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Floto Imports Roma Duffle Review – $229

You don’t always need to spend oodles of cash in order to get something that is chock full of quality. Also, the old adage, “you get what you pay for” isn’t always completely true. Sometimes you can get an item that’s made well, made from great materials, backed with a great warranty, and comes from a reputable company at a great price.

The Floto Imports Roma Duffle is one of those items I’m referring to with the above statement.

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About Floto Imports

Floto Imports was established in 2003 and is based in Brooklyn, NY. All of their products are manufactured in Italy with the philosophy, “older is better”. According to the Floto website, “Our mission is to refine old world craft methods to produce pieces that are superior to mass-produced luggage. Top grade Italian calfskins and natural, vibrant fabrics come together to create timeless and iconic styles.”

The Roma Duffle is the second duffle we’ve reviewed for Floto Imports. You can read about the Parma Edition Duffle here.

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Construction

The Floto Imports Roma Duffle features Roma leather. Roma hides are purchased from a well-known tannery in Tuscany. After the hides are dried workers use sponges to stain them with darker dyes. They also spray the hides after the darker dyes are dried with a light clear coat that stops color transfer and provides some stain protection. The double stitched seams are attractive and even while the golden tan color nicely contrasts and compliments the darker color of the leather.

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The hardware used on this bag all features an antique brass finish. Joe noted that new versions of the Roma Duffle will be sporting a YKK zipper with the same finish in lieu of the current coil zipper on this particular duffle. The strap clasps, rivets, feet, and handle components all seem sturdy and well constructed. While this is certainly a more budget-minded duffle, quality is definitely not compromised.

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Function

The Roma Duffle has a slightly different profile than its sibling, the Parma Edition Duffle. The Roma Duffle is 13” high x 10” wide x 20” long. These dimensions still keep it well within standard carry-on luggage rules for most airlines. It weighs slightly less, at 4.2 pounds.

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This duffle is roomy and you should not have any difficulty packing it with a reasonable amount of clothing or gear. Again, as with the Parma Edition Duffle, it features gussets on each side and a full floor-to-floor zipper, creating a wide opening allowing you to load and unload it with ease.

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You’ll also notice the same eye-pleasing interior cloth and a nice, secure, well-sized zipper pocket on the inside wall of the bag.

Aesthetic

The saddle brown color of the Roma Duffle is very eye catching. It’s definitely darker than the Parma, but it too should age and patina well. It features the same type of strap as the Parma Duffle. And, it should be mentioned that you can easily upgrade to the thicker, heavier, and more adjustable Grande Strap in a matching color by ordering directly from Floto Imports’ website. The Roma Duffle carries well, packs well, and I look forward to using it for many adventures and travels with my wife.

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Conclusion

The Floto Imports Roma Duffle is a solid travel companion. It looks good, it’s well constructed, and it’s not going to kill your budget when you pull the trigger to purchase it. In fact, I believe the Roma Duffle is a great way to get started on the journey of purchasing quality leather products. At $229, the Roma Duffle is what I’d consider a “best buy” based on the quality of construction and Floto’s lifetime guarantee.

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Marked Leather Passport Holder Review – $65

Traveling internationally – whether by air, boat, rail, or automobile is always an exciting undertaking. And, it definitely requires some advance planning. Whenever I have an upcoming trip, I make a list of things that need to go with me and I ensure that everything has a place. When I travel out of the United States, I’m keenly aware of my passport’s location at all times. So, it makes sense to store it in a manner that protects it, yet keeps it handy too. And, if you can do it in a stylish manner too…well, that’s just icing on the cake.

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About Marked Leather

This is the second piece from Marked Leather that we’ve reviewed. Recently we published a review of the Marked Satchel (another great piece for travel…and you’ll see a picture of the Passport Holder with the Satchel there too). Marked Leather is based out of Minneapolis, MN. With an eye for attractive, fashion forward designs and a focus on using quality materials, Marked Leather is making a good name for itself in the leather industry.

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Construction

The Marked Leather Passport Holder doesn’t have any visible scars on it. However, its pebbled texture is soft, supple and floppy. Soft, floppy leather feels really good. The leather used is a thinner cowhide. Marked Leather previously used a heavier, thicker vegetable tanned leather for their passport holders. However, it was stiff and somewhat bulky. So, they switched over to thinner leather, reducing bulk, and offering a more flexible holder. The thread used is nylon. On my particular passport holder, the thread is an attractive medium blue color and creates a nice contrast with the dark brown leather.

Inside you’ll find a slip pocket for the passport on the right along with a nicely designed cardholder. On the left side is a pocket for other travel related paperwork.

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Function

I do like the thin profile of this passport holder. It’s flexible enough that I can keep my passport in the holder while maneuvering it to scan at a ticket kiosk. If you prefer, you can use the pocket on the inner left to secure the front cover of your passport – this too speeds up the maneuvering process in my opinion. It certainly does not add much bulk to your passport’s profile and allows you to slide your passport into a coat pocket or the pocket of a bag/backpack with ease.

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Aesthetic

The pebble grain texture of this medium brown leather looks fantastic. And, as already mentioned, it has a very supple feel to it. The thread seams are excellent. The Marked™ tag is tastefully placed on the inside just below the card slot. All in all, I really like the way the Marked Leather Passport Case looks with my passport in it. It generates a feeling of sophistication and a level of organization that I appreciate.

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Conclusion

The Marked Leather Passport Case is a winner. If you enjoy leather accessories and like to keep your personal items swathed in attractive, durable leather, then order one…you’ll be pleased.

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Noah Marion Quality Goods Dog Collar Review – $67

“Why are you the only one who gets to ride in style?” That is the question asked on the product page for the Noah Marion Quality Goods Dog Collar. And, that’s a darn good question. My answer left me feeling kind of guilty. Which is why I got in touch with Noah to get a collar for my German Shepherd, Sasha.

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About Noah Marion Quality Goods

Noah Marion launched his company back in 2006 in Austin, TX. He focuses heavily on untreated, undyed, and naturally vegetable tanned leather. But, in his flagship store you’ll find he brews up some tasty looking espresso and features lots of other really cool stuff. Take a minute (and twenty-two additional seconds) to watch this video of NMQG’s flagship store. In that short span of time you’ll be full of envy for some more NMQG leather, some vintage awesomeness, and perhaps a double shot of good espresso.

Construction

The Noah Marion Quality Goods Dog Collar starts with 10 ounce natural, vegetable tanned leather sourced from within the United States. It features hand hammered copper rivets and solid brass buckle, ring, and grommet. The edges of the collar are beveled and burnished.

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The collar also sports the NMQG logo and has Sasha stamped into it using nice, bold lettering. This collar can be had in other leather colors as well: black, chestnut, and dark brown. I think the natural color looks great and will develop an awesome patina.

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Function

This is a sturdy collar. Sasha requires a large size on Noah’s sizing chart. It fits perfectly and comfortably. It’s thick enough and heavy enough to provide the security needed when walking her on a leash. And, when not on a leash, its color looks fantastic against Sasha’s coat.

The grommet is a nice feature and something that’s missing from most collars. The grommet allows you to easily secure your dog’s tags (license, AKC tag, etc.).

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Aesthetic

As you know, vegetable tanned leather is a little stiff at first. But, with time and use, it softens up nicely along with developing a patina that makes it unique and all yours. Noah has created a very tasteful looking collar with the leather and components he’s chosen.

