Leather Product Care Guide

ABOUT OUR LEATHER

We use primarily full and top grain calf leather that is tanned with water soluble dyes. These hides retain the natural surface with visible pores, scars, and grains of the original animal skin structure.

The saffiano and grained leather products are made from calf leather which undergo a pattern print process that applies a wax coating onto the surface. This process gives leather a more uniform surface and reduces the appearance of the natural leather grain, scars, and any visible pores. 

Products made with top or full grain leather will develop a patina and deeper grain lines over time. The following details are steps you may take to lengthen the product lifespan.

CARING FOR AND REPAIRING LEATHER GOODS 

What is full-grain leather?

The strongest and most durable part of the hide of an animal is the topmost layer. The grain pattern in this part of the hide is tight, and the leather made from here is called "full-grain" leather. Full-grain leather is the strongest and most durable leather. Additionally, as the grain is tight, full-grain leather resists moisture well. Over time, full-grain leather will develop a patina from being handled, giving the product a nice sheen. 

What is top-grain leather?

The next best—and second strongest—leather is called "top-grain" leather. Top grain leather is similar to full-grain leather, except that the top couple of millimeters have been sanded and buffed to take away imperfections. 

Why do I see marks and deep crease line on a leather product?

All natural hides will have small irregularities: such as healed scrapes where the animal brushed against objects in their natural terrain, fatty areas and neck wrinkles; or vein marks. These slight irregularities are incorporated into our products to showcase each product's natural individuality and handcrafted nature. These marks may become less distinctive when product becomes seasoned with usage.

A word on imperfection vs defective

All 72 Smalldive products are handmade. Handmade products often carry some characteristics of our human nature. A fine example are our the soles of our shoes, where the left and the right sole do not wear off identically. What might seem as an “imperfection” observed from your product is in fact an inherent characteristic of our artisan’s skills; in Italy it is known as manodòpera. Owning a 72 Smalldive product also means inheriting the handmade & heartfelt attributes of our artisans. We hope that this may confer a meaningful experience for our artisans & customers using the products.

Does 72 Smalldive leather products peel?

Peeling usually occurs with split leather and bonded leather products. Split and bonded leather are processed leather with synthetic surface finishing. The finishing wears off over time or when wet. 72 Smalldive uses only full grain and top grain leather for our bags and wallets, and belts, even the suede belts are not coated with synthetic surfaces. Thus peeling is an unlikely to occur with 72 Smalldive products.

What is the lifespan of a 72 Smalldive product? 

Most of our wallets and bags function well even after 5 years of usage. Depending on how often a belt a used, our belts remain presentable and functional for over 4 years if worn daily. For style and product care purposes, we recommend alternating the use of your accessories.

What possible damages may I encounter with 72 Smalldive product?

Products do not last forever, and even if they do, a majority of consumers may grow out of the products over time. Nonetheless, it is our aspiration that our products accompany the life journeys of our customers thus here are some wear and tear possibilities of a 72 Smalldive products and steps you may take to pro-long the lifespan of our products.

When product is caught in a heavy downpour

The best way to dry a leather product is to sponge off the water and leave product to dry in a airy room. DO NOT fast dry product over a hair dryer, a radiator, any heated source. Fast drying shrinks the leather and is the most certain way of causing your leather to show crack lines.

Cracked leather surface

Genuine leather products that are used regularly have tend to have shinier and smoother surfaces. Crackling, if not due to fast drying, may occur due to lack of use for over a long period of time. If surface remains dry, bring the product to a leather repair shop for a quick polish with a neutral colored leather cream.

Stains

Light grease and dust specks are more visible in light colored leather products. Seek professional bag cleaning services for help with removing light stains. Ink stains, however, will remain stubbornly intact on leather, therefore remember to keep pens and leaky pens at a distant from all leather products! 

Dulling metal parts

In highly humid places, plated accessories may become dull. Wipe metal accessories with micro-fabric before placing product in an enclosed storage. We do not recommend using chemical polish as such polish may strip the plating of the accessory. Seek professional bag cleaning services for help with dulling metal parts. 

Unraveling thread

There may be occasions when threading on your product were left untrimmed or in very rare occasion, the hand knotted thread ends were broken. If it is a untrimmed thread, it usually usually originates from a knot. The untrimmed thread may be snipped off with a pair of small scissors
If the thread is from a broken knot, seek the assistance of a leather repair shop to have the part re-knotted manually with a thread and needle, a technique also known as Punto-a-mano in Italian. 

Loosening of handles and other assembled parts 

Overloading your bag or extreme force may cause assembled joints of your leather products to fall apart. In such instances, the parts may be re-assembled, sewn, and reknotted by a leathersmith.  

Wear and tear of inner lining

72 Smalldive inner lining are made with resinated cotton fabric (for bags) and synthetic silk (for wallets). Resinated fabric are less likely to fray. Lining of bags may be removed and replaced with the assistance of a leathersmith. Avoid overloading your bags or wallets and keep the interior of your bag or wallet dry. 

Wear and tear of magnetic clasp or fastening buttons

72 Smalldive uses self-centring magnets which typically has a long lifespan when used with care. If your item has a faulty button or magnetic clasp after usage, they may be replaced with a new one. Seek your local artisan for assistance on how items may be replaced. 

General Belt Care

If space permit, always hang the belt or keep belt loosely rolled. Wipe belt strap and buckle with micro-fibre fabric before keeping item in your wardrobe. Whenever possible avoid placing buckle in contact with hard surfaces to prevent scratches. 

General Wallet Care

Keep your wallet in a jacket inner pocket, a bag, pouch, or document case instead of at the back of your trouser pocket. It is the best approach in keeping wallet in pristine condition and preventing permanent fold lines.