KNOTSMITH ^TM lanyards, leash/lanyards, lead/lanyards, leashes, and leads feature hand-braided leather (mostly kangaroo)  lace over nylon cores. As with most fine leather products, they will serve well and look attractive for many years if given regular preventative maintenance and appropriate care after use.

A pineapple knot slide on a T2

Preventative Maintenance:

Rub in a light coat of leather dressing.

Neglected leather dries out (loses its natural oils) and becomes susceptible to abrasions and or cracking. Drying will occur slowly under ambient conditions, but elevated temperatures¹ and repeated wetting will accelerate this loss of oils. Drying can be prevented by regular application of a leather dressing or neutral leather cream. When braiding lanyards, I use R.M. Williams Saddle Dressing on the kangaroo lace, and I use it on the lanyards I wear. Used as directed, It does not darken the leather. Numerous products, such as Meltonian All-Purpose Cleaner and Conditioner and Meltonian Neutral Boot Cream, can work well too, but take care, because some products do darken the leather and produce a pronounced "oily" look.

As to how tough these lanyards are, see the note in Frequently Asked Questions.

However, the most common and serious problem from use is getting the lanyard or leash wet repeatedly and then not replenishing the oils that are leached out of the leather. The salt in sweat accelerates deterioration of the leather.   So, lanyards and leashes gotten wet, muddy, or sweaty should be saddle soaped soon afterward.  

(1)  I don't recommend leaving your lanyard hanging from the mirror in your truck because temperatures get very high in a closed truck in the sun and, in a couple of cases, trucks have been broken into and lanyards stolen.

Care after use:

Saddle soap and apply leather dressing.

Use a good brand of saddle soap (Kiwi or Fiebings), a soft toothbrush, and warm water. Follow the instructions on the can. When the lanyard or leash is dry, apply the leather dressing or cream mentioned above or a product of your choice. This should minimize the damage, prevent future damage, and keep your product looking its best. 

Finally, in addition to cases of neglect covered above, I have been asked to repair or replace a surprising number of products due to preventable "incidents." First, this may seem obvious, but please be aware that given an opportunity your dog may chew up your lanyard or leash/lanyard (perhaps they like the taste of the saddle dressing); and second, given an opportunity, someone may relieve you of your lanyard. ("I know everybody at the trial.  Who could have taken my lanyard? He won't be able to wear it at trials in the Southeast!") So, don't put your KNOTSMITH^TM lanyard or leash/lanyard down and leave it unattended!

If I may be of service or if you have  a suggestion or a lanyard 'war story' (such as my favorite from Charlie Hillis), I would like to hear from you. Thank you for your business.

"May you wear your lanyard in good health for many splendid seasons!"

 Larry Smith