Even in the weeks since I’ve had the collar, photographed it, and allowed it to be worn consistently by Sasha, it has softened up nicely. It is slightly darker than when it arrived too. But, the follow up reports on this collar a few months from now is where you will see the biggest change in appearance. I’m looking forward to seeing how the patina develops and the collar darkens. I’m sure it will look even more awesome than it does now.

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Conclusion

In a world of ever-increasingly mass produced items, it’s refreshing to find another source of quality, handcrafted goods. It’s easy to just grab a run of the mill nylon, uninspiring collar for your dog at just about any big box store out there. But, if you’re looking for a great collar – made from high quality leather and other components that will compliment your dog’s appearance and serve you well for many, many years to come, then consider ordering your favorite canine companion a Noah Marion Quality Goods Dog Collar. It includes monogramming your dog’s name too (with a choice of monogram colors).

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Floto Imports Parma Edition Duffle Review – $549

Italy and leather go together…it always has been that way. Even today some of the best, most sought after leather fashion pieces, accessories, footwear, bags, and briefcases originate in Italy.

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About Floto Imports

Floto Imports was established in 2003 and is based in Brooklyn, NY. All of their products are manufactured in Italy with the philosophy, “older is better”. According to the Floto website, “Our mission is to refine old world craft methods to produce pieces that are superior to mass-produced luggage. Top grade Italian calfskins and natural, vibrant fabrics come together to create timeless and iconic styles.”

I had the privilege of discussing Floto Imports with Joe Floto and we decided to feature their most popular duffle, the Parma Edition Duffle. You will also be seeing a review of Floto Imports Roma Duffle in coming days.

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Construction

The Floto Imports Parma Edition Duffle features Floto’s Parma leather, which is tumbled in cognac dye for 24 hours and then dried for 30 days and receives no further tanning. The result is a soft, attractive leather that darkens as you use it, much like a baseball glove.

The duffle is 11″ h x 10″ w x 21″ long. It’s ideal for carry-on usage when flying and meets airline standards. The hardware (rivets, feet, handle components, and strap attachments are polished stainless steel. It sports a Riri stainless steel zipper, an adjustable 42” shoulder strap, thickly padded handles, and heavy-duty khaki colored stitching.

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Function

The Floto Imports Parma Edition Leather Duffle is an excellent quick excursion bag. In spite of using heavy leather, Riri zippers, and heavy duty hardware, the bag itself is only 4.5 pounds. It’s nimble, yet surprisingly roomy. As I’ve mentioned in other reviews my clothes are all large in size. During my first test trip to Northern California with this duffle, I was able to easily pack the following:

  • One pair of size 12 boots
  • Two pair of Levi’s
  • Two pair of shorts
  • Three polo shirts
  • Two button down dress shirts
  • One t-shirt
  • Four pairs of socks
  • Four pair of undies
  • An extra belt
  • TSA–sized toiletry bag

The duffle still easily had room for another pair of shorts or a couple more shirts if necessary. It was certainly not jammed packed at all.

The design of the bag and the way it zips open makes it very easy to load and unload. It stays open with ease, which is a nice feature in a duffle thanks to the gusseted design. The zipper feels excellent (it’s a Riri!) and the Floto branded zipper pulls fit well in your fingers and feel nice due to their weight.

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The thickly padded handles are really nice. Carrying this bag was not a chore at all. The shoulder strap is a little lacking given the superior construction and aesthetic of the bag. The strap itself is short – but that may be in part due to my stature. I was able to adjust it to the longest setting possible and comfortably shoulder the bag and cup my arm around it without issue. If the included shoulder strap creates problems for you, then consider upgrading to Floto’s Grande Strap, which looks to be much more robust.

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Aesthetic

The cognac color of the Parma leather is very easy on the eye. Add into that the thick, khaki-colored, contrasting thread, heavy-duty hardware, and Riri zipper and you’ve got a very luxurious looking combination. The interior fabric choice is great and lends itself to keeping the interior light, making it easy to locate items within the bag. The interior side zipper pocket is spacious and nice to have for storing delicate or small items.

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Joe mentioned that this is the bag he routinely carries with him on his trips to Europe. He’s carried the same Parma Duffle for five years now. Below is a picture of his bag in Paris after being treated with R.M. Williams Saddle Oil. You can see that the Parma Edition Duffle will definitely age well, darken, and develop a beautiful patina.

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Another important tidbit to remember stated by Joe is that Lexol and spray on type conditioners do not work well with Parma leather. He definitely recommends using R.M. Williams Saddle Oil or another similar product.

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Conclusion

Overall I’m very pleased with the performance and classy appearance of the Floto Imports Parma Edition Duffle. Its carry-on size, roomy interior, excellent leather, and high-grade components add up to making it a solid choice in the crowded leather luggage/travel bag market. The $549 purchase price shouldn’t scare you off at all as it is a long-term investment that will more than satisfy for your travel needs for decades to come.

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Norman Cahn Leatherworks Passport Case Review – $33.99 each

I honestly think that some of the nicest people in the world are somehow involved in the world of leather. It seems that statement is confirmed every time I get a chance to speak with someone within this industry. Norman Cahn is definitely one of those folks that I’m talking about. Every single conversation I’ve had with him has been a great experience.

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About Norman Cahn Leatherworks

Norman, “Norm”, started designing leather products in 1976. He’s self-taught and an amazing, perfectionist of a craftsman. Norm lives in New Jersey and operates his design studio there. His Etsy store is full of beautiful representations of his desire to create expertly made, beautiful, functional, long wearing leather goods. After some discussion on the phone, on Facebook, and via email, we settled upon reviewing two examples of Norman Cahn Leatherworks Passport Cases.

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Construction

As already stated, Norm is a very talented craftsman. Both of the passport cases I received are impeccable examples of expert leatherwork.

One case features 5oz. medium brown cowhide and champagne colored, bonded nylon thread. It features a brass stud closure. The other passport case is made from a more rustic, distressed, dark brown 5oz. cowhide, features the same solid brass stud closure, and the same type of thread in a darker, nicely contrasting color. The stitching is impeccable. The edges are polished and finished off perfectly.

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Function

These passport cases are amazing to look at and more amazing to feel and use. The stud closures are ideal…making it easy to get into and close securely.

As expected, a single passport slides in and out of each case easily. The thick leather will easily protect your passport, and your next passport, and your next passport…you get the idea (I hope).

I’ve used one (the rustic, distressed version) on a recent flight to California. Instead of just using my driver’s license for ID, I decided to use my passport and carry it in my new case (yes, I claimed the rustic version for myself). I used it and just as expected, it performed its purpose without issue.

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Aesthetic

Look at both of them…they’re gorgeous. Attention to detail in selection of components and the construction of both pieces is fantastic. Even while presenting my passport to the classically stoic TSA security officer, he remarked about the passport case…expressing his approval of it.

With living close to the Canadian border and having two international trips coming up in 2015 (Bolivia and hopefully, Rwanda) my wife and I look forward to every opportunity to carry our Norman Cahn Leatherworks Passport Cases.

