Here's the end result! Almost imperceptible, haha! But I enjoyed the process of cleaning my bag and in person the handle looks way cleaner so I'm happy
The leather does feel a bit dry, but I'm sure that with use it'll soften up again. I probably would hesitate to this to the overall body of my bag.
I really recommend getting one!! It's fiddly to get into and it's a bit heavy even in the 27 size, but I love it so much for the design and quality. It might be my favorite bag of my collection. It took me a few months to save up to, and it's the most I've spent on a bag, but well worth it. Hopefully they drop the price of the one you're eyeing! I got mine on Vestiaire Collective, and there were two others in the same style listed. I even put in an offer and they accepted, so maybe you'll be able to find a style and color that works for you at a price that's not too bad!