shoe polish

[le.gentleman]

Does anyone have any experience with the Brummel approach (also favoured, I understand, by Berlutti enthusiasts) of polishing shoes with Champagne (or Methode
Champagnoise, in any event!)? I'm intrigued by the idea, but I wonder if it's done as an affectation, or a sort of voodoo-ritual, or whether there are merits for the leather. I can see how this might be the case.

Regards,

Eden

the 'Brummel approach' - am I correct in assuming it to be polishing during a decreasing moon time?
It is an old legend - I do not believe in it.

Champagne polishing: In my opinion, there is no need to use champagne instead of water for a terpentine wax shoe polish. From a chemical point of you it is absolutely senseless to use Champagne - the sugar in the Champagne even might be harmful for the leather...
Some people argue in favour of spittle instead of water for a terpentine wax shoe polish - this makes more sense to me than Champagne as spittle has enzymes in it which are good for the leather.

[mathew]

Thanks!

[le.gentleman]

you are welcome!

[edhayes]

I just received a shipment from the US distributore(francos of richmond)and it really is better. I would go to their web site and get some
I think its francos. com

[TCN]

I like the Weston/Saphir beeswax based waxes very much. I have also experimented with conservator's microcrystaline wax (Renaissance Wax), which is the preferred wax of antiquarians and armorers. While it protects and shines better than beeswax, it is not pigmented. Perhaps there's a chemist-type in the group????

My shoe guy tells me he prefers the AE premium polish (the cream in the tube stuff) over the Weston tins, Lincoln, Alden cream, etc.

For the obligatory neutral Lexol-type shoe cream in your kit, I like a wax-free and silicone-free lotion/cleaner by a company called "Apple" . . . usually found in mid-grade luggage stores.

[Nexus]

I use La Cordonnerie Anglaise (Paris), very similar to Saphir. Also beeswax based. Very happy with it!

[le.gentleman]

[quote="Nexus"]I use La Cordonnerie Anglaise (Paris), very similar to Saphir. Also beeswax based. Very happy with it!

Not just similar, it is produced by Avel who also produces Saphir produtcs! Very similar to "Saphir Pate de Luxe" . Take a look a the tin's edge somewhere there has to be a EMB number, all Avel made shoe polishs have this number...

[Nexus]

You are absolutely right, le.gentleman!