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My name's Marv Obenauf,
developer and owner of Obenauf's Leather Preservatives.
As a firefighter for 34 years I ruined quite a few
expensive boots long before they had a chance to wear
out. In 1989 I researched with boot companies, saddlers,
and other leather specialists to determine which product
on the market was best suited to protect our boots, and
our investment, that were often in steam, heat, wet
ashes (lye), and caustic fire retardants. I learned that
most products are only temporary water repellents or
softeners claiming to "condition" leather. They slough
off with flexing or light scufffing through brush,
leaving leather dried and unprotected. None resist
chemicals or heat. Most contain chemicals, mink oil,
or pine tar that cause irreparable damage to leather
fibers. The common consensus was that the only way
to protect our boots against such elements was to stay
out of those conditions, as we were baking the leather
and literally cooking our boots in lye.
 We
needed something durable that would hang in there when
the going got rough (also a common and necessary trait
among firefighters). It had to resist heat, caustic fire
retardant chemicals, moisture, and restore lost oils.
With help from tanneries, the University of Idaho, and
leather craftsmen I experimented with different
ingredients and recipes. My goal was to extend
(preserve) the useful life of leather, not just shed
water or soften it. I focused on long range effect.
Eventually I had what we needed. It not only worked
well; but a little went a long way, as it melted
completely into the leather and stayed, which made it
economical too. With regular use our boots lasted
noticeably longer and stayed comfortable.
As
word spread and demand for Obenauf's LP (Leather
Preservative) grew among ranches, loggers, bikers, boot
companies, and anyone with leather, it was apparent that
we had a product that was not otherwise available.
 Four
years later we did additional research in response to
the demand for a convenient preservative to extend the
life of dress boots, jackets, saddles and tack, and
leather that is not subjected to severe elements, but
still dries and cracks. For this we developed Obenauf's
Leather Oil.
Over the years, these remarkable leather care products
have proven themselves a top performer for people who
use leather regularly at work or at play. |
