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Mack Provisions Vintage Baseball Glove Minimalist Wallet Review – $70

If there’s one item we see the most at BestLeather, it’s wallets. For the most part, they’re all made of excellent materials and feature quality craftsmanship, so much so, that reviewing them for me has almost become a jaded experience. However when I came across Mack Provisions Vintage Baseball Glove Minimalist Wallet, I got that giddy wallet fever and had to check it out.

Construction

The intriguing aspect of these wallets is that they’re made from vintage baseball gloves. The brands used can differ, and each wallet is unique.

The Barbour thread really does a great job blending in. Notice how it closely resembles the original thread on the Rawlings patch.

The years typically range from the 1940s-1960s. A very cool requirement is that the original gloves have to have been originally made in the US.  The thread used is American made Yellow Barbour’s 6 cord linen thread. The edges are beveled and hand-burnished with beeswax. The wallet consists of a single card compartment and money strap on back. Measures 4”x3”. If you love the timeless charm of vintage baseball as much as you do the thrill of the game, why not take your passion to the next level? Whether you’re fine-tuning your swing or stepping up your pitching practice, you can get it now at Anytime Baseball Supply and explore a range of pitching machines designed to boost your performance.

Function

This is definitely a minimalist wallet.  The single card compartment doesn’t offer much organization but it does challenge you to trim your carry. Most of my loyalty and membership cards are digitally stored on my phone, which allows me a light wallet. This is great for my ID, credit card and other essentials.

The money strap works as long as you have enough cash to keep it snug. I’m personally using a paper clip to keep the cash in one wad then securing it inside the strap which allows for easier retrieval.  The slim design is great for front pocket carry.

Cash retrieval can be quite difficult. so I accelerated the break in by stretching the strap with some playing cards.

Aesthetic

In my humble opinion, this is hands down the coolest wallet I’ve reviewed for BestLeather. The style harkens back to golden age Americana. The wallet is cleverly built around key focal points from its previous life as a baseball glove.

This wallet just exudes nostalgia and reminds me of simpler times, so definitely fun to carry some of that magic on a daily basis.

The Rawlins patch off center really catches the eye and the “oil treated” stamp on the money strap is a great touch. I will admit this wallet doesn’t have that great leather aroma I always look forward to, it smells like…well it smells like a 50 year old baseball glove. The character of this wallet is definitely there and so is the spirit.

Conclusion

I haven’t had this much fun reviewing a wallet in awhile. Mack Provisions Vintage Baseball Glove Minimalist Wallet is an aesthetic treat. While the simplicity takes a  functionality hit, a little honing of your wallet essentials can make it work. At $70 bucks, it’s pricey given the leather, but the spirit of the piece definitely trumps most wallets.

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ColsenKeane No. 217 Utility Bag- $475

Carrying things from A to B is one of the most basic functions we do as humans. Everything from suitcases, shopping carts, cars, trucks, planes, and boats are designed just to move stuff around. For most people’s daily needs there are plenty of options, with many electing to use something as simple as a plastic supermarket bag. If you’re seeking an item with a lot more flair, there is the No. 217 Utility Bag from ColsenKeane Leather.

I have to be honest and say that this is the first bag I’m reviewing on BestLeather, which makes me somewhat of a novice. With that said, I hope my article does ColsenKeane and this bag much-deserved justice. The company, based in North Carolina, has been creating top-notch leather goods since 2010. Most people that saw me wearing the 217 for the first time complimented it right away, a testament to the team’s design skills and craftsmanship. Let’s get into it.

The Utility Bag leather has a gorgeous color and design, which makes each piece unique

CONSTRUCTION

When I got the bag, I was immediately drawn to the full-grain leather. That may sound cliche on this blog, but I think this stuff is pretty exceptional. The Utility Bag that I asked for was made out of a veg tanned hide in a unique style called Havana Brown. The color has an absolutely beautiful brown sheen that catches your eyes immediately. The highs and lows that run along the finish are stunning and give it real character. Looking at the pictures that I took, I would say they make the color pop a bit more than in real life, but not by much. The bag comes in a couple of other styles, but you definitely can’t go wrong with this one.

The hides are very thick, adding to the weight of the piece. I wouldn’t call the Utility Bag heavy, but it’s noticeable when sitting on your shoulder. I tend to prefer things that feel durable, so I consider this a plus.

Taking a look at the design shows you just how much ColsenKeane knows what they’re doing. The entire case is made with just five cuts of leather: 1 large piece that forms the shape of bag, the 2 side panels stitched to the main piece, and 2 belts woven along the surface of the bag. Limiting the amount of stitching and separate pieces minimizes the weak points in the bag, which adds to the integrity and strength of the product.

Colsen Keane has been making leather goods since 2010 in North Carolina

The rest of the details shouldn’t be overlooked either. The hardware on the bag- the buckles, rings, rivets- look and feel great, perfectly complimenting the colors of the leather. The handle and shoulder strap are made in the same Havana Brown, completing the Utility Bag’s look. From beginning to end, every aspect was designed with precision and forethought. The leather, stitching, colors, and handles all come together to make one fantastic product.

FUNCTION

Given its size (13″ x 7.5″ x 7″ ), I found the Utility Bag most useful when taking a few things to work everyday. My lunch, headphones, water, sunglasses, and some small knickknacks all fit well, with some extra space if I ever needed it. I was also able to use it as an overnight bag on occasion without issue.

My brother is a photographer, so I lent him the 217 to use as a camera bag for a bit. He was able to fit his camera, a couple of lenses, and some other gear in the Utility Bag without hassle. I saw him carrying it around a couple times, and I think it made him look like a real professional. If you’ve been thinking about getting a case/bag that will complement your DSLR, this one should definitely be considered.

The bag can be a great option for photographers seeking a standout carrying case

For what I needed, the Utility Bag was a good fit. I will say that if you’re looking to get it, make sure it’s the right size for you. It’s not really big enough to just toss your average laptop in, and stuffing a few days worth of clothing may be tough. If you want something that can be used a bit more freely, you should take a closer look at ColsenKeane’s duffle bags. They come in the same colors and have a similar design, so most of what I’m saying here will apply to those bags as well.

CONCLUSION

I know a lot of folks (especially guys) are looking for something to carry a few things around everyday. If you’re anything like me, you want the luxury of having extra space just in case. You might be looking for a bag that you can fit your camera and a few accessories, or to carry some lunch and gear to work. Whatever your needs are exactly, the Utility Bag from ColsenKeane is a handsome multipurpose bag made with incredible quality.

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Kodiak Leather – Classic Weekender Duffel Kickstarter Announcement

Kodiak Leather was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah and is a maker of some of the best bags and duffels on the market. Not to mention that they all come for a reasonable price.

Kodiak Leather has recently launched a new Kickstarter campaign for their Classic Weekender Duffel that’s made out of 100% full grain buffalo leather. This is an amazing looking duffel and is a project that we are excited about and more than happy to share with our readers.

