Massage out creases from cordovan with the deer bone

Although nowadays one seldom sees deer bones in use, they hearken back to a long tradition. It is said that in the 3rd century A.D. the English shoemaker Hugh bequeathed his deer bones to friends and colleagues in his will, stipulating that they be used in shoe repair. Because of this, in England deer bones are also known as St. Hugh’s. This deer bone has been taken from the shank of the fallow deer. It plays an important role in shoe care—it reduces the appearance of creases from wear and repairs notches and scratches in cordovan.

Ideal treatment for creases from cordovan

This deer bone contains its own oils and, importantly, has rounded edges that protect leather from damage. Use the deer bone to eliminate creases from cordovan. First, make sure to store your shoes with shoe trees. Prior to using the deer bone, apply an emulsion in a colour matching the shoe upper to the creases that you would like to treat. Next, select a spot in the middle of the deer bone. Dampen this spot with shoe polish. Using circular motions and applying light pressure, use the deer bone to massage the polish into the creases until they have disappeared. The deer bone is used in essentially the same way to treat tears in the shoe upper, with only one notable difference. Instead of applying an emulsion (as you would with creases from wear), apply hard wax in a colour matching the shoe upper, then massage it into the damaged spot. After a subsequent polish, the tear should be gone for good.