Our Materials

AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS

We here at t.s. Pine are on a mission to bring you the highest quality goods made with the finest materials the US has to offer.  Our leather is sourced from a tannery here in Chicago that has been supplying quality, North American hides to the industry for over a century.  Our waxed 18oz canvas duck fabrics are US made and coated with the patented Martexin wax coating.  The signature lining in our lined bags is a fabric that has been in use for hundreds of years, due to its durability and functionality.  All hardware we incorporate into our pieces is solid brass.

Here is a run-down of the materials and care instructions, if applicable:

CHROMEXCEL

A full-grain leather that is produced using a vegetable re-tannage and then hot stuffing it with natural oils and greases. It is characterized by a rich pull-up in full aniline and hand rubbed finishes. It is known for it's softness and durability. To conceal any scuffs or bruises, simply rub briskly with a soft dry cloth to redistribute the oils and return the surface to a satiny patina. If you would like to add shine, you may use a very small amount of clear paste wax or polish.

SNUFFED SUEDE

Somewhat of a misnomer because, unlike real suede, which is actually a bottom split off the full-grain of hide, snuffed suede is full-grain leather, wherein the grain (outside) side is buffed resulting a soft velvety feel.  To clean snuffed suede, use a damp rag with a VERY SMALL amount of saddle soap* to clean any dirt off the surface.  Be sure to clean the entire snuffed suede surface and not just spot clean.  Allow to dry overnight.  Be aware that the very first (and only the first) cleaning will very slightly darken the original color but that the cleaning that results is well worth this. You can return the nap to it’s original softness with use or if you prefer, by brushing with a soft bristle brush.

ESSEX

A full-grain, full vegetable tannage, that has an aniline, hand glazed finish.  This leather can be cleaned with a damp rag using a VERY SLIGHT amount of saddle soap* to remove any dirt off the surface.  Be sure to clean the entire leather surface and not just spot clean.  Allow to dry overnight.  Be aware that the very first (and only the first) cleaning will very slightly darken the original color but that the cleaning that results is well worth this.  Following cleaning and overnight drying, you may condition this leather with a leather care cream conditioner.

NATURAL VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHER

A full-grain veg tannage (as the name implies).  This leather can be cleaned with a damp rag using a VERY SLIGHT amount of saddle soap* to remove any dirt off the surface.  Be sure to clean the entire leather surface and not just spot clean.  Allow to dry overnight.  Be aware that the very first (and only the first) cleaning will very slightly darken the original color but that the cleaning that results is well worth this.  Following cleaning and overnight drying, you may condition this leather with a leather care cream conditioner.

CAVALIER LEATHER

The cavalier is a combination tanned leather that is hot stuffed, mill dyed and aniline finished which gives it a self-polishing quality. It can be cleaned with saddle soap and renewed with a paste or liquid leather conditioner.

WAXED CANVAS

This durable 18oz cotton duck cloth, is wax coated to repel water.  We re-wax and heat flow all of our top-stitched seams with pure Martexin wax before shipping, to maintain the water resistance.  While most people want the worn-in look of the creases that naturally develop through normal wear and bending of the fabric, the canvas can be restored to its “out-of-the box” finish simply by using a small amount of heat (ie. hairdryer on hot setting) to cause the wax to flow.  You can spot clean waxed canvas with a damp rag and mild soap and heat the surface to flow the wax after the spot dries. If you're really a gunner and want to keep the wax surface looking pristine, or renew it after a long period of use, simply drop us a line and we can get you some Martexin wax of your very own.

PURE COTTON DURABLE TICKING:

This fabric lines all of our bags that have a lining to be had.  It's been in use forever and for good reason; it's very durable.   A wet cloth and some elbow grease will remove most dirt.

*check out our saddle soap under the "accessories" tab.  We sell it in small canisters because you will really only ever need a very small amount.