Below you can see some of the main features of this bag:

  • 100% full grain buffalo leather
  • Large interior compartment, measures 21″ x 11″ x 11″
  • Detachable and adjustable  100% full leather strap with leather pad for comfort
  • Tough leather carry handle on one end
  • Sturdy brown nylon interior lining
  • 2 exterior pockets with easy access buckle straps with magnetic closure (same as buffalo leather satchel)
  • 1 exterior zipper pocket on front; perfect for carrying phone or other smaller items
  • Separate shoe compartment on bottom of bag; access through zipper on side of duffel
  • Interior zippered pocket; perfect size for an ipad or books
  • Full leather attachment to interior side panel for credit cards, phone, and other items
  • Leather pen holder stitched to inside of bag
  • 5 solid brass feet to protect bottom of bag and keep from touching the ground
  • Sturdy YKK zippers
  • Heavy duty brown nylon interior lining
  • Exterior measurement 23.5″ x 12″ x 12″

There is a lot more info about this duffel on their Kickstarter page that you can check out. If you are looking for a top notch bag at a great price then donating to this Kickstarter is a great idea. Below are some more pictures:

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Koch Leather Custom Tote Review

Joshua and Jen Koch have been booming with new designs in their store lately. We’ve reviewed a few of their products before but never a custom one. Outside of BestLeather, I consider Koch Leather to be one of my go-to companies to contact when I want a custom piece made. One of the most recent products is this custom tote with a masculine edge to it. Josh and I spoke via emails to come up with a tote that had some risky modifications: side straps to cinch the bag, a drop-down key leash, d-rings for shoulder straps and a stitched bottom 1/4th of the way up. After carrying it over the last few months every day, I figured it would be a great showcase for review.

Koch Leather Custom Tote, breaking in nicely but still able to stand on its own due to reinforced bottom.

Construction

One thing I can always count on Koch (pronounced “coke”) leather for is quality leather and materials choice. This bag is fully made of Horween Chromexcel with plenty of pull-up and pretty decent resistance to scratches. The hardware used is mostly stainless steel, with a few hammered copper rivets that add a nice touch. For the side cinch straps, a stud closure is used as well as an optional stud closure at the top of the tote, which would help secure the contents.

I didn’t purchase a shoulder strap with this tote design, but could easily pick one up in matching leather from Koch leather, or use any of my straps from other bags. Exterior D rings accompany the sides of the bag, as well as the extended key latch inside the bag. A standard pouch that seems customary to all Koch totes was also included inside.

Detachable key strap also nicely finished with a logo and copper rivet.

Function

The tote has been a great secondary every day carry option for me. I believe that the design and function of a tote-style bag is underappreciated amongst men, and certainly underrated in terms of quick, no zipper/closure access to your goods. Typicallyy, I carry my DSLR camera, a small pouch with extra memory cards and batteries, and a light jacket. There is still plenty of room for a water bottle, wallet, keys etc. I mainly chose the tote design because I didn’t want to have to unbutton or unzip any closures to access my camera. There is that optional stud closure up top, but I find myself rarely using it, in fact tucking it behind the inside pocket often.

It is very useful however, on rainy days. I have also carried a full size notepad along with my regular set up with no issues or bending of the pad. As I stated previously, I didn’t order the optional shoulder strap with the bag, but for this review I did spend a few days carrying it via a shoulder strap. The less amount of bulky items in the tote, the more it will lean in towards your body. Even with my big camera inside, it did not bump up against my side enough to cause any discomfort.

Cinch straps on the side make it easier to increase or decrease the opening and capacity.
Fully packed for the next trip with room to spare.

Aesthetics

With Horween leather and copper rivets, what’s not to appreciate about the look? As this bag has been used, it has gained some floppiness, and scratches and scuffs have been kept at a minimum. I intend on utilizing a shoulder strap more, to add some shiny patina to the sides of the tote. The accent stitching and reinforced bottom also add to the overall beauty. Two small logos occupy the bag minimally and pleasantly, and I had to search for them to notice.

I believe the most masculine or gender-neutral feature is the shortened straps as opposed to traditional totes with a longer strap drop length. When I propositioned Josh to make the tote, I knew beforehand I didn’t want a bag to sling on my shoulder via the straps, so the design modification shines. In hindsight, the only modification I would add, which I could still do, is request a snap button handle wrap, to make carrying via the straps a little easier and more uniform looking.

Minimalist logos are my favorite.

Conclusion

As you can tell, I couldn’t quite find anything negative to say about this custom tote from Koch Leather. Custom designs are done by Koch on a made to order basis, so its best to figure out what design ques and functionality you’re looking for prior to purchasing. Costs may vary but I highly recommend Koch Leather Totes, and adding your own modifications to get a bag unique to you.  Josh is also a great help at providing guidance if you are unsure and would like to ask questions prior to him putting the needle to leather.

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Chamberlain’s Leathermilk Healing Balm Review – $16.95

While a lot of our viewers love scratching up their products as part of establishing a personalized patina on leather goods, I recognize that others would rather minimize the scratches. Depending on the finish of leather, scratches may enhance or destruct the aesthetics. Sometimes, a bag or other leather product is in need of a surface makeover, which is where Chamberlain’s Leathermilk Healing Balm can assist.

Healing Balm and included applicator pictured alongside a Saddleback Leather Overnight Bag, a company they have a great relationship with.

The Product

The healing balm comes in a small tin along with a sponge-like applicator. Don’t be fooled by the size of the tin: a little goes a long way. The smell of the balm is pleasant, reminiscent of coconut macaroons. The product has a beeswax-like texture, and is made from various oils and waxes. Application of the product to leather goods is very simple with the applicator, and like I stated before, a small amount goes a long way.

Chamberlain’s Leathermilk Healing Balm and included applicator.

Testing

For the purpose of testing the balm, I wanted to try a few different leather colors and textures. Used for the tests are one vegetable tanned Classic Bifold wallet by Corter Leather, one chrome tanned Gun Deck wallet by Das Offene Meer Leather Company, one Saddleback Leather Overnight Bag, and one Saddleback Leather Large Satchel. I chose these as they all have differing levels of patina and texture, and was not directed by any of the companies to use their product for demonstration.

I intentionally created some scratches and scuffs on products to show a before and after. Note that I did follow Chamberlain’s instructions to let the balm absorb, than later buff out any leftover balm that did not absorb. They have a nice guide on using the healing balm here.

Photo heavy Before and After Shots:

Creasing and scratches near the handle support of a Saddleback Leather Large Satchel.
After applying the balm, the edge is definitely taken of the small scratches and the crease is filled in color.
Intentional scratch made on a Gun Deck Wallet.
The scratch can still be seen slightly in the middle, but much more mild in tone.
Had some fun with this one – scratched BL for BestLeather out with my finger on a Corter Leather Classic Bifold.
The “BL” scratch can barely be made out, certainly displaying an improvement.
Scratch on the strap of a Saddleback Leather Large Weekender Bag in Tobacco.
Similar to other treatments, the scratch toned down considerably.

