Caring for Your Ethiopian Full-Grain Leather

Ethiopian full-grain leather is the strongest, longest-lasting leather in the world — and one of the most beautiful. Full-grain means the original hide is left completely intact: never sanded, never buffed, never altered. Every natural fiber remains in place, which is why this leather is so durable, so resilient, and develops such a stunning patina the longer you carry it.

Because your Carry 117 bag is made from full-grain leather, it doesn’t need much from you — just a little care every once in a while to keep it looking its best. Here are the only things you need to know:

1. Give it a little lotion once in a while.

Full-grain leather ages similarly to skin — when it looks dry or a little dull, a touch of moisture brings it right back to life.

The Ethiopian Leather Institute recommends a simple product you probably already have at home: Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lotion (the bronze bottle).

Here’s how to use it:

• Put a small amount of lotion on a microfiber cloth

• Use gentle, circular motions over the entire bag

• At first, the leather will look slightly darker — this is normal

• As it dries, it returns to its natural color

A few important notes:

• Do not use the same cloth on different leather colors

• You’ll know it’s time for lotion when the leather looks dull

• Think of it like moisturizing dry skin — the moment you apply lotion, the color becomes rich, vibrant, and renewed again

This simple conditioning step protects the fibers of the leather, extends the life of your bag, and keeps it aging beautifully for years to come.

2. Know the difference between scuffs and scratches.

Scuffs are surface marks — and they almost always disappear with a quick lotion treatment. Most people grow to love these little changes as their bag develops a natural patina that tells its story.

Scratches, on the other hand, go deeper into the leather. You may still reduce their appearance with lotion, but they won’t disappear completely — and that’s part of the character of real, full-grain leather.

3. If your bag gets wet — here’s exactly what to do.

Water isn’t a problem for full-grain leather if you handle it correctly.

If you get caught in the rain or spill water on your bag, the best thing to do is:

• Get a washcloth or paper towel

• Wet the entire surface evenly

• Let it dry naturally

You don’t even need to empty your bag — just make sure the outside gets evenly damp so it dries uniformly without water marks.

For spills other than water:

• Use a leather cleaner of your choice

• Then condition with lotion after cleaning and drying

Keep in mind:

• The lighter the leather, the harder stains are to remove

• Always spot-test cleaners if trying something new

Your leather will only get better with time.

One of the most beautiful things about Ethiopian full-grain leather is that it develops a rich, deep patina the longer you carry it. Every scuff, softening, or color shift is part of the story — and part of what makes full-grain leather the most sought-after leather in the world.

With just a little care, your Carry 117 bag will last for decades and become a legacy piece you’re proud to carry.