Our story — Meet Steve
Before starting Mens Vault Co, I spent 16 years in kitchens across Melbourne and Sydney, most recently running the pass at a small restaurant in Newtown. The hours were long, but the community kept me going. Suppliers would swing by with fresh produce and specialty ingredients, and I always appreciated how much care went into their work. When covid hit in 2020, the restaurant shut its doors for good. Like a lot of hospo workers, I had to figure out what was next.
In those early lockdown days, I started looking around the house for projects to keep busy. I’d kept in touch with a few of my old suppliers — people like Rob, who runs a sandalwood distillery in WA, and Pete, who sources kangaroo leather in regional Queensland. I started asking questions about what else they supplied beyond food. Before I knew it, I had oils, timber, and leather samples piling up in the spare room.
The idea for Mens Vault Co came together when I realised I could use my old network to create something tangible. My first product was a beard oil made from WA sandalwood essential oil — mostly because I had some mates asking for it. From there, I worked with Rob, Pete, and a couple of other contacts to put together a small range. By mid-2021, I’d set up a workshop in Marrickville and was shipping orders out of my garage.
These days, we’ve got a few more products and a proper workspace, but it’s still all about working with good people and using what’s already here. Every product we sell has a story behind it, whether it’s the kangaroo leather sourced from Queensland or the blackwood timber from Tassie. It’s a bit different from running a kitchen, but I reckon the same principles apply.
— Thanks for supporting the little guys — Steve, Steve Hughes
Journal
Why We Chose Outback Sandalwood for Beard Oil
The story behind the sandalwood in our beard oil and the incredible people sustainably harvesting it in WA.
Years ago, when I was still in hospitality, I met a supplier at a small produce market in Fremantle. He was selling sandalwood oil out of a stall that smelled like the bush after rain. We got to chatting (as you do) and I learned he worked with a group harvesting sandalwood sustainably in WA. When I started Mens Vault Co, I knew I wanted to reach out to him.
WA sandalwood is a bit of a sleeper hit. It’s not as bold or flashy as your Indian or Hawaiian varieties, but it has this dry, smoky depth I couldn’t get out of my head. The stuff we use in our beard oil comes from semi-arid regions near Kalgoorlie. The trees take 10 to 15 years to mature, which is bonkers when you think about it.
The harvesting process is impressive. They only take dead or dying trees, and everything else stays put. It’s meticulous work. When you lose your tree, you lose the sandalwood, so they’re serious about keeping the land healthy. Our supplier still sends me photos from the field — dusty boots, endless blue skies, and these gnarly trunks that don’t look like much but smell incredible.
In the beard oil, the sandalwood gives this grounding base note that balances out the freshness of the lemon myrtle and the warmth of the macadamia oil. We played around with ratios for weeks to get it right. It’s subtle, but if you know sandalwood, you’ll pick it up straightaway.
Every time I open a new bottle, I think about that market stall in Fremantle and the bloke who first introduced me to this incredible oil. It keeps the whole thing personal, which, I guess, is the point.
How to Look After Kangaroo Leather Wallets
Tips for keeping your kangaroo leather wallet looking sharp and lasting for years — because it can.
Kangaroo leather is a bit of a marvel. It’s thinner and lighter than cowhide, but in terms of tensile strength, it’s off the charts. That’s why you see it in things like motorcycle gear and high-performance boots. But like any leather, it needs looking after if you want it to age gracefully.
First up: stop putting your wallet in your back pocket. Sitting on leather compresses it unevenly, which can lead to weird creases and cracks. I see this all the time. Front pocket or jacket pocket is the way to go — plus it’s better for your posture.
Every few months, give it a light clean with a damp cloth. Don’t soak it. Just wipe off any dirt or grime. Once it’s dry, use a dab of leather conditioner. I usually go for something beeswax-based. It’ll keep the leather supple and protect it from water. Don’t overdo it, though; once or twice a year is plenty.
If it does get wet (rain, spilled coffee, life in general), pat it dry with a towel and let it air dry naturally. Never, ever hit it with a hairdryer or leave it in full sun to dry faster. Heat is leather’s worst enemy. Trust me on this one.
A kangaroo leather wallet can last decades if you take care of it properly. I’ve got one my granddad handed down to me, and it’s still in decent nick. There’s something satisfying about leather that tells a story over time, as long as you give it a fighting chance.
Autumn Prep: What’s in My Bushman’s Backpack
A peek into what I carry in the Bushman’s Canvas Backpack during Sydney’s unpredictable autumn months.
Sydney autumns are always unpredictable. One minute it’s crisp and sunny; the next, you’re running for cover in a downpour. That’s why the Bushman’s Canvas Backpack is my go-to this time of year. It’s tough enough to handle whatever the weather throws at it, and it carries way more than you’d think.
Most days, I’ve got a packable rain jacket stuffed in there. I learnt the hard way during a soggy walk through Callan Park that even ‘water-resistant’ jackets don’t cut it when the rain really sets in. I also keep a stainless steel water bottle. The side pocket fits most 750ml bottles snugly, which is handy when I’m out for a full day.