Outcomes and Conclusion

Overall, the Chamberlain’s Leathermilk Healing Balm is great for toning down scratches and scuffs in varying textures of leather. It does an excellent job of muting the harshness of surface level scratches. If you are not a fan of the scent, rest assured it does fade quickly especially after a quick buff of the leather.  I would use this most often for things such as wallets, which can become scuffed up if you throw your keys or pocketknife/flashlight into the same pocket incidentally.

I have a feeling it would also be great for automobile leather, but my light colored leather seats were too tan to test any discernible areas.  Priced at nearly $17.00 with free shipping, its well worth it and the small tin will last quite some time even treating multiple bags and small goods. I’d like to reiterate that this product is mainly for spot treatment, I don’t see it being ideal to cover an entire bag, but in some cases that may be the best idea, particularly with darker or black bags. Deep gouges or bug bites in full grain leather would likely not be treatable.

Scuff on an outer heel of a Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot in cordovan color.
The scratch remains, but less attention-drawing.
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Thirteen50 Wrap Around Card Wallet Review- $30

Choosing which wallet to carry is a big deal for a lot of people. It’s something you use a few times a day, everyday, for years on end. A lot of folks want something that’s convenient, pleasant to look at, and durable. Thirteen50 hopes you’ll find all of that in their Wrap Around card wallet.

Last week I wrote about the Big Hoss belt from Thirteen50 Leather. If you look back at that review, you can read about how great the leather is, the quality of their production, and how their team got started in the leather business. Along with that piece, the guys sent me a minimalist wallet in a matching style.

The grains really pop in the Old World leather

CONSTRUCTION

This specific wallet is made of Old World Harness leather, just like the Big Hoss belt. Obviously, the leather used here is much thinner. It runs around 3.5 oz., just under a sixteenth of an inch. The hide is also vegetable tanned, so it has a very natural look and feel to it in your hands.

In terms of the build, the design is pretty straightforward. Essentially, the wallet is two pieces of leather laid on top of each, folded over halfway, and then sewn shut on two sides. This creates three pockets for cash and cards: two thin outer slots, and a thicker one on the inside. At the end of the process, the edges are burnished and waxed by hand.

FUNCTION

As described on the website, this wallet aims to be minimalist, and I found that to be the case. The whole thing is really thin, especially for something with two layers of leather. I’ve been using the inner pocket for four cards, a few folded bills on one side, and my ID and registration on the other. If you’re shocked by how little I walk around with, you might not be interested in a minimalist wallet at all.

I found the Wrap Around to work great for my carry. Access to the cards and cash was pretty convenient. To get a card out of the middle slot usually means sliding them all about halfway out, then plucking out the one I wanted. If that last sentence sounded tedious to you, I assure you that it isn’t.

Remember that when using this kind of leather product, any stretching the wallet undergoes can’t be “unstretched.” So if you want to switch from using six cards to three, you might find the wallet too loose.

AESTHETICS

Like I mentioned, this wrap wallet has a very natural feel to it. You can see the grains and slight imperfections which make each hide unique. It’s not as smooth as a pull-up leather, so this style may not be the one you’re looking for. But you can expect the leather to develop a nice patina and softness over time.

With that in mind, the Wrap Around comes in a variety of leathers (Bridle, Old World, Chromexcel) and colors (ox blood, black, brown, tan, etc.). If you want something more supple, one of the Chromexcel options should be perfect.

CONCLUSION

If you’re looking for a wallet that you’ll hardly notice, the Wrap Around card wallet from Thirteen50 might be what you’re looking for. It’s a quality piece, it looks interesting, and it’s incredibly thin. The wallet comes in a ton of styles and colors that can satisfy any taste you might have.

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Thirteen50 Big Hoss Full Grain Leather Belt Review- $60

For the past few weeks, I’ve been wearing the Big Hoss Full Grain leather belt from Thirteen50 Leather. I have nothing but great things to say about a solid and cool piece like this one. But let me start from the beginning.

BestLeather is no stranger to the three guys out in California. Pat, Trey, and Craig started the shop a few years ago when they realized they could make better quality leather goods, and still charge a reasonable price. We’ve seen their full grain leather belt and we are inclined to agree.

But recently, Thirteen50 released their new Big Hoss belt, and this thing is just phenomenal. When you take it out of the bag, you can tell it’s unique, and that’s because it is.

Bighoss-1
The Big Hoss pairs well with a casual look, like a pair of jeans

CONSTRUCTION

The belt starts with Old World Harness leather from the Hermann Oak tannery in St. Louis. This stuff is tanned and finished to be durable and weather resistant. Beyond that, Thirteen50 uses the thickest hides they can get for this belt: around 14 oz. For reference, most leather belts are between 8 to10 oz in thickness. It’s also runs about an inch and half wide, wider than most products on the market. There’s no stitching at all on the belt-generally the weakest point of any leather product-which will likely extend its lifetime.

When holding it in your hands, you can feel the weight and thickness immediately. I imagine that this will be the heaviest belt that the average person owns. Putting it on for the first time, I almost felt like I was holding a saddle. I did experience a bit of stiffness from the belt at the beginning, but it’s been wearing down during each wear.

The rest of the design is pretty straightforward. There are four Chicago screws punched and attached near the buckle, which hold a single loop in place. When you order from the Thirteen50 site there are two options for the buckle: either a slider or roller. All these pieces of hardware come in a matching set of silver or brass.

Bighoss-2
You can see the natural grain lines running across the leather

AESTHETICS

The build of the belt, pragmatic and rugged, is intrinsic to its style. Because this hide is vegetable tanned, you can see the beautiful and natural grain lines running across the width of the leather. The screws and buckle come in simple tones and designs that compliment the leather quite well.

The entire belt has a simplicity which just gives it a certain kind of cool. Its thick, wide, and warmly colored. It goes great with a good pair of jeans and a casual look. I wouldn’t recommend it for a formal event of any kind, but I don’t think the guys at Thirteen50 would either.

Bighoss-3
The Big Hoss uses incredibly thick 14 0z. hides

CONCLUSION

The Big Hoss Full Grain leather belt truly meets the goals that Thirteen50 set out to accomplish. This is a great product, made with some terrific leather that’s been properly hand burnished and waxed. It has simple and durable screws and buckles that do their jobs well. I can’t tell you for sure, but I would bet that the Big Hoss will last you years and years. For all that, it comes at a pretty fair price.

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Go Forth Goods Gunnar Leather Duffle Bag Giveaway

Best Leather and Go Forth Goods have teamed up and put together an awesome giveaway for you all. They were kind enough to be willing to give away one of their Gunnar Leather Duffle Bags to one lucky winner. This bag is a beast and you will not want to miss it. Keep reading below to learn more about the giveaway and how you can get a chance to win!

