Your greatest video ever. Vlogging is coming natural to you and we're seeing your personality coming out. Congratulations on all your awards of masterful skills. I could watch these everyday. You relax me! Did I tell you how much I love these videos.?
Another few vids and Steve's going to be a force of nature!! it is awesome to watch the "real" pro personality come out and ,of course it matches the hand skill!!
All my friends are asking me, why are you saying ‘alright let’s continue’ so much lately? And my response, ‘blame it on the shoes’, makes them even more confused! 😂
I had two pair of Imperials, black and this color, which I bought in the 1970s. I certainly made a statement when I showed up at a function in this color!! They lasted FOREVER, mainly because I did not wear them that often. I finally gave the light brown pair to one of my nephews who loved them and wears them to this day. Man, this is making me all nostalgic! Thanks!
Atlanta Healey I had them in brown and black back then. Could not wear them now. Too hard on my feet...hard leather soles and heels. Now it’s light weight, soft leather uppers, rubber soles and heels, and cushiony insoles for me. Can’t be resoled however.
The v cleat on the edge of the heel was pre 1973. Inset was post 1973. I love my golden harvests, but they are difficult to keep that color. I actually like the suicide heel. I also think these look great with French tips. I goes without saying the work is gorgeous and amazing. And the Silver Cup is impressive, I wondered if you had one. It is certainly well deserved and well earned.
Wow, Steve...so great to see your competition shoes and trophies. I didn’t realize that shoe service has a national and international presence. It is wonderful to know. I thought that cobblers ( if that’s the right term) were all but gone from the national landscape. Do you happen to know which American cities have the greatest number of cobblers? ( I am guessing NY and LA but maybe I will be surprised.) in any case...beautiful work once again. You make it look effortless but that’s what real artisans do. Thanks for sharing...love your channel!
Still quite big in England too, there’s a company called Timpsons that has over 1000 shops around the UK (that’s a big amount for how little the UK is) they do shoe repairs/restoration aswell as other things
Welter White Thanks, Walter. I am so heartened to know that this artisanship is still alive and well. Where I live in Northeast Pa. there are almost NO shoe service shops. Here the folks have all turned to the mass-produced shoes that are cheaply made and never if ever see the inside of a shoe shop. Bedo’s has definitely earned a crown in the trade. I am thrilled to follow this channel and give Steve a huge round of applause. Thanks for the info about England...it’s the country I most want to live in!!! My dreaming heart lives in Oxfordshire. ...maybe next lifetime.
Sharyn DJ | I mean what Bedo is doing on this channel is obviously more special, but are you saying it’s not common for people to take their shoes to regular cobblers either? I’m always taking shoes to cobblers, for new soles and heels. I live in the Netherlands, btw.
Steve whats the weirdest thing that you've had come into your shop? No joke had a pair of Tony Lamas come in the other day and he had nailed the heel on with roofing nails 4 Orange plastic roofing nails in each heel to be exact. It was funny but sad at the same time. Anyway beautiful work keep these works of art coming and I'll keep learning. Please show more of in depth thanks
Steve, you are truly an artist and fine craftsman. These are my favorite shoes. You did a beautiful job on my Florsheim Golden Harvest Imperials last spring and I marveled at the workmanship. By the way, did I mention that these are my favorite shoes?
I find watching these shoe repair videos very relaxing and up until now I couldn't figure out why. Now I know. There used to be an artist on PBS with a big afro named Bob Ross who used knives to make beautiful paintings of nature. He spoke softly as he practiced his simple method of painting. His voice was soothing and his descriptions were entertaining. Steve has many of the same qualities. He skillfully performs his art and educates the viewer at the same time. I really like to watch these. Let's continue.
I love it! "Anybody can do that, you just have to practice". Well put Sir! Exactly what my first pistol instructor told me after I watched him set up at 25 or 30 meters (20 some odd years ago, so I can't remember exactly), close his eyes, raise his .22 match pistol, line up and shoot a five shot 50 point series. Fredrik, you just have to practice. For some it takes 150.000 rounds, for others it is 300.00 rounds. But everyone can do it. :) Your work is legendary!
