Can you all please give any info on Box leather, I know lots of you love it, do you really have to keep out of rain, is the scratching easily issue a problem.
many thanks
many thanks
Help on Box leather
- Thread starter ladyjane 963
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ladyjane, there is a lot of information on box leather here---but to sum up
1. it blisters in the rain readily
2. it is possible to do a non- H approved waterproofing (Docride's B & O method) that apparently works really well---but is not Hermes approved. Some people have done it and are happy, and some people are afraid to do anything that H doesn't approve.
3. Re: scratches. Yes, it does scratch, but apparently over time, the scratches meld to make a beautiful patina.
4. Of probably all the leathers, box leather can be refurbished by Hermes beautifully for decades. There are some gorgeous bags made of box leather from the 50's---especially if the leather doesn't get dry---see pics of amamxr's phenomenal Kelly, for just one example.
1. it blisters in the rain readily
2. it is possible to do a non- H approved waterproofing (Docride's B & O method) that apparently works really well---but is not Hermes approved. Some people have done it and are happy, and some people are afraid to do anything that H doesn't approve.
3. Re: scratches. Yes, it does scratch, but apparently over time, the scratches meld to make a beautiful patina.
4. Of probably all the leathers, box leather can be refurbished by Hermes beautifully for decades. There are some gorgeous bags made of box leather from the 50's---especially if the leather doesn't get dry---see pics of amamxr's phenomenal Kelly, for just one example.
Thank you
what do you do if it starts raining
I know there is a thread somewhere giving all info on all leathers but cant seem to find it
what do you do if it starts raining
I know there is a thread somewhere giving all info on all leathers but cant seem to find it
I never take mine out in the rain! I did treat it with Docride's method and it is beautiful! Scared me a bit in the middle of the application process but the end was beautiful! I always carry the raincoat in the bag with me just in case. Good luck! Box is absolutely gorgeous!!!!
If it rains, and you have a big coat, hide your boxcalf bag from rain.
If you know it's going to pour that day, keep your precious boxcalf at home.
If you do any treatment on your bag that is not approved by Hermes, just remember that you're doing it at your own risk. And Hermes may not want to touch it after the skin has been 'altered'.
If you know it's going to pour that day, keep your precious boxcalf at home.
If you do any treatment on your bag that is not approved by Hermes, just remember that you're doing it at your own risk. And Hermes may not want to touch it after the skin has been 'altered'.
I have no idea. I had not used that method. Maybe for those who have, try to send to the nearest craftsman? I guess it all depends on the extent to which products were used on the bags, don't you think?
I have only followed what the old timers have gotten advice from Claude. Which was just leather polish like Meltonian. No heavyduty stuff.
Sorry, that I can't be of further help in this.
I am a bit old-school as well and have tended to leave my boxcalf alone (or, if I used anything it would be Meltonian or creme saphir...)
If there is the slightest threat of rain, I don't take it out.
Newer box may not be of the same quality of older box...it seems thinner, and sometimes less even.
If there is the slightest threat of rain, I don't take it out.
Newer box may not be of the same quality of older box...it seems thinner, and sometimes less even.
Thanks for the reply mrssparkles. In any case I have a box Birkin and I try to carry it as much as possible. If it is going to rain, she stays home. However, there has been the occasional droplet of water sprinkled on her (pretty much unavoidable, I guess) and in those cases I've always gotten it wiped off pretty quickly, with no ill results.
^^ Yes, continue to do that. So long as water is wiped off quickly, it won't bubble and will be problem free. Hermes leathers / leathers are not meant to be rough with. And should be taken care of with TLC. Not excessive babying of course. For rough weather, stick with cheap and good PVC!
I've blackrocked and obernaufed my H box bags as per Docride's vintage leather care thread in the reference section on tpf (so that they can withstand rain) and they have been subsequently accepted for Hermes work by Claude and Pierre at Hermes Madison. ( I know there are people who prefer not to do this though).
Thanks to everyones help, I think box is not for me a pity, as it rains here all the time i would never get to use it.