Leather Care

Your new Shrew investment is handcrafted from full grain, vegetable tanned leather. This type of leather is dyed using naturally derived tannins from organic matter such as tree bark, plant roots and leaves. It’s kinder to the environment, renowned for its quality and, if cared for properly, will last a lifetime. Here are some tips on how to care for your new investment.

Changes over time

Full grain means the top layer of the leather has not been buffed or coated, showing the skin’s natural characteristics. As such, marks are an inherent part of the leather. Your Shrew item will develop a rich patina over time, as well as light scratches and marks, all part of the beauty of a premium leather product.

Vegetable tanned leather is a relatively low maintenance leather (unless you require it to remain in pristine condition!) It has a porous surface and will naturally darken and soften with natural oils from your skin, direct sunlight and exposure to rain.

Things to avoid

A little rain won’t affect your item but a heavy downpour might. Veg tan leather is easily stained by excess water. Soak up spillages by dabbing with a dry cloth to avoid staining the leather. Let damp leather dry out naturally. Use a damp cloth to wipe away small stains and marks and allow to dry at room temperature.

Condition regularly

Like our skin, leather needs to be moisturised occasionally. Your item will have already been treated with a leather balm during its making, but you will be able to tell when it needs to be nourished again when the leather starts to look dry. A (non-chemical, non-oil based) leather conditioner will help protect the surface from scratches and stains. These provide moisture as well as some surface protection. Conditioners which contain wax or oil usually darken the leather slightly, water-based conditioners tend not to but need applying a little more frequently. Apply with a clean, dry cloth or soft bristled brush and leave to dry naturally before buffing gently.

We use Norsol leather balm in the workshop which contains beeswax and jojoba oil. Saddle soap can also be used.

Hardware

The majority of Shrew goods are made with solid brass hardware, which will darken and patina over time, aging gracefully with the leather. If you prefer the brass bright and shiny, apply a brass cream carefully using a soft cloth. Buff gently with a clean cloth.

How to store

Keep your Shrew item in its breathable cotton dust bag when not in use and choose somewhere cool to store it, away from moisture and direct sunlight and heat sources.