I'm just your average guy with an appreciation for above average goods. My goal is to introduce you to products that will see you through thick and thin, and then some.
A nice leather bag is one of those things that many people consider an investment worth working for. As many can already agree, finding the ‘perfect’ leather bag that looks good, last a long time, fits in the budget, and functions the way it is supposed to is surprisingly difficult. More times than not, consumers end up buying a cheap mass produced bag that works but does not offer many of the aforementioned qualities. Introducing Crushed Leather Company’s entry into the leather bag market–the Minimalist Carry. It has the looks, durability, functionality, and fairly reasonable price. Let’s take a closer look at how this bag stands up to the test.
ABOUT CRUSHED LEATHER CO
Brant Stock, the brains behind Crushed Leather Co, is a product developer and chiropractor based in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. After several months and several prototypes later, Brant had the final product for the Crushed Leather Minimalist Carry. He strived for over-kill durability to offer a bag that will stand up to not one, not two, but three lifetimes. It will be interesting to see what other products they release because I genuinely like the overall design of their first product.
CONSTRUCTION
As stated on Crushed Leather’s website, the construction is top notch. “You won’t have any issues. It’s built for over-kill durability.” I can certainly agree after further inspection of the bag. As you can see from the photos, most of the seams have been triple stitched. The bag is extremely sturdy and has incredible structure from the nylon webbing that the bag and strap are lined with. A smart design feature of this bag is having the strap go around the entire bag, eliminating the worry that the strap will detach like in many bags of this style. Upon unboxing the bag, I noticed a slightly strong odor coming from the bag, but this has started to go away after using the bag. Overall it is built quite nicely and I am excited to see how it ages.
FUNCTIONALITY
This bag was much smaller and lighter than I thought it was before I saw it in person. One thing you have to remind yourself of is that this bag is not trying to replace backpacks or briefcases. As you notice from the photos, my non-retina 13 inch MacBook Pro was almost struggling to fit since the leather strap that goes over it was a bit short in length. If you are lugging around an iPad or smaller laptop, no need to worry. In addition to my MacBook Pro, I managed to fit three full folders and a small textbook and of course my phone, wallet, a couple pens, and keys in the provided spaces. For the intended use, which is the carry your everyday items in minimal simplicity, it just about hits a home run.
AESTHETIC
I personally really like the aesthetic of this bag. It is simple with clean lines and quality brass hardware to compliment the nice brown color of the leather. I do not usually wear a suit and tie, but I imagine it would look professional yet subtle with this pairing. This is a great all around bag ideal for business, school, or trips to the coffee shop.
CONCLUSION
This is the Minimal Carry, with an emphasis on the Minimal. In my opinion, any product that can lessen the amount of stuff we carry around with us is a plus. After spending some time with the Crushed Leather Carry and seeing how it works with my schedule, I can really appreciate a bag like this. It is well constructed, classic looking, and forces me to just take what I need when I head off to class. Once in hand, this bag certainly impressed me and is deserving of a consideration in your next leather bag purchase. The Crushed Leather Co Minimal Carry can be purchased for $195 for a limited time, then the price jumps to $275. As far as I can tell from my time with the Minimal Carry, this is a fair price point for a bag with a Triple Lifetime Guarantee. The bag is available for purchase through Crushed Leather Company’s website.
Looking good is the last thing on your mind when it’s freezing out and you can’t feel your fingers and toes. If you’ve lived in the northern tier of the continental United States, you have an acute understanding of the meaning of the word “winter”. As we get further into December and closer to the New Year, I’m pretty ecstatic that Wilsons Leather asked me to review their Contemporary Lamb Topper Coat. Given that the last few weeks in Spokane have been filled with snow, wind, and cold weather, it was a perfect time to give the jacket thorough consideration as a winter coat.
About
Sometimes the company says it best. In this case, we’re going to let Wilsons Leather tell you a little bit about them:
Wilsons Leather is a leading specialty retailer of quality accessories and outerwear. Currently operating under two formats, we offer fashion and value through an assortment of designer brands and special purchases for both men and women. Categories include outerwear and accessories such as handbags, briefcases and travel items. While holding tight to our leather roots, we also carry an assortment of additional fabrications such as wool, cotton and faux-leather to give our customers more options. Our e-commerce site offers an extension of our store experience and is intended to increase brand awareness.
Wilsons Leather has been around for a long time and understands the business of providing quality leather goods at prices appealing to leather enthusiasts.
Construction
The outer shell of the jacket is genuine chrome-tanned lambskin, with Thinsulate® insulation and a polyester interior liner. The image on the Wilsons Leather web site boasts an open-slit pocket on the left chest, but you won’t find one on this jacket (the description on the site indicates that pocket doesn’t exist either). That leaves you with two open flap pockets four buttons on each cuff, a 3-button placket, and a slit tail to allow for easy movement.
The stitching is black, non-contrasting, polyester thread that I found to be well done without any loose threads or uneven stitching, something I’d expect in a jacket of this caliber and price range. Overall weight is 3 pounds, 5 ounces (1.48 kilograms), making it light in its class for 3/4-length leather jacket designed for colder temperatures.
Function
A jacket like this is going to serve dual purposes: keeping you warm and looking good. It succeeds on both accounts. I spent an hour walking outside in 20º (F) weather in downtown Spokane, and felt comfortable; I wasn’t sweating, and wasn’t cold. It fit well over the sweater I was wearing without constriction. It fits to a few inches above my knees comfortably, without restricting any movement due to the slit tail in the back.
One concern I have is that the jacket opens into a “V” about 3/4 of the way up without the possibility of further closure. Should you find yourself in the middle of downpour or snowstorm, that part of your suit or sweater is going to get wet. This is a traditional design for many coats like this, so a scarf would be one easy way to keep the snow or rain out.
The two front pockets (remember there is no breast pocket) will let you hold a wallet and phone without making unsightly bulges in the jacket, though a ring of keys or pair of mittens might be too much. Due to the angle of the pockets, you can’t really use them to keep your hands warm, but they will provide great security for anything you place in them.
Aesthetic
The first time I wore this coat, I was impressed with how it fit my frame. In coats, a size large will often feel tight across my shoulders, but this topper gave me plenty of room while conforming to my body type. Made of lambskin, you can’t help but notice the soft feel of the outer shell. With a coat this size, you might expect it to be heavy, but thanks to the Thinsulate® layer, the jacket remains light while you stay warm. The buttons on the coat are large and non-contrasting, meaning you’ll be able to manipulate them even when wearing gloves.