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Conclusion

The Norman Cahn Leatherworks Passport Cases are an excellent purchase…for you and for anyone who may travel internationally. Skip the nylon cases or other mass-produced cases. At $33.99 each, you are getting handcrafted, made in the USA, leather cases that will assuredly last a lifetime and keep getting better looking as they age. Visit Norm’s Etsy store and check out all of the different varieties of Passport Cases he has to offer. In fact, Norm has a premium version of his passport cases available for just a few bucks more ($47.99 each). The premium version features the same beautiful design and construction, but also has two card slots built in that will easily and handily store your license, credit/debit card, business cards, earbuds, etc. And, be sure to look at the awesome bags, electronic cases, and other products he creates.

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Marked Leather Marked Satchel- $360

The majority of leather and leather production is focused on perfection. The goal is to harvest hides from animals with little imperfection, process them without damage, tan them without flaw, and create products with beautiful, pristine leather.

But, there’s an emerging, growing sector of the population that sees leather that is considered as imperfect as something to be appreciated. Marked Leather is at the forefront of producing high quality leather bags from scarred, marked leather and what they’re making looks fantastic.

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About

Marked Leather is based in Minneapolis, MN and owned /operated by Scott Loeser and Rhea O’Connor. Marked Leather is the result of both Scott and Rhea graduating from The Maker’s Coalition. Now, Marked Leather is a champion for this program.

After getting the chance to email and speak with Scott, we agreed to review Marked Leather‘s Marked Satchel.

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Construction

The Marked Satchel is a well-designed bag. It’s created from premium top grain leather. This particular bag’s leather came from Columbia, however future versions of Marked’s products will feature leather sourced from Thiele Tannery in Milwaukee, WI. The leather has a nice feel to it. One of BestLeather’s other reviewers referred to some leather he recently reviewed as “buttery soft”. Those words can aptly be applied to the leather of the Marked Satchel too.

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The satchel features antique brass hardware and heavy gauge, nylon thread in a chestnut color. It also has a cinch strap buckle system for securing the main flap of the bag. These straps, along with the adjustable shoulder strap are made from a thick, canvas-like material. The interior of the bag is lined with an attractive plaid material from Mill Creek.

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Function

As mentioned earlier, the Marked Satchel is a well-designed bag. It’s surprisingly large and will easily carry whatever you need for daily use. It’s also an excellent travel satchel and will definitely perform well as an overnight bag.

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It has several pockets and storage areas. On the back of the bag is a large, open pocket that’s perfect for slipping your newspaper or magazine into while traveling. Under the main flap you’ll find a large pocket that is secured with a large snap button. In thinking about travel…especially international travel, this is a great spot to store your passport. In the large, main compartment is a small zipper pocket in the rear that will store all of your small pieces with ease (think keys, flashlight, wallet, gum, etc.). The satchel will easily accommodate a 15” laptop and lots of other stuff. That main compartment is big. The shoulder strap is thick, wide, easily adjustable, and comfortable. It’s easily carried on your shoulder, can be adjusted to wear cross body, or just use the soft, comfy handle.

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One thing that took some time to adjust to…and I’m not still a big fan of, is the way the main flap has to be secured. It’s a little awkward and time consuming in order to fully secure the flap using the two cinch straps. Fortunately, the bag is easily carried whether or not you have the flap full secured.

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Aesthetic

I think this bag looks great. The color of the leather, a nice chocolate-brown is visually appealing. And, I’m one of those people who have developed an appreciation for leather with scars, brands, stretch marks, and blemishes. There are certainly those detractors who’ll let you know that “stretch marks weaken the leather” and my usual reply is, I’m not carrying tons of weight in this thing, so the tensile strength on this leather will more than suffice for the rest of my life.

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I do think the tide is changing on what’s acceptable in the leather marketplace. I’ve had lots of compliments on this bag – especially inquiries about the brand. People want to know about it. While some people anticipate having a bag with patina on it in time, this bag comes loaded with a story and yes, appeal. Whose brand is it? Where is it from? It creates questions and people enjoy it.

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The other great thing is…I will most likely never run into someone who has the same bag with the same brand in the same location. If you’re looking for unique…look no further.

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Conclusion

The Marked Leather Marked Satchel is a standout among others in the leather satchel market. It’s solidly constructed from quality materials and offers a unique, visually appealing style. At $360, it’s a good buy and will definitely serve you well for many, many years.

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United States Hide, Skin, and Leather Association

At BestLeather we’re always researching and attempting to learn more about leather, leather crafting, and everything associated with the industry. Recently we stumbled upon the website for the United States Hide, Skin, and Leather Association.

The USHSLA is an interesting entity combined of a variety of companies. The video below is a little long (about 15 minutes), but it’s full of interesting, relevant information. It contains a lot of great information about the entire process of creating high quality leather.

*Warning – there are a few clips in the video showing beef carcasses being processed. While we all understand where leather comes from, some may be uncomfortable viewing those clips.

It’s a helpful video to better understand just what is involved in the leather hides that you select from Horween, Wickett & Craig, Seidel, Hermann Oak, S.B. Foot, etc. It’s quite a process and an important part of the process that yields the beautiful leather bags, footwear, jackets, and other products that all of us find beneficial and enjoy.

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Sandast Debbie Pack – $730

There are certain products and companies that you encounter during your life that just exude quality in everything that they do. When you find one of these companies, it’s always pleasurable to work with them and use their products or services. Such has been my experience with Chris Pak and his company, Sandast.

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About Sandast

Sandast was founded in 2006 and re-launched in 2010 with Chris Pak at the helm. Chris’ focus in re-launching was on quality and his efforts have paid off. With a host of accessories, wallets, belts, and bags Sandast has created a luxurious line of sumptuous leather products that have received a lot of notice. Johnny Depp proudly carries a Sandast bag. One of the phrases you’ll see and read frequently on Sandast’s website is “modern vintage” – which quickly explains their efforts to create leather pieces that have a uniquely vintage look and a hint of modern taste.

After a great phone conversation with Chris about Sandast, we determined that it would be great to showcase the Sandast Debbie Pack.

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Construction

Here comes one of our favorite words here at BestLeather…Horween. However, the Horween component chosen by Sandast is only vegetable tanned leather. Sandast is dedicated to using only vegetable tanned leather, as it involves only natural ingredients and is not harmful to the environment. Once the craftsmen at Sandast receive the leather from Horween, they apply their own proprietary mix of oil, wax, and fats to the leather. As a result of their efforts, the leather takes on a texture and quality that is easily seen and felt as soon as you touch it. It’s soft, waterproof, and extremely durable. And…it’s gorgeous.

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In addition to using thick, uber quality leather, Sandast also uses heavy gauge buckles from France and an attractive, heavy-duty clasp that’s manufactured in Italy on the Debbie Pack. I’m not sure what type of thread is used on the pack, but the color and stitching create a nice contrast to rich, Cognac color of the Debbie Pack.

The two small pockets on the outside are quickly and easily secured with a magnetic latch system. This was a surprise to me. Prior to putting hands on the pack, I assumed these two pockets closed with the heavy gauge roller buckles that each sports. However, I was mistaken and they close with an incredibly strong, reliable magnetic closure system.

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The bag features a heavy gauge leather drawstring with thick brass end caps that runs through heavy antique looking grommets. The interior is lined with an attractive plaid fabric. The zippered interior pocket sports a Swiss made Riri Zipper. The Debbie Pack, along with all of Sandast’s products, are designed and created in their Los Angeles, CA facility.

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Function

The Sandast Debbie Pack elicits a playful and easy-going attitude. At 15” tall, 11” wide, and 6” thick it’s a great size for use every day – whether you sport it as a bag for school or work, it will perform well.