You can read our full review on this bag here, but you can get the gist of it by reading an excerpt below:

I don’t think I’ve taken the Gunnar out without receiving at least one compliment. This bag is gorgeous. Pull-up leather is always beautiful, but across the wide landscape of a duffle bag, it turns heads! The soft leather will move quite a bit as you fill and carry it. This causes the pull-up to create a subtle marbled pattern that is always changing.

Giveaway Details

The giveaway will run from now until midnight on July 5th. Once the giveaway ends we will announce the winner and get in contact with them. The winner will have the bag shipped to them within 1-2 weeks following the end of the giveaway. There are a handful of ways to enter the giveaway and you can do each one of them to insure the best chance at winning. The more entries you have in the giveaway the better chance you have at winning.

Enter the Giveaway Below:

[RF_CONTEST contest=’5917′]

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Mohinders City Slippers Solid Review – $165

I’m no stranger to the awesomeness that is Mohinders. I reviewed their classic City Slippers 2 years ago and aside from my belt, they were probably my most used leather piece. The slip on and go functionality quickly won me over. When I moved this year to the east coast and forgot to pack them, you can imagine my dismay. However, they’re back with the Mohinders City Slipper in Solid, and I’m excited to give them a go.

Construction

The City Slippers are constructed from water buffalo leather. Locally sourced botanical tanning agents free of chemicals are used in treating the leather.  The cavani style of weaving brings the upper and natural crepe sole together. The Mohinders branding can be found on the inside heel. The footbed is firmly padded. The slippers are made by hand in India by a group of skilled artisans. Seriously, go on the Mohinders website and check out the bios of the men behind the shoes. 

The Cavani weave replaces typical stitching and is a lot more durable than thread.

Function

Let me state one thing right away, the City Slippers are stiff out of the box.  I could barely get my foot in.  This wasn’t my first Mohinder rodeo though, I knew I had to work at them a little. After about 2 weeks of somewhat uncomfortable wear I was rewarded with a very good fit that stretched to the exact dimensions of my foot. This may be a turnoff for some, but it’s worth the effort.

I’m not a traditional sandals guy and I loathe flip flops so the City Slippers offer a great compromise. They stay on your feet well and offer above average comfort from a leather slipper.  They’re great for warm weather outings and the slip on/slip off functionality will win you over in no time.  Great for the beach as the solid leather covers your foot and keeps small rocks and other debris out. This model lacks the breathability of it’s woven brother but I prefer this closed toe design.

Perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons.

Aesthetic

These are good looking slippers. I almost dislike referring to them as slippers, lest images of bunny shoes and Isotoners come to mind. The clean, uncluttered design makes these babies instant classics. I’ll admit, the original Mohinders took some getting used to stylistically for me. I liked these right out of the box. Paired with seersucker 7” inseam shorts, Oxford with rolled up sleeves and you’re doing damage! They’re stylish which too in a way can limit them. I definitely wouldn’t wear them with gym shorts or cargos, but this is America and you can if you want. The leather will darken and take on a more golden hue as they wear in, I really like this and enjoy the character they develop as I use them.

Conclusion

If you can get past the pricing, I think the Mohinders City Slippers are a great summer footwear option. They break the tired mold of flip flops and offer a more versatile wearing experience. The company’s efforts in making this an ethically sourced product are admirable as well.

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[ENDED] Levart Leather Wallet and Field Note Cover Giveaway

Best Leather has another really cool giveaway for you all this week! Levart Leather has been kind enough to be giving away a handful of their leather goods to 3 lucky winners. 1st place is going to recveive their 5 card wallet (review here), small snap wallet and their field note cover. 2nd and 3rd place will both win one of their 5 card wallets. Keep reading below to learn more about the giveaway and how you can get a chance to win!

You can read our full review on this wallet here, but you can get the gist of it by reading an excerpt below:

The wallet is made out of beautiful English Bridle vegetable tanned leather that is sourced from Wickett & Craig. Right away you can tell the quality of this wallet is top notch and the hand made craftsmanship add to this. I have been using this as my everyday wallet for the past few weeks and it has held up perfectly.

By design, it is a minimal and simple wallet with one card slot on the front of the wallet and 4 slots on the inside. Having only 5 card slots was new to me as I have been used to my big and bulky bifold wallet, however, I found out that I only really use 2-3 of my cards on a daily basis so this wallet was ideal. I found myself usually carrying 4 cards and then using the last open card slot as a way to carry cash.

Giveaway Details

The giveaway will run from now until midnight on June 15th. Once the giveaway ends we will announce the 4 winners and then get in contact with each one of them. The winners will have their items shipped to them within 1-2 weeks following the end of the giveaway. There are a handful of ways to enter the giveaway and you can do each one of them to insure the best chance at winning. The more entries you have in the giveaway the better chance you have at winning.

There will be 4 total winners:

1st Place: Oak & Honey Leather Bifold Wallet

2nd – 4th Place: Oak & Honey Leather Cardholder (see images of the cardholders below)

Enter the Giveaway Below:
[RF_CONTEST contest=’5632′]

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Levart Leather 5 Card Leather Wallet Review – $54

I’ve been using the same bifold wallet for the past 6+ years and it has gotten to a point where it is unusable. There are things falling apart and it is pretty much useless. So when I say it was time for a new wallet, I truly mean it. Lucky for me, Levart Leather Goods was interested in having one of their wallets reviewed and after using their 5 Card Leather Wallet for the past few weeks I am never going back to my original wallet again.

Let’s take a closer look at this Levart wallet.

Construction

The wallet is made out of beautiful English Bridle vegetable tanned leather that is sourced from Wickett & Craig. Right away you can tell the quality of this wallet is top notch and the hand made craftsmanship add to this. I have been using this as my everyday wallet for the past few weeks and it has held up perfectly.

By design, it is a minimal and simple wallet with one card slot on the front of the wallet and 4 slots on the inside. Having only 5 card slots was new to me as I have been used to my big and bulky bifold wallet, however, I found out that I only really use 2-3 of my cards on a daily basis so this wallet was ideal. I found myself usually carrying 4 cards and then using the last open card slot as a way to carry cash.

Function

As mentioned, this is a minimalist wallet and it plays that role well. If you are looking for a wallet that will hold 10 cards, a wad a cash, pictures and all of your receipts then this is not going to be the wallet for you. However, if you are like me and carry only a handful of cards and some cash then this will work out great for you.

The card slots themselves took a few days of use before they were broken it, but after that initial period it become much easier to quickly access the cards.

The wallet is slim enough to be carried in your front pocket if you wish, although I carried it in my back pocket the majority of the time. Overall, the functionality of this wallet was ideal after the initial breaking in period, which is to be expected.

Aesthetic

Every time I pulled this wallet out, whether at a restaurant, bar or a baseball game, I seemed to catch a compliment from someone I was with. Granted, most of my friends are not leather lovers like myself so when they see a high quality wallet it catches their eye.

