Tim McWhorter, Author at BestLeather.org

January 28, 2015December 19, 2017

LederMann Extra Large 18″ Vintage Chestnut Belting Leather Briefcase – $445

There are those occasions when you need a big bag – a really big bag. Now, you could certainly just go out and buy a nylon or cotton behemoth, which will easily get the job done. But, what if you plan on carrying this big bag for a long time and want to do it in style? Well, you stumble onto the vast array of leather bags. And, when you do you find that there are a myriad of bag makers and bags that come in every size, shape, and style. But, if you’re looking for a large briefcase, it narrows the options down quickly. One of those large briefcase/messenger bag manufacturers is LederMann.

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About LederMann

Since 2002 LederMann has been making high quality products using full grain leather, old world craftsmanship, and strict quality control. The result are bags, briefcases, travel bags, and backpacks designed to be durable, serve you well, and stand the test of time.

Construction

The LederMann Extra Large 18” Vintage Chestnut Belting Leather Briefcase is a beast – both in name and stature. It definitely lives up to its ‘extra large’ name. The body of this chestnut colored bag (also available in black) is made from 4-5 oz. full grain leather while the flaps and shoulder strap are 7-8 oz. in thickness. There are a lot of big pieces of leather sewn up in this bag. The precision stitching is comprised of heavy duty nylon thread while the interior of the bag is swathed in suede. Hardware is all brass and the stress points are reinforced with machine pressed heavy duty rivets.

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Function

Everything about this bag is big. And, if you’re looking for a big that then you’ll be happy about that for sure. Spacious is the most accurate description of this bag, which is 18″W X 13″H X 7″D and has two inner compartments measured at 3.5″ each compartment. It affords plenty of room for a laptop (or two) of any size, your Xbox, games, and controllers (know this one by experience from my son), books, accessories, and clothes.

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There is a large slip pocket that runs the length of the back, suitable for a newspaper, magazine, or notepad (even a legal sized pad). The handle is thick and sturdy. The shoulder strap is wide and easy to adjust. It features two large, well-padded shoulder pads which is excellent for carrying heavy loads in traditional briefcase form or in backpack form.

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That’s right – this thing converts into a backpack using a traditional three point connection system. The strap easily comes apart and allows quick transition into shoulder straps. Again, the shoulder pads work very well in this arrangement. As an 18” bag, when loaded having the ability to carry this bag in backpack mode is a very nice feature.

If you are looking for a bag to carry a fully equipped office with you – this is it. Need a bag to carry your basic office needs and your needs for a night or two? This is it. It’s big, but it’s versatile.

It will test you though. Empty this bag weighs in at around approximately 8 pounds. When you load it up, it’s going to require some effort to transport it. But, its size also lends itself to staying in proportion with people of larger stature too. At 6’5” tall, this bag fits my middle son and me well. As a backpack or a messenger it doesn’t look out of place. As a combination office and overnight bag, it’s ideal because it will easily accommodate our larger clothes.

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Aesthetic

The classic lines of this bag make it very attractive. The gussets, fine leather, heavy duty hardware all combine to create an elegant, classic look. It’s just bigger than most of the other bags in this style that you’ve seen in the past.

The leather has a high gloss, waxy finish to it and looks very attractive. It certainly garners attention when you set it down at a meeting. It can’t help but be noticed.

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Conclusion

I recently read an article about a gentleman who spent one year traveling the world with everything he needed safely tucked into a 26 liter backpack. If you’re thinking of doing the same thing, this backpack is slightly larger than that and fully capable of serving you in the same capacity…and it will look much better than a nylon bag! I look forward to seeing how this bag ages and performs as time goes on. It was a little rigid right out of the box, but with limited use over the past six weeks or so it has already softened up. It’s a well made bag and should withstand the rigors of daily use without issue for decades. The $445 price tag for the LederMann Extra Large 18” Vintage Chestnut Belting Leather Briefcase is substantial – but so is the bag. And, it’s a multipurpose bag that you’ll be able to use and enjoy the rest of your life.

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January 27, 2015December 19, 2017

J Michael Ashland Giveaway – Valued at $235 – Ends 2/17

J Michael Ashland Leather Giveaway – $235

BestLeather is pleased to offer a fantastic giveaway package from J Michael Ashland. If you’re not familiar with J Michael Ashland, you’re missing out…and we’ll do our best to let you know about his high quality, 100% handmade leather products. We’ve reviewed his Steerhide Belt recently and will have a couple more reviews coming out very soon for other products from J Michael.

Now we have the privilege of offering YOU – our readers three great pieces from J Michael. From his location in northwestern Oregon J Michael Ashland designs and crafts all of his products 100% by hand – no power tools, no machines…at all. This package includes the following items:

a Steerhide Belt @ $70
a leather Pocket Bifold Wallet @ $125
a Swedish Belt Key Fob @ $40

Total package is worth $235, but the craftsmanship is priceless. These are all heirloom quality leather products. The belt will be sized specifically to the winner’s requirements. Be sure to visit the J Michael Ashland website and check out all of the great products he has there and learn more about how he crafts his products.

January 26, 2015December 19, 2017

Waterfield Designs Razor Case Review – $30

Sometimes it’s the little things that please you the most. Here’s a question for those of you who use a traditional safety razor: have you ever cut yourself or sliced into something else while trying to retrieve your razor from your dopp kit? Chances are pretty high that you can answer “yes” to that question. Safety razors are great – but they’re not really that safe. Great news though – the folks at WaterField Designs have created a great case to house your safety razor. Best of all, it’s leather and looks fantastic.

About WaterField Designs

WaterField Designs is based in San Francisco, CA. They design and manufacture all of their bags in the same location. Take a minute (actually a minute and a half) and watch the Gary WaterField discuss his company.

Construction

The ingenious WaterField Designs Razor Case is constructed of what they describe as “full grain grizzly brown leather”. It also features a self-locking YKK zipper with a nice sturdy pull on it. The interior is lined with a retro styled, geometric patterned, water resistant fabric liner. The seams are all tucked inside of the bag creating a nice smooth exterior look.

Function

I don’t have an iKon safety razor, which is the genesis for this case. I certainly wish I owned one of those great razors. Instead, I own a much cheaper version – but it still gets the job done. The Razor Case will easily house any conventional, classically styled safety razor. And, as a bonus, there is plenty of room to slip in a 5 pack of razor blades too.

The case sits easy in your hand and isn’t bulky. The zipper is easy to manipulate and locks into place, which is a nice feature and will keep your razor safely tucked inside.

Aesthetic

The full grain grizzly leather looks and feels great. The interior lining is smooth and looks fantastic. I wish that the zipper didn’t have a plastic coated pull. The plastic pull seems out of place on this item. My opinion is that the case would look much better with a metal zipper and a brass or nickel zipper pull. I think that would set it off nicely. Perhaps they’ll create a couple more versions with those components to match up better with your choice of razor. In spite of that minor shortcoming, I think the case looks really nice.

Conclusion

The one thing that always concerns me when I travel with my safety razor is reaching in to my dopp kit and getting sliced by it. Yes, I know that I can remove the blade – but I don’t always remember to do it. This little case solves that safety issue and houses my razor in some awesome looking leather. How great is that? The $30 price point for the WaterField Designs Razor Case is completely acceptable due to the solid construction, unique lining, and uniqueness. I look forward to using this little case on many, many trips.

January 21, 2015May 9, 2020

Giveaway Happening on Instagram from Saddleback Leather Company

As many of you are aware, we’ve reviewed quite a few pieces from Saddleback Leather Company over the years. And, we hope to bring more to you as time goes on. Right now, the good folks at Saddleback are celebrating reaching the 10,000 follower mark on Instagram. And, they’ve decided to keep the celebration going by giving some stuff if you follow their simple, 3 steps (check the image).