The main compartment is large enough to store a full day’s worth of gear. It will easily fit my 13” MacBook Air, my camera, extra lenses, and an assortment of other small wares in the two external pockets. And, it does it all while looking fantastic.

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The main flap’s quick, easy to use clasp closure works well. The leather tab just above the closure sports the Sandast logo – an image of Elias Howe’s world changing sewing machine that was patented in 1846 (and a machine that Sandast uses in the production of all of their pieces). The adjustable shoulder straps are thick enough to allow you to carry the pack all day without them digging into your shoulders. The thick handle is comfortable and allows for easy carry.

I do wish that a slightly larger version of this pack was available. Selfishly, it’s a little small for me. At 6’5” tall, the straps are a little short/tight. That’s the only negative thing I have to say about it…and that’s not really a flaw of the bag…I’m just a big guy. So, much to my wife’s benefit, she eagerly and happily “claimed” it. And, since then has carried it virtually every day. To date, it’s spent a weekend in Bend, Oregon and a few days up in Glacier National Park as well as joining her in trips to Spokane, WA and all around our hometown. Unfortunately, she was in Glacier without me. Next time, I’ll be sure to get some pictures of this gorgeous pack up on Going to the Sun Road or in front of one of the beautiful glacial fed lakes there.

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Aesthetic

As I said in the beginning, there are certain companies and products that just exude quality. Stop reading for a second and stare at any one of the images of the Debbie Pack. Chris from Sandast has succeeded in creating a product that oozes quality and immediately conveys a message of luxury. The modern vintage feel definitely comes through when you look at individual components of the pack and the pack in its entirety.

Everything with this bag is tastefully done. This is not a mass produced piece – but a backpack that has been assembled with a love for art, respect for the leather trade, and a desire to convey the modern vintage message. It hearkens back to an era of American industry when things were designed and constructed to last a lifetime.

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Conclusion

The Sandast Debbie Pack is definitely one of those pieces that squarely falls into BestLeather’s Buy It For Life category. It’s an outstanding representation of high-quality leather craftsmanship. And, it will truly last a lifetime. At $730, it is a fairly costly investment – but, rest assured, it will be the last backpack you will ever need to purchase.

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Bold Lead Designs Eight Way Lead & Martingale Collar – $56 & $39

The dog. Man’s best friend. There’s a lot of truth to that statement and it’s been well documented, proven true time and time again. Dogs add a component to our lives that is incredibly special. A dog’s dedication and willingness to please is amazing. So, how often do we go out and spoil them with purchases that make them look or feel good? In my case, it’s not often enough. I have two great dogs. Maggie, our family’s Golden Retriever is pushing 10 years of age now. She’s been a fantastic dog. We added Sasha, our German Shepherd dog, to the family about 3 years ago. She’s certainly livened things up around here for Maggie and us. Recently, I went on a little quest to find a great collar and leash combination that would work well on either of our dogs. The results of my search put me on the website of Bold Lead Designs.

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About Bold Lead Designs

Bold Lead Designs was created in 2008. Katrina Boldry, founder, owner and designer of BLD started the business after an unsuccessful search for a quality dog leash. One thing led to another and now her collars, leashes, and other items can be found in all 50 US states and 23 countries around the globe.

One thing that really stood out to us about BLD and Katrina is their dedication to the service dog industry. In the not so distant future we’ll be featuring an article about Katrina’s work within the service dog industry and how her company’s products are designed to improve the lives of those who live, work, and benefit from service dogs.

Construction

Katrina was kind enough to send us two of her most popular pieces: the Bold Lead Designs 8-way Lead™, which is a six foot versatile leash and the Bold Lead Designs Martingale Collar. Both pieces came in golden tan bridle leather.

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All of Bold Lead Designs’ pieces are crafted in their Aurora, Colorado workshop. Bold Lead Designs is dedicated to true craftsmanship using 100% US made materials.

Both pieces I have are vegetable tanned leather from Hermann Oak Leather Company of St. Louis, MO. The bridle leather is weighty and has a great feel to it. When it’s in your hands, it is very reminiscent of horse tack – bridles, reins, harnesses, and other pieces.

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The hardware is all sturdy and solid brass (some of their other designs feature chrome plated brass and solid stainless steel). You won’t find any stitching in their products. Instead, everything is assembled or secured with heavy duty Chicago screws, thick rings, lobster clasps, Conway buckles, or other heavy, solid fasteners. All of that to say, the 8-way lead and the martingale collar received are substantial pieces built from sturdy materials.

Function

The 8-way Lead is a dog walker’s dream. The ability to configure it in so many useful ways is great. My version of the lead is a size large (5/8” wide). It works great with either one of my dogs and is comfortable in my hands. With six feet of length, my dog is not constantly under my feet, but also not able to walk too far ahead. I can easily give Sasha or Maggie enough lead for them to “explore” while still maintaining control.

The Bold Lead Designs martingale collar is also a size large. Its size is ideal for walking either of my dogs. I do have it set on the longest possible setting (last hole of the collar). If either one of my dogs were males of their breed, I would most likely need to have chosen the XL version of the collar and then bumped up to the XL leash too.

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I like martingale collars for the control they give you when walking your dog. Just a slight tug is usually all that’s needed to offer correction or get your dog’s attention. I’m not a fan of choke or spike collars at all – so the martingale collar is a great training aid or every day walking collar in my opinion.

Both of my dogs quickly adapted to using the martingale collar without issue and I saw a marked reduction in pulling from Sasha, my German Shepherd when using this collar. She has become very content to walk in stride with me when this collar is used.

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Aesthetic

Both of these pieces look fantastic. The quality of the leather and hardware are very apparent. The attention to detail in the craftsmanship is also easily seen. The braid work on the 8-way Lead is fantastic. Both pieces look great on either of my dogs.

I don’t know if Sasha or Maggie can tell that they’re sporting two high quality, hand crafted leather pieces or not…but, it seems to me that they have a little pep in their step and their heads are held a little higher now when they’re donning this leash/collar combo.

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Conclusion

I’ve been on the hunt for a quality leash and collar combo for a long time. I’ve had this mental picture of what I wanted, but could never seem to find it until now. The Bold Lead Designs 8-Way Lead and Bold Lead Designs Martingale Collar team up together to create an ideal walking set for my dogs. Now, I just need to get another lead and collar so that I can walk both of them at the same time. Considering the fact that these pieces are handcrafted in the US from high caliber components, the pricing is extremely fair. Take a few minutes, visit Bold Lead Designs website, and get a couple of things for your canine companion.

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Waskerd Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet – $75

The Waskerd Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet arrived at my doorstep about mid-September. After opening up the attractive packaging and inspecting this fine looking, well-put-together wallet, it was quickly “claimed” by my oldest son. It’s a tough crowd here in my house when it comes to leather products. My crew sees a lot of leather come through and when they jump on something, it means it’s a good piece.

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About Waskerd

We’re not strangers to Derek Shaw and his Waskerd Leather creations. BestLeather has reviewed a couple of his wallets in the past: the Pinnell Money Clip Wallet and the Slim Strayer Wallet. Recently Derek relocated to Norfolk, VA from Philadelphia, PA and has continued his business there.

