Polishing Marbled Shell Cordovan at Horween

Last week I was giving a tour and recorded this demo of how nicely the glazing jacks polish shell cordovan. You can really see the luster change on this beautiful marbled shell cordovan shell.

[@motorcycleshrink]

That was amazing. When I was watching it I thought " Wow, a 100+-year-old company must be an OSHA nightmare". Keep up the great work.

[@AshlandLeather]

We have actually modified new safety systems for the old equipment. Our safety record is actually really good!

[@rogerng0]

That is a cool polishing process. You know when you work at McDonalds, you smell like oil afterwards? Do you ever go home smelling like shell cordovan?

[@AshlandLeather]

Funny you should mention. This is an every day thing. My wife always says I smell like leather when I come home

[@brgulker]

Is something being applied to the leather here?

[@AshlandLeather]

Yes. A little bit of Venetian cream and a lot of water

[@galganphoto]

hi, would this machine with venezian cream also glaze regular veg tan leather or does it work only with shell cordovan? the result is awesome

[@AshlandLeather]

The glazing jack can be used on most leathers and the results are often similar

[@davidlevin4396]

Is the glazing considered the “acrylic” finish Alden and AE are known for? I can tell a clear difference between carmina and Alden shell. Both Horween but alden has more of an unnatural shine and very plastic type feel. Carmina is very supple with a natural shine to it.
Is glaze at Horween, and the acrylic finish one in the same?

[@AshlandLeather]

Hi David -- Good question! The polishing method in this video is used on every piece of Horween shell cordovan. We take a light amount of Venetian Cream and run it through this machine called a glazing jack. The glazing jack has a small glass rod that contacts the surface of the leather. With some pressure and the friction from the glass you get the beautiful polished/mirror effect in the shells. After making a shoe/boot Alden and AE and Carmina all will refinish the leather to give it their desired appearance. I'm not familiar with the acrylic finish you reference but to me...less is more.