Another amazing video. Congratulations on your awards, you should be very proud. I noticed you had music from the radio playing in the background. I have seen people talking in comments about music playing in the background and being careful about copyright issues. I hope this is not a problem. Regards Rowena
@@BedosLeatherworksLLCthanks for letting me know. I have never put a video on RU-vid or read up on how it works. I was going by one I watched the other day where she had got in trouble because you could hear the music coming from the facility next door. I'm glad it doesn't affect you. Regards Rowena
I have no idea why but i cant get enough of these videos. Maybe it’s the plain and simple fact of watching someone really enjoy what they do for a living. I am but a simple truck driver who can put a 53’er anywhere. Nothing special. Watching Steve perform miracles with a hammer and some thread (etc), now that’s talent. Thank you Sir for many hours of great watchable videos.
To me, Steve is the Bob Ross of cobbling. Don't short change yourself. My first time at a loading dock, a grey beard had to step in to get the trailer in.
I, too, love his craftsmanship and watch his videos with awe. However, from someone who couldn’t back her LAWN tractor trailer into the back garage, I’m in awe of YOUR skills as well! Thank you for your expertise!
Having been a driver for 8 years after I retired, I know for a fact, that it is a real art to operate a truck professionally, there is alot to it. I trained new drivers for 7 years, most became drivers, few ever became Pro Drivers. Thats why I enjoy You Tube, you get to see the best in alot of fields. Young people today can actually see a person doing what they might be thinking about doing for a living. We never had that chance. Steve is amazing.
Those shoes belong in a museum. I had a pair of these Florsheim Imperials back in 1978, but they were black. I almost broke my neck wearing them. Your craftsmanship is unbelievable. Thank you for a wonderful video.
Never thought I’d be watching these kinds of videos since I’m not really a shoe fanatic or whatever you’d call it but I keep clicking. I think what I find appealing is the work and effort put into each shoe. Something about handmade items and the art of restoring them just sits right with me. I’m more of a drawing/painting artist myself but honestly this type of handy-work is truly a work of art itself. Keep up the hard work! Can’t really imagine any customer being disappointed receiving a pair of shoes restored by you, definitely worth every penny!
I miss the days when we had many companies making shoes in America. My father took me to Florsheim for my first pair of dress shoes in the late 70’s. It was a big deal. Brings back great memories.
Steve, I have a pair of Florsheim (Royal?) Imperial Cordovan wing tips that I bought in 1968 while I was still in college. They are in really good shape especially considering they are 51 years old and because I rarely wear them. This video raised my interest into considering sending them to you for an estimate. I bought them new and paid about $45.00 for them which was an insane amount to pay for a pair of shoes in 1968. It was probably like spending $450.00 today and I never dared tell my mother how much I paid for them.
Probably not worth fixing, listen I feel for you I'll take them off you for 50 euros , ha ha .Get these babies down to Steve now ,I dont know if you have kids or a friend you could pass them to . I think you should polish them now, make a cup of coffee/ or a beer sit them in front of you ,start thinking back and realise the good and hard times they shared with you.I suspect there will be a few laughs and tears ,hopefully more laughts. Good wishes from Ireland
I have a pair identical to what you have and also bought in 1968. Mine I have barely worn , so they are just about new. Also a black Royal Imperial with original nails etc. very slippery as he stated.
Love watching your videos. I missed my calling, because I have always been intrigued by this profession. In my small town, we had a shoe cobbler that we took for granted. When he passed away, his business closed and was gone forever. What a shame. Thank you.
My father used to say that if you have a good pair of storm welts in black and brown, you'll never have to buy another pair of shoes in your life. I have two pairs of ET Wright Cordwainer cap toe oxfords [#176 & #177] that date back to around 1980. I was married in the black pair in 1981 and am about to get married again in April in the same pair. I've lovingly taken care of both pairs over the years. I've had to have the heels replaced, but have never touched the soles. I should send both pairs to you for TLC.
Thank you! You made my day! Favorite video this far. I used to dream of owning these when I worked at Sears - I'd wander to the shoe department and awe at them every day. Can't wait to send you my favorite pair. Love these videos!
Great video! Got a pair pretty similar to those that needs some love, would be pleased to send them your way. They are wonderful shoes indeed. Great looking, dress 'em up or down, super durable.
I just got my first pair of shoes - loafers from Church's - rebuilt / restored / recrafted - by Steve and I have to say that I am unbelievably impressed with his work; the care and thought that goes into his recrafting is simply not to be believed. Already have another pair ready to go out his way! A+++++ The best.
