We love leather because leather is always at fighting strength.
If leather were your dad, it’d still wear the same waist size it did playing varsity ball senior year.
And if it’s durable, dependable skins you seek, introduce yourself to Phil Kalas and Dan Cordova, certified hide whisperers at Chicago’s Horween Leather, the oldest working tannery in the U.S.
They also run Ashland Leather, where they make stunning leather sundries like the Fat Herbie bi-fold, a well-designed money caddy made from Horween’s lusty Chromexcel.
Plus: handsome key cases and watch straps.
And when considering your investment, follow this advice from the gents who sold it to you:
Investment is key. “Quality leather is all sensory. Trust your senses. Fine leather will smell rich and won’t feel like plastic.”
Keep it supple. “There’s so much oil, grease and wax put into our leather — it’s all the polish you need. But from time to time, nourish the fibers again. We use Venetian Cream.”
Don’t overthink it. “Never baby leather with tons of polish. It’s meant to be used.”
Now get to using.
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