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Restoring an old leather shaving case (What products to use?) PICTURES INSIDE
Gaffero
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I recently came into possession of a lovely leather shaving case belonging to an old uncle of mine -- my namesake, actually -- and I'm wondering if
a) if I can restore it to a decent condition and
b) if I should restore it -- one might argue that restoring it improperly would ruin it, etc.
Here's a picture from my ancient (circa 2002?) digital camera; if anybody can recommend a better image host that'd be nice too.
The inside of the case is in almost pristine shape -- it was zippered shut for 20 years -- and as such likely won't require any work. In fact, I found some of my uncle's old toothpaste, cologne (empty), shaving brushes, shaving mirror, and his circa 1950s Gillette safety razors. The outside could use some work.
The leather (pictured) is currently brittle which may or may not be clear from the photo. My uncle was fastidious in taking care of his personal effects, and I have every reason to believe that he kept the case (and everything inside) in excellent shape until he passed away some 20 years ago. The case spent its time between then and now in my grandmother's attic until she sent it to me several days ago.
In terms of restoring the leather, I've heard Lexol is a decent product, but I've only I have knowledge second-hand of it being used to take care of saddles and other horse-related things. I'd like to hear what my fellow PAers know about leather and leather care before I buy any products or apply anything to the case itself. Can you fine folks recommend me any products?
a) if I can restore it to a decent condition and
b) if I should restore it -- one might argue that restoring it improperly would ruin it, etc.
Here's a picture from my ancient (circa 2002?) digital camera; if anybody can recommend a better image host that'd be nice too.
The inside of the case is in almost pristine shape -- it was zippered shut for 20 years -- and as such likely won't require any work. In fact, I found some of my uncle's old toothpaste, cologne (empty), shaving brushes, shaving mirror, and his circa 1950s Gillette safety razors. The outside could use some work.
The leather (pictured) is currently brittle which may or may not be clear from the photo. My uncle was fastidious in taking care of his personal effects, and I have every reason to believe that he kept the case (and everything inside) in excellent shape until he passed away some 20 years ago. The case spent its time between then and now in my grandmother's attic until she sent it to me several days ago.
In terms of restoring the leather, I've heard Lexol is a decent product, but I've only I have knowledge second-hand of it being used to take care of saddles and other horse-related things. I'd like to hear what my fellow PAers know about leather and leather care before I buy any products or apply anything to the case itself. Can you fine folks recommend me any products?
Gaffero on
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They will also be able to identify your equipment.
Can we get a pic of the inside and the equipment?
Spoiler'd for big
This is the inside of the case. The bottom missing slots belong to the black plastic razor containers which need some cleaning. The top ones belonged to a comb and nail file which were too grungy to salvage. The bottle says National Quality on it. The tag, indeed, confirms that the case is 100% genuine USA leather. The long, black tube is for a toothbrush/toothpaste combo; there's currently some old-school Pepsodent inside. I haven't cleaned the mirror yet, and I'm sure you can notice.
Three safety razors; the heads confirm that they were manufactured by Gillette, but I haven't a clue as to the year. I'm not interested in shaving with them right now, but I'd like to keep them in decent condition should I change my mind.
The brushes that I cleaned today; I don't have a brush stand, so if there's a better way to dry them, please let me know!
The best method is for them to hang dry on a brush rack or similar product. I'm caught between Scylla and Charybdis here: either I rest the brushes on their bristles to let the moisture drip out, possibly damaging the bristles, or I put them upright to save the bristles and risk trapping the moisture inside which will eventually cause the bristles to degrade and decay. I'm improvising for now by hanging them from a door-knob via rubber bands.
Thanks Improvolone for pointing me to B&B; I have a thread going there now which cross-references this thread.