Keep Your Leather Goods Looking Exceptional for a Lifetime
Introduction
Quality leather isn’t something you buy every year—it’s an investment. Whether it’s a handcrafted shotgun slip, cartridge bag, rifle sling or dog lead, genuine leather develops character with every outing.
Unlike synthetic materials, leather improves with age when cared for correctly. A little maintenance goes a long way in preserving its strength, appearance and longevity.
This guide will show you exactly how to care for your leather products so they remain reliable companions for years to come.
Why Leather Needs Care
Leather is a natural material made from animal hide. It contains natural oils that keep it supple and strong.
Over time these oils are gradually lost through:
- Rain and moisture
- Sunlight
- Heat
- Dirt and dust
- Regular handling
- Everyday use
Without occasional care, leather can become:
- Dry
- Brittle
- Cracked
- Stained
- Faded
Fortunately, preventing this is simple.
Understanding Leather
Not all leather is created equal.
At John Shooter we use premium full-grain leather because it’s the strongest and most durable type available.
Benefits include:
✓ Exceptional durability
✓ Beautiful ageing
✓ Natural weather resistance
✓ Rich patina that improves over time
Each mark and crease tells the story of the adventures you’ve shared.
How Often Should You Clean Leather?
A simple guide:
After every outing
- Wipe away mud and moisture
- Allow to dry naturally
Every 2–3 months
- Deep clean
- Apply leather conditioner
After prolonged exposure to rain
- Dry carefully
- Recondition once fully dry
If you use your leather products heavily throughout the shooting season, more frequent conditioning is beneficial.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need expensive equipment.
Simply keep:
- Soft microfibre cloth
- Horsehair brush
- Leather cleaner
- Leather conditioner
- Small sponge
- Soft buffing cloth
Avoid household cleaners, detergents and baby wipes.
Step 1 – Remove Dirt
Start by brushing away loose dirt.
Pay particular attention to:
- Stitching
- Buckles
- Corners
- Seams
Never scrub aggressively.
Step 2 – Clean the Leather
Apply a small amount of leather cleaner onto a cloth.
Work in small circular motions.
Avoid soaking the leather.
Less is always more.
Once cleaned, wipe away any residue.
Step 3 – Let It Dry
Allow the leather to dry naturally.
Never place leather:
- On radiators
- Next to fires
- In airing cupboards
- In direct sunlight
Fast drying causes cracking.
Patience protects leather.
Step 4 – Apply Leather Conditioner
Conditioner replaces the natural oils lost during use.
Using a clean cloth:
- Apply a small amount
- Massage into the leather
- Cover evenly
- Leave for 15–30 minutes
The leather will gradually absorb what it needs.
Step 5 – Buff
Using a clean cloth, gently buff the leather.
This restores:
- Shine
- Protection
- Rich colour
It also leaves the leather feeling smooth and supple.
Caring for Waxed Leather
Waxed leather develops a beautiful weathered appearance.
Over time the wax coating naturally wears.
To restore it:
- Clean first
- Apply a specialist wax dressing
- Warm gently with your hands
- Buff lightly
Avoid over-waxing.
Too much wax prevents the leather from breathing.
What About Rain?
Leather and rain aren’t enemies.
Quality leather handles occasional rain remarkably well.
If your shotgun slip gets wet:
- Wipe away excess water.
- Allow it to dry naturally.
- Once completely dry, apply conditioner if required.
Never use hairdryers.
Never leave it beside a radiator.
Looking After Brass Fittings
Solid brass fittings develop a natural patina.
Some owners love this aged appearance.
If you prefer a brighter finish:
- Use a quality brass polish.
- Avoid getting polish onto the leather.
- Buff with a soft cloth.
Storing Leather Properly
When not in use:
Store leather somewhere:
✓ Cool
✓ Dry
✓ Well ventilated
Avoid:
- Plastic bags
- Damp sheds
- Loft spaces
- Direct sunlight
For shotgun slips, leave the zip slightly open during long-term storage to encourage airflow.
Common Leather Care Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
❌ Over-conditioning
❌ Using cooking oils
❌ Baby wipes
❌ Household cleaning sprays
❌ Drying with heat
❌ Machine washing
❌ Leaving mud on for weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can leather crack?
Yes—but usually only when it becomes excessively dry.
Regular conditioning prevents this.
Can I use saddle soap?
Only occasionally.
Too much saddle soap can strip natural oils if overused.
My leather has scratches.
Most surface scratches can be gently rubbed with your thumb or conditioned to reduce their appearance.
These marks often become part of the leather’s character.
Will my leather darken?
Yes.
High-quality leather naturally develops a richer tone with age.
This is known as a patina and is highly desirable.
Caring for Your John Shooter Products
Every John Shooter leather product is handcrafted using premium materials built to withstand years of use in the countryside.
With simple maintenance, your leather goods won’t just last—they’ll improve with age.
That’s the beauty of genuine leather.
Final Thoughts
Leather is one of the few materials that becomes more attractive the longer you own it.
Treat it well, use it often and embrace the marks that tell your story.
Every scratch, every crease and every adventure adds character.
We hope this guide helps you enjoy your John Shooter leather goods for many years to come.
Thank you for choosing craftsmanship that lasts.