The overall look of the jacket is very professional, and will match well with your suit or business casual attire. Paired with a nice scarf and gloves, you’ll have no worries about staying warm and looking good at the same time.
Conclusion
I really do like the Contemporary Lamb Topper Coat, even having experienced the aforementioned snow attacking the open “V” design of the jacket. I really should have had a scarf on that day in the first place. The quality of the jacket is quite good, with nice stitching, materials, and overall construction. This jacket isn’t one you’re going to wear while you’re out chopping wood, but will lend itself admirably to your business formal/casual wardrobe.
With Wilsons Leather, you’re never going to pay the full MSRP. At the time of this review, the jacket lists on their site for $569.99, marked down from $850.00. With the site-wide 60% off sale going on, that brings the price down to $342.00. Some savvy shoppers who have access to a Wilsons Leather outlet may be able to wrangle an even better deal. For a coat of this size and quality, that is right in the ballpark of what you should be expecting to pay.
With proper care, this jacket will last you for the years to come. Always hang it up, dry clean only when needed, and don’t let it get wet. It’s the basics of leather care, but these caveats will serve you well when caring for your expensive leather garments.
Ekster was founded in Rotterdam and inspired by a bird called the “Magpie”, also known as an “Ekster” in the Netherlands. Magpies are often referred to as “thieving magpies” due to their tendency to track down shiny objects such as jewelry and coins. This inspired their trackable wallet with anti-theft measures.
The Ekster Wallet is now on Kickstarter, featuring spring loaded card access, a slim profile, RFID/NFC blocking technology, and a tracker that synchronizes with your smartphone. Their goal has been met, but you can still take advantage of discount Kickstarter prices that are slated to ship mid-2016.
Tracking App
The tracker inside the Ekster wallet synchronizes with your iOs or Android phone via Bluetooth. The PROTAG app connects to your wallet — providing two-way protection. You’ll be alerted when you leave your wallet behind and can ring or locate it with the map function. Lost your phone? When pressing the reverse tracking button on your wallet, your phone will start ringing — even when on silent mode. Ekster’s crowd GPS network will help you find your wallet when out of range. When a PROTAG user is within range of your lost item, you receive a GPS update. Ekster’s tracker battery lasts up to six months and is easily rechargeable using the slim, built-in USB port.
RFID Blocking Credit and debit cards issued within the past decade have RFID and NFC technology embedded in them. Cards with this technology can be activated and duplicated from a distance, making your data vulnerable. The Ekster wallet blocks out all signals with its aluminum cardholder, keeping users protected against data theft.
Instant Card Access Ekster wallets provide storage space for up to eight cards in the Senate edition and up to 12 cards in the Parliament edition. Users can enjoy quick access for up to five cards with the click of a button using Ekster’s spring-loaded mechanism.
Ekster smart wallets are available for preorder on Kickstarter. Early-bird pricing starts at $79 for the Senate model and $89 for the Parliament model in either coffee brown or black leather. Check out their Kickstarter for more details.
Vince Lombardi described success in dozens of ways over the course of his 15-year career as an NFL head coach, notably remarking “The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work; work is the key to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything.” Passion for the craft is an emotion that drives us to work hard and design with inspiration, whether on the field of play or in the workshop. Lombardi would also be the first to admit that you didn’t achieve success on your own; it takes a team of dedicated individuals with similar goals and mindsets.
If you’ll pardon the extended metaphor, let’s take a look at the Minimum Squared Black Leather Wallet With Deep Red Thread and find out if it meets these definitions of success. As with many in the leather craft, inspiration for the wallet came when the creators were unable to find anything on the market meeting his functional and aesthetic requirements for his engineering-cum-traveler lifestyle. Through a fusion of traditional leather work, modern technology, and carefully sourced materials, the husband-wife team of Sanela Kadric and Adrian Martinez, owner/creators of Minimum Squared (also known as m^2) created a minimalist wallet they hoped will appeal to a worldwide audience.
About m^2
Sanela and I emailed back and forth quite a bit during the review process, and one thing you’ll appreciate about m^2 is their extraordinary attention to detail. Their journey to create m^2 began when Adrian’s travels by plane and train had him considering the need for a front-pocket wallet that wouldn’t be uncomfortable while seated. Furthermore, he wanted the wallet to hold all of his credit and bank cards, as well as look good next to a business suit.
Adrian spent hours on the Internet looking for a wallet that would meet his criteria:
The wallet should have the footprint of a business card and not be much thicker than its contents
There should be no need to fold paper money to provide quick access and keep fortunes discreet.
The wallet should hold international currencies (Sterling pounds and Euro notes) as well as US dollars
The wallet should have the same card-carrying capacity as more traditional non-minimalist wallets
After spending his time and engineering skills coming up with a “paper and staples” design, he and Sanela arrived upon a prototype that would become the current version of the m^2 wallet. With Sanela’s love for crafts and her job as a language instructor, she was able to help bring their mutual design to market. After much positive feedback, they formed Minimum Squared. New to the business, it was at that point that she stated, “After all, we didn’t think my husband was the only one in the world looking for such a wallet, and all the hard work was already done. How wrong I was.”
Construction
The construction of the wallet reflects Adrian’s engineering background and Sanela’s eye for art. While the leather for the wallet is a single-piece, CAD-designed, laser cut and thinned material, the thread holding it all together is a hand-sewn Fil au Chinois waxed linen thread that goes from one corner to the other. After testing several materials and leathers, they chose Harmatan & Oakridge vegetable-tanned goat leather for the grain, feel, and availability of colors. It also tends to offer some stiffness after being laser-thinned, an important characteristic for any wallet.
While some eschew goat leather as being inferior to cowhide, this wallet is one of the finest, lightweight hides I’ve reviewed. On giving it the “smell test”, as I do with every product, I was rewarded with that rich smell of fine leather I’ve come to expect in top end leather goods.
The wallet measures 92 x 65 x 15 mm (3.6 x 2.56 x 0.59 inches) when filled with 10 cards and weighs in at a mere 0.9 ounces (25.2 grams). After I added 6 bank cards and a few paper dollars, the weight went up to a little over 2 ounces (56 grams).