I have the black wallet with the brown tiger thread, but on Levart’s website you can choose from 3 different leather colors (burgundy, chestnut and tan) and 8 different thread colors. You even have the option to add your initials for an extra 6 bucks.

Conclusion

All in all, I was impressed with Levart’s 5 Card Wallet and it has completely replaced my old bifold wallet as my everyday carry. If you are looking for a high quality minimal wallet that is both functionally and aesthetically pleasing than you can;t go wrong here.

Matter of fact, we are currently running a giveaway in partnership with Levart where you have a chance to win one of these wallets as well as some other leather goods from them. If you are interested, see the form below.

[RF_CONTEST contest=’5632′]

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Pad & Quill Large Leather Backpack Review – $289

For the last five years I have been on the hunt for the perfect backpack for travel, adventure, and something that would hold up over time that I could hand down to my children and perhaps even my grandchildren. You know one of those bags that when you see it, it looks like its been through years of adventures and travel and has all the character. When I fist laid my eyes on the waxed canvas and leather backpack from Pad & Quill I was just about breathless as my vision for this bag finally found me.

About Pad & Quill

Kari and Brian, founders of Pad & Quill, are out to make their mark on the world of eCommerce. Instead of outsourcing their products to the lowest bidder, they have a strict code that they want all of their products to adhere to, which you can read about here. They have a 25-year warranty on their bags, showing their commitment to longevity. From their website:

“We think there are folks out there who have the same sense of awe as we do when they behold a beautiful thing. Who marvel at how a handful of seeds can become a majestic stand of Baltic Birch, that are then transformed, in artisan hands, into a gorgeous, organic product. There are friends who share our sense of adventure and love to have a bag they pull from their closet with 15 years of travel written upon it, and miles to go. Pad and Quill products will never resemble a trinket pulled from a fast food bag.”

This backpack is an absolute beautiful piece of design and construction. The inspiration for this bag came from a cafe racer motorcycle in which vintage materials mixed with a modern design. Whether on a bike, hike or just and adventure, this backpack is just a real eye catcher.  Read more here.

Construction

The backpack is made out of a robust 24 ounce waxed canvas, full-grain American bridal leather, parachute grade nylon stitching, and nickel hardware. The bag measures 15 inches wide by 16.5 inches in length and 5.5 inches deep. The front pocket is about 9.5 inches across by 7 inches high and secures with a nickel eye. The exterior has 2 side pockets. On the interior there is a back slot with a leather strap closure for a laptop or portfolio. I have a 15-inch Macbook Pro and it fit in the pocket with no problem at all. On the front of that pocket is a large pocket suitable for an Ipad or other items, a smaller pocket and 2 pen slots. Empty, the bag weighs a little shy of 4 pounds. The bag closes with a nylon drawstring and the leather top secures with two buckles. The shoulder straps are lightly padded and adjustable with nickel buckles.

Function

This is a good size bag that can both serve as an every day carry commuter bag, a hiking companion as well as a weekender. I had no problem packing enough clothes for a two night trip recently with plenty of room to spare. The backpack is very comfortable as I have already taken it on 2 long hikes.

At first I was concerned that the bag was going to look too square but was happy of how it was able to fit rolled up clothes and books with ease.

Although the interior is basic without all the zippers and multiple pockets, It has the essentials,- a roomy padded laptop pocket and a few pockets to organize you smaller gear. The side pockets and front pockets are also great for the easy to access items like water bottles, sunglasses, passports and often in my case, doggy treats!

Aesthetic

Being a tall guy (6’1) I always loath when backpacks don’t fit my frame well and look too ‘dinky’ and I was very impressed with the look and feel of this bag, At first I even thought it was going to be too big. But after the first few outings and trips, I was rest assured that this was the perfect fit without being awkwardly bulky but also having a rugged and hefty character.

I love that the bag has just the basic pockets, and really lends to a rustic and minimal feel.

I always try to find a less desirable feature or function to a bag but in this case I could not find one. I just love every detail and am thoroughly impressed with the durability of materials and parts.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a stylish, rugged, and beautiful bag that fits a lot without the awkward bulges or uneven weight distribution, I can’t speak any more highly of this bag. The price is right!! Check it out -here-.

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[ENDED] Giveaway: Oak & Honey Deluxe Bifold and Cardholders (4 Winners!)

We are back with our second giveaway in as many weeks! This time around we are partnering up with Oak & Honey to giveaway awesome leather goods to 4 lucky winners. The 1st place winner will get one of their bifold wallets and then the three runner up winners will each get one of their leather cardholders.

You can read our full review on this wallet here, but you can get the gist of it by reading an excerpt below:

On its surface, the wallet appears to follow the traditional bifold setup. What’s different is the full grain leather in Dark Brown Bridle, which feels amazing. The edges are also nicely burnished and painted, with a slight shine to them.

This was a first for a bridle leather wallet for me and I am impressed. A few of my bags have bridle leather straps so I trust this wallet to hold up just as those do. At $84 I believe that’s an extremely competitive price for a quality bifold and would be worth the money and longevity of the piece.

Giveaway Details

The giveaway will run from now until midnight on May 26th. Once the giveaway ends we will announce the 4 winners and then get in contact with each one of them. The winners will have their items shipped to them within 1-2 weeks following the end of the giveaway. There are a handful of ways to enter the giveaway and you can do each one of them to insure the best chance at winning. The more entries you have in the giveaway the better chance you have at winning.

There will be 4 total winners:

1st Place: Oak & Honey Leather Bifold Wallet

2nd – 4th Place: Oak & Honey Leather Cardholder (see images of the cardholders below)

Enter the Giveaway Below:
[RF_CONTEST contest=’5398′]

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Oak & Honey Bifold Wallet Review – $84

If I ever come into a ridiculously large sum of money, one of my things to do on a list would be to hand out upgraded wallets to strangers. Sure, there are other humanitarian efforts I’d make, but that’s a later conversation. I was reminded of the common practice of buying cheap department store wallets the other day in the checkout line at a local grocer.

An older man took out a wallet that was reminiscent of the exploding wallet, definitely having got out of hand. I’m clear and convinced that there is a style of wallet out their for everyone, whether they carry a lot of things or very few things in it. One of those wallets is the Deluxe Bifold Wallet by Oak & Honey Leather Goods. I got the chance to talk with the shop owner, Steven Gircys, and utilize this piece for today’s review.

About Oak & Honey

Oak & Honey was started as a part-time project by Steven Gircys. In January, he was able to depart his previous career in the film industry and run the Toronto-based Oak & Honey shop full-time from his home. Part of his inspiration comes from a bug I feel many makers get – seeing too many flimsy cheap quality belts and wallets flooding the market. I’m a firm believer that when makers resist capitalist mindsets and profit-driven production, they aim toward making goods that will last.  In addition to wallets, Steven has answered made-to-order requests, with varieties ranging from portfolios, motorcycle bags, all the way to full on briefcases.

