Full-grain leather is the finest grade available — it retains the complete grain of the hide, meaning every mark, texture, and natural variation tells the story of the animal it came from. Over time, with proper care, it develops a patina that synthetic materials can never replicate. This guide will ensure your Noble Steed Case only improves with age.
Understanding Your Leather
The leather used in every Noble Steed Case is sourced from a single Florentine tannery that has supplied the finest Italian leather houses for over four decades. It is vegetable-tanned using traditional bark methods — a process that takes weeks rather than days, resulting in leather that is denser, more resilient, and significantly more responsive to conditioning.
Unlike chrome-tanned leather (used in most mass-market goods), vegetable-tanned leather breathes. It absorbs conditioning oils readily and rewards regular attention with a deepening, lustrous patina.
"I always say that a leather case should look better in five years than it does on the day you receive it. That's the whole point of choosing natural materials." — Kate Luthra, Founder
Daily Care: What to Do (and Avoid)
Do
- Wipe down your case weekly with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and fingerprints
- Allow your case to dry naturally if it gets wet — never use heat
- Store it in the dust bag provided when not in use for extended periods
- Keep it away from direct sunlight, which can fade and dry out the leather
Avoid
- Storing it in plastic, which traps moisture and can encourage mould
- Using household cleaning products, alcohol wipes, or baby wipes
- Overstuffing pockets or applying excessive pressure to the case
- Leaving it in a hot car or near radiators
Conditioning: The Most Important Step
We recommend conditioning your case every three to four months, or whenever the leather begins to feel dry or stiff. A high-quality, neutral leather conditioner — we favour Saphir Renovateur — will restore moisture and flexibility without altering the colour or patina.
Apply a small amount to a soft cotton cloth and work it into the leather using circular motions. Pay particular attention to corners and edges, where the leather is most vulnerable to cracking. Allow it to absorb fully (approximately 30 minutes) before buffing lightly with a clean cloth.
The 24K Gold Hardware
The gold hardware on your Noble Steed Case requires no special maintenance. Simply wipe with a soft dry cloth. Avoid contact with perfumes, hand creams, or harsh chemicals, which can dull the finish over time. If the hardware does lose its lustre, a gentle buff with a jewellery cloth will restore it.
Long-Term Storage
If you're setting your case aside for a season, first condition the leather thoroughly, then place it in its dust bag and store it somewhere cool, dry, and away from direct light. A cedar sachet placed nearby (not touching the leather) will help deter moths and absorb any excess moisture.
Stored correctly, your Noble Steed Case will emerge from months of storage in excellent condition — ready to develop its patina further with use.
When to Seek Professional Care
For deep scratches, significant staining, or structural concerns, we recommend consulting a professional leather restorer. Please do not attempt to re-dye or refinish the leather yourself. If you are ever in doubt, contact us and we will advise accordingly — in some cases, we can arrange for your case to be returned to our atelier for assessment.