Function
My favorite feature of the wallet is the ability to pull paper currency out of the wallet without having to remove the entire stack of bills. While I am quite often lacking the aforementioned fat stack due to teenagers and orthodontia, it is a thoughtful feature ensuring the privacy of your current financial status. You can also store up to 10 cards in the wallet in such a way that you end up not stressing the leather or stitching as much as a traditional billfold. Friends of Sanela’s who tested the wallet have put more than 10 cards in it, and while it continued to function admirably, Sanela mentioned a bit of heartbreak in not using the wallet in the spirit of its minimalist intent.
It closes neatly via a woven elastic braid that Sanela sourced from an area close to her home in Spain. Closing it in this manner helps keep the wallet thin and compact. While I would question the long term durability of any elastic item, the braid is well-constructed; time will tell how it holds up.
Aesthetic
The beauty of the wallet lies in the aforementioned attention to detail and the materials Sanela uses to make these wallets. She uses a 40-year old Olivetti Studio 44 typewriter to create the wallet labels (and write thank you notes to customers). The length to width ratio is 1.40, a little off of the golden mean (1.61), but not enough that you’d notice. The full-grain goat leather has a nice texture you might find in a high-end pair of goatskin boots. With the variety of leather colors and braids available, you should be able to find a pleasing color combination for your tastes.
I’d also note that the wallet is going to fit in your pocket with room for your smartphone or portable electronic device. It’s small, sleek footprint will fit well with any type of business suit, even those of the slim fit type.
Conclusion
Sanela and Adrian have merged the science of engineering and the love of craft to come up with a well-designed and beautiful minimalist wallet. This wallet is going to sit best on the inside pocket of a suit jacket, or carried in your business slacks. It is not a wallet that should be carelessly tossed into a bag or thrown on a table; you’ll want to take care of this wallet due to its good looks and price.
At $158 USD as of the time of this writing, you’ll want to educate yourself on what it takes to craft a wallet of this caliber: very high quality leather and thread for the materials, a saddle-stitched (by hand) one-piece layout, and a design that met all of Adrian’s specifications, and a beautiful minimalist look that is going to complement any suit in your wardrobe.
While I understand there are some staunch critics of goat leather, there are varying degrees in quality; m^2 has chosen a high-end brand, and it shows in the end result. If you’re undecided and on the fence about goat leather, give this wallet a look, and it may just change your mind.
For the attention to detail, the materials, and the overall look of the wallet, I do think the Minimum Squared Black Leather Wallet With Deep Red Thread is a good investment. However, if after purchasing the wallet, you find that you have no bills to put inside it, you might want to save a bit before making the purchase. After all, you’re going to have to buy that suit to go along with it.
As with everything in life, all good things must come to an end. Hopefully you’ve been following us through the first two parts of our interview with Kyle Koster of Range Leather. If you haven’t yet, you can take a look at Part 1 and Part 2, and follow-up with this third and final segment. While you’ll probably be just fine to read these interviews out-of-order, we wouldn’t want you to miss any references made in the previous couple of weeks. Enjoy this last piece, and if you have any questions, comments, or ideas for these interviews, please drop me a line at [email protected].
BL: When you make a product like the Range Mug, don’t you worry about the leather stretching over time?
KK: Yes. That’s why we went to the thicker leather as we could. Well, you could get a little thicker, but to work with that’s about what you want to do, so the 9, 10 ounce is going to stretch. It’s like a thick belt to avoid that. And then the second thing is with the wide mouth Mason jars as you can see it goes up, and then it hits a lip on the wide mouth Mason jar. There is no way they would ever stretch over that lip with 9, 10 ounce leather, so you’re always going to have a stop if that makes sense.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: With the mug being such a new product, can I assume you’ve tested them thoroughly before putting them on the market?
KK: My wife and I drink coffee for about 4 months every morning. The thing I love about them is you can drink both hot and cold liquids. You can put scalding hot coffee in there as hot as you can get, and the leather, it just like radiates super nice. Even on the ceramic mug there is no way you can put your hand right to it right away, and with the thick leather on there it is just great. It conducts heat, almost like a hand warmer, a little hand warmer the way it’s radiating. That’s what it feels like. My wife sits there with both of her hands around hers in the morning. Obviously you can use it for to-go. You can put the lid on, and the Ball Mason jars are fully sealed. You can put water in it, throw it in your pack, bag, whatever you want. It won’t leak, so that’s the nice part.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: The widemouth jar looks cool, but isn’t kind of a hassle to use a lid that is only supposed to be sealed once (if you used it for canning)?
KK: Yeah, they tell you on canning you’re supposed to use it just one time, but not necessarily. That’s more about the pressure when you’re canning and keeping the seal for botulism and stuff. I’ve beat up lids, and they still hold good. You can just tighten harder on this outside piece.
The other thing we are doing is, actually just a couple days ago – there’s a company called Cuppow which makes an after-market lid which is like a spout basically. The way it works, you remove the outer ring, then you replace the flat ball part with their after-market spout, and then you twist back on the outer ring. I just talked to them, and we are going to make that available to our Kickstarter backers at a discounted price. So you can add that on.
The nice part about that is it’s essentially like having a lid on your to-go coffee cup. It’s very similar, but it’s a hard plastic piece. That makes it easier to drink out of, depending on what you’re doing, especially coffee. Then you can avoid taking the lid on and off, which doesn’t really bother me. I kind of like the process of taking the lid on and off. But it’s just another option, and it’s cool, and we’re excited to be working with them, but you can look them up. It’s called Cuppow.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: How did you make sure this mug is going to stand up over time beside just using a heavy leather in the construction?
KK: One of the things I did – I wanted to see, so I sent one through the mail in an envelope, just wrapping it a couple times with just paper, doing normal packaging like we do, but not putting any bubble wrap or anything, and I sent it to someone else. “Did it make it there?” Just to see how durable the glass, because really you’re adding leather to a really durable product of a Mason jar.
Exactly. That’s the fun part about it. It’s a mug we set on our Kirkstarter page to accompany any adventure. It’s kind of like the tag we used, whether you’re going to work you can bring it, whether you are going hiking on a trail you could legitimately – obviously it’s not the most weight-efficient product. You’re just going out for a day hike or something like that. We went out, clipped it to a bag, went hiking with it, and it held up great. Just different things.
One of the big things was I knew that before we started selling them. We did some trial sales just to see what people thought of our design. I knew that 9, 10 ounces obviously would protect the glass better. It’s going to have a sturdier, more rigid handle.
