Leather care guide

For routine maintenance, we recommend carrying out the following steps after every 10-15 wears, to begin with. The exact frequency required will largely depend on the environment and your own personal usage.

Shell cordovan is often desired for its lustre in addition to its incredible wear resistance. Both of these properties can be maintained, to a degree, by buffing the leather and treating it well. For larger items, doing so with a soft horse hair brush is appropriate. However, for smaller items, such as your strap, using your cotton cloth will work a treat.

If you decide to buff the leather to remove any surface scratches, please do so with care once your strap has been cleaned. You may buff again after your strap has been nourished, if desired. Please be careful not to buff the leather too hard, a light to medium pressure will be sufficient.

1. Carefully remove your strap from the casing.

2. Wipe gently, using your cotton cleaning cloth provided and set aside. This will remove any surface dirt.

3. Apply a small amount of the balsam onto your nourishing cloth. Please do so sparingly.

4. Apply to the grain side of the leather only, in small circular motions and with light pressure, giving special attention to any scratches or marks that may be seen. We do not recommend using the balsam on the flesh side of the leather or on the Zermatt Calfskin lining.

5. Leave to dry for a minimum of 30 minutes. This gives the waxes and oils time to soak into the leather.

6. Gently remove any excess balsam from the surface with a dry section of your nourishing cloth.

7. Once fully dry and soft to the touch, your strap is ready to wear again!

Top tips

• Please be aware that use of the balsam may darken the leather over time.

• Please use the balsam responsively to your strap. As a general rule, if your strap is beginning to look dull/dry, it will likely be time to clean and use a nourishing treatment.

• Although nourishment is an important part of keeping your strap healthy, it is important that you do not over nourish your leather. Overuse of the product will be counter productive for your leather care and is not recommended.

• If you notice your strap beginning to feel slightly ‘tacky’ to the touch, this is an indication that you might be over nourishing or under cleaning your strap and the pores of your leather may be clogged. In this instance we would recommend reducing the frequency of the balsam application/reducing the amount you are using. You may also choose to clean your strap more frequently with your cleaning cloth if this occurs to prevent any build up of dirt, oils or waxes.

• Please note that leather is a natural material and can be sensitive to strong products and environmental factors. Direct contact with water and/or strong products such as perfumes, household cleaners and sanitisers, in addition to exposure to extreme temperatures, may cause damage to your strap and should be avoided at all times.

Natural Ageing

Natural ageing is a desirable quality of leather. A gradual change in colour and texture can be expected as your strap ages, adding unique character and greater depth to your piece.

Here are some distinct qualities to look out for as Shell Cordovan leather ages.



As you wear your strap, you may notice a ‘patina’ developing. This is where unique markings can be seen on the surface layer of the leather. Areas of the leather will darken and soft sheens will appear where the strap has been well used. Scratches and markings from daily wear will fade into this patina, beautifully infusing with the natural grain of the changing leather.

This characteristic is a hallmark of some of the highest quality leather, with each strap telling its own, individual story.



If your strap has arrived with white dots/raised dots on the surface, these are most likely to be natural hair follicles and are not considered a defect. Sometimes, when the shells are shaved from the underside, these hair follicles on the surface are exposed.

If more prominent white dots appear as you wear your strap, it might be that you are experiencing some water damage. Thankfully, this is rarely permanent and can often be dried and buffed out.



In time, especially if unused for a period of time, you may see what is referred to as a ‘bloom' on the surface of your leather. This is natural process where the oils and greases used in the tanning process are brought to surface of the leather creating a white cloudy effect.



To remove this bloom, you can do so by buffing the leather with your cotton cloth. You may wish to repeat the above steps by applying a fresh coat of leather balsam. This will replace the oils back into the leather that have been brought to the surface.

For routine care, we recommend carrying out the following steps after every 20-30 wears, to begin with. The exact frequency required will largely depend on the environment and your own personal usage.

During the tanning process, Horween Horsehide is ‘hot stuffed’ with a heavy blend of unrefined tallows and oils. This deeply nourishes and enriches the leather. Due to this, Horsehide will not need oils replaced very often and you may be able to leave longer in between nourishing treatments. If you feel your strap is in need of nourishment, please be mindful that only a minimal amount may be needed.

1. Carefully remove your strap from the casing.

2. Wipe gently, using your cotton cleaning cloth provided and set aside. This will remove any surface dirt.

3. Apply to the grain side of the leather only, in small circular motions and with light pressure, giving special attention to any scratches or marks that may be seen. We do not recommend using the balsam on the flesh side of the leather or on the Zermatt Calfskin lining.

