New brogues preparation and after care

I believe the concern over using Parade Gloss polish is due to the silicone it allegedly contains. Original Kiwi has seen generations of squaddies alright, however I personally use Selvyt's own polish. Beeswax based and has kept my footwear both smart and sound. Enjoy the Loakes, they truly are remarkably good value in todays plastic world.

JohnnyO. o/
 
When I was in the army we didn't use parade gloss on our parade boots. We used Nugget black polish, but before we wore our boots for the first time we'd "spoon" them. "Spooning" was done by applying a thick coating of black Nugget polish to the boots' toe caps and then applying a very hot soup spoon to the toe caps using a circular motion; the soup spoon was so hot that one had to hold it with pliers. After this we'd vigourously rub the toe caps with cotton wool soaked in water and then use a polishing brush followed by a final shining with a nylon stocking. This method resulted in a mirror-like shine, which lasted a long time and only required a light polishing and buffing with a nylon stocking prior to each parade to restore the mirror-like finish.
 
Rufus said:
When I was in the army we didn't use parade gloss on our parade boots. We used Nugget black polish, but before we wore our boots for the first time we'd "spoon" them. "Spooning" was done by applying a thick coating of black Nugget polish to the boots' toe caps and then applying a very hot soup spoon to the toe caps using a circular motion; the soup spoon was so hot that one had to hold it with pliers. After this we'd vigourously rub the toe caps with cotton wool soaked in water and then use a polishing brush followed by a final shining with a nylon stocking. This method resulted in a mirror-like shine, which lasted a long time and only required a light polishing and buffing with a nylon stocking prior to each parade to restore the mirror-like finish.
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Bull.
 
moodymick said:
He's referring to the polishing of footwear in a military style-ee 'bulling'
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I had, until now, only knew the word "bulling" in the context of a bull mounting a cow. After consulting Wikipedia, however, I see it also refers to "bull polishing", which is what I was describing. As noted in my post, we called it "spooning", which also has other meanings. Thanks Mick for educating me and my apologies to Dave for my thinking he used the term in the "BS" sense.
 
Rufus said:
I had, until now, only knew the word "bulling" in the context of a bull mounting a cow. After consulting Wikipedia, however, I see it also refers to "bull polishing", which is what I was describing. As noted in my post, we called it "spooning", which also has other meanings. Thanks Mick for educating me and my apologies to Dave for my thinking he used the term in the "BS" sense.
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Bulling Boots or shoes is otherwise Known as Spit & Polish...o_O

Billy
 
Dave-the-rave said:
Bull.
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We did a similar(not approved) method in our Army Basic Training. Difference was that after the heavy coat of shoe polish was applied we used a Zippo lighter to melt the polish on the shoe/boot then polished. We were told that it might be a fast way to achieve a high polish effect, but that the heat from the lighter could also shorten the life of the leather.
 
Yup, this and the 'hot spoon' are doing the same job, getting the polish to fill in all the grain imperfections and leave a proper smooth surface that can be shined up. Most people use water, although spit was all the rage in the day. Most important is using the right cloth not a yellow duster, cotton wool is ok, but for best get a Selvyt Cloth. YMPWV
 
When I joined up the hot spoon was used before polishing to flatten the bumps(grain) of the boot so's you didn't have to overdoo the polish. This prevented cracking in the polish during wearing. Always Kiwi(to this day), as many others turned purple when wet, and never spit, just clean water in the lid of the polish tin. Could use some dark tan now and again, this tended to deepen the shine. Bull nights during basic training were an institution, as was the platoon sergeant throwing your boots across the room for imaginary smears, or lack of progress. Still bull new shoes before first outing, as it gives them a good protective base. Then short of going paddling in them only the sweat from inside will really affect them. I've just given my son a pair of Churches black slip ons which are truly 30 years old, have been well worn and well looked after, and still look great. Always put away with shoe trees in!
 
Dave-the-rave said:
Think I'll go and lob my boots out the window just for old times sake.
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9721799-Illustration-of-cartoon-angry-looking-army-drill-sergeant-shouting-at-the-viewer-Stock-Vector_zpsio5gwc1t.jpg

Throw Government Pussers Property out the Window Eh ? ...Give Me Fifty Press Ups Sonny....:mad:

Billy
 
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