One of the things I used Chicago screws to hold everything together, just essentially screws into itself and tightens, but that works really well. They’re solid. All the screws are solid brass, but these ones are plated because they’re kind of a brushed nickel color, but their stuff is not like zinc or anything like that. We get all our hardware from Buckleguy. We really enjoyed working with them.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: I see you’ve got something else there with you today. What exactly is that for those who can’t see what I’m seeing?
KK: This is a pipe pouch. …Occasionally. I actually got a custom order. Someone asked me, so I said, “Hey, I probably smoke my pipe 2 or 3 times a year. That actually is a great idea.” So I sat down and made this guy his own special design, and going back before, that’s a great way to be listening to your audience of what they want, doing custom orders for people. Then if they’re working well adding them to your own line as a leather company is a really great way to operate. You then have someone wanting something, you make it, you get feedback from them. This guy, who ordered it from me, liked it so much he referred me to some of the big online tobacco web sites trying to put me in contact with them to sell them on the sites because apparently in like pouches and cases they are either really really overpriced, even with not using great leather, or they’re just not great quality, or their design is really old school, kind of a box or something like…
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: It also looks like you’ve brought some type of wallet with you, the one I’m going to review in the next few weeks. What are we looking at here?
KK: Yes. Here’s our minimalist wallet. You can kind of see; you can play with that one. Obviously that one’s not broken in. I’ve been using this one for a year. Obviously you can see the Horween leather and the rich patina that it gets. So the way I designed it – this one I did a lot of designs on because this was our first product we launched on Kickstarter.
I think the Kickstarter market is a little bit saturated on wallets. You’re getting tons and tons of wallets.
But the way I designed this one you can slide your thumb up on this side. All of our designs have angles built into them. Usually I try to incorporate angles, not curves because of the range and like mountains. That’s kind of the way we’re just subtly trying to work range.
It has an angled front so you can slide your thumb up. You can flip it over and slide your thumb out. I show people that. You slide your thumb up, flip it over, slide your thumb out. So you get both access to a vertical and a horizontal slot, and it’s just really easy to navigate.
I usually put my ID up front here, and then my credit card right there, and then it’s got a slot for cash on the back. Like I said, I’ve been carrying this for the last year. I have 6 cards in mine right now. You can hold more if you stuff it. But really I designed it as a minimalist wallet from 4 to 6. It does stretch, and it won’t stretch back, but the best way to look at is learn what you want to carry, and then carry that, and you won’t have any problems.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: It looks like it’s designed to be carried in your front pocket; not the back like a billfold if I’ve got it right…
KK: It is, a front pocket. When we do shows – the minimalist wallet – people come up – “I’ve been looking for a minimalist wallet.” The best part about this with the whole hand stitch all the way around is this is going to last forever. You can see the wear and the patina that mine has after a year of carry. The edges are all just gorgeous. I tell people it takes about 2 weeks to really break in so you can get that slide with your thumb. In our Kickstarter project the first one we did you actually link up to the slide and to see that. It really is easy to navigate. I won’t carry anything else as I design other wallets.
We have bi-folds and stuff like that. Even at shows people will be wanting to purchase a bi-fold which is a much more expensive wallet because a lot more time. I’m like, seriously though, think, look at this wallet…
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: All right – the burning questions I’ve been waiting to ask – how expensive is it, really, to live in Hong Kong?
KK: So the cheapest when I looked at it, the cheapest room I could find was like 100 feet by 140 feet, or sorry, 10 by like 12 or 14, so you’re looking at 140 square feet which is like a box.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL:And by “cheapest”, what are you shelling out every month for rent?
KK: This was the cheapest district in Hong Kong. The district is called Wan Chai. A lot of these places you would be living above; I had friends who had to do it because the price of living above night clubs and brothels and things like that. That is literally the cheapest district you can find in Hong Kong – sorry I have to convert from Hong Kong dollars to US, 900 to 1000 dollars for something like that, maybe 800, just expensive.
There are people who pay in rent in Hong Kong, and these aren’t mortgages, upwards of 30 to 40 thousand US dollars a month. These are in buildings. Everything there is apartments in a building. Maybe the top floor of a building would cost that. That is just crazy.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: Did you have any thing left over at the end of the month so you didn’t starve?
KK: Really that’s what is at a premium. Just briefly, there is a difference between the local. If you live and eat and just kind of maneuver as a local it’s really actually cheap, but If you go into the western side of things everything is going to be crazy expensive like that.
For me as a youth pastor I lived on the local side which I enjoyed much more like eating local food. For lunch you could go to a western restaurant and spend 40 or 50 bucks, or you could go to a Chinese lunch box shop under a bridge and spend $3.50 and get like more food than you would want, probably loaded with MSG, but that is okay.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: After everything we’ve talked about, I can only guess that being an entrepeneur and artist runs in your family.
KK: My grandmother always says to me, “Oh, you’re an entrepreneur; you know, Uncle Robert, he was an entrepreneur as well.” I think as for like the musical stuff. There are some musical people in my family. I don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it all that much. But I do think the artist side has definitely helped in design of products.
I also learned graphic design early on because I learned right away that if you’re going to have a company, and I would encourage anyone that has a company to learn graphic design. It will save you so much money and time on stuff and photography, just kind of learn that whole package. I took classes on lynda.com. It has tutorials. Spend the time as an entrepreneur to learn it because it will help you so much. It’s incredible.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: How do you keep it all together – life, family, and business…your sanity?
KK: We have a sign we put at our booth; it’s from First Thessalonians in the Bible. It says aspire to live quietly, mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands. I don’t think it means, Paul is not saying go live in the mountains in a shack by yourself and just build something. I think he’s saying kind of keep your nose out of other people’s problems and distractions and all the worldly things that can pull us in different directions and that aren’t glorifying to God, not necessarily to command everyone, but like he’s encouraging them to work with their hands. I think definitely my wife and I have found a lot of satisfaction and contentment in that.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
Remember, you can find out more about what is going on with Kyle and Range Leather on his web site at rangeleather.com. If you’d like to hear more programs like this, drop me a line at [email protected] with your suggestions and ideas for future segments.
