Maintaining a leather bag
- JonTheCadet
- Posts: 72
- Joined: May 28, 2018
I've recently acquired a very nice specimen of a black Reunion Blues O series bass gig bag as it is the only case available locally that will fit my newly revived bass (another thread coming soon).
When I purchased the bag, the dealer told me that I should apply something called "shoe wax" on the surface and showed me his 20-year vintage RB tenor saxophone case, which has seen some use especially around the corners but is otherwise fully intact. I didn't ask to clarify at the time and now all I can find as "shoe wax" is typical shoe polish and I'm very doubtful whether I should put that on my bag.
I also own a brown/tan Cronkhite tenor gig bag which looks a lot shinier compared to the RB. Admittedly I haven't performed much maintenance on that bag either.
How do you take care of your leather bags? Is it actually just shoe polish?
When I purchased the bag, the dealer told me that I should apply something called "shoe wax" on the surface and showed me his 20-year vintage RB tenor saxophone case, which has seen some use especially around the corners but is otherwise fully intact. I didn't ask to clarify at the time and now all I can find as "shoe wax" is typical shoe polish and I'm very doubtful whether I should put that on my bag.
I also own a brown/tan Cronkhite tenor gig bag which looks a lot shinier compared to the RB. Admittedly I haven't performed much maintenance on that bag either.
How do you take care of your leather bags? Is it actually just shoe polish?
- Mamaposaune
- Posts: 657
- Joined: Sep 22, 2018
I've used plain ordinary shoe polish on my leather bag, it works great to cover scuffs and protect the leather. Look for Kiwi brand, IMO it is the best by far.
Just apply with a brush or old washcloth, let dry completely, use a soft brush followed by a clean, dry cloth to buff up to a nice shine.
Just apply with a brush or old washcloth, let dry completely, use a soft brush followed by a clean, dry cloth to buff up to a nice shine.
- baBposaune
- Posts: 391
- Joined: Jan 21, 2019
Saddle soap to clean, shoe polish to restore color and some sheen.
- RossM
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Jan 27, 2022
Saddle soap then this stuff: https://stuebben.com/en/hamanol-lederpflege-250g.html
- Soulbrass
- Posts: 143
- Joined: Mar 08, 2023
If you happen to live near horse country, take your leather bag to a saddlery. A shop local to me brought my c.1983 RB bag back to life for $30! I bought a new strap this year from Cronkite…my bag should easily last another few decades!
- CalgaryTbone
- Posts: 1460
- Joined: May 10, 2018
Sadle soap is good - there is also a product sold in shoe and leather repair stores called Lexal. Good stuff and there's a cleaner and a conditioner/protector (separate bottles). Easy to use and works pretty well.
Jim Scott
Jim Scott
- dwcarder
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Jun 27, 2023
Leather is a lot like your skin, you want to keep it hydrated and not regularly exposed to punishing weather.
Lexol has a conditioner that works very well: https://lexol.com/products/leather-conditioner-bottle/
These guys have a good system as well: https://www.obenaufs.com/
In general I'd be wary of any shoe product that contains silicone.
Lexol has a conditioner that works very well: https://lexol.com/products/leather-conditioner-bottle/
These guys have a good system as well: https://www.obenaufs.com/
In general I'd be wary of any shoe product that contains silicone.
- bassclef
- Posts: 337
- Joined: Mar 23, 2018
2nd vote for Lexol.
That's what I use in my car and on all of my old RB leather bags, when I had them. Worked great, no smell, no residue.
That's what I use in my car and on all of my old RB leather bags, when I had them. Worked great, no smell, no residue.
- JoshE
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Oct 17, 2018
I like Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP. It was formulated for wild-land firefighters and is made from bees wax and propolis. I use it on a leather jacket and convertible briefcase/backpack. And my beard sometimes
- BrassAndSilverNate
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Nov 14, 2025
As a bagpipe player, I was surprised to see the title of this thread. ;)