I could go on and on about the how of Bootblacking, I could give my method or step by step instructions on how to Bootblack. Every one of us has their own methods, their own preferred way of doing it. To me, my method is equal to an Italian grandmother's way of making pasta sauce. Everyone has their own way and every way has its advantages.
No, this is going to be more of a who, what, when, where and why type of entry. I hope to convey my journey to being a Bootblack, how I realized this is part of who I am, why I Bootblack. I also hope to cover what makes one a Bootblack, and a little of the history behind Bootblacking. Who I Bootblack for, when I, personally, perform the art, and even the where of it, and also what being a Bootblack encompasses in my dynamic.
Lets begin, shall we?
As with most things, it is best to start at the beginning by looking at what a Bootblack is, historically. In the days when people traveled in business suits and the daily commute, by public transportation, was dirty and dusty, people took greater pride in their appearance than they tend to generally do now. It was not uncommon to see a shoe shine stand in ferry, bus and train terminals.
This was a common sight in those days. For a nickel, a Bootblack would shine your shoes while you waited for your transportation. It was a way for a young boy or an out of work down-on-his-luck gentleman to earn a few dollars a day.
Today's bootblacks perform the same tasks, and, for many, so much more. In the Leather subculture, Bootblacks are usually bottoms who enjoy or excel at shining boots and leather care. If a bottom is a Bootblack, they will usually earn their boots or another piece of their Earned Leathers when he or she develops their own method for Bootblacking.
It is not uncommon to find a Bootblacking setup or corner at Leather events, some even selling the materials needed to perform the duty. In the Leather community, bootblacks are also often the "face" of fund raising, charity work, and advocacy, but not always. The prize money in many competitions between Bootblacks usually is donated, in part (after expenses for the winner's entry are covered) or in full, to the charity of the winner's choice (most Dominants of Bootblacks will allow the Bootblack to choose the charity for their winnings)
I Bootblack more for Master than anyone else. It is a service I can perform, and do so well. I do it for Him, by taking care of His boots as well as His leathers. I also do it for my own boots and leathers. If given the opportunity, I would perform the Bootblack duties for anyone Master decided I should do so for.
A Bootblack today usually performs basic boot and shoe shining as well as basic or advanced leather care.
I usually shine Master's boots once a week with touch ups as needed and mine as needed, usually once a week. I take a gentle brush to our leathers once a week, using conditioner, cream or oil as needed to prevent drying and cracking (not as daunting a task as it is for some others since we do not wear our leathers as often and our leathers do not have as much leather as some others) I also brush any debris from out leather whips and floggers once a week as needed and conditioner/creme/oil as needed. Bootblacking in our dynamic also includes cleaning any leather tools used during sessions as needed.
A Bootblack can perform the task almost anywhere. All that is needed is a basic shoe shine kit and just a little space. I have done it in a big room, in a military barracks during basic training, on the front porch, even in Master's big rig! Sometimes you have to get creative!
Why do I do it?
At first, I was looking for something service oriented i could do no matter where I was or where Master was. Something I could do while contemplating and reflecting on my slavehood. Caring for Master's leathers is a way for me to show pride as His slave in His accomplishments. Shining His boots is a show or pride in how He looks, shining mine is a way of showing pride in my service to Him.
The routine of Bootblacking is comforting, it is something I can do for Master, one if those little things He can do Himself but by me doing it, it shows someone else cares, someone else takes pride in how He looks. It may also be a sense of pride for Master that I take the time and pride in His appearance.
The almost ritualistic way I do about the shining is a way to ground myself, to contemplate things and reflect on my recent service. It is quiet reflection time where my thoughts can wonder to the totality of my slavehood.
Being a Bootblack is something that feels right to me, it gives me comfort in times of mental strife or during drops. If I'm in the middle of a sub drop, I can often be found Bootblacking since it is a connection to Master and service to Him.
I really can't describe fully how or why I feel so connected to Bootblacking or why it just, almost, calls to me, but it does. Perhaps it is a connection to my past as Master's slave over the centuries, perhaps it is just the discipline I need and crave, perhaps it is deeper than that, or not nearly as deep as it seems.