It’s December, and you know what that means on the Internet. It’s Best of 2015 time, baby. You know the drill — Best Albums, Best Movies, Best Drake Memes, Best Crazy Politician Quotes, etc. Our end-of-the-year contribution involves what we know best: leather. We’ve compiled a list of the most stand-out products we’ve reviewed this year. For each category, we’ve chosen a winner and one or two honorable mentions. With over 140 products reviewed this year alone, there was some tough competition. It’s been an incredible year for the leather industry. We’ve seen some amazing companies produce beautiful products and really hone in on their craft. It’s been great fun to see more and more people discover the value of making thoughtful, lasting purchases, and we hope that trend continues in years to come.
The Handmade Classic Messenger Bag with Gusset is a very, very nice bag that will last you a lifetime due to its high quality materials and superior construction. It’s worth every penny; possibly more. It’s American-made from high-quality leather and handmade exactly to your specifications. The simple and timeless style will never go out of fashion, and the leather will get even more beautiful the longer you carry it. What more can you ask for?
The elegant aesthetic is the Bottini’s most dominant asset. The clean black leather, contrasted with the soft, red suede lining gives the Bottini a professional attitude. The metal hardware is consistently flashy, but gives the Bottini a fashionable appearance.
The Marlondo Backpack is gorgeous in its full-grain leather, brass rivets, and nickel-plated hardware construction. Equally at home in the office or on the trail, the craftsmanship and durability of this pack will serve you for years to come.
If you are looking for a bag that will really make an impression, the Hidesign Hector backpack is the perfect bag for you. Its elegant construction, handsome materials, and graceful feel make this backpack perfect for the modern gentlemen who appreciates purpose. Priced at $299.99, it also won’t break your budget.
The construction, fit, finish, and heritage behind the Red Wing Iron Rangers are all fantastic. In the realm of quality footwear, their price of $319.99 is a great value. You will receive a pair of boots that will be enjoyed for years, will continue to perform well, and will become a daily companion on all of life’s adventures.
Weinbrenner’s Thorogood Dodgeville Boots will truly last you a lifetime. With each component made and assembled in the United States, you know you are getting tip-top quality when you purchase a pair of Thorogood Boots.
Attention to detail on the Weaver shoes is fantastic. The build quality is excellent, and the styling and versatility make them unique standouts. Made in the original Dr Martens factory in England, you’ll wear these shoes for many, many seasons.
At Cordoba Leather, you are getting all leather, handmade sandals made in the USA precisely to your foot’s specifications. $177 is great deal for these sandals, especially considering how comfortable and sturdy they are. You and your Ladies’ Hudsons or Men’s Holidays will be taking long walks on the beach for years to come.
The Johnston & Murphy Maggie Penny is crafted from thin, glove-soft nubuck, constructed on a rubber driver sole and features hand-stitching around the vamp and back seam. The Maggie Penny is a classic driver, with a timeless look and feel. Their low profile and lack of a penny loafer style heel keeps them casual, comfy, and easy to wear. The blue color I have is bright and fun, perking up outfits that would be boring with regular flats. The Johnston & Murphy Maggie Penny is a great choice if you’re looking for a comfortable shoe that you can wear casually or at the office.
Hanwag’s Tatra Lady boots are an excellent choice for the frequent hiker. Their stability and expert construction speaks well of Hanwag’s legacy, and their unique color sets them apart from other similar boots.
The J Michael Ashland Steerhide Belt, with its high standard of build quality and superior components, definitely qualifies it as a Buy It For Life item. With its $70 price tag, it’s also a bargain. The deep, smooth black color contrasting with the silver buckle on this belt combines to create a very classy look. The quality of the leather combined with the high level of workmanship also exudes a commitment to your desire to purchase and use products designed to last.
The Everyday Leather Belt is a natural vegetable tanned strip of 10-11 ounce leathery goodness, sourced from Hermann Oak Leather Co. This hand made, hand finished high quality leather belt will allow you to wear it every day for decades.
The Trayvax Element is a great option for those who are tired of traditional wallets and want a new and interesting addition to their everyday carry. With a money clip, bottle opener, paracord integration, keychain attachment, and more, you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way.
The Cabrio Wallet is simple yet sophisticated, minimal yet capable of satisfying most traditional bifold wallet carrying folks demands. The design, the leather quality, the artisanal build quality all combine to create a very pleasing product.
The construction of the Hammer Riveted Leather Wallet is what is going to separate it from the traditional wallet you’ll find in a department store. Single-piece premium steer hide bridle leather sourced in the USA? Check. Rust-resistant plated steel rivets eschewing the tradition of stitched seams? Yep. Compact design weighing only 50 grams and measuring an average of 1.4 millimeters in thickness? You got it.
In keeping with Satchel & Page’s dedication to quality, the suitcase is extremely well built, looks fantastic, and will serve regular or occasional travelers with panache and ease. It’s definitely a Buy It for Life item and comes highly recommended.
The Whipping Post Weekender Bag is a particularly attractive travel bag, with its combination of two leather colors, copper rivets, and the antique brass hardware. It’s simple in design, but it turns heads and draws attention.
The Barrel is an excellent choice for a weekender, especially if you are looking to customize certain aspects, particularly the liner. It’s handmade in the USA, using beautiful, high quality materials. The price is high, but the gorgeous Horween leather and excellent construction will serve you well for years and years, especially considering Bryer Leather’s lifetime warranty.
The name Amia in French means “beloved.” Made with bison leather and copper rivets, the Conestoga Leather Amia Tote is a versatile bag that is quickly becoming “beloved.”
The Market Tote is handmade in the United States with top-notch materials that get noticed. It’s a tote that you’ll be proud to carry wherever you go. It’s simple, but the beautiful Horween leather stands out and gets compliments everywhere it goes.
If you often find yourself between tracking down historical artifacts and going out for a night on the town with no time to change, the US Wings Signature Series Vintage Cowhide Indy Style Adventurer Jacket is an investment that will serve you for a long time. The American made heritage and quality construction will prove to be a great asset to your wardrobe.
Every fashionable man needs a good leather jacket in his wardrobe. If you are looking to make a statement and harken back to the leather loving armed forces of the day, the Alpha Industries MA-1 Leather Flight Jacket is an appropriate choice.
The Sabina Coin Purse from Maxwell Scott has a lovely vintage, feminine aesthetic. It can function as an everyday carry wallet or a clutch for a night out on the town. Crafted from gorgeous leather and constructed beautifully, this can be a cute alternative or companion to a traditional wallet.