So, be sure to follow Saddleback on Instagram: http://instagram.com/saddlebackbags/.
And, while you’re at it, make sure you follow BestLeather on Instagram too: http://instagram.com/bestleather/.

Also, be sure to visit Saddleback’s website too – lots of great leathery goodness over there for everyday life, work, and travel.

January 20, 2015December 19, 2017

J Michael Ashland Steerhide Belt Review – $70

A major portion of us only have one or two belts in our arsenal – one black and one brown…and that covers pretty much our entire fashion spectrum. So, choosing the two belts that will keep our trousers up and all of our long term fashion-ability tied together is critically important.

Today we’re taking an in-depth look at the J Michael Ashland Steerhide Belt.

About J Michael Ashland

J Michael Ashland is a designer and full time minimalist leather crafter. From his location in northwestern Oregon he designs and crafts all of his products 100% by hand – no power tools, no machines…at all. Currently J Michael is designing and making several types of belts, wallets, card holders, and other accessories. It also appears that he is venturing into making high quality knives (and awesome sheaths, I’m sure).

Construction

Here’s the low down directly from J Michael about his construction process that I received while dialoguing with him about his Steerhide Belt:

“The belt is constructed from USA Steerhide – a bit over 10 ounces thick. This belt was made for comfort and durability. What you have is a full grain shoulder cut from a mature bull (you can see the texture if you hold it up against the light). It would have made premium tooling leather but instead has been turned into Latigo – fully drum dyed and hot stuffed with oils to resist the elements. This belt’s leather does not require maintenance and develops a supple exterior shine.

The brass buckle is a low lead heel bar made for comfort. I like it because brass holds up well in all environments and does not corrode.

All of my belts are permanently sewn with Tiger thread (machines cannot use this). Tiger thread is U.V. coated, bonded, and waxed (originally made for hand sewing sails). On belts snaps fail, screws unscrew, and both rust, but hand saddle stitching is permanent. That is why I think this is the best belt in the world.”

Function

Indeed, when your belt arrives and you un-package it, you’re in for a treat. 10-ounce leather is thick – real thick. It would be stiff and uncomfortable if this were just regular 10-ounce vegetable tanned leather. It would take quite some time for it to break in and become soft and flexible. But, since this is Latigo steerhide, it is pliable, supple – which is ideal for a belt.

At 1.5 inches, this belt works well with blue jeans, khakis, and most any casual/dress style pants. The buckle is solid brass and well contoured for maximum comfort.

Not surprisingly, this belt has a perfect record so far. That’s right…it’s held up every pair of pants it has been used on so far. All kidding aside, it’s a great belt to use. The flexibility of the Latigo leather used, its thickness, and that nice buckle form a perfect trifecta of purpose.

Aesthetic

The deep, smooth black color contrasting with the silver buckle on this belt combines to create a very classy look. The quality of the leather combined with the high level of workmanship also exudes a commitment to your desire to purchase and use products designed to last. The addition of the symmetrical score lines along the length of the belt, the subtle placement of the logo, and the thick stitching further accentuate the fact that this is not a run of the mill, mass produced belt.

Whether you purchase this belt for casual use or to wear with dressier outfits, you won’t be disappointed. It will serve either purpose well.

Conclusion

The J Michael Ashland Steerhide Belt, with its high standard of build quality and superior components, definitely qualifies it as a Buy It For Life item. With its $70 price tag, it’s also a bargain. And, you can also get this same thick Latigo belt in brown and your choice of a brass or silver buckle. BestLeather encourages you to visit J Michael Ashland’s website and put your own order together. You’ll enjoy working with a craftsman that is so dedicated to his trade and you’ll end up with a belt that you’ll enjoy putting on each and every day.

January 14, 2015December 19, 2017

Larsen & Ross Three Pocket Minimalist Leather Slim Wallet Review – $55

The wallet may have more design variations than almost any other product in the world. They come in virtually every shape and size. And, they are made from every conceivable material. Of course our favorite material is leather. Multi-use wallets score big with me. I like options. Fortunately, the Larsen & Ross Three Pocket Minimalist Leather Slim Wallet (phew, that’s a mouthful) is one of those wallets that qualifies as multi-use: it’s a perfect standard wallet, an ideal front pocket wallet, and can easily be used as a great, non-conventionally styled business card holder.

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About Larsen & Ross

Jaren Larsen, founder of Larsen & Ross, has been involved in creating leather products for over twenty years. Larsen & Ross is based out of a Salt Lake City, Utah suburb and is dedicated to creating products that will last for decades. Jaren is deeply committed to using quality materials and creating a durable product that bucks the current trends of our throwaway, disposable society.

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Construction

The Three Pocket Minimalist Wallet I received is a matching companion to the Minimalist iPhone 6 Sleeve reviewed here on BestLeather in December. The wallet features the same great feeling and attractive US-sourced 4/5 oz. full grain leather. It too has the same great pull up quality to it too. The seams are symmetrical and edges are beveled and nicely burnished with beeswax. The wallet comprises two pieces of leather wrapped one inside of the other to create 3 pockets with the middle pocket being the largest.

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Function

This wallet has a small footprint (hence the minimalist name). Its overall dimensions are 4” x 2.75”. In spite of its minimalist appearance, it still holds quite a few items due to its clever design. I just pulled it out of my back pocket and here’s what I currently have in it:

Main pocket: 5 credit cards and a Costco receipt
Outside pocket #1: Driver’s license and insurance card
Outside pocket #2: Debit card, gas card, another receipt, and $26 cash

While out shopping earlier today, I carried the wallet in my front pocket with ease. It serves its purpose perfectly, holding a reasonable amount of items with a design that allows you to easily retrieve whatever is needed from any pocket.

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Aesthetic

It’s a simple little thing, but it looks really sharp. I find myself taking it out of my pocket and placing it on the table with my iPhone 6 case simply because I like looking at them together. The leather’s color and thread are attractive and will age well. If it’s of interest to you, Larsen & Ross does offer two other thread colors: red and blue which allow you to customize your wallet a little bit more and create even more contrast.

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Conclusion

I’ve been using Larsen & Ross Three Pocket Minimalist Leather Slim Wallet for about six weeks now and to date, I can’t think of anything about it that bugs me. It’s just one of those little utilitarian pieces that serves its purpose ideally. The fact that all of the components are made in the USA and the wallet itself is created with pride here in the USA makes it just that much better. At $55 it’s a solid choice for a wallet that gives you several carry options. It’s going to age well and outlast any wallet found in a department store.

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January 12, 2015December 19, 2017

74Street Bags Lucky Double 15″ Vertical Messenger Bag Review – $485

One of the things I enjoy most about the leather industry is that you always seem to find someone doing something really well that you haven’t found out about just yet. Such is the case with a husband and wife team from Transylvania, Romania.

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About 74Street Bags

Mircea & Daciana Bule are the powerhouse couple behind 74Street Bags. Mircea is a licensed fashion designer and he has been handcrafting with leather for more than 20 years. In my conversations with Daciana, she enjoyed referring to him as “the brains of design and handwork for 74Street”. Daciana, a manager by profession, is also a fashion design student, and “the brains of the business along with being Mircea’s apprentice in learning more and more everyday about the vast skills needed for handcrafting leather”. Together from their studio in Romania this duo designs and creates some unique bags – which seem to be very popular through their Etsy storefront, which shows a 5 star rating and healthy sales. For our initial review for 74Street Bags, we received their Lucky Double 15” Vertical Messenger Bag.

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Construction

This particular bag features full grain Crazy Horse leather, which they source from a tannery in Italy, in a color they refer to as Dakar Café – a nice dark brown. Crazy Horse leather (also referred to as cowboy or saddleback leather at times) is a type of pull up leather. It is heavily infused with oils under pressure at high heat during the tanning process. This gives the leather a very rugged finish that is well suited to moist or dry environments. It will remain soft and pliable forever and offers high durability. 74Street Bags does not exclude using leather that has natural markings from the cow’s life such as stretch marks, scars, and brands.