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Construction

As with Waskerd’s other wallets, the Madison is made from thick, full grain leather. And, it sports the heavy gauge, waxed polyester thread that has become a hallmark of Derek’s designs. The stitching is all done by hand and is impeccable. At common stress points, the stitching is reinforced. Derek also offers your choice of seven thread colors on all of his wallets. On this particular wallet, we chose black, which I think creates a clean, classy look for the wallet.

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Function

Prior to my son snatching this piece from me, I was able to load the wallet up to test its capacity. With two pockets on the inside and one external pocket, it can carry all of your wallet essentials with ease. I was able to easily keep two cards in the outside pocket (my license and debit card) and 3 cards in each of the internal pockets. If I had the luxury of having cash on hand, I would have easily been able to accommodate several bills as well.

True to its name, this wallet offers a very slim profile. My son often carries this wallet in his front pocket as well as letting it reside comfortably in a rear pocket on occasion.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been a fan of a wallet sitting on a countertop that looks all swelled up and overstuffed. The natural tendency of the Madison wallet’s design keeps it closed and maintains a natural profile – even when you have it at maximum capacity.

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Aesthetic

When you feast your eyes upon this slim little wallet, it becomes immediately apparent that it has been crafted with passion. It’s expertly cut, trimmed and sewn. Attention to detail is a priority and it is apparent from every angle when viewing this wallet.

When you pick it up, the feel and texture of the full grain leather adds tactile confirmation of Waskerd’s dedication to quality.

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This little wallet catches people’s eyes too. My son has received multiple comments on the look and design of the Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet. When cashiers or wait staff notice a wallet (they see dozens upon dozens of them everyday) and they comment on it – that speaks volumes about it.

Waskerd’s stitched logo is also nice, eye-catching component that gets commented upon frequently. The stitched logo is a nice touch and is certainly a unique hallmark for the brand.

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Conclusion

The Waskerd Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a wallet that can be carried in casual or semi-formal situations where you want the option of carrying it in a front or rear pocket. It’s solidly crafted, by hand, using top quality materials, and will endure for decades while maintaining a great look and feel. At $75, it’s a great purchase. Along with the Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet, Derek also has several other wallet designs. Be sure to check them all out on the Waskerd website.

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Koch Leather – Shipping Kickstarter Rewards While Maintaining Superior Quality

Koch Leather finished up a successful Kickstarter campaign back in the middle of August. Since that time, they’ve been working feverishly to hand craft and ship out the many assorted Kickstarter rewards. After reviewing two great Koch Leather pieces (their small Horween tote and a guitar strap) prior to their Kickstarter campaign, I decided to embark upon my own Kickstarter journey. I decided to back their campaign (my first Kickstarter campaign as a backer). I chose to back at the $50 level…wish it could have been more…but, oh well, which gave me the ability to receive one of their Field Notes Sleeves in Horween leather.

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Recently I received my reward piece and it is stunning. It is just like their other products – attention to detail is over the top, stitching is immaculate, and the Horween leather is fantastic. I am very pleased with my decision to back Koch Leather. I look forward to watching this company continue to grow, refine their skills, expand their product line, and flourish.

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The Koch Leather website is open and they are geared up to take orders. So, check ’em out and get a few things ordered…the holidays are approaching quickly!

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Portel’s Innovative, Adjustable Belt – $149 each

A belt is another one of those items that is consistently under-appreciated. It serves such a mundane function that it is often overlooked. People notice your shoes or boots. They notice your briefcase, messenger bag, or backpack. And, they’re quick to notice your choice of smartphone case too. But, how often does someone notice your belt? Chances are not very often. Whether you choose to wear a belt made of fabric or leather, it’s just there…doing its thing…serving its purpose, going unnoticed.

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So, when you find a belt that is truly a unique standout, you jump on it. And, it changes things (unless you always wear your shirts un-tucked). These two belts from Portel shed new light on belts. They’re unique and people notice.

About Portel

I originally took notice of Portel on Etsy. When I’m looking at Etsy-based companies, I tend to gauge them by longevity (how long their store has been open), number of admirers, and number of sales. All of Portel’s numbers show that they’re a solid brand producing items that people are enjoying. And, they have a solid, five star review status that seems to confirm their dedication to quality creations.

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Portel defines itself as a “retro-modern collection” of leather goods. Their products are designed for “those who love superior comfort, refinement, style, and individualism, without compromising strength and durability.”

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Portel is based in Tallinn, Estonia on the shores of the Baltic Sea. They started their workshop in 2009 and continue to produce goods with the core idea of elegant simplicity – “for those who like to walk their own way.”

Their business card contains the phrase, “300% Pure: 100% Handmade, 100% Natural, 100% Love”. This does a great job of encapsulating everything that makes up Portel.

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Construction

I received two belts from Portel: light brown buffalo leather and aged light brown leather. Both belts arrived at the same time in nice, compact packages. There are 3 pieces to each belt: a nice, aged-looking gunmetal gray roller buckle and two pieces for the belt.Portel-Belt-Review-2

Once you have one of these belts in your hands, you can feel the quality. There is an investment not only in materials, but in build time too. Portel uses Italian-sourced, vegetable tanned, high quality leather for all of its products. Each of these belts is 1.5” wide (they’re working on narrower widths right now) and adjust to 30” – 46” in length with their unique, attractive connection system. The edges of the belts are hand burnished. There is a lot of attention to detail on these belts. On the back of the belt, you’ll find four things stamped in it: the Portel logo, “Patent Pending” (not sure where they are filing for patent protection), the phrase “Handmade PortelBelt”, and “For those who like to walk their own way”.Portel-Belt-Review-3

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Function

It takes a few minutes to insert the buckle and size the belt appropriately. The unique snap together system is easy to use though and creates a stylish look. Once you have it sized, you’re ready to go.

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One thing that I did initially find to be a minor annoyance is that due to the raised snap/stud system, it takes a little more time to insert the belt through the belt loops on your pants or shorts. But, I also attribute this to a little bit of a learning curve. It’s not a smooth belt, so you have to take that into consideration when putting it on. After a few times of putting it on and taking it off, it no longer was a complicated, frustrating issue.

Each belt performs admirably. To date, I have not lost my pants or shorts, so success has been achieved! Seriously though, each belt functions just as it should.

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Aesthetic

The roller buckle is nice and the belt, stiff at first, softens up quickly with use. The leather on both of these belts looks and feels fantastic. The aged, light brown version has a nice rugged appearance while the buffalo leather’s texture and feel exudes a little bit more luxury. I’ve been wearing both versions of the belt for the past 8-9 weeks. It’s difficult to choose a favorite. I seem to use the light brown buffalo leather version for those times when I’m “dressing up more” (I’m a pretty casual guy, so dressing up might be nice jeans or khakis). The light brown cow leather belt is now my all around go to belt: shorts or jeans.

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Either one of these belts would be a great choice for casual or semi-casual use. Portel also features their belt in other colors too: black, red (looks more like a chestnut color), dark brown, and more. Visit their Etsy store to view their current, available colors in both aged leather and buffalo leather.

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Conclusion

At $149, the Portel Belt, whether in aged leather or buffalo leather, is a bit more expensive than many of the other belts we’ve reviewed on BestLeather. However, given their unique design along with the high quality components, and hand crafted detail work, they are a solid buy.

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Just like Portel says, “superior comfort, refinement, and individualism, without compromising on strength and durability”…these two belts will just get better with age and will last for many decades, which makes them well worth the initial price point.

