Leather Care Guide

Good leather is built to endure. With proper care, a well-made piece can last a lifetime and then some, passed from one set of hands to the next like any worthy tool or traveling companion. Treated with respect, it won’t crack or fade before its time; it will only grow richer, stronger, and more marked by your journeys. Keep it clean, keep it protected from heat and harsh sun, and it will serve you faithfully for years the way any good gear should.

General Leather Goods

Routine Cleaning

  • Dust with a dry, soft cloth as needed.
  • For fingerprints or light grime, wipe with a slightly damp cloth only.
  • Avoid soaps, detergents, alcohol wipes, or anything that can cut through the sealant.
  • If something sticky gets on it, use a damp cloth and gentle pressure - never scrub.

Conditioning (If Needed)

Your items are dyed and sealed, so they rarely need conditioning.

  • Only condition if the leather feels noticeably dry.
  • Use a lightweight, non-darkening conditioner
  • Apply a very thin coat to avoid softening molded shapes, armor pieces, or structured goods.

Water & Weather

  • If the item gets wet, pat it dry and let it air-dry.
  • Don’t use heat sources. This can cause clouding or cracking in sealed finishes.
  • Prolonged sun exposure will fade dyes over time.

Storage

  • Keep leather in a cool, dry place.
  • Avoid sealed plastic bags. Use cotton bags or let items breathe on a shelf.
  • Don’t stack heavy items on top of molded or shaped leather (e.g., armor, bracers).
  • Keep coasters and flat goods stored flat to prevent curling.

Hardware

  • Wipe metal hardware with a dry cloth.
  • If tarnish bothers you, use a gentle metal polish only on the hardware, keeping it off the leather.

Hair-On Leather Care (Reindeer, Cowhide, etc)

Hair-on hides keep their look best with simple, gentle care. The follicles are durable, but once hair is pulled out, it doesn’t grow back.

Cleaning

  • Shake out dust or debris.
  • Brush lightly in the direction of the hair with a soft bristle brush.
  • Spot clean with a slightly damp cloth. Blot, don’t rub.
  • Avoid any soaps or cleaners; they can break down the hide and the hair’s natural oils.

Spill Handling

  • Blot immediately with a paper towel or cloth.
  • For dried spots, gently lift debris with your fingers or a soft brush, don’t scrape.

Shedding

  • Some light shedding is normal.
  • Keep away from high-friction use (rolling desk chairs, rough straps, etc.).

Moisture

  • Keep hair-on hides dry.
  • If damp, lay flat hair-side up and let it air-dry naturally.
  • Do not store wet hides, they will warp or stiffen.

Storage

  • Store flat or loosely rolled hair-side out.
  • Keep away from sunlight and humidity swings.
  • Ensure full airflow; hides should not be sealed up.

Wax-Sealed Leather Drinkware

These pieces are sealed with a food-safe wax to protect the leather and maintain structure.

Use & Temperature

  • For cold or room-temperature drinks only.
  • No hot drinks, heat melts or warps the wax seal.
  • Keep out of direct sunlight and hot environments (cars, tents, heater vents).
  • Don’t leave liquids sitting inside for long periods.

Cleaning

  • Rinse with cool or lukewarm water.
  • Do not use soap, soap breaks down wax.
  • Wipe with a soft cloth if needed.
  • Never soak the drinkware.

Drying & Storage

  • Air-dry completely after each use.
  • Store in a cool, shaded space with nothing pressing on the shape.

Drinking Horns

Our horns are not sealed with wax or acrylic. They’re meant to develop their interior seasoning naturally. We clean our horns using baking soda and vinegar to lift residue and neutralize odors. After a good soak and scrub, we season our horns with a final wine soak. This helps flavor, reduces odor, and conditions the horn.

Use & Temperature

  • Safe for cold or room-temperature drinks.
  • Avoid hot liquids, they can warp or soften the horn.

Cleaning After Use

  • Rinse with lukewarm water.
  • Avoid soap, many soaps leave a taste and can dry the horn.
  • Let it air-dry completely.

Storage

  • Keep out of direct sun and heat.
  • Store upright or on its side where it can breathe.