C.F. Stead Desert Oasis Waxed Suede

Desert Oasis Waxed is derived from the base Desert Oasis suede line, with raw material specially selected and tanned to achieve a relaxed, sporty appearance with a rugged nap. The addition of the wax surface creates an oily touch in heavier weights while maintaining the soft, chunky character of the base suede. The leather is primarily designed for unlined casual footwear but remains suitable for all leather construction types, including bags and leather goods.

The leather features a long-fibred suede base with raw material specially selected and tanned by C.F. Stead to achieve a relaxed, sporty look. The tanning process produces a rugged nap without appearing "hairy", creating what is described as a mellow but chunky texture. The defining characteristic is the surface wax application, which can be readily burnished by the user.

The wax treatment creates distinctive properties in the finished leather. Movement of the suede fibres beneath the wax coating provides depth of texture and colour variation. In heavier weight specifications, the wax creates a noticeably oily touch to the leather surface. The wax finish also provides water-resistant properties, with the leather available in a water-proof specification.

Desert Oasis Waxed suede is supplied in average skin sizes of 12-15 square feet per hide. The leather is produced in a thickness range of 1.4-2.2 mm, with the base Desert Oasis line available in a broader 1.8-2.4 mm range. Weight specifications are listed as 4-5 oz, corresponding to approximately 1.6-2.0 mm thickness.

The leather maintains a soft, chunky hand feel with a velvety texture. Physical characteristics include intense colour saturation and a rough texture that avoids appearing excessively hairy. The refined appearance is maintained over time through the leather's construction and finishing.

The Desert Oasis line offers three distinct finish options beyond the standard waxed version. Natural velour provides the base suede finish without additional surface treatment. An extra silky finish offers enhanced smoothness to the suede surface. The waxed surface finish is the defining treatment for Desert Oasis Waxed, creating the characteristic oily touch in heavier weights.

Colour availability varies between suppliers. Distributors offer Desert Oasis Waxed in Baltic, Snuff, Milkshake, and Black. Additional colours documented for the Desert Oasis line include Polo Brown, Deep Wisteria, and Indigo, though specific availability for the waxed version varies by supplier and production run.

Desert Oasis Waxed suede is primarily designed for unlined casual footwear applications. The leather's soft, chunky character and water-resistant wax finish make it suitable for unlined, unstructured footwear construction. The velvety texture and casual appearance align with heritage footwear applications where a relaxed, sporty aesthetic is desired.

Beyond footwear, the leather is recommended for bags and leather goods applications. The material is described as suitable for all leather construction types, though its characteristics are optimized for unlined casual products. The intense colour, soft texture, and distinctive wax finish provide visual interest for accessories and small leather goods.