4. Apply to the grain side of the leather only, in small circular motions and with light pressure, giving special attention to any scratches or marks that may be seen. We do not recommend using the balsam on the flesh side of the leather or on the Zermatt Calfskin lining.

5. Leave to dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. This gives the waxes and oils time to soak into the leather.

6. Gently remove any excess balsam from the surface with a dry section of your nourishing cloth.

7. Once fully dry and soft to the touch, your strap is ready to wear again!

Top tips

• Please be aware that use of the balsam may darken the leather over time.

• Please use the balsam responsively to your strap. As a general rule, if your strap is beginning to look dull/dry, it will likely be time to clean and use a nourishing treatment.

• Although nourishment is an important part of keeping your strap healthy, it is important that you do not over nourish your leather. Overuse of the product will be counter productive for your leather care and is not recommended.

• If you notice your strap beginning to feel slightly ‘tacky’ to the touch, this is an indication that you might be over nourishing or under cleaning your strap and the pores of your leather may be clogged. In this instance we would recommend reducing the frequency of the balsam application/reducing the amount you are using. You may also choose to clean your strap more frequently with your cleaning cloth if this occurs to prevent any build up of dirt, oils or waxes.

• Please note that leather is a natural material and can be sensitive to strong products and environmental factors. Direct contact with water and/or strong products such as perfumes, household cleaners and sanitisers, in addition to exposure to extreme temperatures, may cause damage to your strap and should be avoided at all times.

Natural Ageing

Natural ageing is a desirable quality of leather. A gradual change in colour and texture can be expected as your strap ages, adding unique character and greater depth to your piece.

Here are some distinct qualities to look out for as Horween Horsehide leather ages.



As you wear your strap, you may notice a ‘patina’ developing. This is where unique markings can be seen on the surface layer of the leather. Areas of the leather will darken and soft sheens will appear where the strap has been well used. Scratches and markings from daily wear will fade into this patina, beautifully infusing with the natural grain of the changing leather.

This characteristic is a hallmark of some of the highest quality leather, with each strap telling its own, individual story.



In time, especially if unused for a period of time, you may see what is referred to as a ‘bloom' on the surface of your leather. This is natural process where the oils and greases used in the tanning process are brought to surface of the leather creating a white cloudy effect.



To remove this bloom, you can do so by buffing the leather with your cotton cloth. You may wish to repeat the above steps by applying a fresh coat of leather balsam. This will replace the oils back into the leather that have been brought to the surface.

For routine care, we recommend carrying out the following steps after every 20-30 wears, to begin with. The exact frequency required will largely depend on the environment and your own personal usage.

During the tanning process, Horween Bison is ‘hot stuffed’ with a heavy blend of unrefined tallows and oils. This deeply nourishes and enriches the leather. Due to this, Bison will not need oils replaced very often and you may be able to leave longer in between nourishing treatments. If you feel your strap is in need of nourishment, please be mindful that only a minimal amount may be needed.

1. Carefully remove your strap from the casing.

2. Wipe gently, using your cotton cleaning cloth provided and set aside. This will remove any surface dirt.

3. Apply to the grain side of the leather only, in small circular motions and with light pressure, giving special attention to any scratches or marks that may be seen. We do not recommend using the balsam on the flesh side of the leather or on the Zermatt Calfskin lining.

4. Apply to the grain side of the leather only, in small circular motions and with light pressure, giving special attention to any scratches or marks that may be seen. We do not recommend using the balsam on the flesh side of the leather or on the Zermatt Calfskin lining.

5. Leave to dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. This gives the waxes and oils time to soak into the leather.

6. Gently remove any excess balsam from the surface with a dry section of your nourishing cloth.

7. Once fully dry and soft to the touch, your strap is ready to wear again!

Top tips

• Please be aware that use of the balsam may darken the leather over time.

• Please use the balsam responsively to your strap. As a general rule, if your strap is beginning to look dull/dry, it will likely be time to clean and use a nourishing treatment.

• Although nourishment is an important part of keeping your strap healthy, it is important that you do not over nourish your leather. Overuse of the product will be counter productive for your leather care and is not recommended.

• If you notice your strap beginning to feel slightly ‘tacky’ to the touch, this is an indication that you might be over nourishing or under cleaning your strap and the pores of your leather may be clogged. In this instance we would recommend reducing the frequency of the balsam application/reducing the amount you are using. You may also choose to clean your strap more frequently with your cleaning cloth if this occurs to prevent any build up of dirt, oils or waxes.

