Bickmore Exotic vs Bick 4: Ultimate Leather Care Comparison

Bickmore Exotic vs Bick 4: Which One Should You Use on Your Cowboy Boots?

Bickmore is a well known name in leather care products. They will almost always come up when discussing how to care for your cowboy boots. One question that comes up with some frequency is that is the difference between Bickmore Bick 4 and Bickmore Exotic? So, what exactly is up with Bickmore Exotic vs Bick 4? Both of these products are good and work well on different types of leather, but the question is are they any different?

Bick 4 is sold as a product that is designed to condition your standard finished and smooth leathers without darkening them. This product is sold for boots are made from traditional cowhide and similar leathers.

In comparison, Bickmore Exotic is sold as a product for conditioning your exotic boots leather skins, such as alligator, crocodile, caiman, snake, lizard, ostrich, and elephant. The product can deeply penetrate into the pores of these unique leathers, moisturizing and rejuvenating old materials while also protecting new ones.

Bickmore Exotic vs Bick 4: Basic Differences

Purpose

The purpose of these two products is pretty straightforward. Bickmore Exotic is specifically designed for conditioning exotic leathers, such as alligator, crocodile, caiman, snake, lizard, ostrich, and elephant. Bick 4 is intended for finished/smooth leathers. Both products will condition your leathers without darkening them.

Ingredients

Trying to determine the ingredient differences, if any, between these two products is interesting. If you go to the website for these products and look at their ingredient lists published under the CA right not know you will see the ingredients are the same. It is unclear when reading if there are different mixes of the ingredients, or if the trade secret leather lotion blend is any different, but it seems they are very similar products.

One thing is clear – both Bickmore Exotic and Bick 4 are good products and Bickmore believes there are some differences tailored to each product.

Spray application

One of the differences you will see as a user of the product is that the exotic blend comes in a spray bottle and #4 does not but is instead directly applied. In my experience this makes the exotic blend a bit easier to apply and use in conditioning my exotic cowboy boots. The Exotic blend seems to be a little more runny for lack of a better word while the #4 can be a bit more viscous.

I have used both Bick 4 on my exotic cowboy boots and Bickmore Exotic on my standard leathers without seeing any issues. However, your mileage may vary and you should always test any product in a small unseen spot of the boot prior to using on the full boot. Other things to think about could include that something like a full-quill ostrich leather vs smooth ostrich leather could be treated with Bick 4 instead of Bickmore Exotic, as it doesn’t have quite as many nooks and crannies as other exotics.

For example, some of the scaled exotic leathers like caiman, alligator, or even ostrich leg may benefit more from the use of Bickmore Exotic as the spray application may make it easier to apply.

Product Applications

Exotic Leather Care

When you are ready to condition your exotic cowboy boots then grab your Bickmore Exotic and follow along.

1. Ensure your leather is clean and dry.
2. Clean your boots with a soft cloth or horsehair brush designed for the purpose
3. Shake the bottle well.
4. Test for colorfastness in a hidden spot of the leather before using.
5. Spray your leather item liberally, while using a cloth to wipe off excess product.
6. Allow the item to dry and then buff it with a cloth or brush.
7. Repeat the process as necessary for optimal results.

Common Leather Care

When you are ready to condition your standard leather cowboy boots grab your Bick 4 and follow along.

1. Ensure your leather is clean and dry.
2. Clean your boots with a soft cloth or horsehair brush designed for the purpose
3. Shake the bottle well.
4. Test for colorfastness in a hidden spot of the leather before using.
5. Apply the product with a clean cloth, using gentle, circular motions.
6. Let the product absorb into the leather and dry.
7. Gently buff your leather item with a separate clean, dry cloth.
8. Repeat the process as necessary for optimal results.

Precautions and Usage Tips

Test a Small Area First

A key part of using any product, not just these is to keep test a small area first. You should always test a small and more inconspicuous area of your cowboy boot – perhaps the upper shaft for example – before applying the product to the entire boot. This way you can make sure to stop further use in case of any unwanted reactions.

