Care of your Hayden Harnett

[Minnifer]

Originally Posted by isabell

Is this how it should be? Did they improve the turnlock in the recent past so that you can bend it flat?

Yes, the turnlock design was recently improved so it can be folded flat. Older bags have the other version that sticks out.

[Minnifer]

Bumpity - anyone have any insight into cleaning moonbeam? I'm really bummed about this...

Originally Posted by Minnifer

I just noticed that my MB Celina has a big dark smudge of dirt or something, maybe pencil, on it. This is only the third time I've worn it!! For some reason when I saw the smudge I reached for my white eraser, and that did nothing except actually lighten the leather, or the finish on it, next to the smudge. I'm not thrilled about that, but it's not too too noticeable, so I'll live - but the smudge didn't budge.

[rubyam]

Well I have a suggestion of what not to do - put some water on it and rub. It does look cleaner but the finish has come off too.

[Minnifer]

Oops - sounds like me w/the white eraser attempt - same thing. Gah - this sucks.

Originally Posted by rubyam

Well I have a suggestion of what not to do - put some water on it and rub. It does look cleaner but the finish has come off too.

[lunarlu]

azgoldengirl I have the same problem too! My mb clutch wallet seems dry and distressed which I hadn't expected.

Yesterday I got my first oil stains on my gray zeus havana and I just wanted to share how I got them out! I got a little carried away with some crab during lunch. I tried rubbing corn starch in but that didn't work. Then I had to get the corn starch off so I put leather lotion on it, which I later read in this thread was the wrong thing to do because it'd set the oil in deeper. SO my last desperate attempt was to grab this bottle of leather conditioner and cleaner that I got from Shoe Pavilion a long time ago and rub rather vigorously. It took three passes, but the spots came out! The cleaner didn't seem to have any brand name on the bottle but it was really thin and liquidy and had some suds in it when I shook the bottle hard. Hope that might help someone!

[Stormy Heart]

There are a lot of concerns about Moonbeam so here's your heads-up:

It is a lightly glazed pearl leather. It seems to be slightly distressed because it is a very thin topcoat. This is OK ! It will wear/rub off at edges over time, but will blend with the base color. TLC lotion does help with the dry feel, and minimally affects the luster. Because the top coat is semi-permeable,TLC does some good here, (as it will not on the Zeus, Oyster, Metallic Indigo or Violet, or Goldrush for example.) Plain soap and water OR LEXOL for cleaning. Harsh cleansers and all sprays will destroy MB. The leather will not darken from normal use, BTW.
This is truly a Champagne BLOND leather !

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by luluyn

Hi Stormy, thanks so much for replying to my question. I've now read through the whole thread and in of the replies you mentioned using an oil such as Lexol-Nestfoot to rub it into the discolored area. Would this technique work here? Is this the same as a leather stain you mention? If not where can I find the proper stain for this bag. I also took some picture to show you the discoloration. The flash makes it looks a bit worse than it really is. So far I have not done anything to treat this bag.

WOW that's a pretty serious defect. Why haven't you exchanged it though HH ? The Fiebings oil dye in still your best hope, IMO, if you want to DIY with q-tips. Neatsfoot is colorless; it deepens existing color but cannot replace what is lost. It is useful for mismatched (lighter) whole panels or trim pieces to even overall appearance.
Thank you for taking time to read the whole thread !

[isabell]

Thanks Minnifer!

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by azgoldengirl26

Thank you so much for all of the info. I had no idea about Nico. I didn't know that she's garment washed leather. I'm so glad I asked. I probably would have used the Lexol conditioner on her. Thank you, thank you, thank you for saving her! Btw...I agree about the saddle leather. It is so soft and buttery. I got a trophy in Brandy and was so disappointed. The leather was really pebbled and I didn't feel the love like I do for the saddle or even the Nico leather. I decided to return it (shape didn't work for me either). The Zeldas were pebbled to, but the boots are so hot I wouldn't even think about parting with them (especially because I got them 75% off during the Memorial Day sale). Is it common for HH to use so many different types of leather? How do you know what you are going to get? Have you experienced any other leather that HH uses that is as soft and buttery as the saddle? Which are your favorites?

You are very welcome ! I have lived in AZ, and appreciate your concerns.