Different leather options are available via the website. Photo by Steven Gircys.

Construction

On its surface, the wallet appears to follow the traditional bifold setup. What’s different is the full grain leather in Dark Brown Bridle, which feels amazing. The edges are also nicely burnished and painted, with a slight shine to them. My only regret posting this review is that I have not worn it in enough to make the exterior shine, much like wallets get when developing a unique patina. Being all bridle leather, it starts out pretty stiff, but there are options for a chromexcel exterior with just the interior being made in bridle.

The interior of the wallet is also set up traditionally, with a cash slot and card slots on either side. Hidden pockets are located underneath the card slots to hold cards you don’t normally reach for or wish to have out of the way. The thickness of the wallet is pretty standard for bi-folds, and dependent on the number of cards and cash that are stored.

With extended use the wallet thickness will mold to be slightly slimmer than shown here.

Function

As with any new wallet, the card slots took a minute to break in. Though at this point the wallet isn’t fully broken in, the ease of access for cards has improved. Being a bi-fold, there is a little too much bulk to carry in the front pocket, but it fits nicely into back pockets or shoulder bags. The wallet isn’t meant to be minimalist, so I’d recommend it to those that do carry a few cards or hold on to receipts and cash.

The hidden pockets are perfect for storing guitar picks without printing.

Aesthetics

The simple but detailed finishing of this wallet is what makes me reach for it among other bi-folds. The pressed logo does not detract from the overall design, and overall the piece is finished very well. The color is a deep brown, one of which I’d like to match with a belt and shoes.I have not discovered any errors in the stitching, and it is grooved into the leather slightly as to avoid premature abrasions from rubbing. Though my wallet was all one color, I have to say the two-tone variations Steven has definitely catch my attention.

Simple pressed logo on the front of the wallet. Also note, the nicely hand-stitched details.

Conclusion

Literally all of my wallets I’ve purchased or owned beforehand have either been chromexcel or raw vegetable tanned leather. This was a first for a bridle leather wallet for me and I am impressed. A few of my bags have bridle leather straps so I trust this wallet to hold up just as those do. At $84 I believe that’s an extremely competitive price for a quality bifold and would be worth the money and longevity of the piece.

As the site is Canadian based, make sure to click the currency logos to change to US dollars in the top right corner on the web pages.  The option to have a two-toned wallet with a chromexcel exterior and bridle interior is definitely something I’d recommend any bifold wallet user pursue. In fact, we are hosting a giveaway of one of the Oak & Honey wallets you can check out below.

[RF_CONTEST contest=’5398′]

Another photo by Steven Gircys showcasing the two-tone option.
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Buffalo Jackson Denver Laptop Messenger Bag Review – $299.95

It’s almost a symbolic rite of passage, the messenger. As a boy you’ve got your trusty backpack, filled with indispensable necessities like peanut butter sandwiches, Hot Wheels and maybe some homework. As a man, you might have passed that pack down and taken up a new method for carrying the tools that you need in life, and for many guys that is the quintessential messenger. Buffalo Jackson’s Denver Laptop Messenger Bag is one such example, and we’ll take a look to see if it merits such a respected position in your life.

Construction

The leather used is semi vegetable tanned, top grain cow leather. This gives it a smooth finish with a nice pull up. The bag is manufactured in Mexico. The leather is definitely on the thick side, so you will have to work at it before it rewards you with pliability. I would have liked to have seen double stitched rows along some of the leather panels, especially the bottom.

The hardware is really top notch and meets my Triple B Criteria: Big, Beefy and Brass.

Antique brass hardware is used throughout including the shoulder strap D rings and handle strap. A turn lock closure secures the main flap over the interior compartments and the back side features a zippered slotted pocket. The interior lining is soft suede which is a forgiving surface for delicate electronics. The dimensions are 16″ L x 11″ H x 4″ W and the bag weighs in at just under 5 lbs.

Function

The Denver has no problem executing its purpose in carrying your laptop. The thick leather in conjunction with the padded interior shields your laptop  from bumps and drops. Light rain is no issue and the flap closure of the bag means quick and efficient retrieval. Probably my favorite aspect is that the bag is self standing and with the orientation of the pockets, sitting down and bending to get items is a breeze. As the bag continues to break in, it might not stand as well but then you’re rewarded with a more comfortable carry as it will be less rigid.   Adjustable shoulder strap provides a great fit and the metal D rings that attach the straps are ideal for attaching carabiner key chains. With a laptop in the bag I was still able to fit in a bag lunch, light sweater and water. The Denver definitely functions as well as any messenger.

Aesthetic

This is a good looking bag, no doubt.  It has that effortless Paul Newman vibe of exuding cool without trying. Some bags seem to yell, “Look at me, I’m from an overpriced designer!” Whereas the Denver is appreciated in a more subtle manner. The bag for me at least, teeters on the edge of casual business. I see it as a great looking option for students or those who need a carry option that can transition from the field to the office. The brass trimmings are what really do it for me, they give the bag a rustic, rugged vibe. The leather is very prone to scuffs which in and of itself is not really a bad thing as it adds character over time.

Turn lock clasps are infinitely superior to magnetic closures. You sacrifice half a second in opening them but the security more than makes up for it.

Conclusion

Buffalo Jackson’s Denver Messenger is a solid bag, inside and out. The materials are durable and the craftsmanship shines. The 299.99 price point is about ballpark for bags in this quality range. I particularly like the rugged aspects of the bag and the adventure vibe I get from it. If you’re the type that likes to buy the best and only cry once, I’d tell you to consider the Denver.

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(ENDED) Giveaway – Lombardi Leather Belt and Key Fob ($416 Value)

We are excited to announce a new giveaway we are running in partnership with Lombardi Leather where they will be giving away a their signature buckleless belt as well as some leather key fobs. Their belt is one of the coolest and most unique designs we have ever seen and you definitely want to have a chance at winning it. Keep reading below to learn more about the items being given away and how you can win them.

As mentioned above, this belt is really, really cool. Below is a snippet from our review:

The Lombardi belt is made with thick (probably around 8oz) vegetable-tanned full grain leather and thick stitching. Cutting and stitching is done by hand. The saddle stitch follows the entire edge of the belt, enhancing the look but also minimizing stretch in the belt over time. Construction is overall top notch, and only shows minimal variance that would be expected with a handmade product. The leather and thread is going to see a lot of wear and tear because of the design of this belt, but the materials are high caliber and should last for many years.

This is another area where the Lombardi buckleless belt differs itself quite a bit from the pack. I’m a big fan of how this belt looks. The twisted loop catches a lot of eyes. The stitching accents the folds and turns well so you can see easily how the closure works. I had some friends see the belt on my counter and doubt that it would look good, only to change their tune once I actually put it on and twisted the loop. This particular color, Brits Brown, is one of Lombardi’s best sellers, and for good reason. It’s good a deep red-brown hue that looks fantastic and fits in in nearly any situation.

