When WWII ended paper and metals prices dropped like a shot, so the scrap drives we kids participated in no longer earned us much pin money. My seven uncles returned from overseas and in a few weeks they were a regular part of the scene in my neighborhood’s taverns. I built a shoeshine box, went to the supply house for the brushes & wax and began hitting bars and taverns. I made a killing ten cents at a time.
Once, in Kicken’s Saloon, two of my uncles, just out of the the 101st Airborne lined up twenty patrons and required each to hire me to shine their shoes, whether the shoes needed it or not and whether the guys wanted to or not. My shine boy career lasted about three years. Between that and four years in the military, I learned about shoes, shoe shining and shoe care.
The well appointed professional shoe box should contain supplies enough for one’s self,spouse and others in the household. Perhaps as follows:
1 bottle shoe cleaner- all purpose for leather suede, etc.
2 8�inch shoe brushes- horsehair bristle 1 for black 1blond for brown
2 large 6�x20� cotton/canvas shine rags 1 for black 1 for brown
3 daubers-horsehair bristle-1 for black, 1 brown 1 for wash
2- 4oz bottles sole & heel edge dressing 1 black 1 brown
1 bottle white liquid shoe polish
6-10 1 or 2 oz cans shoe polish 2-black,2-brown,1-tan,1-neutral
1-cordovan 1-white
1 Brass suede brush
1 small bottle water diluted dish detergent-cleans shoes and tools.
A place to get stuff http://www.joesshoeservice.com
Shining shoes is easy. If the shoes are dirty, or if you intend to lacquer the sole-edges and heels after you polish them, be sure to clean them first with a wash, mild cleaner or diluted detergent and a brush. Wipe them dry with a rag before applying polish. For a quickie touchup polishing, damp wipe them first. I like to have my hand inside the shoe as I work. You may prefer the wall mount shoe holder. Others wear the shoe and shine them while supported by the shoe box foot rest.
Sandy
Once, in Kicken’s Saloon, two of my uncles, just out of the the 101st Airborne lined up twenty patrons and required each to hire me to shine their shoes, whether the shoes needed it or not and whether the guys wanted to or not. My shine boy career lasted about three years. Between that and four years in the military, I learned about shoes, shoe shining and shoe care.
The well appointed professional shoe box should contain supplies enough for one’s self,spouse and others in the household. Perhaps as follows:
1 bottle shoe cleaner- all purpose for leather suede, etc.
2 8�inch shoe brushes- horsehair bristle 1 for black 1blond for brown
2 large 6�x20� cotton/canvas shine rags 1 for black 1 for brown
3 daubers-horsehair bristle-1 for black, 1 brown 1 for wash
2- 4oz bottles sole & heel edge dressing 1 black 1 brown
1 bottle white liquid shoe polish
6-10 1 or 2 oz cans shoe polish 2-black,2-brown,1-tan,1-neutral
1-cordovan 1-white
1 Brass suede brush
1 small bottle water diluted dish detergent-cleans shoes and tools.
A place to get stuff http://www.joesshoeservice.com
Shining shoes is easy. If the shoes are dirty, or if you intend to lacquer the sole-edges and heels after you polish them, be sure to clean them first with a wash, mild cleaner or diluted detergent and a brush. Wipe them dry with a rag before applying polish. For a quickie touchup polishing, damp wipe them first. I like to have my hand inside the shoe as I work. You may prefer the wall mount shoe holder. Others wear the shoe and shine them while supported by the shoe box foot rest.
Sandy