The Roxbury’s fun, bohemian style is trendy and of-the-moment. Its exceptional construction, hardware, and beautiful leather feel extremely luxe, striking the right balance between bohemian and classy.
The DaLuca Straps 1 Piece NATO Watch Strap is a solid choice for the first time strap buyer. You can’t go wrong with NATO simplicity and luxurious Chromexcel leather. If you want to compliment your timepiece with a comfortable, timeless design, this strap is certainly worth your consideration.
The SNPR Custom Watch Strap will compliment any large faced timepiece. With a huge variety of leathers and thread colors offered you’re sure to find something to your liking. These straps will last you for years to come, and only look better with age.
The small Spencer Collection is a blend of classic materials with a modern design. Precision milled solid brass bottle openers and key hooks, with beautiful walnut inlays and top-grain leather straps.
It is obvious that passion, time, and superior materials went in to the making of the Iron & Resin Elk Bobber gloves. At $72.00, the Elk Bobber is a reasonable investment that will absolutely last a lifetime of riding.
What really stands out about the No. 18 Tablet Portfolio is the attention to detail. The double snap closure, the business card slot, the penholder, even the included legal pad and pencil are unique and customized for this piece. It’s American made, it’s full-grain American leather, and it does its job beautifully.
If you’re a MacBook user, The Loop is a must-have accessory for keeping your charging cord organized. It’s a great price, unique construction, and will last longer than your Macbook does. The Loop is a sleek little accessory that saves you both the time and frustration of untangling cords. It also saves space in your bag because it wraps everything up so compactly.
The Roamographer’s customizable insert, wide-mouth opening, and lobster-claw straps are all details that have obviously been thought through by people with experience hauling camera gear. This is a bag that gets noticed. There’s a reason the Roamographer is making a splash in photography circles – it’s unique, it’s extremely functional, and it’s constructed impeccably. The Holdfast Small Roamographer Bison Camera Bag will keep your camera (and many more after it) safe and secure, while looking incredible.
If you are an established professional photographer or even an amateur, taking a look at ONA Bags and investing in a quality leather camera bag will not be a decision you regret. With beautiful full grain leather and easy snap brass hardware, The Brixton is a fantastic choice and will outlast your expensive camera gear.
The Westward Leather Double-Tray Dopp Kit is a very unique, standout product. It’s handmade in the USA, features double-stitched seams, copper rivets, and a genius design. For $180, you’re getting a great dopp kit as well as a valet tray that’s sure to last a lifetime and more.
The Money Maker Multi Camera Strap is a great gear system for on-the-go photographers carrying multiple cameras and lots of gear. If you want a camera support system designed and built by a seasoned photographer that is attractive and functional, Hold Fast Gear has got it right. With twelve models, there is plenty to choose from when trying to satisfy your sense of adventure.
If you appreciate minimal and simplistic designs that get the job done, look no further than the Horween Front Pocket Wallet. Being only 2.5” wide and 4.5” high when folded, Turek did a great job of creating a sleek little wallet to hold your essentials. Its sleek and minimal look, high quality construction, and genuine Horween Leather make it an excellent deal, at just $32.
This is a belt you could tow your truck home with. The Thirteen50 leather belt is fashioned from 12-14 ounce leather, which means it is incredibly thick and durable. The edges of the belt are nicely burnished and beveled. The hardware used is solid brass. This belt, which definitely meets our Buy It for Life criteria, is just $70 and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Photography has a special place in my heart. I have always been interested, I have invested thousands of dollars into high-quality camera gear, and I actively attempt to get better everyday. But, when I first purchased my camera, I entirely forgot about a strap to hold it and a bag to safely and beautifully secure it. Thankfully I have the opportunity to review the Holdfast Small Roamographer Bison Camera Bag. This luxury, vintage inspired camera bag is quite stunning, and having seen other beautiful and well-built products from Holdfast, I am beyond excited to have received this camera bag.
ABOUT HOLD FAST GEAR
Matthew Swaggart founded Holdfast Gear in 2011 with three values in mind: taste, logic, and faith. As a photographer who has traveled the world, Matt understood the burden of carrying around pounds of equipment for hours or days at a time.
With an appreciation for the design aesthetics of the past and the need for functional equipment that would hold up even under the most austere conditions, he founded Hold Fast Gear. His company offers a growing line of products designed to suit the needs of the on-the-go photographer.
Today, Matt keeps his notebooks close with ideas for new products, and plans to launch at least 10 new products within the next year. He takes pride in the ethical production of all of his products in the USA while providing sustainable jobs to the Oklahoma economy.
CONSTRUCTION
The Small Roamographer bag is handcrafted with American bison leather, with two large belted straps and a post to secure it. The small bag comes with a hefty shearling-lined strap for over the shoulder carry, with an extra lobster claw clasp to fasten a camera or extra gear. There are also double handles for hand carry. There are two large external pockets on the outside of the bag, marked with the HoldFast logo. The bottom of the bag supports itself with metal studs to keep the bag stable and clean.
The bag is lined with blue and white striped fabric, with 2 interior sleeve pockets. The removable red foam insert has 4 exterior pockets, 1 interior document sleeve, 1 exterior padded iPad pocket, 2 removable dividers and 1 removable dual lens sleeve. The insert is customizable to whatever configuration works best for you and your gear.
The most remarkable part of the bag’s construction is its hinged, Gladstone-style opening. This means that the bag stays open as wide as possible so you can grab your gear and swap out lenses with ease. This is really an amazing feature for on-the-go photographers.
FUNCTION & AESTHETIC
As I said, this bag works extremely well for photographers who are on-the-go. Its customizable insert, wide-mouth opening, and lobster-claw straps are all details that have obviously been thought through by people with experience hauling camera gear.
The only real issue I’ve experienced with this bag is that there are a LOT of straps. To get in the bag you have to undo two heel-bar straps as well as the post latch. I’ve found myself leaving the two straps undone for most of the day if I need to get in and out often. The body straps can be secured to the back of the bag, leaving only the post latch, so that helps. This isn’t a huge issue, as the straps do keep my camera gear very safe and secure, but if you are strap-adverse, you may want to consider this.