See the full review of Lombardi Leather’s belt here.

Giveaway Details

The giveaway will run from now until midnight on May 16th. Once the giveaway ends we will announce the 3 winners and then get in contact with each one of them. The winners will have their items shipped to them within 1-2 weeks following the end of the giveaway. There are a handful of ways to enter the giveaway and you can do each one of them to insure the best chance at winning. The more entries you have in the giveaway the better chance you have at winning.

There will be 3 total winners:

1st Place: Lombardi Buckleless Leather Belt + Key Fob

2nd Place: Lombardi Buckleless Leather Belt

3rd Place: Key Fob

Enter the Giveaway Below:

[RF_CONTEST contest=’5266′]

 

 

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SNPR Crazy Horse Strap Review – $265.00

I was at Costo awhile back stocking up on gallon mayonnaise and 48 pack Cliff bars. Between pilfering the Ferrero Rocher sample stand and looking for my wife, I came across the jewelry cases. Looking through the glass I saw the watches steadily climb in quality and price until I hit the grail piece at the end, a Panerai listed at a cool $10k. Scrutinizing the piece I noticed the strap and was unimpressed. I mean, it was nice of course but looked a tad skimpy and sterile. My humble Hamilton had a much nicer strap, a SNPR Crazy Horse Strap.

This piece tends to exude a spirit of adventure

Construction

We’ve reviewed one of SNPR’s designs in the past, so we were no strangers to the solid build quality. However, the Crazy Horse leather is new to SNPR’s lineup.

When asked about the leather itself, SNPR replied Crazy Horse Leathers are made by applying a special kind of wax to a full grain leather surface that has been buffed and smoothed out. The type of wax used rests independently upon the leather fibers allowing the coloration of the leather surface to change if rubbed without the colors immediately reversing back. This process of rubbing and altering the color shades is what causes the antique appearance and is exactly what the craze for this leather is all about.

Tons of character exhibited in the handmade craftsmanship

This American sourced leather is about 4mm thick, or roughly two  Washington quarters stacked. The thread is 4 ply nylon cord. The watch features 4 arbor pressed notches which should accommodate anywhere from a 6” to 7.75” inch wrist. The buckle is a torched stainless steel.

Function

I’ll be the first to admit, sometimes a thick leather band isn’t always the most comfortable feeling on the wrist. Thankfully though, the Crazy Horse leather is remarkably pliable. In about a week it was already as flexible and soft as my Horween SNPR strap that is more than 2 years old. My wrist is about 7” and I was between notches but previous experience led me to use the tighter fitting and the leather accommodated to my wrist in no time resulting in a very custom fit.

The thick leather helps keep the collar of my shirts back for easy time reading

It’s been pretty frigid on the east coast this winter and the Crazy Horse had a lot of wrist time in low temps, I’m happy to report no chaffing on the wrist or stiffening of the leather in the cold. Since the weather here is as predictable as my ex, I also got to wear this watch in 70 degree weather and handles warm weather nicely. Usually I switch to a NATO strap when Summer hits but thanks to the high quality leather and the notches, it breathes quite well and I can expect all season wear.

Aesthetic

The Crazy Horse is a seemingly understated strap at first glance. It lacks a glossy finish and exhibits a more matte coloring. I really like how it adds to the appeal of my watch, rather than competes with it. I can liken it to a 1969 Camaro with classic American Racing Torq Thrust rims as opposed to 20” chromes.

The pull up on this leather is exquisite. You can bend the strap and see the oils disperse and then rub them back over. The leather almost seems pre distressed and lends well to the vintage look. One of my favorite features on this strap is the torched buckle. It has a pearlescent quality as the colors seem to morph when exposed to light. If torched is a little too exuberant, you can opt for stainless steel, PVD, Vintage PVD or polished.  Another note, this particular strap is 22mm at the lugs, but tapers to 20mm for a less bulky and more refined presentation.

Conclusion

I won’t beat around the bush, $265 is a very costly figure, and some won’t understand how a strap can cost more than a decent watch. However, these straps are usually paired with watches that range into the thousands. The quality is there, the craftsmanship is there. SNPR Straps Crazy Horse is the quintessential rugged brown leather strap.

  

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TheGoodLifeLeather Transformer Valet Tray Review – $129

As my past reviews might indicate, I’m somewhat of a frequent traveler. Whether through the week on work trips or weekend trips for leisure, I tend to put my travel equipment through frequent use. Through a discussion with some friends, I got word of the Transformer Valet Tray/Travel pouch created by Luis at The Good Life leather. Truthfully I had no idea what the product looked like so I went ahead and contacted Luis about the product. He was happy to make and send one to BestLeather, having confidence that it is a product that myself as well as readers would love. 

The large size tray holds a good amount of everyday carry items.

About TheGoodLife Leather Co.

 A little about Luis Estrada, he owns and operates TheGoodLife Leather as a part-time project and specializes in handcrafted, made-to-order goods. A one man shop, he creates quality pieces using some of the best materials available. With leather craft as a side business to his primary career, it was made clear to me that he cuts no corners in getting great products out to customers in a reasonable time span. His standout product, the Transformer, is the candidate for this review. When I asked about the design and overall concept history, he explained it was very much a trial and error design process. Having been dissatisfied with valet trays he owned, he developed the idea to make the tray also perform the role as a pouch; storing all of those catch-all items when frequently traveling.

Super clean placement of snaps and solid stitching sets the Transformer out as a luxury piece.

Construction 

The Transformer at its simplest form is constructed of full grain leather, in this case Horween Natural Chromexcel. It is also available in other Horween leathers based on the shop inventory at the time. It is best to inquire current leathers and suede cikris available through contacting Luis.  The interior is lined with blue pigskin suede, also available in multiple colors. Pigskin is known for having a tough tensile strength while being soft on your items. The suede lined Transformers come fully stitched using a saddle stitch and polyester thread. If you desire an unlined Transformer, that can be made and does not come with the full stitching shown here. Being that my favorite color is blue, I chose those colors. Aged brass snaps complete the pouch configuration as well as the valet tray function. 

With a variety of EDC setups, the transformer can fit a variety of pocket dumps while the dimensions resist piling up of items in the center.

Function

As the Transformer name states, it is able to quickly transition from a travel pouch to a valet tray. This is perfect for home or travel settings, as valet trays give a dedicated space for pocket dumps of your daily pocket items. A valet tray of some sort is a must-have to store all of those EDC (Every Day Carry) items in one dedicated place. When using it as a travel pouch, it carries well and closes tight to keep contents secure. 

The pigskin suede really protects everyday items when transporting them via the pouch setup.

