Re: Leather Strap Care
"doinkydoink"
Have a gunny strap dark oil series that is supposed to use mink oil to keep waterproof.
Any insight to what's the difference?
Great that we have an expert to advise on leather care.
Sorry for the typos..am using auto correction.
Many thanks for your interest, Doinkydoink. It's the first time we are exchanging words and it's my pleasure to do so. If you are referring to the difference between Mink Oil and Strap Shine by Dicon, I can humbly share what I know to my best knowledge.
Let's start from the start. Mink Oil is manufactured/process fats from the animal mink. Like literally. :)
It is usually in a liquid form in pure oil. It is natural and one of the most traditional leather care products since modern history. It's used in very high end cosmetics as ingredients like lipsticks / lip balm /body moisturizers even till today.
One of the "disadvantages" of Mink Oil that it may darken the shade of leather to 1.5 - 2 tones temporarily, depending on the finishing. Gunny Straps are what we commonly call Vegetable Tan or Natural finishing. The darkening on Gunny would be rather apparent, and times may take days (or even weeks) to revert to it's original colour.
Strap Shine by Dicon not only has Mink Oil content, but it also includes all-natural Beeswax (another all natural ingredient) as well. It is specially concocted, to the right balanced in a balm form, leaving minimum temporal darkening of the leather and non-sticky finishing. It is neutral in smell and colour, making it suitable for most leather straps.
Strap Shine by Dicon is created by watch lovers for watch lovers. We recognise that there is this gap in the watch community and we are striving to do our best to preserve, clean, moisturise and waterproof your beloved Leather Straps for timepieces.
I certainly hope this has answered your queries. Let me know if I can be of further assistance. Will I see you at the launch tomorrow?
Thanks again for your enquiry.