How to Break In and Care for The Preacher’s Bible
When you hold The Preacher’s Bible from Smith & Jones Bible Publishers, you’re not just opening a book — you’re holding the result of fine craftsmanship, premium materials, and a deep respect for God’s Word.
Each edition is bound in luxurious Sokoto goatskin, a leather prized for its natural grain, softness, and durability. It’s designed to serve faithfully for a lifetime of preaching, studying, and personal devotion.
To ensure your Bible ages gracefully and performs beautifully from the pulpit or the pew, here’s a simple guide on how to break it in properly and care for it over time.
Why a Proper Break-In Matters
Even the finest Bible needs a careful introduction. When a new Bible leaves the bindery, its spine and pages are still settling into place. The leather, endpapers, and sewing need a short period of gentle use to relax and form naturally.
Breaking in your Bible the right way helps it:
Open smoothly without stressing the spine
Lay comfortably in your hands or on the pulpit
Develop that beautiful, soft flexibility that quality goatskin is known for
A few minutes of care now can make all the difference in how your Bible feels — and how long it lasts.
What You’ll Need
A clean, flat surface like a desk or table
A soft, lint-free cloth
A second cloth or towel to rest the Bible on
(Optional) Two light book weights wrapped in cloth
That’s all it takes — no oils, no stretching, and no shortcuts.
Step-by-Step: How to Break In The Preacher’s Bible
1. Start with the spine resting on the table
Place your closed Bible upright on its spine so the covers hang freely. Open the front cover gently, then the back cover. This loosens the hinges and helps the binding settle evenly.
2. Work in small sections
Take about ten to fifteen pages from the front, press them lightly down near the spine, then take the same amount from the back and do the same.
Continue alternating — front, back, front, back — until you reach the middle. This gradual process “trains” the Bible to open smoothly without straining the leather or sewing.
3. Open gradually during the first week
For the first few days, don’t force the Bible to lie completely flat. Let it open only as far as it naturally will. Each day it will relax a little more until it lays beautifully open on its own.
4. Repeat the process occasionally
Repeat this gentle flexing every few days during the first week, then once a week for the first month. After that, your Bible will be fully broken in and ready for years of regular use.
Everyday Handling Tips
To keep The Preacher’s Bible in peak condition:
Always support the spine with both hands when opening wide.
Use the built-in ribbons for marking pages — never paperclips or sticky notes.
Avoid leaving it face-down or open under heavy objects.
When reading, especially at a desk or pulpit, rest it on a soft surface rather than forcing it flat.
These small habits prevent wear and keep your Bible looking and feeling new for years to come.
Caring for the Sokoto Goatskin Cover
Sokoto goatskin is among the finest leathers used in bookbinding. It’s supple, strong, and develops a beautiful patina with use. To keep it in its best condition:
✅ Do:
Wipe gently with a clean, dry cloth from time to time.
Store away from direct sunlight and heat.
❌ Don’t:
Use household leather cleaners, or conditioners — they can darken or damage the finish.
Over-condition the leather. A little care goes a long way.
Some have used olive oil to “treat” the Sokoto goatskin. While this is absolutely not necessary for the health of the leather, this may be done for the purpose of normalizing a patina or changing the color of the leather. But we caution you to do this slowly and with great care. We do not take any responsibility for your actions with this leather.
Page and Edge Care
The Preacher’s Bible features gilded edges, so treat them gently. Avoid rubbing or scratching the gilding. If they collect dust, breathe lightly on the edge and wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid markers or pens that could transfer ink to the edges when closed. The red aspect of the gilding is accomplished by the use of a water based paint. Because of this, it does react to being wet – do not allow moisture of any amount to contact the page gilding.
Proper Storage
When not in use, store your Bible upright on a bookshelf with books of similar size or keep it in its protective box.
Avoid storing it in extreme heat or humidity, and don’t press it tightly between other volumes — a little breathing room is ideal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forcing the Bible to open flat on the first day
Folding the cover completely behind the spine
Using clips, sticky tabs, or heavy weights on open pages
Applying oils, conditioners, or cleaners not meant for archival leathers
Avoid these few pitfalls, and The Preacher’s Bible will serve faithfully for decades.
Your Bible, Your Legacy
Breaking in and caring for The Preacher’s Bible isn’t just about preservation — it’s about stewardship. A well-kept Bible softens in your hands, molds to your reading posture, and becomes an extension of your ministry.
Over time, the pages you mark and the worn edges of the cover will tell the story of your faithfulness in the Word.
With a few minutes of care at the beginning, your Preacher’s Bible will grow more beautiful with every sermon, study, and prayer.
From Smith & Jones Bible Publishers
At Smith & Jones Bible Publishers, we craft Bibles designed for a lifetime of preaching, study, and devotion — each one made with reverence for Scripture and attention to every detail.
The Preacher’s Bible represents the culmination of that care: premium Sokoto goatskin, fine craftsmanship, and timeless design — made to serve the preacher who loves the Word.