unused shoulder pad strap with Chamberlains #3 water protectant. The line is fairly visible (see picture one below). Overall, there definitely was some darkening, but the biggest difference I notice is that the patina on the back isn't as shiny. Still, I've experienced that sort of thing before with cleaning/conditioning it and I suspect the shine will be back before long.
For reference, I've not done much else to it for cleaning / conditioning except for some Lexol once and Chamberlain's #1 Leather Care Liniment #1.
Here are a few before photos. The shoulder pad that isn't attached to the strap hasn't ever been used (see third picture). So, it more or less reflects the color of the tobacco brown leather when I got it about four years ago.
And here are the photos after it was treated about a week ago. I also treated the upper half of the original and unused shoulder pad strap with Chamberlains #3 water protectant. The line is fairly visible (see picture one below). Overall, there definitely was some darkening, but the biggest difference I notice is that the patina on the back isn't as shiny. Still, I've experienced that sort of thing before with cleaning/conditioning it and I suspect the shine will be back before long.
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