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The thread is heavy gauge and the sewing is done by hand with a 19th century Singer manual machine – one that is manipulated by hand, not foot.

When asked about their construction process, Daciana sent me the following info:

“We work with patterns created by us. My husband Mircea is a very good specialist in patterns. He draws the bag first and then turns it into a pattern. In the next step we take the pattern and transfer it onto the leather and cut the pieces with our hand cutter. We enjoy this “old school technique” because we also use old tools. We apply all the metal hardware and after that we glue the smaller pieces where necessary with special leather glue. Then we stitch the bag.”

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Function

There is a lot of leather in this bag, yet it’s not too heavy or bulky. The overall dimensions are 38cm x 30cm x 10cm (15 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches). It will easily fit a 15” MacBook Pro, charger cords, and more in either of the two main pockets. The center divider has two large pockets sewn on it that are capable of holding Field Notes, a smartphone, or any other similarly sized items. The extra pocket on the front is large enough to house an iPad or a class sized Moleskine and other accessories. Finally, there are a couple of pen/pencil loops and a small pocket on the very front that is large enough for a small cell phone, your iPod, or a healthy stack of business cards. The antique brass hardware all functions well and feels sturdy.

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The strap is easily adjustable allowing you to carry the bag either on your shoulder or cross body. The handle is nicely padded and large. The bag lays nicely on your hip in shoulder or cross-body carry mode. Vertical messenger bags are a nice alternative to traditional messengers. Having a thinner profile can be useful in certain situations (crowded commuter trains come to mind).

Aesthetic

Upon arrival the Lucky Double Messenger Bag had a strong chemical smell to it. In spite of the smell, the bag’s visual appearance is very appealing. I actually just set it next to my desk with the main flap open and let it air out for a little more than a week. It’s now fine and there is no residual chemical odor. I’m not sure what caused the odor – the tanning process, the glue used in construction, or a combination of both.

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The Dakar Café leather is very attractive and the symmetrical lighter colored stitching creates a nice contrast. The symmetry of the stitching is intentionally broken up in just a few spots…according to Daciana this is a stylistic signature that is incorporated into every one of their bags. It is very subtle and only occurs on the shoulder strap of this particular bag.

In carrying the bag, it does get noticed quite often. People ask and comment on it frequently. Its pleasant color and design have traditional leanings, but also indicate that it’s a custom designed piece, which I think is why it stands out to most people.

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Conclusion

The 74Street Bags Lucky Double 15” Vertical Messenger Bag is definitely a standout since it’s uniquely designed, constructed of quality materials, and hand made. At $485 it’s definitely an investment…but, you definitely get your money’s worth since the quality of this bag will allow it to serve you well, in a stylish fashion, for decades to come. 74Street Bags has a multitude of bag designs, cases, and accessories – be sure to visit and peruse their collection.

December 26, 2014December 19, 2017

New Year’s Sale with Larsen & Ross

Missed the Christmas sales? Don’t fret! Ring in 2015 with some excellent savings courtesy of Larsen & Ross. From today through January 2nd, 2015 you will enjoy a 20.15% discount on all items featured on the Larsen & Ross website.

Also, be sure to check out the iPhone 6 sleeve and the Three Pocket Minimalist Leather Slim Wallet…BestLeather will be publishing reviews on both of these pieces in the coming weeks.

December 18, 2014December 19, 2017

Save on Last Minute Holiday Gift Ordering

We are T-minus seven days from Christmas. Still not done with your holiday shopping? No worries! There are still quite a few excellent leather companies that can get their goods to you in time for your holiday celebration. Here are a few that we’ve found so far…and, we’ll update this as quickly as we can find others.

Oak Street Bootmakers

Moore & Giles

Blue Claw Co.

Bison Made

Rustic Leather

December 18, 2014December 19, 2017

Rawlings American Handcrafted Passport Wallet Review – $200

I’ve had the privilege of traveling internationally on several different occasions. With each trip under my belt, I’ve gotten a little more organized with how I travel. Even with the advent of electronic tickets, it’s still essential to have a centralized place to manage all of the important papers necessary for traveling abroad. While we’re all accustomed to carrying a wallet of some type, having a travel wallet, or passport wallet while taking off on an international adventure is a must have piece of equipment. The Rawlings American Handcrafted Passport Wallet is an ideal example of what to look for in a travel wallet.

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About American Handcrafted

“It’s all in the details – and the artisanal approach to creating exceptional leather goods that pay homage to the manufacturing techniques of yesteryear, when products were created by the hands of our ancestry and made to last.” American Handcrafted is a limited collection of fine leather goods that showcases the fine attention to detail found in quality American hand craftsmanship. American Handcrafted is a brand backed by Rawlings. With 125+ years in the leather industry Rawlings knows a thing or two about producing leather that wears hard and lasts a long time. I’ve only owned two baseball gloves my entire life – both Rawlings gloves. And my Dale Murphy Rawlings glove just keeps getting better and better each year.

American Handcrafted is based out of St. Louis, Missouri and is producing a full line of bags, portfolios, and wallets.

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Construction

If you take some time to peruse the American Handcrafted website (and you should), you’ll notice that they refer to the color of this leather as bourbon. And they also describe it as “double tanned”. All of their leather is sourced from Tennessee Tanning, a tannery that’s been owned by Rawlings since 1946.

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True to the name, this aniline leather is tanned twice resulting in a very deep, fully saturated color that yields a luxurious look and soft, supple feel. The hardware (zipper and snap closure) has a nice, deep antique brass finish that complement the leather nicely. And the heavy gauge stitching is extremely even. The edges are burnished and smooth.

Function

At 4.50”L x .5”W x 9.50”H, it is a large wallet. It’s definitely not a rear pocket carry wallet. But, when traveling, it’s best not to carry a wallet in your rear pocket anyhow. It will slip into an interior jacket pocket or comfortably carry within a backpack or messenger bag. The flap/snap combination works well to keep the wallet securely closed and adds to the stylish look. On the back of the wallet is a well placed slip in pocket that will securely store your boarding pass or other small paperwork for quick access.

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The Passport Wallet contains nine individual card slots on the right inner panel. On this site too, you’ll find a full length zippered pocket that will store paper currency of any size along with coins or other small items. The interior of the wallet is lined with American Handcrafted’s signature crimson/onyx striped lining – the same lining used in their amazing business and travel bags. In the center of the wallet you’ll also find a well placed leather loop for holding your favorite writing utensil.

On the left inner panel, you are treated to a mesh id holder and several slots that are capable of holding a couple of passports or a small Field Notes notebook. And, along the back you’ll find a full length slide pocket that’s ideal for storing tickets, boarding passes, or currency.

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Aesthetic

In addition to the tremendous functionality the American Handcrafted Passport Wallet offers, it’s also an incredibly beautiful piece. Functional art is an apt way to describe it. The bourbon hue of this limited edition leather will continue to gain a richer color and patina with use over the years. The exterior is tastefully enhanced with the classic Rawlings logo debossed in the front bottom right corner. When you turn it over, you’ll again notice a great looking debossed version of the Rawlings logo along with the American Handcrafted logo. Up top, you’re treated to a debossed limited edition, serialized stamp.

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It’s when you open up the Passport Wallet that you’re really treated to a visually appealing smorgasbord. The card slots, embroidered Rawlings patch, colorful lining, zipper, and pockets all work together to form an impressive visual.

Simply put, it looks fantastic.

