Romp Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 Hey guys, Just quickly - Ive put a strap culture strap onto my 111H. It looks great and is chunky etc but as the leather is new it isnt exactly very soft yet! Wondering if anyone has some techniques to soften the leather up quickly .. or "destroy" the leather to give it a more vintage look but soften it at the same time. The part that is scratching my wrist the most is near the buckle where the loop thing is. Seems to be combo of the stitching and leather. Cheers, Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie7s Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 Hey guys, Just quickly - Ive put a strap culture strap onto my 111H. It looks great and is chunky etc but as the leather is new it isnt exactly very soft yet! Wondering if anyone has some techniques to soften the leather up quickly .. or "destroy" the leather to give it a more vintage look but soften it at the same time. The part that is scratching my wrist the most is near the buckle where the loop thing is. Seems to be combo of the stitching and leather. Cheers, Rob Try using a leather conditioner and massaging it into the strap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmt Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 I usually use Meltonian neutral shoe cream, then just twist, bend, pull, and shake the sh@#$# out of it. Gotta break in/up those fibers, especially if it's new leather. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romp Posted November 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 I usually use Meltonian neutral shoe cream, then just twist, bend, pull, and shake the sh@#$# out of it. Gotta break in/up those fibers, especially if it's new leather. Good luck! Awesome thanks guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victoria Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 I usually use Meltonian neutral shoe cream, then just twist, bend, pull, and shake the sh@#$# out of it. Gotta break in/up those fibers, especially if it's new leather. Good luck! That's exactly what Mario Paci's head strapmaker, Fabrizio, suggests for all pricey straps -- Meltonian Neutral. It can be bought at your local shoemaker or on eBay, dead cheap. I think it was $2.50 per vial, excluding shipping. I also, just today, got Chelsea Leather Food from Greg Stevens, that other famous strapmaker. I do have to say that I haven't tried this (Chelsea) on my Strapculture straps YET. What you describe Romp, is precisely why with regret, I do not recommend anyone to buy Strapculture straps, at least certain lines. I know they are very popular. I'm sure when they are worn in they are nice. But the Legend line is made of VERY coarse, low-grade leather -- it's as thick as cardboard, and stiffer than John Kerry at a bar mitzvah. Meltonian Neutral had no effect on my 2 SC straps whatsoever, but then, I'm no real leather expert, like V, Tootall or Savage. Try it. At least it won't stain! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romp Posted November 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 That's exactly what Mario Paci's head strapmaker, Fabrizio, suggests for all pricey straps -- Meltonian Neutral. It can be bought at your local shoemaker or on eBay, dead cheap. I think it was $2.50 per vial, excluding shipping. I also, just today, got Chelsea Leather Food from Greg Stevens, that other famous strapmaker. I do have to say that I haven't tried this (Chelsea) on my Strapculture straps YET. What you describe Romp, is precisely why with regret, I do not recommend anyone to buy Strapculture straps, at least certain lines. I know they are very popular. I'm sure when they are worn in they are nice. But the Legend line is made of VERY coarse, low-grade leather -- it's as thick as cardboard, and stiffer than John Kerry at a bar mitzvah. Meltonian Neutral had no effect on my 2 SC straps whatsoever, but then, I'm no real leather expert, like V, Tootall or Savage. Try it. At least it won't stain! Thanks V - Im going to get a diff strap this week Yes this legend strap is coarse, thick and cardboardy ... itll wear in i hope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HauteHippie Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 SC isn't the place to go if soft straps is your thing. If you want soft and thick I highly recommend the Carrier and/or Copperplate straps from Micah at Vintager Straps (dot com). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 I am using two different products in my straps... 1. Lord Sheraton leather balsam conditioner if you want to clean and revive the leather... 2. Camel natural 'grease' to achieve great patina without wearing the strap that much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victoria Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 I am using two different products in my straps... 1. Lord Sheraton leather balsam conditioner if you want to clean and revive the leather... Clive suggested that in my Stains on Straps thread. It's okay. It will leave a darkish residue on some straps, as if wet (E.g., Savage's British tan strap). One just has to be careful with the grain of each strap. 2. Camel natural 'grease' to achieve great patina without wearing the strap that much Ooh! Nice. An alternative to mink oil, yes? I read from Tootall that that can rot the stitches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victoria Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 SC isn't the place to go if soft straps is your thing. If you want soft and thick I highly recommend the Carrier and/or Copperplate straps from Micah at Vintager Straps (dot com). Hold that thought, guys! If you want to see how they look, before buying, wait a sec. I had set aside my Micah Copperplate strap for Monday's Wrist-Check. Coincidence, Chieftang! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 sand it with 400grit then soak it in bleach for 5 min.. then its nice and soft and vintage looking mmmm yummy Heres a post i made on RWC on how i distressed my strap that came with my Pam127 from Angus. How to distress your leather strap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Mentalist Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 I swear by Pecard's leather dressing. Does an amazing job for any leather and is totally harmless to you skin too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victoria Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 I had set aside my Micah Copperplate strap for Monday's Wrist-Check. Coincidence, Chieftang! Here's the Wristcheck reference for the Micah Copperplate. http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&...st&p=350982 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hambone Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 A good soaking in teriyaki sauce for 3 weeks might not produce the desired reult, however you will be followed by canine companions for awhile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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