Honoring Craft and Character: A Veterans Day Reflection

Every November, we pause to honor the courage, dedication, and discipline of those who have served. Veterans Day reminds us that mastery—whether in service or in craft—is born of patience, humility, and unwavering attention to detail.

As I worked on a recent restoration, those same values came to mind. A client brought in a pair of TLB Mallorcas—beautiful shoes that had lost some of their original luster. They were well-made, but tired; their once-rich oxblood finish had dulled over time.

The goal was to revive them in one afternoon—refining their color into a deeper, more mature dark burgundy that reflected both age and elegance.

Step One: A Clean Foundation

Every restoration begins with respect for the surface. Before adding color, I carefully stripped away all old polish and finish using the Saphir Médaille d’Or Reno Cleaner and a soft Chamois Cloth.

This step is essential—any residue left behind prevents the dye from fully bonding with the leather. Sometimes, I’ll even use gentle heat to loosen stubborn polish. Patience here sets the tone for everything that follows.

Step Two: Laying the Base Color

With a clean surface, I began applying Saphir Leather Dye in Burgundy. Rather than relying solely on brushes, I used small dobbers—and eventually my fingertips—to massage the dye into the leather.

This tactile method helps achieve a richer, more even tone. The warmth of your hand, combined with slow circular motions, allows the pigment to absorb naturally, giving the leather a living depth.

Step Three: Adding Depth and Shading

Once the base coat dried, I used a blend of Burgundy and Black dye to create soft gradients of color.

For this, I turned to the Saphir Pig Bristle Brush and Welt Brush—two tools that give precise control in tight spaces. The key is restraint: applying too much pressure or dye too quickly can leave stark, uneven lines.

Good burnishing is like good shading in art—it’s about knowing when to stop.

Step Four: Rehydrating and Protecting the Leather

After the dye set, it was time to reintroduce nourishment. The Saphir Fine Leather Lotion restores flexibility and guards against future cracking.

Leather, like skin, needs balance—it must be both colored and conditioned. This step ensures the surface remains supple and healthy even after deep recoloring.

Step Five: Restoring Brilliance

To rebuild depth and shine, I first applied Saphir Médaille d’Or Pommadier Cream Polish 1925 to enhance the color tone and add nourishment.

Next came Saphir Pâte de Luxe Wax Polish in Mahogany, which creates that unmistakable mirror gloss. Using the Horsehair Brush, I buffed layer after layer until the light began to dance across the surface.

For a final touch, I used a Goat Hair Brush—a gift from my friend Allen Lee at Ceness—to refine the shine without scratching the wax. It’s incredibly soft and perfect for feathering the surface to perfection.

The Art of Patience

The finished pair reflected everything I hoped to achieve: a smooth gradient from deep burgundy to black, a lustrous mirror shine, and leather that looked alive again.

Every step—each brushstroke, each layer of wax—reminded me how closely craftsmanship mirrors character. Both require patience, respect for process, and pride in the smallest details.

In Honor of Those Who Serve

On this Veterans Day, I dedicate this work—and this reflection—to the spirit of discipline and devotion we celebrate.

Whether restoring a fine pair of shoes or serving one’s country, excellence is built one careful step at a time.

Thank you to all who serve, and to everyone who continues to preserve the art of true craftsmanship.

— Preston Soto
The Elegant Oxford