Conclusion

If you’re a frequent traveler, or you just like to have a place for everything and desire to have it contained in an incredibly stylish wallet, then the Rawlings American Handcrafted Passport Wallet is an excellent choice. Given the fact that this wallet is made with superior components and created by expert craftsmen here in the USA, this definitely qualifies as a Buy It for Life item. It’s well worth the $200 price tag and will provide you with an heirloom piece to enjoy and then pass down to the next adventure seeker in your family.

December 12, 2014May 9, 2020

Lexol & Piel Leather Giveaway – Ends Jan. 5, 2015

Lexol & Piel Leather Giveaway

BestLeather is excited to be able to offer this great giveaway from two well known and trusted brands: Lexol & Piel Leather. The combined value of this great giveaway is over $450! The winner will receive a gift basket chock full of Lexol’s best leather cleaners and conditioners. And, along with that basket, the winner will receive a Piel Leather Vintage Laptop Briefcase.

BestLeather has long been a fan of Lexol’s products. We featured an article about their conditioner a couple of year’s ago. And, we’re getting ready to feature some of their newer products…look for that soon. Lexol, has been the conditioner and cleaner trusted by professionals for decades. They have been the leader in luxury leather care for over 80 years, developing and crafting innovative leather care solutions that help consumers clean, maintain, and restore their leather goods for a lifetime and beyond of enjoyment. The company retails its line of American-made products and kits at leading specialty and national retailers within North America. There is a Lexol formula for virtually any leather application, from automotive, fashion, furniture, and sporting goods to equine market needs. The company, including its development lab and manufacturing facilities, is headquartered in Marietta, Ga.

The Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner basket contains:

3-in-1 Leather Care Pads – 20 pcs
1 pH-balanced Leather Cleaner (8oz bottle)
1 Leather Conditioner (8oz bottle)
1 3-in-1 Leather Care (8oz bottle)
1 Lexol Applicator Sponge

Be sure to visit Lexol’s website to learn more about each of these great products. Lexol’s product contain a UV protectant and a non-darkening formula. They are also alcohol free and silicone free. Each has been specially designed and formulated to help you keep your valuable leather products protected and looking great for many, many years to come.

For over 40 years, Piel Leather has remained the internationally recognized Leader in Naked Leather. Their high standards for quality and workmanship have allowed them to produce leather goods of exceptional distinction and durability. Piel Leather feels that their customers deserve a product that is manufactured to the highest quality standards at a price you can afford. By remaining completely dedicated to their craft, they have survived as the leading manufacturer and distributor of naked leather products. Piel Leather takes pride in their talented employees that for over three decades have dedicated their lives to mastering the art of leather craftsmanship. Their loyalty, commitment, and hard work are reflected in Piel Leather’s exceptional line of genuine handmade leather goods. All of their products are manufactured and handmade in their factory located in Bogota, Colombia, South America. Piel Leather specializes in providing quality leather products for all markets. As the pioneer of some of the finest naked leather goods available, Piel Leather is able to provide a spectrum of leather goods to suit your every need.

About the Vintage Laptop Briefcase

“The Piel Leather Vintage Collection incorporates a timeless style with a rich classic (or waxed or glazed) finish. Made from 100% Genuine Colombian Full-Grain leather and trimmed with our traditional (chocolate) Vaquetta leather. This soft, supple, and smooth leather is accented with silver hardware and nylon lining creating a luxurious look that will stand the test of time. The Vintage Laptop Briefcase has a top zip-opening to spacious main compartment. Zip-down opening to a second compartment featuring a padded laptop pocket, large zip-pocket, full organizer, and a thin pocket, perfect for any size tablet. Additional features include front open pocket, back strap to attach to a telescopic handle, double carry handles, and an adjustable/detachable shoulder strap. The bag is 15 x 11.5 x 4 and can accommodate a laptop up to 15 x 10.5 x 1.25.” To see the complete line of Piel Leather products, visit www.pielleather.com.

Enter to Win!

We hope you’ll enjoy entering this contest. Be sure to follow all of the steps and glean the most entries possible. And, be sure to share the contest for even more entry points! We look forward to announcing the winner on January 5th!

December 12, 2014May 9, 2020

Best Leather Goods of 2014

This is something new for us here at BestLeather and we hope you will enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed reminiscing over the past year’s worth of reviews and choosing our favorites. Of all the goods we have reviewed thus far in 2013 and 2014, these are what we consider the standouts.

best briefcase

Basader‘s Gusseted Messenger Bag represents class leading quality, sophisticated design, and extremely competitive pricing. $430

Honorable mentions go to Saddleback Leather for their durably constructed Classic Briefcase and to the venerable Swiss leather workers making the interesting and unique bags a long time ago that we are still enjoying.

best backpack

Saddleback Leather‘s Squared Backpack easily rates as one of the most comfortable everyday ways to carry your goods. $582

We did not review many leather backpacks in 2014 and would like to see more competition in this category. So, yes, be on the lookout for more backpack reviews in 2015.

best boot

Weinbrenner‘s Thorogood 1892 Wisconsin Collection Portage CXL Roofer Boot offers ridiculous levels of durability, easy on and off functionality, and stunning good looks.

Honorable mention goes to the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots for their exemplary comfort and sharp heritage design. Just make sure you get the rubber soled version for practicality.

best belt

Hands down this is the Original or Cinch belt from A Simple Leather Belt Co. We don’t know anywhere else you can buy a hefty vegetable tanned customer sized leather belt for $60 (with free shipping). It’s a good deal.

Honorable mention goes to Thrux Lawrence‘s Bulwark Belt for milling the coolest belt buckle we have seen from a solid piece of steel or brass.

best wallet

Avund Goods Forsta – this wallet offers a clever one piece design, zero leather waste, fantastic looks, and easy everyday functionality. $120

The honorable mention goes to Kenton Sorenson for the Modern Man Front Pocket Wallet for its inspired minimal design and precise craftsmanship. $90

best duffel

Coronado Leather‘s Americana Large Duffel represents an excellent mixture of bombproof construction, fantastic materials, and a timelessly classic design. This was one of our favorites. $799

Honorable mention goes to Love 41 for their lightweight and eye catching Weekender Bag with its unique, useful sidebags. An extra bonus for doing business with Love41 is that 100% of the profits go to Africa New Life Ministries. $578

most innovative design

Pact Leather – for innovating a glue-less and thread-less construction method that provides long term durability.

The honorable mention goes to Gordy’s Camera Straps for the Zoe Combination Strap for its excellent functionality and uniqueness in the market.

editor’s choice

The Thrux Lawrence All Leather Thrux Pack is our editors choice for its ridiculous quality, long break-in, large capacity, and overall robustness. $480 for the canvas/leather version, which is available in nine color combinations.

We have been tremendously impressed with the fanatical obsession with durability at Thrux Lawrence.

Email us if you have a suggestion for the “Best Leather of 2015.” Leather companies…would you like to see one of your products listed here? Let’s get together and produce some reviews. Learn more about our review process here.

December 5, 2014December 19, 2017

Outlaw Network Enterprises Outlaw Motorcycle Vest Review – $300

For many folks around the United States, the end has come for the riding season. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t start checking out new accessories and getting prepped for next year’s motorcycle season.

In anticipation of some nice, long rides next year BestLeather decided to start checking out leather riding gear and sourcing out the best pieces available. We’re starting out our series on motorcycle leather gear with Outlaw Network Enterprises (O.N.E.) Outlaw Motorcycle Vest.

About Outlaw Network Enterprises

Outlaw Network Enterprises, based in Los Angeles, CA, was formed by two guys who were tired of wearing vests that could not meet the demands of the serious rider. Year after year they found themselves searching for a new vest because they simply would not last. So, they decided to create a leather vest that would withstand their demands and that was built to last. Now they not only make great leather riding vests, but have developed their own line of riding jackets too.