YES!, it is typical HH to use many different leathers. They shop for new leathers every year; often we end up with surprises. The leather industry moves very quickly with new techniques and finishes ~ some are experimental and impractical, others are real improvements. Only ancient standards like Veg and Oil Tan are predictably reliable and gorgeous. HH has used some trendy 'fashion' leathers that will not withstand the test of time.
To respond further, I loved all the original Mercer-washed ! The beautiful Metallic Indigo and Pewter were excellent. The Saddle era gave us OLIVE and Black in the same leather line. Without question, these are my favorites. It is possible some other colors were done in that luscious perfection (Mulberry.Chocolate. Moss?), but I don't know first-hand. In The History of the Havana thread, the original colors are named. Your best bet is to go by season because that is how they purchase leather hide lots. 'Brazilian'* is generally one indication of quality we can count on. Current best is Cordovan, although lighter weight! (* I am very fussy about my own leather sources and go for American, Argentinean, Brazilian, Austrian, Italian, French, German, and the rare Canadian.)
It is difficult to anticipate future leathers by descriptions or lookbooks. HH will not answer direct, specific questions. I glean as much information as possible, add my experience with leatherart and HH , and make my most accurate assessment. It is something of a challenge at times, despite the hundreds of leathers in my shop for comparison.

[lunarlu]

Thank you so much Stormy! You have come to save the day!

[Sybaryte]

Stormy - Thanks for the leather review. BTW, chocolate is gorgeous!! My next fave after saddle (although there are more than a few of the early ones that I haven't seen).

[luluyn]

Originally Posted by Stormy Heart

WOW that's a pretty serious defect. Why haven't you exchanged it though HH ? The Fiebings oil dye in still your best hope, IMO, if you want to DIY with q-tips. Neatsfoot is colorless; it deepens existing color but cannot replace what is lost. It is useful for mismatched (lighter) whole panels or trim pieces to even overall appearance. Thank you for taking time to read the whole thread !

Hi Stormy! Thanks again for your reply. I called them about it at one point, but since it was a clearance type item they didn't offer to exchange and I didnt push it, now its probably too late! :-( . Its not as bad as the flash makes it look. I already ordered some of the Neatsfoot guess I'll just return that. After i use the oil dye, is it a good idea to seal it with the Wilson's TLC spray or the lexol conditioner? thank you for your help!

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by luluyn

Hi Stormy! Thanks again for your reply. I called them about it at one point, but since it was a clearance type item they didn't offer to exchange and I didnt push it, now its probably too late! :-( . Its not as bad as the flash makes it look. I already ordered some of the Neatsfoot guess I'll just return that. After i use the oil dye, is it a good idea to seal it with the Wilson's TLC spray or the lexol conditioner? thank you for your help!

Hang on to your Neatsfoot; it's great for bringing old leather back to life, waterproofing boots, etc.
TLC spray will not 'seal' your leather, but Lexol Conditioner after your touch-up dries is a great plan.
(you're welcome)

[skydive nikki]

I finally have my "dream closet". It is a big walk-in and has tons of room. The problem is it's upstairs which is the hottest area of our house. We do not have central air :( It is extremely hot in the closet and I am worried it is starting to dehydrate my bags. Is that possible? What can I do to help this situation besides changing where I keep them??

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by skydive nikki

I finally have my "dream closet". It is a big walk-in and has tons of room. The problem is it's upstairs which is the hottest area of our house. We do not have central air :( It is extremely hot in the closet and I am worried it is starting to dehydrate my bags. Is that possible? What can I do to help this situation besides changing where I keep them??

Great for you, Nikki ! Yes it is possible, but we have other considerations. First, how is the humidity level ? This is more of a concern to me because extremely hot + high humidity = mold on leather. You have lots of room, so dustbags, space between the bags and dri-packs slipped into each are essential. Second, how hot is it ? Can you install a vent fan up there ? Thirdly, check your bags that have the thinnest leather for dryness. If there is a problem, they will feel like dry, or even chapped, skin. Get out the TLC or Lexol if this is the case. Just be aware that moisturizing leather in humid conditions can make things worse. not better. Think tropics here. Adjust your humidity levels first, with a dehumidifier and exhaust fan, then worry about the actual ambient temperature. The same ideal conditions apply for your silk, wool, tencel and cotton garments, so I'd make sure that dream closet is a happy dream with climate control. You have a large investment in your closet and it's worth protecting. Keep the closet door open for air circulation, and perhaps add a small electric fan, too. If you are comfortable, so is your leather. You may even have enough space for a net hammock for your bags, which will increase airflow to the leather. I hope you have a better handyman than I do. Good Luck !

* Stuffing matters, too. Acidic materials can contribute to leather degradation. Cloth is good.