Such attention to detail is commendable, Steve you definitely have earned those trophies. Funny how the Florsheim shoes have separated from its great manufacturing past!
Awesome job! I just picked up a pair from ebay that seems to be the same model as the shoe you worked on, what color dye did you use after the turpentine cleaning? I will attempt to recreate the color you came up with for this project, keep up the good work please, I can't wait for you to work on my Shell Cordovan Florsheims, I'm still hoping I get lucky and you can make a video about those shoes.
Fantastic stitching. Appearance emulates the original appearance of the Florsheim standard. My old Imperials had to be recycled as my feet had stretched so much that there was no way I could use them any more. They went to a good home. Free. The shoes I really miss are my old Nettletons. Same problem, I outgrew them. This is back when American brands were made in America. The Nettletons, actually, I got for half off at a Marshall’s discount (remainder) outlet in Huntington Beach back in 1985. They fit perfectly from day one. I had them resolved once visiting New York City. The artisan complimented me on taking care of them. They were my working “appearance” shoes.
There use to be a good cobbler where I live but i can’t find a good shoe man anymore. You do great work. My grandfather worked in a shoe factory and had his own last in his basement and I would watch him work on shoes. I have always Worn Florsheims.
Hehehe.. I think u love these shoes.. Hehehe must be ur favorite.. Hehehe am I right?... Hehehe awesome job God bless artist like u so I still can enjoy quality.. Cheers
with only basketball players and kids still buying sneakers collecting them , it's nice to see guy's buying good shoes and boots , the boot guys are nutty about em! you wear a boot every day day to work,or have to wear em as part of a uniform you now military you may never want to put em on daily again , but a nice shoe makes me feel good
Thanks Steve for sharing your craft, it's fascinating and I learned a lot from your videos and grow in my admiration of your work. I know you have stated very clearly that Florsheim (vintage) is one of your favorite brands, but from your experience of taking so many shoes apart, what are some of your favorites in terms of quality/construction? I wonder how those big name English brands, such as Edward Green, John Lobb, etc compare to the Spanish houses like Carmina. Thanks for your time. Be blessed!
thanks very much for showing this great video! bought a pair of those brogues in 90's, (yes, they're available in the 90's), after getting some hard skidding falls on tile or marble floors, decided to change the indestructible-- didn't know they're suicidal till now-- heel top lifts, to all rubber. couldn't understand why they charged so expensively until watching this video: 81 nails plus v-metal-tip the per heel, to be removed! it certainly was some tedious work. despite of their skills were far from comparison with master doudaklian's, i was able to walk safely n satisfied already. the pair is still great to wear this day, awesome quality.
Outstanding workmanship! I wish there were artisans like this in Ottawa Canada where I could get my old vintage Florsheim Imperial Kenmoors re done like this! There are cobblers here that don't even know what French tips are and they supposedly have been in business 40 years! Sad how artisan-ship is fading fast in our push button society...
wing tips were cool back in mid 60's we wore wing tips even two tone ones even with jeans.jc penney's iswhere we bought them . still own a few old pairs
I got a boot guy up in Black Earth Wisconsin you'd appreciate. He resoles my Redwing 877s. What kind of guy competes for trophies in a field that is his day to day job - a guy that loves his work. and the love a guy has for his work will show in his work. Come by the house if ever you're in Chicago. I'll make you a steak that'll knock you out
I'm so envious! I absolutely love that shoe. Your custom soles looked great with French tips and brass nails. One day hopefully I can get some of your custom resoles on my oxblood Alden Shells.
Although they were black, I blew the budget, and bought a pair of these when I was in college, in the late 60s, and I can verify they were really slick on tile floors. The problem with mine developed when I left them in the rear deck of my 67 Mustang for about a week. After that they developed a terrible squeak. I finally tossed them. Too bad I didn't keep them long enough to send them to Bedos.
Thank you for showing us all of your silver awards and the big first prize. Again, I enjoy seeing how you can transform a pair of shoes just like one of your 'magic tricks'.