Construction

O.N.E. is serious about making great products. The Outlaw Vest is an incredibly well built riding vest. Here’s a quick rundown of the components used:

Handcrafted Heavy Supreme Cowhide (1.3 – 1.6 mm)
Back, shaped for unlimited comfort and support
Heavy Nylon Lining (Red or Black Standard)
Right side full leather Lining pocket
Left side full leather inner gun pocket
Brass durable snaps
Lifetime Guarantee
Made In America

The best gauge of how well built this vest is seeing it in person and feeling it with your own hands. The leather is thick and substantial – but, it’s supple and flexible. It has a weight and feel to it that validates O.N.E.’s claim to using only the best materials. Seams, snaps, liner, and pockets – they’re all sized appropriately and ideally positioned.

Function

This particular vest is not sized for me, so I have not worn it. My son is able to wear it and has ridden with it on a couple of occasions. Unfortunately, it’s snowing here now and our riding season has ended. However, on the few trips he used it, he confirmed the fact that it’s comfortable to wear and feels great. The interior pockets are nicely sized. In fact, the larger pocket is billed as a gun pocket. It is large enough to securely and safely stow a small revolver or semi-automatic pistol. And, it will easily hold your smartphone, wallet, and other EDC items.

Aesthetic

The version of the Outlaw Vest for review is slightly different than the one shown on their website. The version on their website has no collar at all, while the version sent to BestLeather has a raised collar band on it. It certainly doesn’t affect the performance of the jacket, but does change the appearance slightly. For better or worse? You be the judge.

In spite of the slight collar difference, the Outlaw Vest has a nice, clean look. It features sleek lines and a style that isn’t over the top. It has a great feel to the leather. I’m not sure where this leather was tanned, but it has been handled well and the quality is evident.

It’s easy to tell the difference between a high quality vest, such as the O.N.E. Outlaw Vest and a lower quality vest. If you only get a chance to look at them, the texture of the leather is a giveaway. The O.N.E. Outlaw Vest has a richer, warmer appearance over a vest that uses thinner, lower quality leather. And, once you get a chance to touch and feel both, it’s immediately apparent that the O.N.E. Outlaw Vest is clearly the more superior choice.

As they say on their own website, “You WILL notice the difference when you try one of our vests on for the very first time, Guaranteed.”

Conclusion

The Outlaw Network Enterprises Outlaw Motorcycle Vest is a wise investment if you want to not only look and feel good while riding, but want something that’s going to last and last. It’s easy to see why this is their most popular vest. Yes, it’s $300…but, how many cheap vests have you purchased over the years? How well have they worked out? Yeah…that’s what I thought. So, my suggestion is to take the focus off of the immediate financial impact and look at the long-term benefit of the investment in purchasing an O.N.E. Outlaw Motorcycle Vest. It’s designed for longevity and it’s going to look great for a long, long time. And, it’s backed with a lifetime guarantee. Get one for yourself and be ready to go as soon as the weather’s right!

December 4, 2014December 19, 2017

Uhl House Leather Latigo Standard Belt Review – $57

Belts are needed by everyone – young, old, short, tall, fat, or thin…we all benefit from them by making our own appearances much more pleasing to all of those around us. You know that feeling when you encounter that belt-less person…it’s just awkward. Belts are made and manufactured from just about every possible substance you can think of and come in a dizzying array of designs and styles. But, of course, we think there’s one superior type of belt around here and it’s belts made from 100% leather.

About Uhl House Leather

Uhl Leather is the progeny of Ross Uhl, an entrepreneurial gentleman who is currently based in Texas, but looking to migrate to Charleston, SC soon. Ross is dedicated to creating heirloom quality products and from what we can gather, is doing a darn good job at it.

Ross’ grandfather always said, “Invest in a fantastic belt, a good bed, and a damn nice car. Most of the time, you’ll be in one of them.” With that in mind, we delve into a review of Uhl House Leather’s Latigo Standard Belt.

Construction

Thick, heavy leather – this is what comprises the bulk of the Latigo Standard Belt from Uhl House Leather. Latigo leather is tanned with a hybrid of the mineral alum and plant-based tannins, with a very rugged yet flexible result that is often used in the manufacturing of equestrian equipment. It is also infused with waxes, creating a smooth feel and making it resistant to water and able to wear well in harsh conditions. In the case of creating belts for us humans, it’s an ideal choice.

The belt I received from Ross is a deep, dark, blood red color (Oxblood is a common reference for this color). The leather is sourced from Hermann Oak Leather Company in St. Louis, MO. The hardware (buckle and Chicago screws) are solid brass. And that comprises all of the materials used in the construction of this belt.

Function

It’s a belt…and, it has performed admirably to date. Whether you’re sporting a pair of raw denim jeans or your favorite khakis, this is the belt for the job. It’s a little thinner than most standard leather belts coming in at 1.25 inches, which is great and allows it to be used on a variety of lower body clothing items.

Aesthetic

The color is outstanding. And when you grab this belt, it feels like it’s been around for decades. It’s soft, supple, and flexible. This is not a stiff belt and requires zero break in to soften it up. Right out of the packaging you’ll be treated to a belt that looks and feels fantastic.

The brass hardware is sturdy and will age well with the belt. The Chicago screws give you the option to use the buckle of your choice. For those of you who have multiple buckles available for those fashion sensitive occasions, this will be very helpful and appreciated, I’m sure.

Conclusion

Here’s a little quote from Uhl House Leather’s website that I think sums up things very well: “Be proud of the few things you’ll use every day. Instead of buying a belt that will need to be replaced in six months, give quality a chance. In six months your belt will look six months better than the day you bought it.” This is exactly how I feel about the Uhl House Leather Latigo Standard Belt. It’s going to just keep getting better with age. $57 is an excellent price for the workmanship, quality of leather, and the longevity that you’ll experience with this belt.

December 3, 2014December 19, 2017

Waskerd Small Tote Bag Review – $195

Tote bags are like the SUVs of the leather bag world. You can haul just about anything imaginable in a tote – and they’re made in every conceivable size, color, and style.

About Waskerd

If you use the Search feature for Waskerd here on the BestLeather website, you’ll discover that we’ve reviewed quite a few different pieces for Derek Shaw, owner of Waskerd.

This is the second piece from Waskerd that I have received and, just like the Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet, the Small Tote Bag is an excellent example of high quality leather craftsmanship.

Construction

The Waskerd Small Tote Bag is made from the same material as Derek’s other products – full grain leather. It’s hand cut and 100% hand-stitched using a durable, heavy gauge, polyester thread. The stitching is perfect (no surprise there) and is reinforced at stress points. The handles are split shank and attached to the bag with stitching and rivets. The Waskerd Small Tote Bag is available in three different leather colors too.

Function

At 9″ tall x 8″ wide x 4.5″ deep, it’s a petite little bugger. It sat on the corner of my desk for some time while I tried to figure out how to best utilize it. And then, it happened. My wife took it and said, “I have the perfect job for this tote and I’m looking forward to using it.”

As a registered nurse who works in home health, my wife spends a lot of time in her car traveling to various patient’s homes all over Kootenai County. And, she has to carry a lot of things with her. One of her frustrations is having a place to keep her own every day carry items handy and easily accessible. A purse isn’t always a good option. So, now she has the Waskerd Small Tote Bag in her vehicle and keeps her wallet, phone, a few snacks, pens, and a few various items in it. And, she’s very pleased. She can quickly grab what she needs, when she needs it. And, when she’s ready to take off again, everything goes back into the tote.

One of the things she most appreciates about it is its stable design. It stays put and stands securely whether she places it on the floor or on the passenger seat. For her, it’s just the right size and serves a specific purpose perfectly. And, I suspect this is exactly why it was designed the way it is and at the size it is.

The only drawback she’s noted is that the handles are a bit too short. She’d like for the tote to have longer handles so that it would easily slip over her hand and wrists in order to carry it, at times, on her arm instead of only having to grip the handles.