• Please note that leather is a natural material and can be sensitive to strong products and environmental factors. Direct contact with water and/or strong products such as perfumes, household cleaners and sanitisers, in addition to exposure to extreme temperatures, may cause damage to your strap and should be avoided at all times.

Natural Ageing

Natural ageing is a desirable quality of leather. A gradual change in colour and texture can be expected as your strap ages, adding unique character and greater depth to your piece.

Here are some distinct qualities to look out for as Horween Bison leather ages.



As you wear your strap, you may notice a ‘patina’ developing. This is where unique markings can be seen on the surface layer of the leather. Areas of the leather will darken and soft sheens will appear where the strap has been well used. Scratches and markings from daily wear will fade into this patina, beautifully infusing with the natural grain of the changing leather.

This characteristic is a hallmark of some of the highest quality leather, with each strap telling its own, individual story.



In time, especially if unused for a period of time, you may see what is referred to as a ‘bloom' on the surface of your leather. This is natural process where the oils and greases used in the tanning process are brought to surface of the leather creating a white cloudy effect.



To remove this bloom, you can do so by buffing the leather with your cotton cloth. You may wish to repeat the above steps by applying a fresh coat of leather balsam. This will replace the oils back into the leather that have been brought to the surface.

For routine care, we recommend carrying out the following steps after every 20-30 wears, to begin with. The exact frequency required will largely depend on the environment and your own personal usage.

French chèvre is known for being a highly scratch resistant leather, handling plenty of wear. Even though its pebble like surface and characteristics can help to prevent daily wear showing, it is important that your strap is not neglected and kept clean and nourished.

1. Carefully remove your strap from the casing.

2. Wipe gently, using your cotton cleaning cloth provided and set aside. This will remove any surface dirt.

3. Apply to the grain side of the leather only, in small circular motions and with light pressure, giving special attention to any scratches or marks that may be seen. We do not recommend using the balsam on the flesh side of the leather or on the Zermatt Calfskin lining.

4. Apply to the grain side of the leather only, in small circular motions and with light pressure, giving special attention to any scratches or marks that may be seen. We do not recommend using the balsam on the flesh side of the leather or on the Zermatt Calfskin lining.

5. Leave to dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. This gives the waxes and oils time to soak into the leather.

6. Gently remove any excess balsam from the surface with a dry section of your nourishing cloth.

7. Once fully dry and soft to the touch, your strap is ready to wear again!

Top tips

• Please be aware that use of the balsam may darken the leather over time.

• Please use the balsam responsively to your strap. As a general rule, if your strap is beginning to look dull/dry, it will likely be time to clean and use a nourishing treatment.

• Although nourishment is an important part of keeping your strap healthy, it is important that you do not over nourish your leather. Overuse of the product will be counter productive for your leather care and is not recommended.

• If you notice your strap beginning to feel slightly ‘tacky’ to the touch, this is an indication that you might be over nourishing or under cleaning your strap and the pores of your leather may be clogged. In this instance we would recommend reducing the frequency of the balsam application/reducing the amount you are using. You may also choose to clean your strap more frequently with your cleaning cloth if this occurs to prevent any build up of dirt, oils or waxes.

• Please note that leather is a natural material and can be sensitive to strong products and environmental factors. Direct contact with water and/or strong products such as perfumes, household cleaners and sanitisers, in addition to exposure to extreme temperatures, may cause damage to your strap and should be avoided at all times.

Natural Ageing

Natural ageing is a desirable quality of leather. A gradual change in colour and texture can be expected as your strap ages, adding unique character and greater depth to your piece.

French chèvre is the only leather that we offer which, with appropriate care, will remain relatively unchanged over time. The colour may dull slightly in time, and naturally the leather will continue to become even more supple however, if treated well, the grain will show very little change.

For routine care, we recommend carrying out the following steps after every 10-15 wears, to begin with. The exact frequency required will largely depend on the environment and your own personal usage.

Walpier Buttero leather may feel relatively firm or stiff to begin with, however it will not remain this way for long. With wear, Buttero leather will soften and become more supple, moulding to the shape of your wrist. Applying the leather balsam appropriately will help aid this process.

1. Carefully remove your strap from the casing.

2. Wipe gently, using your cotton cleaning cloth provided and set aside. This will remove any surface dirt.

3. Apply to the grain side of the leather only, in small circular motions and with light pressure, giving special attention to any scratches or marks that may be seen. We do not recommend using the balsam on the flesh side of the leather or on the Zermatt Calfskin lining.