Generally both of the Bickmore products are great in this area, but there is no harm in a small check. Go ahead and apply a small amount of either Bickmore Exotic or Bick 4 to the inconspicuous area and observe the leather’s response for any changes in coloration or texture. If there are no adverse reactions, go aheand and proceed with the application to the entire boot.

TL;DR and Conclusion

The key takeaway for me with these products is that they are both among the top products for conditioning your cowboy boots – whether exotic or standard leather. Both products condition leathers without darkening them. Looking at the ingredient list they have very similar ingredients, but they do have a different viscosity out of the bottle with Bick #4 being thicker than the Exotic blend.

Bickmore Exotic comes in a spray bottle while Bick #4 does not. And in this author’s personal experience you can use them both on the other type of leather without negative impacts. However, as mentioned above, do your own test prior to use.

I like using Bickmore Exotic because the spray bottle makes application easier, but everyone will have a different opinion on that.

FAQ’s on Bickmore Exotic vs Bick 4

What are the primary differences between Bickmore Exotic and Bick 4?

Bickmore Exotic is specifically designed to condition exotic leathers. Bick 4 is a more general-purpose leather conditioner for standard leathers.

Is Bickmore Exotic specifically designed for exotic leathers? If so, what kinds?

Yes, Bickmore Exotic is specially formulated for exotic leathers, including but not limited to snake, ostrich, lizard, alligator, and eel.

Is Bick 4 suitable for all types of leather, or are there certain types it should not be used on?

Bick 4 is an all-around leather conditioner and can be used on pretty much all smooth and finished leather products. However, as mentioned in the article above, it’s always a good idea to test any product on a small, hidden area before applying it fully.

Are there different steps or procedures to apply Bickmore Exotic and Bick 4?

The application process for these two products is pretty similar. After ensuring the leather is clean and dry, apply the product, let dry, then buff.

How often should each product be applied to maintain optimal condition of the leather?

The amount of conditioning needed will depend on how frequently you wear your boots and in what conditions. For higher use items, applying conditioner once a month is generally sufficient. For lower frequency items, conditioning every 3-6 months can suffice. Keep an eye on your boots and look for signs of dryness, wear, or cracking to help you gauge.

Can either Bickmore Exotic or Bick 4 darken or change the color of the leather?

Both Bick 4 and Bickmore Exotic are generally known for their non-darkening formula. It is always recommended to test on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure on any particular boot prior to use.

What are the main ingredients in Bickmore Exotic and Bick 4? Are they safe for regular use?

The exact formulations of Bickmore Exotic and Bick 4 are proprietary to the company, but they’re designed to be safe for regular use on the appropriate types of leather. As with any product, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. You can see more information on the manufacturer’s website.

Is one product more effective than the other at protecting against water damage or other environmental factors?

Both products provide some level of protection against the elements, but neither is specifically a water proofing agent or similar.

Can either Bickmore Exotic or Bick 4 help to repair already damaged or aged leather?

While these products can certainly improve the appearance and feel of worn leather, they are primarily preventative care items. They can prevent further deterioration but aren’t designed to repair severe damage like deep cracks or tears. You can see that a very dry pair of boots will show an enhanced aesthetic after use.

Where can Bickmore Exotic and Bick 4 be purchased, and is there a significant price difference between them?

Both Bickmore Exotic and Bick 4 can each be purchased through various online retailers like Amazon, or in physical stores that sell leather care products such as your local Boot Barn. The price can vary based on the retailer, but in general, Bickmore Exotic is usually slightly more expensive.

Can Bickmore Exotic be Used on Regular Leather Boots?

Yes, Bickmore Exotic can technically be used on regular leather boots, but it’s important to note here that it’s specifically formulated by Bickmore for exotic leathers. While it won’t harm regular leather, it may be more beneficial to use a product specifically designed for that type of leather, like Bick 4.

Can Bick 4 be Used on Exotic Boots?

Bick 4 is a versatile leather conditioner and can be used on a variety of leathers, including exotic leathers. However, you should note that some exotic leathers may require specific care. You may want to play it safe and use a conditioner designed specifically for exotic leathers, such as Bickmore Exotic, to provide optimal care and protection.

You can watch a Youtube video that is based on a summary of this article by going here: https://youtu.be/2Z61nl3UVB8