Aesthetic

The Waskerd Small Tote Bag looks great. As mentioned earlier, it’s expertly made. The stitching is impeccable. And, with all Waskerd products, it features the signature stitched logo on the front bottom right corner in white thread to match the thread around the trim of the tote. The handles have a matching black thread and if you look closely, each end of the strap is anchored to the bag and stitched with the same Waskerd logo pattern.

It’s a simple model of a classic tote and sports one, single pocket. On the Waskerd site, it’s described as being perfect for commuters. I think it would also be an awesome lunch bag for anyone who enjoys packing their own lunch. And, you’d never have to worry about lunch sacks for the rest of your working career.

Conclusion

The Waskerd Small Tote Bag is an ingenious leather bag and definitely serves a niche purpose. Some may think that the $195 price tag is a bit much – considering you can find full size tote bags at the same price. But, it’s purpose built, expertly crafted, features incredible high quality components, made in the USA, and will last your entire life. When you take all of those things into consideration, the Waskerd Small Tote Bag qualifies as a BestLeather Buy It For Life piece.

December 2, 2014December 19, 2017

Rossi Boots 4002 Mulga Soft Toe Bushwalking Boot Review – $219 AUS

I’ve got a thing for boots. It should come as no surprise since this is the fourth pair of boots I’ve reviewed in the past couple of months. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Rossi Boots. This is the first Australia-based boot company BestLeather has featured. To date, I’ve been extremely pleased with the Rossi Boots 4002 Mulga Soft Toe Bushwalking Boot.

About Rossi Boots

Rossi Boots hails from Adelaide, Australia. Since 1910 they’ve been making boots. They have over 50 different boot styles.

“If there’s a bigger value than family at Rossi Boots, it’s our belief in uncompromising quality and value for money. No short cuts. It’s as simple as that. Only time-honoured, boot making craftsmanship combined with the finest materials will ensure each boot is built to work hard and play hard. And beyond expectations.”

After dialoguing with Jayne-Anne from Rossi Boots, we decided to review their Mulga Soft Toe Bushwalking Boots.

Construction

When I inquired of Jayne-Anne about the construction process for the Mulga Boots, this is what she said, “It’s a pretty simple boot without a lot of bells and whistles to speak of. Classic and honest with a focus on durability.”

The boots are constructed with what they refer to as a “claret” colored kip leather. Kip leather is 20% lighter and tighter grained than conventional steer hide. As a result it is more pliable, easier to break in, and still retains superior tensile strength. The eyelets are rust proof. The sole is rubber and features a classic hiker style tread. There is a steel shank embedded in the sole to provide rigidity and support.

The construction appears to be solid and the boots are well finished. The stitching is even and doubled up in many different areas on the boots.

Function

If you read any of the reviews on sites where the Mulga can be purchased, you’ll quickly come to the conclusion that it’s a well-loved boot. After wearing them for the first time it became quickly apparent to me that I would grow very fond of these boots.

Since receiving these boots, they have become my daily, go-to boots. I’ve worn them more than any other pair of boots I have currently. They are easy to put on and take off. They lace up quickly. They look great and feel fantastic on my feet.

Aesthetic

The reason I put claret in quotes earlier is because I’m not sure I agree with that color designation. Claret is usually thought of as a deep purplish-red color (similar to red wine). While I can see some hints of that, I’d rather keep it simple and just call it a nice, dark chocolate color. Whatever word you choose to describe the color, one thing is certain…I like the way they look.

Even though they aren’t a “standout” in fashion or design, they get commented upon frequently. Their classic design and slightly thinner profile in the toe box area simply combines to create a bit more of a unique appearance than other standard hiking style boots.

Conclusion

If you’re located in the US, like I am, and can get a pair of these boots, then do it. You won’t be disappointed. These are popular boots in many different countries around the world. And, they should be equally popular here in the US. They’re built well, feature a solid appearance, and are definitely a comfortable, daily wear boot.

Sizing is UK based – so please remember that and refer to the sizing chart should you plan to order a pair and are used to US footwear sizes. Currently I am unaware of a US-based online or brick and mortar retailer who carries the Mulga Boots for Rossi. While there are online companies selling other Rossi Boots here in the states, the Mulga is mysteriously absent. All of the online retailers I’ve found that sell the Mulga Boots are located within Australia. When ordering, you may find the boots for much lower prices than the retail price listed here in the review – but, be prepared for some hefty shipping charges too. So, do your homework and find the best deal possible. And, if you’re a US-based retailer and you’re looking to add a new brand to your arsenal…talk to Rossi and please, add the Mulga Boot to your site.

At $219 Australian (approx. $189 US), I consider the Rossi 4002 Mulga Soft Toe Bushwalking Boot to be a great buy. They’re unique, stylish, comfortable, and made from excellent materials by a solid, reputable Australian company. I look forward to reporting on these boots again in a few months to let you all know how they’re wearing.

December 1, 2014December 19, 2017

Satchel & Page Leather Bomber Jacket Review – $455

To reach “iconic status” is an amazing thing. Cars, guns, motorcycles, and some people certainly make the list. But, what about fashion items? The Swatch? No. Shoulder pads? Certainly not. Leggings from the 1980s? Nope, even though they’re trying to make a comeback. But there is one fashion standout that we can all agree on that has been elevated to iconic status and that is the leather bomber jacket.

About Satchel & Page

The inspiration for Satchel & Page stems from a WWII map case owned by Daniel’s grandfather. The fact that it’s over 70 years old and looks amazing made Daniel question why he couldn’t seem to find modern day pieces created with such dedication to longevity. Satchel & Page was formed and their designs are based on items created in the 1940s. They launched their business via Kickstarter with much success. Now, they’re looking to expand into making leather jackets and have returned to Kickstarter. And, not surprisingly, their campaign has resonated with many folks there and they’re more than fully funded.

A Brief History of the Leather Bomber Jacket

The Satchel & Page Leather Bomber Jacket appears to be inspired the classic G-1 Leather Flight Jacket. This jacket was brought to use by the U.S. Navy in the 1930s, and standardized by the Navy in 1940 as the M-422A. In 1943 this jacket, named by the Army Air Forces and the Navy as the ANJ-3 (Army Navy Jacket 3), replaced the iconic Army Air Forces A-2 jacket, hence the name of ANJ-3 (vs. A-2). Over time the designation settled upon was G-1. One of the most modern day versions of the G-1 can be seen in the movie “Top Gun” with good ol’ Maverick sporting it in multiple scenes.

Construction

My first impressions upon receiving the prototype Satchel & Page Bomber jacket elicited several concise, descriptors: iconic, classic, substantial, and extremely well made. Here’s a quick rundown on the components of this jacket:

Full grain, French calf leather, which is stronger than lamb, softer and more flexible than cow. It’s the ideal leather for this type of jacket.
The leather is chrome tanned and then re-tanned using a vegetable process. The chrome tanning keeps the leather soft and gives the jacket resistance against scratches and rain, and the veg re-tanning brings out the grain in the calf and enhances its aging characteristics.
Removable collar liner is made from Spanish shearling wool – you can feel the quality
Heavy duty YKK #10 zippers
Attractive tartan lining
Brass snaps and vent grommets

The jacket is expertly assembled and as mentioned, substantial. That weight is attributed to the high quality components – quality leather, thick shearling collar, nicely weighted liner, and heavy duty zipper.

*This is a prototype jacket and as such certain design elements and components of the jacket may change. According to Daniel at Satchel & Page, the mechanism of removing and attaching the shearling collar will be upgraded.

Function

As this is a prototype, I’ve only had a short window of opportunity to gauge the functionality of the jacket. And, it’s size is limiting for this particular task too (the prototype is a slim medium size). However, I’ve had 3 different (small, thin) guys who benefit from such a slim build try this jacket on and all 3 have asked if they could keep the jacket.