4. Apply to the grain side of the leather only, in small circular motions and with light pressure, giving special attention to any scratches or marks that may be seen. We do not recommend using the balsam on the flesh side of the leather or on the Zermatt Calfskin lining.

5. Leave to dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. This gives the waxes and oils time to soak into the leather.

6. Gently remove any excess balsam from the surface with a dry section of your nourishing cloth.

7. Once fully dry and soft to the touch, your strap is ready to wear again!

Top tips

• Please be aware that use of the balsam may darken the leather over time.

• Please use the balsam responsively to your strap. As a general rule, if your strap is beginning to look dull/dry, it will likely be time to clean and use a nourishing treatment.

• Although nourishment is an important part of keeping your strap healthy, it is important that you do not over nourish your leather. Overuse of the product will be counter productive for your leather care and is not recommended.

• If you notice your strap beginning to feel slightly ‘tacky’ to the touch, this is an indication that you might be over nourishing or under cleaning your strap and the pores of your leather may be clogged. In this instance we would recommend reducing the frequency of the balsam application/reducing the amount you are using. You may also choose to clean your strap more frequently with your cleaning cloth if this occurs to prevent any build up of dirt, oils or waxes.

• Please note that leather is a natural material and can be sensitive to strong products and environmental factors. Direct contact with water and/or strong products such as perfumes, household cleaners and sanitisers, in addition to exposure to extreme temperatures, may cause damage to your strap and should be avoided at all times.

Natural Ageing

Natural ageing is a desirable quality of leather. A gradual change in colour and texture can be expected as your strap ages, adding unique character and greater depth to your piece.

Here are some distinct qualities to look out for as Walpier Buttero leather ages.



As you wear your strap, you may notice a ‘patina’ developing. This is where unique markings can be seen on the surface layer of the leather. Areas of the leather will darken and soft sheens will appear where the strap has been well used. Scratches and markings from daily wear will fade into this patina, beautifully infusing with the natural grain of the changing leather.

This characteristic is a hallmark of some of the highest quality leather, with each strap telling its own, individual story.



Your strap will become more flexible and supple as it ages. In time, you will notice that the tail side of your strap running through the keepers effortlessly and it will feel more and more comfortable, with every wear, as it conforms to you.

Allowing this process to happen naturally will give the best results and would be recommended.

For routine care, we recommend carrying out the following steps after every 10-15 wears, to begin with. The exact frequency required will largely depend on the environment and your own personal usage.

Badalassi Carlo Wax is a leather that champions a distressed look. Although we recommend applying the balsam to help your strap age gracefully, if you are keen for your strap to look more distressed in a shortened time period, you may wish extend the amount of time between nourishing treatments.

1. Carefully remove your strap from the casing.

2. Wipe gently, using your cotton cleaning cloth provided and set aside. This will remove any surface dirt.

3. Apply to the grain side of the leather only, in small circular motions and with light pressure, giving special attention to any scratches or marks that may be seen. We do not recommend using the balsam on the flesh side of the leather or on the Zermatt Calfskin lining.

4. Apply to the grain side of the leather only, in small circular motions and with light pressure, giving special attention to any scratches or marks that may be seen. We do not recommend using the balsam on the flesh side of the leather or on the Zermatt Calfskin lining.

5. Leave to dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. This gives the waxes and oils time to soak into the leather.

6. Gently remove any excess balsam from the surface with a dry section of your nourishing cloth.

7. Once fully dry and soft to the touch, your strap is ready to wear again!

Top tips

• Please be aware that use of the balsam may darken the leather over time.

• Please use the balsam responsively to your strap. As a general rule, if your strap is beginning to look dull/dry, it will likely be time to clean and use a nourishing treatment.

• Although nourishment is an important part of keeping your strap healthy, it is important that you do not over nourish your leather. Overuse of the product will be counter productive for your leather care and is not recommended.

• If you notice your strap beginning to feel slightly ‘tacky’ to the touch, this is an indication that you might be over nourishing or under cleaning your strap and the pores of your leather may be clogged. In this instance we would recommend reducing the frequency of the balsam application/reducing the amount you are using. You may also choose to clean your strap more frequently with your cleaning cloth if this occurs to prevent any build up of dirt, oils or waxes.

• Please note that leather is a natural material and can be sensitive to strong products and environmental factors. Direct contact with water and/or strong products such as perfumes, household cleaners and sanitisers, in addition to exposure to extreme temperatures, may cause damage to your strap and should be avoided at all times.