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Tagsmith Leather Bifold Wallet – $54

At BestLeather, we see a great deal of wallets. Do we tire of seeing and using them? Well…no. It’s amazing how many variations of a wallet or billfold there are out there. They range from simple to exotic and everything in-between. I’m still on a quest to find “the one” that truly fits the bill for me. And, I’m getting close…really close. As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, I like simplicity. The Tagsmith Leather Bifold Wallet is an excellent example of simplicity in the crowded wallet market. Continue reading “Tagsmith Leather Bifold Wallet – $54”

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Pinegrove Leather Guitar Player’s Wallet – $67

Can you imagine life without music? What a boring, dull place it would be. Having the ability to create music by playing an instrument is even better. It’s fun to get together with friends and spend time creating and enjoying music. It can also get messy. You can unfortunately lose accessories quickly and easily. As a guitar player, I’ve lost countless picks, string winders, and even a few capos over the years. One of the reasons for this is simply because I never have a place to keep those items stored and organized.

I’ve finally found the solution to my woes…courtesy of another musician. Rod Boyes of Pinegrove Leather is doing just that – creating unique, useful pieces for musicians. Best of all, his creative medium is leather…really nice leather.

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About Pinegrove Leather Company

Pinegrove Leather, run by Rod Boyes and Lou Comerford Boyes, has a simple, straightforward mission – to bring people beautiful things to enjoy. Pinegrove is based in the beautiful Pennine town of Hebden Bridge, England, well known for its art and creativity. The company name comes from “The Pine Grove Blues”, a famous Cajun song that Rod used to play when with the Cajun Aces dance band from 1993 to 2003.

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Construction

Pinegrove selects each piece of the leather it uses in person from a UK warehouse. According to Rod, “we like leather that’s real and natural, though we sometimes offer brighter colors too. Some of the leather we use, like the “distressed” style, has been given its effect artificially, but otherwise it’s the real thing, made to last a lifetime. We do not use any wild animal skins or any products derived from non-sustainable sources.” Pinegrove is proud to acknowledge that they design and make everything right in the north of England.

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The leather used on the Pinegrove Leather Guitar Player’s Wallet has a great, waxy feel to it – sturdy, yet nice, soft, and pliable. The heavy duty stitching is uniform. The pick slots, pockets, straight seams, finished edges all speak to the attention to detail and time invested in creating this piece.

Function

The Pinegrove Leather Guitar Player’s Wallet is a cleverly designed, well thought out piece. You can tell that it was created and made by someone who has spent a lot of time with guitar in hand. The pick section of the pouch will hold up to 15 picks (3 per slot). The design lends itself to a “grab and play” method for selecting a pick. It also features two full size pockets on each side, each of which will easily hold a set of strings and a string winder or a capo. In fact, you can carry a set of strings, a string winder, and a capo all at the same time. The storage capacity of this wallet is impressive. You’re certainly not limited to just carrying guitar accessories in this wallet too. It will easily handle all of your cash and cards too. And, it will easily slip into your jeans pocket or a coat pocket.

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Aesthetic

Pinegrove Leather describes their style as “modern vintage with art nouveau, western, and 1950s jukebox influences mixed in as well. The Guitar Wallet I received is a very attractive piece featuring dark and light brown leather. The pick shaped inlay on the front of the wallet creates an attractive visual focal point on the front. As mentioned, the leather feels nice and will age really well. It’s certainly tough, sturdy, and well made – but still retains softness to it.

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It’s easy to stick in your pocket and go or stick it in your guitar case. Honestly, it’s a great choice because it consolidates so many pieces that are usually scattered about in your guitar case, pockets, or left behind from wherever you played last.

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Conclusion

The Pinegrove Leather Guitar Player’s Wallet is a great addition to anyone’s guitar gig bag or case. It’s a problem solver and organizer. At £39 (roughly $67 US), it’s a perfectly acceptable price point given the fact that it’s expertly crafted, features high quality components, and is backed by a lifetime guarantee. As a bonus, you’ll get a really nice, sturdy leather keyring too (thanks Rod). If you’re looking for a way to keep your guitar gear organized in a manner that looks really good (and will get noticed by your buddies) then we encourage you to check out the Pinegrove Leather Guitar Player’s Wallet. The guys at Pinegrove Leather certainly are not limited to creating leather pieces for guitar players. If you visit their site you’ll find pieces specifically designed for harmonica players, drummers, whistle players, and some excellent looking pieces created for travel (along with a really nice looking messenger style bag).

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Pinegrove Leather Vintage Style One Inch Guitar Strap – $77

A strap is a strap is a strap…right? Wrong, wrong, wrong. There are so many variations of guitar straps out there and they’re made from everything you can think of too. So, how do you wade through all of the boring, well-intentioned but poorly constructed straps and find a superior strap? You find one that’s built by musicians for musicians.

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About Pinegrove Leather

Pinegrove Leather, run by Rod Boyes and his wife, Lou Comerford Boyes, has a simple, straightforward mission – to bring people beautiful things to enjoy. Pinegrove is based in the beautiful Pennine town of Hebden Bridge, England, well known for its art and creativity. The company name comes from “The Pine Grove Blues”, a famous Cajun song that Rod used to play when with the Cajun Aces dance band from 1993 to 2003.

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In putting together this review and our other review for Pinegrove Leather’s Guitar Player Wallet, I was able to dialogue a little with Rod about his company and how they operate. So, you’ll find a little question/answer dialogue in a few sections within this review.

Tim at BL: What sets Pinegrove Leather apart? What makes you unique?

Rod: Pinegrove’s focus on music accessories is due to my own interest in making music. I am a singer, guitar player, and harmonica player. Over the past 25 years I have played bluegrass, Cajun, and Western swing in a variety of bands. My current band is called The 309s – named after the last song Johnny Cash ever wrote & recorded. We play a wide range of American music from the 1920s to the 50s, including Western swing, jump blues, honky-tonk, and some rockabilly too. We have recorded two albums, both of which can be heard at our website, www.the309s.com. The history of Pinegrove goes straight back to making music. I had been playing harmonica for a year or so and had built up a collection of blues harps, but had nowhere to put them. I raised the idea with my other half, Lou (an expert seamstress), who found some flimsy scrap leather in the bottom of her sewing box and made me the original roll-up case. Admiring comments from friends at sessions sparked the idea for Pinegrove, and here we are today with a complete range of harmonica cases. That old one has been retired for a while now, but I still use it for storing a set of hole punches in the workshop.

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Construction

I received the Pinegrove Leather Vintage Style One Inch Guitar Strap from Rod in light tan leather. This is one fine guitar strap. The “Vintage” name for it is well deserved as this would be an excellent strap to don on an old Rickenbacker, Gretsch, or Gibson hollow-body. I, however, have none of those, so it went on my trusty ol’ BC Rich acoustic (which I hear is becoming somewhat of a collector’s item itself).

The strap and shoulder pad are substantial pieces. And the hardware is heavy duty as well. I can’t imagine what it would take to wear out this strap. I do know this…whatever it would take would certainly jeopardize the integrity of your guitar. So, my advice is just take it easy and let this strap last forever while keeping your guitar in good shape.

Tim from BL: What type(s) of leather you use? Where do you get your leather?

