Saturday, January 5, 2013

Chamberlain's Leather Milk #1



I bought the Chamberlain's Leather Milk Liniment #1 and put on a coat of it to keep the leather in tip-top shape- I feel like the leather has been drying out a bit over time, so I'd figure I'd try some of this stuff.  It was a stupid idea to buy the stuff without doing some research because once I got it, lo and behold, it came with a coupon code and I could have saved 15% off.  I really have to check this stuff before I just buy things.  

Anyways, my loss is your gain- the deal is 15% off your total purchase only at www.leathermilk.com and it's good through 01/31/13.  The promo code is CLMCHRISTMAS12.  

First off, it takes awhile to apply it- the front and back are easy.  It's the sides and bottom with all the little creases that make it a bit difficult.  I applied one coat, let it dry a bit and buffed it up.  It looked a bit darker when I was applying it and chalked it up to it just being wet- but now I'm not so sure- I wouldn't say it's significantly darker- you can judge for yourself with the before & after shots, but something is different...  Not that it's ugly and or anything like that.  The stuff buffed out some of the minor scratches and it looks newer.  Stuff smells good too.  
Before...

After...
The straps were not conditioned.  The bag after being conditioned.

An update- it's been a little over a year.

I've used it on/off during this time to go to work.  In an office and not in the jungles of South America fishing for piranha by stuffing bits of raw meat in the bag.  The bag hasn't had to go through any feats of strength.  The worst abuse it's gone through were a few rain showers.  It's a spoiled bag, I guess.




Overall, the bag is tough and still looks good.  The leather has softened up a bit more but still is fairly firm and rigid.  The leather is as durable as what the website says- but the metal bits not so much- I usually sling the bag a la messenger bag style or just carry it like a briefcase.  From the pictures you can see where the metal has been wearing down which is concerning because I bought this to last a lifetime.  I have no concerns about the leather.



I'm glad I got this- it's OK if it gets scratched up and I don't really care if it is raining or snowing or whatever.  This bag has a cowboy business look to it.  It's casual but still appropriate for work.  I've never used the bag in the backpack mode- I think it just looks silly like that.  In terms of color, I've have no regrets- the black and dark coffee brown were too dark.  I was torn between the chestnut and tobacco but in the end, the tobacco light brown works the best for me.  Size-wise, the medium is enough to hold a few folders of paper, a 13" Macbook Pro and random stuff in the front pocket.  But it will get heavy.  I don't think a bigger size would have been better for me either.

Usually I get bored of things quickly and start to look for something new- not with this bag.  I might eye a nice briefcase at the mall now and then, but that's about it.  Lately I feel like the leather is a bit dry and needs a bit of conditioning so I bought the Chamberlain's Leather Milk #1 that they recommend.