The Roamographer comes in two sizes – Small and Large. My small Roamographer bag is 14.5″ L x 9″ H x 8″ D, on the exterior, and the insert takes up 12″ L x 7″ H x 6.5″ D. The smaller bag is recommended for mirrorless and rangefinder gear. I easily fit my Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II, two lenses, my Go-Pro, a small tripod, and more. The larger bag measures 18″ L x 14″ H x 10″ D, and is recommended for DSLR gear. We will have a featured review of the large Roamographer coming soon.
This bag comes in two body colors, black and brown, both with light brown straps. The bison leather gives it a beautiful and unique texture that’s offset with the lighter colored straps.
CONCLUSION
This is a bag that gets noticed. There’s a reason the Roamographer is making a splash in photography circles – it’s unique, it’s extremely functional, and it’s constructed impeccably. The Holdfast Small Roamographer Bison Camera Bag will keep your camera (and many more after it) safe and secure, while looking incredible. The price tag is steep, but remember that this is an extremely well built bag with a number of features that you will find invaluable.
Editor’s Note:It seems this review has created a stir among many of you. Please note that the elephant leather on this bag is not from an animal specifically hunted down and harvested just to make leather items. The leather is a by-product/derivative of a legally culled animal by national park rangers and park managers in Africa. There are legal channels provided around the world to purchase exotic leather such as elephant. It would be a travesty to think that someone would simply hunt down elephants to make leather bags. And, it’s also disingenuous to believe that we would feature a bag made in an unethical manner. Thanks.
We also contacted Lekoza for more information on the sourcing of the elephant leather. Here’s what they had to say:
“The leather I use is sourced legally, and has Cites tags attached when I receive it. The source of all African elephant skins come from culls once the elephant herd reaches destructive numbers to African tribes and nature. It’s very similar to our deer season in the United States. Without culling, African tribes would lose their homes and possibly be trampled to death. Designers, manufacturers, and leather enthusiasts should not feel emotional or have guilt for using this leather as we are not creating a demand rather using a by product. We deal with reputable international partners who abide by all regulations and we never sell poached hides.”
Cites stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. You can read more about this organization and how they work on their website: http://cites.org/.
As a writer for Bestleather, I have the opportunity to be around stylish and exotic things pretty frequently. I basically style my outfit off of whichever leather accessory I plan on taking out that day. I know it sounds silly, but it is a luxury I have thoroughly enjoyed. The Lekoza Minimalistic Elephant Briefcase is the most exotic item I have reviewed to date, partially constructed with elephant leather, it is unlike any other item I’ve seen.
About
Based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lekoza is a small family-run business that focuses mainly on the craft of leatherworking, and the tools and materials needed to design and construct quality leather items. Lekoza not only provides the tools and materials for leather working, they also provide customers with as much information as possible, all in one easy to use, friendly website. Although this company’s main focus is tools and techniques, they couldn’t resist designing and crafting their own unique, exotic briefcase line.
Construction
The Minimalistic Elephant Briefcase is constructed from three very different types of leather. For the main body, Lekoza used Horween Essex leather. This gorgeous black vegetable-tanned leather is thick and durable, making the briefcase feel sturdy and very well built. The handle, strap, and gusset are made from genuine elephant leather, which contrasts the body seamlessly and creates a very attractive, all-purpose briefcase. The last type of leather used in this briefcase is the calf suede lining for the interior. This velvety soft leather is perfect for keeping your laptop or tablet cushioned and secure.
Lekoza artisans hand sewed the entire briefcase using fil a chinois linen thread from France. The seams are all very thick and the hand stitching (ten stitches per inch) is some of the best I have seen, with tight saddle-stitching on every seam. Each briefcase is completely handmade and represents about thirty hours of labor. With solid brass hardware, premium leather, and linen thread (Lin Cable), it’s clear that the creators of this bag didn’t take any shortcuts. I can’t stress enough how well-built the Minimalistic Briefcase is; it will definitely last more than one lifetime.
Function
The Lekoza Minimalistic Elephant Briefcase is the simplest bag I have used. With only one storage space, and one strap and buckle, using this briefcase daily has been a refreshing experience. The beautiful strap is easy to open and close, and accessing the few things inside is quick and efficient.
The briefcase is just big enough for my 13” MacBook Air, a magazine, notebook, my slim pen case, and my charger. The briefcase has been the perfect size for business meetings and short trips. Its small size and sturdy handle feel just right when I am out and about showing it off.
Aesthetic
This is my first experience with exotic leather, and I must say I am a huge fan. The elephant leather is heavily textured and pliable. It is very soft, but also thick enough to provide substantial support and strength. The sturdy handle is my favorite part of this briefcase because of the beautiful, thick elephant leather and dashing hardware. These components are perfectly utilized for the extremely well made handle; this briefcase will definitely last a lifetime and more. The leather has already started to develop a shiny patina that I have grown to appreciate over time.
Conclusion
Overall I have been very pleased with the Lekoza Minimalistic Elephant Briefcase. Its simple design, beautiful leathers, and sturdy construction have proven to be extremely high quality. As you can imagine, an exotic bag like this comes at a hefty price, due to its premium materials and fully handmade construction. At $1000, the minimalistic briefcase is a lifetime investment, but I know once you see this bag in person, you’ll know you made a great purchase.
I credit host Monty Hall of Let’s Make A Deal with the quote “Good things come in small packages.” While he wasn’t the first person to utter the quote, we all understand his meaning – sometimes what’s inside the little box is going to be worth far more than what’s behind the large door. Such is the case with the resurgence of interest in minimalist wallets. Leather crafters have responded to this interest, and with the Gannett Wallet, Kyle Koster of Range Leather has added his entry into the minimalist market.
While you might at first think making such a small, simple wallet would be easy, the case is exactly the opposite. Not only does the artisan need to create a functional, aesthetically appealing wallet, but they must do it using fewer materials and in a smaller package than your typical billfold.
About Range Leather
We’ve talked in depth with Kyle Koster of Range Leather in our three part interview series A Range of Possibilities, and if you haven’t had a chance, take a look at Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. In brief, Kyle is a leather aficionado who found the craft later in life after having lived in places like Hong Kong, Mongolia, and Chicago. He started his own company manufacturing a quick-connect guitar strap, and from there, fate led him into the world of leather.
Today, Kyle splits his time between Washington and Wyoming, while juggling the ins and outs of a small business on its way up.