Rod: As I like to be creative with different textures of leather, I use quite a wide range. These are mostly sourced from A&A Crack in Northampton, the traditional home of British shoemaking. Most of the leather is around 5oz (2mm), although our guitar straps use 9oz (4mm) buffalo hide. I use a mixture of top grain, full grain (for a natural grain effect) and nubuck cowhide. I sometimes use full grain pigskin for linings. Recently we have used capeskin glove leather from Pittards for making hatbands for an upmarket milliner. I buy all the leather myself and spend a long time checking it for quality in strength and finish.

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Tim at BL: How you perform your construction (machine, all by hand, combination of both)?

Rod: Most pieces are pressed out for perfect results every time. Our cutting “knives” are custom made to our designs and totally unique. Some hand cutting and punching is still required. Stitching is performed using a specialized walking-foot machine, which can take the heavy thread we use. Handling the machine requires a lot of skill as there is no automated control and mistakes cannot be covered up. One you’ve made a hole in a piece of leather it stays there! When you become a leather crafter you become obsessed about neat stitching, way beyond what most people would ever notice! Some pieces, such as our single harmonica pouch, are wet molded by hand. Edges are burnished by hand.

Tim at BL: Tell me about the type of thread and other components you use.

Rod: I use the best quality, synthetic, decay-proof thread from Coates. Our buckles and studs are solid brass, mostly English made by Abbey England’s foundry in Walsall.

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Function

The strap, due to its thickness, is a little stiff at first. However, once it’s in place on your strap pegs, it’s perfectly secure. As I took the strap on/off over the course of a few weeks, it has softened up and become much more pliable.

The 2.5” wide shoulder pad is fantastic and very comfortable. Adjusting the strap is something that takes a little time given the nature of the two Chicago style screws/posts that connect the strap together on each end. The screws are tucked away behind leather belt loop sheaths to protect the finish of your guitar, which is a great feature. The strap can be adjusted from 41” to 55” in length.

Aesthetic

The thick buffalo leather, along with the expertly sewn lines of the heavy gauge thread combine to create a very attractive strap. It also has a nice feel to it – while just carrying it and when wearing it. I’ve had multiple comments about this strap. Pinegrove also makes this strap in black and dark brown.

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Conclusion

The Pinegrove Leather Vintage Style One Inch Guitar Strap is a great choice. It’s ingeniously designed and expertly crafted in a way that will accentuate your guitar and keep it positioned just where you want and need it while playing. And it will last forever. If for some reason it doesn’t last forever, it has a lifetime guarantee behind it from Pinegrove Leather. At £44.50 ($77 US), it’s a great deal. And, as with all Pinegrove products, you will receive a handy guitar pick keyring too.

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Oak Street Bootmakers Black Dainite Trench Boots – $462

The trench boot, sometimes known as the “Pershing boot,” was a combat boot used in World War I by British, American, French, and Belgian forces, made for the cold mud of trench warfare.

The 1917 Trench Boot was an adaptation of the boots American manufacturers were selling to the French and Belgian armies at the beginning of World War I. In American service, it replaced the Russet Marching Shoe. The boot was made of tanned cowhide with a half middle sole covered by a full sole, studded with five rows of hobnails. Iron plates were fixed to the heel. It was a great improvement, however it lacked waterproofing, leading to trench foot.

WWI-Soldier-with-Trench-Boots-Resized In January 1918 the Chief Quartermaster for the U.S. Army met with a board of officers at American Expeditionary Force Headquarters to make recommendations in order to improve the footwear of soldiers. The findings of the board were sent to General John Pershing, who approved the proposed changes. Shortly following, the improved 1918 Trench Boot, also called the “Pershing Boot,” was first issued to personnel. It used heavier leather in its construction, and had several minor changes from the 1917 Boot, including a thicker sole and improved waterproofing. – Adapted from Wikipedia

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About Oak Street Bootmakers

George Vlagos, founder and designer for Oak Street Bootmakers is the son of a cobbler. By an early age he was apprenticing in his own father’s shop where he learned the craft of shoemaking. Now George passionately seeks to preserve the heritage of fine shoemaking through exquisitely designed, expertly crafted shoes. Their website mantras are “Handcrafted in America – Designed for Longevity”.

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Construction

Oak Street makes a wide variety of attractive shoes and boots. In my initial discussions with George, we decided to review the Oak Street Bootmakers Black Dainite Trench Boot. This is one well-built boot! It features:

  • Black Horween Chromexcel Leather
  • True Goodyear Welt Construction
  • Dainite Soles
  • Stacked Leather Heel with Dainite Toplift
  • Calfskin Vamp Lining
  • Full Leather Laces

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These boots are fully re-craftable and they’re made in the USA. If you’re a regular here at BestLeather, you already know our thoughts on Horween’s Chromexcel Leather. It’s highly durable and an excellent choice for a boot given its high sheen. This is the first pair of boots or shoes that I’ve worn with Dainite soles or heels.

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Here’s a little snippet from Oak Street’s website about their construction: “Built on our Elston Last – a unique last providing exceptional fit and shape. Developed to embody the character of Chicago, the Elston last is engineered specifically for the trench boot providing the comfort yet durability demanded of the every-man.”

Function

There is a bit of a break-in period with a boot constructed with a Goodyear welt and so much leather. So, be sure to plan on wearing these for short periods of time the first few outings you don them on your feet. After a few dates with my wife, church visits, and excursions to client offices, I had these boots right where I wanted them. Now, I can wear them all day without issue. In fact, they are now very, very comfortable.

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Another thing to note about the Trench Boot – they have eyelets all the way up. This means that you will need to lace and unlace them each time you take them on or off. It’s a little time consuming, so just plan ahead. I also found that since these boots do not have a heel loop, it’s easier to slip them on using a shoehorn.

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Oak Street’s boots seem to run true to size as the fit was spot on for me (I generally wear a size 12 and the boots I received in size 12 fit perfectly). The sole and heel are comfortable and provide excellent traction. After reading a little about the Dainite sole and heel, I took a bit more notice of the fact that they truly don’t pick up dirt or rocks, yet still maintain good contact feel, and are non-marking.

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Aesthetic

Have you seen the pictures? (Oh that’s right, you only come here to read the words.) These boots are stunning and look fabulous. This is going to sound like I’m describing a sports car, but here goes: The Oak Street Bootmakers Black Dainite Trench Boots feature clean lines, smooth finishes, carefully crafted curves, and an excellent combination of materials.

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The contrast of the deep black Horween leather and brown color of the sole’s components combine to create a very appealing look. Someone inevitably comments on these boots every time I wear them. Every. Single. Time. I’m sure that the other versions of their Trench Boot will garner the same attention. However, I’m partial to this black pair – I think they’re fantastic.

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Conclusion

The Oak Street Bootmakers Black Dainite Trench Boots should be considered a Buy It For Life item. Initially that $462 price may sting a bit, but only a bit….because you’ll quickly find that these handcrafted boots are well worth every penny and will truly give you a lifetime of comfort and style. The Oak Street Bootmakers Black Dainite Trench Boot pays tribute to a time tested design that has been around for almost a century and is sure to remain popular for many decades to come.