Thank you for posting these videos. I find them very satisfying. I have been maintaining my own shoes for a few decades now. My dad being a Navy man taught me how to polish my shoes at a very young age. I have now taken that knowledge and moved forward to simple repair of my wife's and my own shoes. I have a knack for craft work. I tie flies for flyfishing, play with blacksmithing, went to school for metal smithing and jewelry design. And, though I chose not peruse a career in it, still make jewelry in an all purpose craft shop behind my house. Cobbling fascinates me. It feels more like a passion that I could actually work as a trade than any other. Do you have any suggestions for educating myself on this trade? Cautions? Advices? Thanks again! Andrew Bender from Macon Ga.
I love both color and that bubble leather really awesome. Awesome quality of leather, and quality level of repairs workmanship is indeed unpair with the quality of the great factory production if not even better. Is there any Factory out there Steve, that still produce great quality shoe or boot like that even today? Wonderful work, realy Steve, simply AWESOME! Thank you.
One of the last Florsheim's to be made in the USA. One thing that helps the shoe to retain it's flair and value in the used shoe market (Especially Japan where the shoe has a cult following) is to keep the shoe all original. To resole that shoe was almost a tragedy as there was hardly the wear you'd see for a 40 + year old shoe. This is my favorite knock around shoe next to my AE's. PS: I love your period correct restoration with all the correct nails and "oaking" of the sole.
Love the Taps. My father would always buy them in the store and nail them to our shoes oh, then he would take his shoes to The Cobbler and let them put the Taps on. This is so much weight growing up
Steve! Steve here, the guy that brought you those LLBean/Chippewa boots we decided not to resole. I had no idea you were an imperial fan... I'll have to bring you my v cleat pair if/when they ever wear out! Thank you for giving me your honest opinion on my boots, and thanks for sharing these great videos of your work.
Great video/great work Bought my Imperials in 1979 Handed them down to my son in Portland Shared this video with him Keep laughing every time you say this is my favorite shoe He and I also cherish this Florsheim Imperial Keep up this beautiful dedication to your impressive Trade Steve
Steve, you are a true craftsman. I love great shoes - I’ve worn Allen Edmonds, Church’s and Peal & Company. Allen Edmonds has recrafted all my shoes but I will look for an opportunity to work with you on a future restoration. Nothing beats taking a 40-plus-year-old shoe and bringing it back to factory standards or better, as you do. Thank you for these excellent videos. Please keep them coming!
Thank you for doing these videos. I am captivated by your craftsmanship. I know nothing about shoes except that I like wearing them. I did not even know that you could have leather soles replaced. When I took my handmade Italian loafers to be resoled they just stuck those Vibram soles on top of the worn sole. They are not as comfortable as they were. Unfortunately I live too far away to send them to you (NZ) but at least I now know what is possible.
i stumbled across your channel somehow. i cant stop watching. i really enjoy watching you bring these shoes and other items back to new condition. plus you are a really nice person. thanks for sharing.
Well, if I had to choose getting my yacht hull scraped and painted or my shoes refurbished by this gentleman, I'd pick the yacht for this year and the shoes for next. Can't afford both at the same time.
I've watched plenty of your video's, but this one shines out as the best, your enthusiasm and love for that particular brand shines through. I love an enthusiast in whatever field it might be. I just wish you were in the UK, although i'm sure we have similarly skilled craftsmen over here, the problem is finding them. Thank you for posting this, it honestly made my day.
Is Paranoia setting in Steve.? If they could do work to the standard you work too, then they might have a right to comment. But by your trophy cabinet, I think they should watch more, comment less.
These really seem like high quality shoes. I wonder how they'd compare to Florsheim's that are made today. It would be cool to see them disassembled side by side. Great work, Steve.
New Florsheim does not compare. I don't think they have any manufacturering left in the USA. Vintage Florsheim was on the level of Alden. There was talk on styleforum to get Florsheim to reintroduce the USA made shell cordovan Kenmoor V-Cleat. No response from the company. Lame! At least try an Alden X Florsheim collab. People would blow $1000 for a pair. Opportunity missed...
In Greek we have a saying "you have a huge liver", and that is a compliment to very patient people. They always say " you have a huge liver, you will live 100 years". We have something in common, please check ALL my names on youtube specially for the ship models. I like your videos and your art.
Love these, love the thick double soles. churches do a very similar model called The Grafton. Always wanted a pair of these but they have to be of this age or older as the new stuff simply does not compare so if you like these and want new try the Grafton.
