Maintaining a leather bag

[JonTheCadet]

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?

[Mamaposaune]

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.

[baBposaune]

Saddle soap to clean, shoe polish to restore color and some sheen.

[RossM]

Saddle soap then this stuff: https://stuebben.com/en/hamanol-lederpflege-250g.html

[Soulbrass]

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]

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

[dwcarder]

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.

[bassclef]

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.

[Spemrick]

Get some of this, you will not be sorry.