Why Bootblacking?

Bootblacking and leathercare can be an important part of the connection in the Daddy/boy relationship. This can be extended to all possible combinations in the realm of power exchanges, but for the purposes of this article, weíll use Daddy/boy terms. For me, bootblacking has been a wonderful service medium that crosses boundaries of gender, sexual orientation, and power roles ñ and allows me to connect with many different people. For some people in the chair, the bootblack is equal parts service person and therapist ñ the bartender of the leather world. For others, itís an erotic experience. For others, itís a shoeshine, no more, no less.

So whatís the draw? In the one-on-one relationship, caring for the leathers and boots of the Daddy can be an intense experience. A source of focus for the boyís devotion, and love. I have oozed tears over the boots of a Daddy, and I have laughed and carried on conversations while doing them at other times. Leathers that receive regular care, stand out in a crowd. They speak well of the wearer, and denote their attention to detail. I have more respect for well-cared for, but budget priced leathers ñ than some expensive crowning glory ensemble that hasnít seen a conditioner in months.

Caring for your own boots and leathers is an opportunity to put your best foot forward ñ so to speak, and reflect well on your Daddy. Your Daddy is a reflection of you, so if His leathers are dry, dusty, dirty or in ill repair ñ all eyes turn to the boy, wondering why this happens. Likewise, a boy in disheveled leathers, appears to not care for himself, and if one cannot care for themselves ñ they are not in a position to care for others. For me, a boy has no business wearing what he is not able to take care of. Amazing what kind of suppositions can take place with such a fleeting glance at someone, isnít it? Have you been overlooked by a Daddy because of a lack of attention to detail or lack of skill? Itís an interesting question and allows room for a great deal of introspection and evaluation of your purpose and calling as a leatherboy.

Where can you start? Well, this isnít a dissertation on the layers and nuances of leathercare and bootcare. It would take pages and pages, and some people have been so kind as to write a lot of it down already.

a) If you know a bootblack, ask questions! Have them do your leathers, or your Daddyís, and pay attention while they do. Ask questions. Remember the answers. Take notes. So what if someone thinks youíre crazy for taking notes on a Saturday night in a leatherbar. I promise you the effort will not go unnoticed in a good way as well.

b) There are great notes on the web about bootblacking: See www.bootdog.com (Love you ëdog) for wonderful step by step explanations. David Hawkesí site www.virginiabootboy.com is another good reference.

c) Join the yahoogroups BootblackForum to learn from bootblacks all over the world.

d) Read manufacturer sites. Both leather manufacturers, and leather care product manufacturers have helpful hints and tips on their sites.

e) Practice, Practice, Practice. Do yours, and anyone elseís that you KNOW how to do. Haunt thrift stores for old leathers that you can practice bringing back as much as possible. Recently, I acquired a German Polizzi hip-length leather coat from a consignment store for $37.00 bucks that was simply because it looked dusty and they didnít know what they had. A little cleaning, a lot of conditioning, and its GORGEOUS!

I wish you luck on your journey. I have a passion for bootblacking because it covers my desire to be of service, my boot fetish, my love of the power that boots represent. It isnít necessary though to have a great passion for bootblacking though to acquire the service skill, just a great passion for being the best leatherboy you can be ñ for your Daddy, or your Daddy that is out there waiting for you.

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at bootpigaz@yahoo.com

In leather service,

bootpig