The initial reaction when you hand the jacket to them is just as I described earlier…all 3 of them said, “wow – this thing feels amazing”. Then, they put it on and each, in their own way, told me I was going to have a hard time getting it back from them. They all agreed that it feels fantastic and fit well. The pockets were easy to access (top snap pockets and slip in side pockets). The interior pocket is a nice touch for cell phones, wallets, or other small accessory storage.

Remember this too; even though the waistline and wrist cuffs are fabric, they too list last forever. Take a look at a vintage G-1 and you’ll see that those pieces wear just as long and hard as the rest of the jacket. So, fear not. Even if those pieces do wear out prematurely, a qualified seamstress or tailor can easily replace them.

Aesthetic

As expected, all 3 of the guys who put this jacket on were ready to go hop on a motorcycle or climb into the cockpit of their airplane, haha. Seriously though, the jacket elicits a certain attitude and projects a feeling, well…manliness. This is a good thing.

It definitely hearkens back to the days of what we consider the Greatest Generation. In those days, this jacket wasn’t necessarily a fashion statement – it was a functional piece of attire for pilots and flight crews. In today’s modern version, such as the Satchel & Page Bomber Jacket, it is a signature fashion piece. And…it looks oh so good!

Conclusion

The Satchel & Page Leather Bomber Jacket definitely qualifies as a great purchase. At the Kickstarter price of $455 for this jacket, it is a bargain in the quality leather jacket market. The Kickstarter campaign ends Tuesday, December 2nd at 7pm PST. In addition to this fantastic rendition of the classic G-1 bomber jacket, Satchel & Page is also offering three other fine looking jackets in their initial line up. Check ‘em out and get one for yourself. This is also the perfect time to order one for that special someone on your holiday shopping list.

November 26, 2014May 9, 2020

Holiday Shopping – Save Some Bucks on Quality Leather Gifts This Year

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are approaching quickly. Your mailbox and your inbox are most likely getting stuffed full of flashy ads, coupons, and invitations to buy, buy, buy.

In light of all the frenzy that surrounds the holiday shopping season, we’ve decided to keep it simple and focus on the good stuff – leather. I know, it’s shocking to hear that BestLeather would simply focus its attention on leather products during the most epic shopping season of the year.

Well, true to form, we’re here to help you shop and give well this year. Many of the following are companies that we’ve partnered with over the last year or so. A few on the list are companies that we hope to partner with in the not too distant future. But, nonetheless, this list showcases some fantastic leather products. And, all of these companies have some type of holiday shopping special going.

So, get ready to shop. Put the car keys on the table, turn the tea pot on, get your list out, and go to town…in cyberspace that is. It’s time to ditch the crowds, avoid the hassles, and keep your holiday cheer intact. Also, remember, many of these companies are small businesses. Celebrate small, local businesses by shopping with them on Small Business Saturday (November 29th). Your purchases go very far with them and are much appreciated. As we get wind of other specials, sales, or promotions we’ll add them to this article, so please check back again – thanks.

Without further adieu, here we go. We’ll keep adding to this list as we discover new promotions, sales, and specials. Click on the ad image for any company and it will take you directly to their website.

Origins Leather Company – The kind folks over at Origins are running a special just for our BestLeather readers. After you’ve loaded up your shopping cart with an assortment of their wares, enter the code “Best15” and they’ll knock 15% off your total. Bam!

Floto Imports – From now until Black Friday, you can save 25% off anything on their website by using the code “backinblack” when checking out. And…here’s an insider tip – once Black Friday hits and all the way through the end of Cyber Monday, the discount goes up to 30%! Turn up the AC/DC and rock out on those savings!!

The Speakeasy Leather Co – Speakeasy’s giving you a 20% savings on any of the fine leather products showcased on their website and if you use the promo code “best2014” you’ll save an additional 10%, for a total of 30% savings – nice, huh?! Get something from Joe…you’ll like it. If you order before 12/5 you’ll definitely get your products in time for your holiday celebration. And…look for an upcoming review for The Speakeasy Leather Co here very soon.

Johnston & Murphy – Johnston & Murphy carries lots of great leather products – gloves, shoes, jackets, briefcases, bags, and boots…check ’em out. They’ve got quite a variety of items on sale for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The StrapSmith – Rob at The StrapSmith is running his sale Thursday evening (11/27) through Cyber Monday (12/1).

Order one custom strap = 10% off
Order two custom straps = 15% off
Order three custom straps = 20% off
15% off sale straps – travel cases – laser engraved pens

Leather Built – Leather Built features products that are proudly made in the U.S.A. From now until Christmas, Leather Built is offering a 20% off of $50 or more savings code to BestLeather readers. Visit their site, fill up your shopping cart, and then enter “leatherbuilt” in the promo code slot and you’re all done!

Craft & Lore – Chad at Craft & Lore is offering a one day sale on his fine CXL Horween Port Wallets. Get ’em for 20% off regular price on Black Friday only (11/28).

The Intrepid Bag Company – Intrepid is offering their biggest sale ever for this coming Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Both the Journeyman Commuter and the Lillium Side Purse will be 20% off this weekend. For Black Friday & Cyber Monday we are offering 20% off both bags using this coupon code: ‘Intrepid20’.

Bold Lead Designs – Don’t forget about your canine family members this holiday season. Bold Lead Designs is offering FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING on orders that take place between November 28 to December 1, 2014. Also, they have great stocking stuffers and other products on sale.

Christensen – Everything in their store is 25% off. No coupon required…nice and easy, huh? Just order between Friday 11/28 – Monday 12/1 and you’ll automatically receive that great discount.

Shinola – Made in the USA. Leather, good leather…shop bags, wallets, travel accessories, and more. They make stuff that everyone on your list will love. Holiday incentives haven’t been announced just yet.

Love41 – The good folks at Love41 have some special holiday pricing and gift guides in place on their site. Check it out. Remember their mantra, “Where receiving is giving” and don’t forget that purchases here help to fund humanitarian efforts in Rwanda.

Allen Edmonds – Get great prices on exclusive styles right here through 12/1/14. And, they offer free shipping and returns on any of their great looking shoes or boots.

Saddleback Leather – They’ve got oodles of things that will more than satisfy the wants/needs of those on your gift list.

Libero Ferrero – Work, home, travel, and fashionable leather items are available from Libero Ferrero. Best of all, they’re made in the USA by their own highly skilled artisans. And now, they’re offering some holiday love by offering a 40% discount off of your purchase when you spend $350 or more!

Marlondo Leather – All of the fine leather goods created by Marlondo Leather featured on Amazon will be going on sale. Starting at 9pm tonight (11/26), you can save 10% off of any Marlondo Leather item on Amazon.

Friday & River – BestLeather is hoping to review an item or two soon from Friday & River. They have some great looking, well made leather items. Along with their leather items, they also have jewelry and knit goods available too. Get your order together now through December 1st and they’ll ship it for FREE.

Country Outfitter – They’re more than just cowboy boots and western apparel. They carry Frye, Red Wing, Ugg, and other well known brands. They haven’t tipped their hand on holiday specials just yet, other than to offer free shipping on their already competitive prices, but you know they’re going to do something cool and attractive.

Will Leather Goods – Save big on leather products from Will Leather Goods (up to 25%) through November 30th by clicking on the image below!

Quiver – Help keep your friends and family better organized this year. Order them a Quiver pen holder and an awesome journal. Order on Black Friday and you’ll receive 20% off of your order!

Buffalo Jackson Trading Co. – They’re making it easy…15% off of anything on their site. Their sale starts now. Just use the code “SALE15” when you’re ready to check out.

