Saddle soap is not purely subtractive. The soap portion of saddle soap emulsifies some of the waxes and is able to transmit them into the leather so that once wiped or rinsed(which usually doesn't happen) some wax can and does remain. Water brings along no oils nor waxes, thus is a good cleaner without conditioning. I believe (for what it is worth) that the conditioning that saddle soap CAN provide is insufficient for the rigors that most of us subject to our boots, thus the need for follow-up conditioners.
Venetian shoe cream I’d say is the best overall one product for the job period. I can attest it conditions well and leaves a rich deep satin touch to the leather that you can shine without using any additional waxes. I’m surprised more people are not using it in comparison to red wing products of which are good too but expensive.
Nice boots!
the color of the shoes after conditioning looks fantastic
I agree. It looks better than when it was new!
Very well done. A real life example of how most people would use and treat their boots. Thank you
Thank you!
I have the same pair got them for my wedding and I love them.
They really are a great boot!
Excellent demonstration. Thank You.
I wish they still made the Blacksmith in this color. The prairie black and copper are great, but the Briar is great too!
They’re up on the site now just a heads up!
Seeing how well the water worked by itself, I'm beginning to think saddle soap is overrated..
The water worked really well. I think the main advantage of saddle soap is getting to the dirt that you can't see...
Saddle soap is not purely subtractive. The soap portion of saddle soap emulsifies some of the waxes and is able to transmit them into the leather so that once wiped or rinsed(which usually doesn't happen) some wax can and does remain. Water brings along no oils nor waxes, thus is a good cleaner without conditioning. I believe (for what it is worth) that the conditioning that saddle soap CAN provide is insufficient for the rigors that most of us subject to our boots, thus the need for follow-up conditioners.
Venetian shoe cream I’d say is the best overall one product for the job period.
I can attest it conditions well and leaves a rich deep satin touch to the leather that you can shine without using any additional waxes.
I’m surprised more people are not using it in comparison to red wing products of which are good too but expensive.
It is definitely one of the top products I use! Thanks for the comment!
I take a 9.5 in iron rangers. Seen some of these in a size 9 on ebay and wondering if they'll fit? Much difference between half a size?
Both the blacksmith and iron rangers use the same No. 8 last, so you should probably stick to the size that fits you in iron rangers. Hope that helps!
You shouldn’t use gloves. If you wouldn’t want it to be on your skin then you shouldn’t put it on your boots.
That is absolutely idiotic logic and I can’t believe anyone up voted what you just typed.