Aesthetics

As you can likely tell, the craftsmanship on the Transformer translates to clear beauty. Being hand-stitched with a saddle stitch and careful attention to details led to perfect lines. It is always warming to see a unique design paired with quality craftsmanship; often times one of those two elements is sacrificed for the other. The snap button placement is also spot on, and the brass snaps used add a nice match to the natural Horween Leather. The blue pigskin suede gives a nice “pop” and also makes for added rigidity and resistance to items “washing out”, as seen in trays with dark colors. Writing this review is tough not to sound bias but I am confident Luis has put just that great of a  product.

The Good Life Leather logo lends itself to great appearance whether the pouch is folded, or spread out into the valet tray.

Conclusion 

Throughout my time learning about leather, I’ve always been interested in products that stretch creative limits. With the hundreds of high quality valet trays in the market, the Transformer clearly takes a lead in uniqueness and added functionality.  Priced at $129 for the pigskin lined, full stitch version and $79 for the unlined, I definitely recommend spoiling yourself with the premium offering. Not only does the suede feel great, but it adds to the overall durability of the Transformer. In the past I’ve enjoyed referring readers to contact the shop owners via other communication besides a website, and Luis at GoodLife Leather is another one of those owners. You can inquire about leather options, designs, and ordering by contacting Luis through his Instagram social media account or by directly emailing him via [email protected]. I opted for the email dialogue and received frequent and timely responses.  I do not hesitate to call this a Buy-it-For-Life product. I’ve seen and owned quite a few valet trays throughout my young life, and this is definitely one I may have to buy multiples for gifts and one to keep at home or the office. 

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Arrow and Board Classic Belt Review and Kickstarter

Belts are always one of the immediate upgrades I recommend to friends when getting them into high quality leather goods. The reason being is that often, people will fall into a simple pattern of buying a department store belt, wearing it for a few months to a year, then having to buy a replacement due to broken buckles or failed stitching. Outside of that, changes in waist size often negate a new belt, but not nearly as frequently if buying one made of quality material. Arrow and Board has been in the business of making leather goods, and have decided to launch a Kickstarter Campaign for three new belts. This article will showcase the belt as well as my thoughts on it.

About Arrow and Board

With the motto “We make them like they used to,”  Arrow and Board is definitely in the business of making leather goods built to last. All of their goods are handmade in Austin, Texas; A big plus for those who prefer made in USA Goods. I spoke with Zac, who is in charge of product design and marketing. He was a joy to work with and really motivated towards getting his product into the hands of customers and establishing lasting impressions of high quality products and excellent customer service.

The medium brown color is a great finish for casual wear.

Construction

As we all know, belts are usually most durable when constructed of as few materials possible. One solid piece of 1.5 inch English bridle leather makes the belt strip, paired with a brushed buckle and Chicago screws. The belt I was sent is the medium brown color, while they also have black and tan options. The leather is 10-12 ounces thick and feels substantial. You could easily swap out the buckle for your own, but I like the business casual/casual feel the stock buckle gives.  The suede side of the belt is one of the smoothest finishes I have felt on a belt, and coupled with beveled edges gives the belt a nice overall finish.

The logo on the belt keeper does not stand out too much as to call attention, but is beautifully present.

Function

The belt easily accomplishes its main purpose – supporting pants on the waist. The hardware and leather used ensures durability and the sizing guide made sure I picked the correct size when ordering. You can expect leather belts to stretch to some degree, and if you’re in between size numbers, its probably best to size up (i.e. I sized up to a 36 though my measurements came in a tad bit short of it.) The diagram featured on the kickstarter is similar to how most leathermakers size their belts – to the most used hole on a belt the customer always owns.

Showing the simple hardware and construction with Chicago screws for easily buckle swapping.

Aesthetics

I touched on it in the construction section, but the finishing of the belt is really what makes the belt look and feel good. Beveled and burnished edges make it easily to slide through belt loops and nice to touch. The medium brown color has worn well with khakis as well as jeans. The strap keeper shows the brand logo, but is not detracting from the overall simplistic look and is not noticed when wearing shirts that sit above the belt buckle or are tucked in. Due to the belt buckle design, I personally did not wear it with suits, but I could easily swap it out for my preference of a slimmer designed buckle if needed. If I needed another black belt, I would probably consider one from Arrow and Board in my top choices.

1.5 inch belts easily fit in most common jeans.

 

Conclusion

The Classic Leather Belt by Arrow and Board is definitely a solid addition to their growing product lineup. I feel confident that they will have a successful kickstarter campaign as well as timely shipment of products to their customers. Currently the campaign has the belt options ranging from $59-70 based on the various options. At that price, it is a great buy as after the Kickstarter, I’d expect the retail price to be higher.

The leather finish has a nice glimmer in well lit areas.

 

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Craft and Lore Mountain Belt – $90

Belts. They hold up your pants. However, they aren’t all created equally. The Craft and Lore Mountain Belt that is currently on Kickstarter is the last piece of leather you’ll ever need to slide through your belt loops.

Construction

The Mountain Belt is made out of some of the thickest leather I’ve ever handled. Made out of Hermann Oak’s harness leather it comes in at 13 oz and available widths of 1.5″ or 1.75″, meaning it is not meant for dress pants. Hermann Oak has been making leather since 1881 in St Louis Missouri and it surely shows in the quality and temper of this belt. It’s not everyday that I get something in the mail and think to myself “USPS couldn’t have damaged this if they tried.”

The hardware for the buckle is solid brass and held together with 2 Chicago screws. There’s also a nicely finished keeper to hold any extra length on the belt down. All the edges of the belt a burnished and waxed and haven’t shown any sign of flaking or cracking with my constant wear.

The belt is custom sized to fit, so just take note of their sizing guide and you won’t have any issues there. Just measure an existing belt and you’ll do just fine. It is worth noting to not go with your pants size. Clothing sizes are typically vanity sized anywhere from 2-5″ and you may need a slightly larger size than that if you wear heavier pants and tuck your shirt in.

Function

Belts are a rather simple concept. Either they hold your pants up or they don’t. Some belts will last a few months, some a few years. This belt I could likely give to my 1 year old son as a wedding present if I was so inclined.

Some like their belts to be completely custom sized with only one punched hole. That’s not something I prefer since I like the ability to tighten or loosen my belt based on water weight or the thickness of my trousers but it is something to note. The belt has 7 holes providing enough room for growth or weight loss if your keeping up with your New Years resolutions.

Aesthetic

Like I stated before this is certainly not a dress belt. It would do fine in a casual or business casual environment but not anything past a sport coat. It’s certainly not without charm though as the detailing on the keeper looks great. The belt I received was their dark brown color and it has different hues based on how much dye was picked up where and it will certainly age gracefully.

Conclusion

The Mountain Belt is unquestionably a buy it for life belt that you’ll have no need to replace. With a typical price of $130 picking one up from their Kickstarter for $90 is a steal.

In a world where countless things are trying to pull you down do yourself and favor and get this belt so your pants won’t be one of them.