Renaissance Art – All made in the USA, Renaissance Art makes lots of great leather goodies. Right now they have their leather bags available with a 20% discount. Order one and you’ll receive a matching leather pouch for FREE. Coupon code is: BAGS2.

Ashland Leather Co. – This Chicago, IL based company is offering a tremendous savings on their Shell Cordovan Wallets in black and color #8. 30% savings when ordering…this is fantastic. To take advantage of this savings, use coupon code “THANKS4SHELL” during checkout.

Hidden Mountain Curriers – HMC is offering a 10% discount on all of their products from all of their websites. Use the code “BlackFriday14” during checkout to get your discount. They have some great designs and a wide variety of products:

Hammer & Hyde – Enjoy 30% off of anything on their website through December 2, 2014. Just use “TURKEY30” at checkout and enjoy!

Corter Leather – Corter Leather is featuring Grab Bags and a 25% site wide discount, which lasts all weekend. Just use the code: “GOBBLE”.

Mifland – Looking for a unique take on a backpack? Check out the Mifland Concept One. It’s regularly $498, but on Black Friday you can snag one of these beauties for just $329. Sale starts at Midnight on Thanksgiving Day. Ready, Set, Go!

Larsen & Ross – Sale starts at midnight tonight with savings of 15-20% storewide!

Broken Homme – Score some sweet boots from Broken Homme and save some dough! Save 20% with the discount code: BLACKFRIDAY. Code is good though midnight Sunday.

Noah Marion Quality Goods – Noah Marion’s showing some Black Friday love by offering 25% off of any order. Just use the coupon code “BLACKFRIDAY2014” and save!

Pinegrove Leather – Pinegrove has set up discounts on all of their products in honor of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Be sure to hit their website and get some amazing leather accessories for the musicians in your life.

Go Forth Goods – November 28 through December 1 Go Forth Goods is offering 20% off store wide. Just use code: BlackFriday and you’re savings will show up!

Odin Leather Goods – For 24 hours only, you can save 15% on your entire purchase on Odin’s website. Get your made in Texas leather ordered asap and save with coupon code: BLACKFRIDAY.

Bison Made – 25% is what you’ll save when you order from Bison Made. Just use coupon code: BLACKFRIDAY and enjoy giving your friends and family some fine leather goods that are made in the USA.

Oakstreet Bootmakers – Oakstreet just announced their Black Friday sale. Order a pair of their fine black boots and save 15%. If black isn’t your color, go with anything else and you’ll still save 10% – sweet!

November 24, 2014May 9, 2020

Dave Munson from Saddleback Leather on How to Tan Leather Correctly

Dave Munson from Saddleback Leather recently put out a new video on leather tanning and how to avoid purchasing bad leather. The 13 minute video is informative and sports the same “tongue in cheek” spirit of Saddleback’s “How to Knock Off a Bag” video. This new video shows how some people cut corners and use cheaper quality leather (while at the same time conveying Saddleback’s dedication to using high quality leather).

Be forewarned, it is a little gross in a few spots. But, it is truly informative and education. It contains some similar information to the video we discussed a couple of weeks ago from the United States Hide, Skin, and Leather Association.

Here’s some details from the video description itself:

“Education is the best defense against low quality and that’s why I want to show you how high quality leather is made. This is a behind the scenes, step by step, explanation of how the professionals tan leather, and how they tan it right. There are a lot of steps, that if not correctly followed, will produce low quality and even dangerous carcinogenic leather. Hope you enjoy. Note: the tannery just let me know that it is not accurate to infer that hot dogs are made from this meat, but rather dog type foods after a great refining process. And the fats are not used in the raw for a chaffing lubricant between the legs or for a healing balm. And, they mentioned that there are a number of reasons why Chromium III could turn into cancerous Chromium VI and that it is a culmination of things rather than just that process. This is very rare and not a concern.”

So, without further words on this page…”here’s Dave”! (Yes, that’s my lame attempt at referencing Ed McMahon’s intro to the old Johnny Carson Show and dangit, I just really made myself feel old there).

Now that you’ve watched the video, be sure to visit the Saddleback Leather Company website and check out all of the great leather products they have there. We’re sure you’ll find something you like there!

November 24, 2014December 19, 2017

Norman Cahn Leatherworks Field Notes Cover Review – $42.99

I’m definitely one of those guys who always needs to have pen and paper handy at all times. As a business owner, family man, and generally busy guy, I am frequently in need of writing things down for later use – whether it’s an idea, a task that needs to be done, or contact information for future follow up. Field Notes Notebooks or similar products are a great way to keep those notes, thoughts, and information contained in a somewhat organized fashion. The problem with most of these notebooks is they are made with a thin cardboard cover. They tear and wear out quickly. But, if you cradle them in thick, gorgeous leather, they will stay crisp and clean for much longer periods of time. And, the leather cover can be used over and over again.

About Norman Cahn Leatherworks

This is the second great piece I’ve reviewed for Norman Cahn Leatherworks (actually, it’s the 3rd product…but the first two products were both passport cases). As mentioned before, Norman Cahn is a self-taught leather artisan. He started designing and crafting leather products in 1976. And since that time, he’s refined his skills and continues to strive for perfection in his craft. His expert skills and dedication to creating high quality products is evident in every piece…large or small. We suggest that you visit Norm’s Etsy store in order to take a look at all of the fine leather products he creates: http://www.etsy.com/shop/NormCahnLeatherworks. This time around, we’re discussing the Norman Cahn Leatherworks Field Notes Cover.

Construction

In typical “Norm” fashion, construction of this cover is near perfect. It’s precision cut, perfectly sewn with a dark chocolate colored, bonded, nylon thread, and finished to an extremely high standard, which includes Norm’s signature waxed, polished, and finished edges.

Here are additional insights about the construction process straight from Norman:

“These covers are available in colors to match my vintage style messenger bags that are inspired by the US mailbags of old. I use Horween chromexcel leather because of its amazing feel, its characteristic rich pull-up and hand rubbed finish. It’s strong and durable while remaining soft to the touch. I love the fact that Horween leather is made in America, and uses tanning processes that are nearly 100 years old. There’s great synchronicity between my old world craftsmanship and Horween’s beautiful leathers. When ordering a cover, you also get the choice of either Ruled Paper or Graph Paper for your Free Field Notes Insert.”

Function

The cover is 6 1/8″ high x 4” wide folded and will hold a classic notebook (it will also easily hold a passport in the cover as well if that’s of interest to you). The left flap contains a nice size pocket that will easily store business cards, receipts, or other materials. The thick, heavy duty Chromexcel leather serves its purpose perfectly…protecting your notebook in style. I do wish there was a pen loop in the cover – however, I suspect that it would create additional unwanted bulk in the cover that probably negates any benefit it would afford. It folds over so nicely and maintains a thin profile – even with receipts, business cards, and a notebook loaded up in it. So, forget I said anything about a pen loop.

Aesthetic

It’s a simple design, yet it exudes a sense of class and sophistication. Its size allows you to slip it easily into a pocket – either in a coat or the rear pocket of your pants. The dark brown color and dark chocolate brown thread combine to imbue a rich, classy image. If you’ve got a favorite, good looking pen, this cover and your pen will create a stunning combination. I’m looking forward to seeing how this cover is going to age with use and time. I’m confident that it will just look better and better.

Conclusion

It’s Horween leather and it’s a Norman Cahn Leatherworks product. In saying that, you’re guaranteed that it’s made well and will outlast you while looking fantastic all the while. The Norman Cahn leather Works Field Notes Cover is a definite BestLeather Buy It For Life product. $42.99 is a fantastic price for a piece of this quality…and, it includes your first Field Notes Notebook at that price. You can also get a Horween Leather version of the cover for $50.99 in Norm’s Etsy store. The holidays are approaching quickly. This is a great gift idea…for yourself or anyone else on your list.