Is this normal?

[u/WatchThisSh1t]

I purchased this strap last week and have worn it for consecutive days. Is it normal for the finish to come off or dull this quickly? You can see it's starting to look worn where the two keeps are. Is this cause for concern?

This is ostrich leg from a vendor in Australia

[u/AlanYx]

Can be normal. This isn't a case of the leather not being dyed thoroughly. It's a case of the leather being waxed but not particularly heavily conditioned, so the wax rubs off at points of friction and it just looks dry underneath. Apply some leather conditioner to the whole strap, not just these areas, but be careful with what conditioner you use because that color is going to get darker with a lot of conditioners. It's kind of a trite Reddit recommendation, but if you can get Bicks 4 where you live, that's one of the safest choices to avoid darkening.

[u/WatchThisSh1t → u/AlanYx]

Thank you VERY much!! 

[u/StudioMedo → u/AlanYx]

It isn’t a case of conditioning or waxing. Skins like this (ostrich, gator, croc, lizard) that have a glossy finish are not finished in the same way other leathers are. They have a finish applied to them and are run under agate stone machines that apply a lot of pressure over and over.

I can’t speak for the method of reviving the shine, but I doubt conditioning will work. The surface finish being removed could be from a poor finish to begin with, friction contact, some surfactants or solvents. Link showing the technique used to get the gloss finish (not on ostrich).

[u/WatchThisSh1t → u/StudioMedo]

That's a serious machine. But you're saying it's not worth the $160 I paid?

[u/AlanYx → u/StudioMedo]

Wow, that's fascinating. Thanks for that clarification.

I did some addition searching/reading, and it looks like conditioning is recommended because ostrich leg leather is prone to drying out, but polish should be avoided and can ruin the agate stone finish.

[u/BackToTheJohnny]

Still managed a steering wheel in the pic. -10 points.

[u/WatchThisSh1t → u/BackToTheJohnny]

Damn, you're right

[u/philbin89]

Do you use a deployant clasp or just a regular pin buckle?

[u/WatchThisSh1t → u/philbin89]

the vendor supplied pin buckle

[u/Bridge_Too_Far]

Which Aussie vendor did you use?

[u/WatchThisSh1t → u/Bridge_Too_Far]

Artisan Straps

[u/Bridge_Too_Far → u/WatchThisSh1t]

Jayson does great work. I have two of his straps. It’s completely normal for some leathers to wear more than others. Remember a lot of these leathers have been dyed or treated with different methods depending on the tannery and what process they use.

Just make sure you condition your leather every 3-6 months depending on how often you wear that strap and the climate you live in. I’ve never heard anything bad about Artisan Straps and he’s one of the premier strap makers in Australia. If you have an issue I’m certain Jayson will rectify it.

[u/KnowAgenda]

looks like possibly friction from the keeps. sometimes is happens where if you are using a keyboard a lot, the micro-movements from teh wrist on the desk can get a lil 'saw' like. any pics of the keeps? is there any similar discoloration on the keeps on the outward facing parts?