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Saddleback Leather Bucket Backpack & Umuragi Legacy Bag Giveaway – Ends Oct 30th

****The first winner has been selected. Congratulations to Jonathan P! Jonathan P has chosen to receive the Bucket Backpack. Our second winner, Nancy B. will receive the Umuragi Legacy Bag. Congratulations to both of our winners! Thanks to everyone who entered! And, stop by the site frequently…we have another giveaway coming soon!****

Saddleback Leather is partnering with BestLeather to give away not just one, but two of their new products – a Classic Bucket Backpack and an Umuragi Legacy Bag. Both of these are amazing pieces and are sure to be best sellers. And, with all of Saddleback’s expertly crafted leather products, they will most likely outlast you – so, be sure to plan ahead as to who will inherit your new Saddleback gear.

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We will be choosing two winners – whoever is chosen first will get their pick of which piece they want to receive while the second winner will receive the other piece by default.

Please continue to read below and learn more about these great pieces being offered by Saddleback Leather for you to win. They are also offering 35% off on select items.

Here’s the scoop on the Classic Bucket Backpack:

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  • Simple and strong design for our lightest backpack yet
  • Leather drawstring closure for a quick in and out
  • Back panel reinforced with pigskin lining for added strength where needed
  • Removable top handle can be used for over arm carry
  • Interior unlined tablet pocket & lined cell phone pocket keeps things organized
  • Drawstring color may not match your Bucket Backpack color
  • No breakable parts, e.g. zippers, snaps, buttons, etc.
  • Because of natural oils shade of leather may vary
  • Dimensions (approximate size):
    • Exterior: 16″H x 10 ½”W x 8 ½”D
    • Interior: 15″ H x 10″ W x 8″ D
  • Empty Weight: 3.4 pounds
  • Is available in Carbon, Chestnut, Dark Coffee Brown, and Tobacco

The Umuragi Legacy Bag

This is a purse designed by Suzette Munson. Instead of carrying the Saddleback Leather brand, it proudly displays the Love41 moniker. You may not be fully aware of Love41 and its commendable mission. So, we encourage you to visit the Love41 website and learn about how this company is making a positive impact in Rwanda, Africa and beyond. Here are the details about the Umuragi Legacy Bag:

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  • Love 41’s most durable purse
  • Unique no-stitching, riveted construction
  • Umuragi means legacy in Kinyarwandan (the language of Rwanda), befitting a bag you can hand down to future generations
  • Two small interior pockets for keys, cell phone, and other accessories
  • Fully adjustable shoulder strap and turn-lock closure
  • Antiqued brass hardware
  • Made with thick, vegetable tanned full grain leather
  • Love 41 products are covered by a 41 year warranty
  • A portion of the proceeds from this item will be donated to Africa New Life Ministries
  • Dimensions (approximate size):
    • Adjustable strap length: 37 ¼” – 52 ¾”
    • Exterior: 13“ W x 7 ½“ H x 4” D
    • Interior: 12 ½“ W x 7 ½“ H x 2 ¼” D
  • Empty Weight: 3 pounds
  • Is available in two colors: Carbon Black or Tobacco Brown

Saddleback-Leather-Giveaway-10-2014-1 With Holiday shopping already beginning to ramp up, this contest’s timing is excellent. The contest will run for 21 days, starting today, October 9, 2014 and ending on Thursday, October 30, 2014.

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Please be sure to follow all of the steps to ensure that you are entered to win. Enjoy! We look forward to seeing who wins. And, please be sure to comment below and let us know what your plans are for these products should you win one.

What do you think?

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Mr. Lentz Traditional Minimal Leather Wallet Review – $64

“Under Pressure” – The classic Queen song should be the theme song for all wallets. Think about it. A wallet spends 98% of its time in your back pocket, squished by your butt…under pressure. So, with all of that pressure its under, you better be sure it’s a well built wallet. Let me introduce you to the Minimal Leather Wallet from Mr. Lentz. Continue reading “Mr. Lentz Traditional Minimal Leather Wallet Review – $64”

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Marlondo Leather Single Space Briefcase Review – $380

Marlondo Leather is back in action after a surprising hiatus. Some of you may already know that as a result of our review of his smartphone wallet back in August. This time around we’re reviewing one of Ma’s classic briefcases – the 15” Single Space Briefcase.

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About Marlondo Leather

Ma Londo, founder of Marlondo Leather, made quite a splash when he entered into the leather bag world. He quickly garnered some good press, rave reviews of his creations and then, he was nowhere to be found. Fortunately, he is back and appears to be going strong with an updated website full of wonderful leathery goodness.

In non-typical form, Marlondo’s products are made in China…but with leather that is purchased and imported from the United States. In Ma’s own words, “Our bags are made to be used without worry. There are no cheap, breakable parts, no big, ugly logos, just products that will be loyal to you your whole life.”

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Construction

I know it’s cliché to say, “it’s built like a tank” – but, the Marlondo Leather 16” Single Space Briefcase is built like a tank. Really. It ranks right up there with Saddleback and Thrux Lawrence as far as being über heavy duty in its construction. Thick, 100% full grain leather, heavy duty stitching, pigskin lining, solid brass nickel-plated heavy-duty hardware, and rivets…everywhere (40+ of those lil buggers).

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For those of you who are, well…more “seasoned” in life (ahem, older) you might remember the American Tourister commercials with the suitcase being thrown around by a gorilla. Remember how it attempted to beat the snot out of it to no avail? I imagine this briefcase could easily withstand that same type of abuse. It’s solid, it’s heavy, it’s thick, and seemingly will last eons.

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Function

As its name alludes, this briefcase only contains one main pocket in it. It’s spacious though and will easily transport a 15” laptop and any accessories you wish to carry. It does have one internal slot (a MacBook Air, iPad, or other thin device can slip into it easily), and on the side it features a couple of penholders and a key strap. Outside, it features a magazine/newspaper slot on the back, an open pocket on one side that’s suitable for a water bottle, while the other side has a pocket that is secured via a buckle and belt set up.

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The other nice feature of this bag is that it has attachment d-rings all over it. There are plenty of aftermarket straps and accessories that will easily clip on to this bag allowing you to add on and customize it to your liking. And, you can reconfigure the hefty shoulder strap so that the bag may be carried as a backpack. The strap does include two soft, cushy strap pads making this an even more appealing method of carrying the bag.

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Aesthetic

Aesthetically, it’s very pleasing. The nice dark brown leather is already aging well at this point and is garnering a nice patina. Currently my middle son is carrying this bag in college over in Montana. So, it is seeing daily usage. He has grown very fond of the bag and says it gets lots of compliments from friends, other students, and professors alike. Personally, I think the Marlondo Leather 16” Single Space Briefcase is an ideal every day carry bag. It sports enough capacity to carry whatever is needed and it does so in style. It doesn’t feature a unique design – but personifies the classic leather briefcase style really well.

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In addition to the comfortable shoulder strap pads, it also features a thickly-padded handle. One thing to note – with a classic briefcase in this style (from virtually any leather company), you must completely close the main compartment’s flap via both buckles if you wish to carry the bag by the handle. It’s not a big deal – just something that needs to be pointed out about the basic functionality of this classically styled briefcase. If you prefer to keep the straps unsecured, you just need to plan on carrying it by the shoulder strap only.

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Conclusion

Marlondo Leather’s 16” Single Space Briefcase is a solid performer. It truly is built like a tank and will take virtually any abuse you can shell out while still maintaining great looks. It’s fairly priced at $380 given its time-tested design and use of high quality materials. This briefcase is also available in a 14” version should you desire a slightly smaller version. Marlondo Leather looks to be back for good this time, so purchase with confidence and enjoy your leather.