Natural Ageing

Natural ageing is a desirable quality of leather. A gradual change in colour and texture can be expected as your strap ages, adding unique character and greater depth to your piece.

Here are some distinct qualities to look out for as Badalassi Carlo Wax leather ages.



This leather has been tanned specifically to show a ‘pull up effect’. This means that the leather will reveal lighter tones beneath the surface when it is stretched or when pressure is applied. This pull up effect will naturally become more distinct as the leather ages, beginning initially around the spring bar and adjustment holes, and will develop in response to how it is worn and used.

It is important to note that the pull up effect does not effect the durability of the strap. Buffing the leather gently with a cotton cloth can help to soften this look, if desired.



Badalassi Carlo Wax celebrates a distressed look. It is characterised by its dry milled surface where the leather is made to look older and more ‘worn in’ and aged than it is, yet maintaining the strength of the hide.

This aesthetic will continue to become more distinct the longer your strap is worn.

For routine care, we recommend carrying out the following steps after every 10-15 wears, to begin with. The exact frequency required will largely depend on the environment and your own personal usage.

Bridle leather is extremely durable and hardwearing. New bridle may feel relatively stiff to begin with, however it will not remain this way for long. With wear, Bridle leather will soften and become more supple, moulding to the shape of your wrist. Applying the leather balsam appropriately will help aid this process.

1. Carefully remove your strap from the casing.

2. Wipe gently, using your cotton cleaning cloth provided and set aside. This will remove any surface dirt.

3. Apply to the grain side of the leather only, in small circular motions and with light pressure, giving special attention to any scratches or marks that may be seen. We do not recommend using the balsam on the flesh side of the leather or on the Zermatt Calfskin lining.

4. Apply to the grain side of the leather only, in small circular motions and with light pressure, giving special attention to any scratches or marks that may be seen. We do not recommend using the balsam on the flesh side of the leather or on the Zermatt Calfskin lining.

5. Leave to dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. This gives the waxes and oils time to soak into the leather.

6. Gently remove any excess balsam from the surface with a dry section of your nourishing cloth.

7. Once fully dry and soft to the touch, your strap is ready to wear again!

Top tips

• Please be aware that use of the balsam may darken the leather over time.

• Please use the balsam responsively to your strap. As a general rule, if your strap is beginning to look dull/dry, it will likely be time to clean and use a nourishing treatment.

• Although nourishment is an important part of keeping your strap healthy, it is important that you do not over nourish your leather. Overuse of the product will be counter productive for your leather care and is not recommended.

• If you notice your strap beginning to feel slightly ‘tacky’ to the touch, this is an indication that you might be over nourishing or under cleaning your strap and the pores of your leather may be clogged. In this instance we would recommend reducing the frequency of the balsam application/reducing the amount you are using. You may also choose to clean your strap more frequently with your cleaning cloth if this occurs to prevent any build up of dirt, oils or waxes.

• Please note that leather is a natural material and can be sensitive to strong products and environmental factors. Direct contact with water and/or strong products such as perfumes, household cleaners and sanitisers, in addition to exposure to extreme temperatures, may cause damage to your strap and should be avoided at all times.

Natural Ageing

Natural ageing is a desirable quality of leather. A gradual change in colour and texture can be expected as your strap ages, adding unique character and greater depth to your piece.

Here are some distinct qualities to look out for as Bridle leather ages.



As you wear your strap, you may notice a ‘patina’ developing. This is where unique markings can be seen on the surface layer of the leather. Areas of the leather will darken and soft sheens will appear where the strap has been well used. Scratches and markings from daily wear will fade into this patina, beautifully infusing with the natural grain of the changing leather.

This characteristic is a hallmark of some of the highest quality leather, with each strap telling its own, individual story.



In time, especially if unworn for a period of time, you may see what is referred to as a ‘bloom' on the surface of your leather. This is natural process where the oils and greases used in the tanning process are brought to surface of the leather creating a white cloudy effect.



To remove this bloom, you can do so by buffing the leather with your cotton cloth. You may wish to repeat the above steps by applying a fresh coat of leather balsam. This will replace the oils back into the leather that have been brought to the surface.



Your strap will become more flexible and supple as it ages. In time, you will notice that the tail side of your strap running through the keepers effortlessly and it will feel more and more comfortable, with every wear, as it conforms to you.

Allowing this process to happen naturally will give the best results and would be recommended.