There’s also a pocketknife (old habit from my chef days) and a leather-bound notebook. I’m not much of a tech guy outside work, so I still jot things down by hand. If I’m heading out early, I’ll toss in a thermos of coffee. I’ve got a small Stanley one that doesn’t leak and keeps things hot for hours, which is all I ask for.
The canvas gets better with age. Mine’s starting to show these wear marks that make it uniquely mine — the kind of stuff you can’t buy. And because it’s waxed, it stands up to bad weather without falling apart. A quick wipe-down gets rid of any dirt or mud.
By the time May rolls around, I’ve usually gone through a full tin of saddle soap keeping it conditioned. It’s worth it, though. One good backpack beats replacing cheap ones year after year, especially when you’re carting half your life around like I do.
Why I Still Shave with a Brush and Cream
Shaving brushes might feel old-school, but there’s a reason I haven’t switched to canned foams or gels.
When I tell people I use a shaving brush, I get one of two reactions: curiosity or confusion. It’s 2025, after all. Who has time for lathering these days? But hear me out — there’s more to it than nostalgia.
First off, the difference in the lather. With a brush, you get this dense, creamy foam that a can just can’t compete with. Our Eucalyptus Shaving Cream is designed to work with a brush, so you don’t need much. A pea-sized amount will cover your whole face. Plus, there’s something satisfying about working the cream into a lather by hand. It feels like you’re actually doing something, not just spraying a chemical cloud onto your skin.
The brush also preps your face properly. The bristles lift and soften the hairs, which means less drag and fewer nicks when you shave. It’s especially noticeable if you’ve got coarse hair (like me). After switching, I stopped dreading my morning shave — which, honestly, was half the battle.
I’ve been using the same badger-hair brush for 10 years now. It’s got a wooden handle that’s starting to fade from constant use, but it’s holding up. If you take the time to rinse it properly and let it dry after every shave, a good brush can last decades. It’s an investment up front, but you’ll save in the long run.
There’s also the eucalyptus oil in the shaving cream itself. It’s there for a reason. It cools your skin, which is great after a hot shower, but it also acts as a natural antiseptic. A little bonus you don’t think about until you’ve tried it.
Customer reviews
James T. — Marrickville, NSW — 2024-01-12 — 5/5
Perfect wallet
Ordered the Kangaroo Leather Wallet and it’s fantastic. The leather feels tough but soft, and it fits all my cards perfectly. Delivery was quick too!
Ella R. — Paddington, QLD — 2024-03-25 — 4/5
Great shaving cream
The Eucalyptus Shaving Cream smells fresh and gives a smooth shave. A bit pricier than I expected, but worth it for the quality.
Liam H. — Adelaide CBD, SA — 2024-06-02 — 5/5
Beard oil that works
Outback Sandalwood Beard Oil is exactly what I needed. My beard feels softer and less itchy now. Fast delivery and great service too.
Sarah M. — Northcote, VIC — 2025-02-15 — 5/5
Beautiful leather wallet
The Kangaroo Leather Wallet was a gift for my husband, and he loves it! The craftsmanship is impressive, and it arrived in perfect condition.
Tom P. — Hobart, TAS — 2024-09-18 — 4/5
Sturdy and stylish
The Bushman’s Canvas Backpack is great for day trips. It’s sturdy and can hold a lot, though I wish there were more colour options.
Olivia W. — Fremantle, WA — 2025-03-10 — 5/5
Amazing hand cream
The Ironbark Hand Cream is a lifesaver for my dry hands. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy. Will definitely repurchase.
Ethan B. — Surry Hills, NSW — 2025-04-05 — 5/5
Fast delivery, great product
Ordered the Eucalyptus Shaving Cream and it arrived faster than I expected. The scent is clean and it gives a smooth shave every time.
Grace L. — Bondi, NSW — 2024-12-21 — 4/5
Good backpack
The Bushman’s Canvas Backpack is perfect for weekend hikes. Great storage space but could use a bit more padding in the straps.
Shipping
We offer shipping Australia-wide using Australia Post for standard delivery and StarTrack for express delivery. Standard shipping typically takes 3-7 business days, while express orders arrive within 1-3 business days. Orders placed before 2pm AEST on weekdays will be processed and dispatched the same day.
Shipping is free for orders over $150 AUD. If your order is below this amount, standard shipping is $9.95, and express shipping is $14.95. All prices include GST, and you’ll receive a tracking link once your order has been shipped.
We take great care to package your order securely to prevent damage. If your package arrives damaged, please contact us immediately with photos, and we’ll work with you to resolve the issue promptly.
Returns
We offer a 30-day return policy in line with Australian Consumer Law. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it within 30 days of receiving it, provided the item is unused and in its original condition with all packaging intact.
Refunds will only be issued for the purchase price of the item, excluding shipping costs. Gift cards and sale items are excluded from returns. To start a return, please contact us with your order number and reason for return.
Once your return is received and inspected, we’ll process your refund within 5-7 business days. Refunds will be issued to your original payment method. If you receive a faulty or incorrect item, please contact us immediately, and we’ll make it right.