The Ebony Stick from Shellvedge & Dapper Woodworks

I own six pairs of Alden Shell Cordovan shoes dating back about 20+ years from when I was wearing a suit each day (now retired). I've always kept my shoes looking good, but in a couple of weeks, I have a special reason to make sure my shoes look perfect as our youngest son is getting married in a black-tie ceremony. As I was getting two of my Alden pairs ready for the upcoming weekend, I noticed the creasing in the vamp was a little too distracting for my taste. I found Justin at Dapper Woodworks online and he put me in touch with David at Shellvedge who offered some advice. As a result, I ordered the Ebony Stick from Justin and used it yesterday to work out some of the more noticeable creases. Check out the attached photos of the Alden Full-Strap slip ons in Color 8 I'll be wearing at the rehearsal dinner and the Norwegian Split-Toe in black I'll be wearing with my tux at the ceremony/reception. Both pairs are 15 years old minimum. In my opinion they came out looking great. I had total confidence in being aggressive with the Ebony Stick on the shell membranes since it is completely smooth, even at the tip, with no risk of damage to the shell. It's a terrific tool! Thanks Justin!!

As a long time deer bone evangelist I didn't think there was anything out there to magically transform my collection of shell footwear from beaten up to beautiful in the same way (not that beaten up shell boots are not beautiful) but a different kind of beautiful one that all shell enthusiasts cherish. This Ebony stick really is fantastic and the shape is so well thought out and executed. Not only is it great at doing what it was designed for it also looks awesome as well. Recently I was in the middle of another shell care session and I had a buddy pop round to say hi and he asked what it was, thinking it was a piece of tribal sculpture from a recent trip to the South Pacific islands. So you can even use it as a conversation starting ornament. Joking aside; is it expensive ? yes, did I have to wait longer than I wanted? yes, did I wish that A Fine Pair Of Shoes in the UK (where I live) stocked it? Yes but after all that would I buy it again if I lost it Yes and would I recommend it to any other shell nuts out there? Hell Yes!! I now have a redundant oily deer bone in a Ziploc bag. In conclusion If you are spending upwards of £1000 on a single pair of shoes do you and your footwear a favour and get one on order it is truly a revelation!

Heard about these ebony sticks for a while & decided to take the plunge. Wanted to see what this could do to a couple dings & gouges in a boot. With some elbow grease I was able to smooth out the gouges about 75-80% before it became redundant. This does not work magic but comes pretty close with some persistence!

Quick turn time. Superb packaging from the reenforced bubble wrap shipping envelope to the classy box with high density foam to protect the stick. I chose the Ebony version and it is a thing of beauty. Excellent craftsmanship. The stick is plumb and true. Not a blemish one and the glossy finish is smooth as the preverbal babies bottom. I used the stick to smooth out a few rolls and scuffs on a pair of Alden 990’s. The shape is well thought out and allows you to get into a lot more places than a deer bone. A few quick licks with a horse hair brush when finished with the stick and your shoes will look brand new. Justin is a true craftsman and I can highly recommend his stick. Money well spent.

A must have if you love cordovan shoes . Perfect. design makes bring leather to a nice even shine easy .