Construction
Simple construction, to me, is a hallmark of anything bearing the title or description of “minimalist.” The Gannett wallet weighs in at 1.1 ounces (31 grams). By comparison, that’s eleven pennies, six nickels, or twelve dimes – a little bit of change in your pocket, or barely enough to notice the weight. Dimensions of the wallet measure 3 7/8″ (height) x 2 3/8″ (width) x 3/8″ (thickness), which is large enough to fit credit cards in the two available slots. Even with the light, compact design, Range Leather still uses a 9/10 ounce Horween leather for the entire piece. The wallet is going to be nearly indestructible with with the double-stitched, wax-coated, polyester thread.
Stamped on one corner of the wallet is the word ‘Range’, so there is no doubt where this piece comes from.
Function
You all know what to do – it is a wallet after all. There are two slots for cards, one on each side of the wallet, and a slot for your folded paper money on one side. If you are at all curious as to why there is a million dollar bill in our photos, we left it there on purpose. During my interview with Kyle, he noted that in testing, people had a hard time discerning what the slit on that side of the wallet was for. By placing a (clearly fake) bill in the slot, it became obvious for its intended purpose.
We recommend not putting more than 3 cards in each of the two slots. Too many cards will end up stretching the leather out, and since the slots on this wallet are a bit of “open concept”, they could easily fall out if anything is left loose. The best placement of this wallet is going to be in an interior pocket, or your pants pocket, where you’ve got an extra layer material to ensure you items always stay in place.
Aesthetic
I don’t like the feel of items bulging out in my pockets, so when I do have to keep anything in them, I prefer small and compact. This wallet makes sure you’re not going to feel much of a bulge wherever you decide to carry it with you. Of interest, and I’m sure they designed it this way, is that the wallet conforms to the golden ratio in terms of it’s height and width. In good company with the Great Pyramids, the Parthenon, and the way Da Vinci considered his dimensions for The Last Supper, the wallet has a pleasing look and feel to it based on dimensions alone.
The wallet is available in Maple and Black, with the black wallet using black no-contrast stitching in our reviewed version. Both the maple and black versions show a light-colored contrast stitching on their web site. As I didn’t see an option for checking the stitching color, I asked Kyle to clarify the colors used, and he indicated they use black and natural (light-color) thread on the black wallet, while the brown version has the option of brown or natural colored thread.
Conclusion
You can get into the Gannett Wallet for a price of $45.00 (US). If you find yourself questioning the price tag, keep in mind that 9/10 ounce leather is much more expensive than the typical 4/5 ounce leather used in many types of wallets. Range Leather also puts all of their wallets together by hand. All things considered, it’s a fair price for a handmade minimalist wallet. It goes without saying that if you’re someone who needs every punch card, credit card, and store card at your beck and call, this wallet isn’t for you. If you’re looking for small ways to simplify your life by carrying just the essentials, you’ll love this wallet. It’s sturdy, tough, and has that pleasing golden ratio that is sure to draw the attention of those with an appreciation for the finer things in life when you pull it out of your pocket.
The Mason Jar was invented in 1858 by John Landis, a Philadelphia tinsmith responsible today for billions of well-preserved canned fruit and re-gifted dry soup mixes. When Mr. Landis invented the jar and sealing lid, he may not have envisioned using the sturdy jar as a precursor for a handy mug.
Kyle Koster of Range Leather, however, did have this vision: he created the Range Leather Range Mug. As a combination of high quality, 10-ounce Horween leather thoughtfully put together with a wide-mouth, pint Mason jar, the mug is a unique addition to the wide world of uses encompassed by the home canning jar.
About
Kyle started Range Leather after customers who favored his Hogjim nylon guitar straps and locking mechanism asked for a guitar strap made of leather. He began taking lessons from an old cowboy at Tandy Leather in Spokane, Washington, and from that, making the guitar straps became a reality.
However, the straps and locks were such a success that he decided to license the design out to a large company who can ensure wide distribution in time for the holiday season. Since Kyle had the skills to work the leather, but no product to produce due to the licensing agreement, he started coming up with other product ideas of everything from wallets to pipe cases. It was still up to him, however, to find a reliable source of leather for his small but growing company.
Having grown up in Chicago where Horween Leather is located, he visited their facilities and fell in love with their leather, as well as their desire to work with small companies. He managed to procure a large amount of high quality leather from Horween and has never looked back since then. Today, he only uses Horween Leather in his products, and the Range Mug is no exception.
You can learn a bit more about Kyle’s story and inspiration in our audio interview series, found here.
Construction
The mug is constructed of a 10-ounce leather sourced from the Chicago-based Horween Leather. The leather handle is secured to the sleeve with two Chicago screws. The sleeve is finished by hand sewing to fit the wide mouth Mason jar. Chicago screws are a type of fastener with a barrel-shaped flange and a protruding boss with an internal thread. This type of screw ensures the leather fits snug against the jar and won’t ever stretch out of shape.
The overall weight of the jar and sleeve is 14.6 ounces, which probably doesn’t make it amenable to the weight-concerned hiker. In this case, you’re going to be trading weight considerations for function and aesthetics. I found it to be a trade in my favor, as I’m not much of a back country hiker.
Function
The heavy duty leather sleeve is designed to fit around a 16-ounce wide mouth Mason jar. Both sleeves I tested fit snugly around the jars. As a test, I filled the jars with water and sealed the lids on tight. Holding the jars upside down and shaking them, I noticed no leaks, and the sleeves stayed in place despite my best efforts.
While conducting my test, I found I like the way the mug fits in my hand. I have large hands, and was able to put three fingers through the handle, with my thumb opposite, giving a solid grip that would prevent me from dropping the mug. I was also able to hold it by putting four fingers through the handle with my thumb on top in a more traditional “coffee-drinking” style. For cold days with hot beverages, I’d recommend the first method of holding. For warmer days with cold beverages, I would choose the second, unless you prefer to have cold hands. The third style of holding this mug, for the true pros, is to use the two-handed wrap around method to give both of your hands an opportunity to stay warm or cool, depending upon your beverage.
One concern I had with the sleeves is that they would loosen over time due to the natural tendency for leather to stretch. When I interviewed Kyle, we discussed this concern, and he noted that after six months of use, he hadn’t seen this become an issue with his test sleeves. Minimizing the possibility of stretching is also the reason he used a heavier leather in the construction. The overhanging lip on the upper portion of the Mason jar also prevents the sleeve from slipping upward. The raised lettering found over the outer surface of the jar adds to the friction between the jar and the sleeve.
My favorite feature of the Range Mug is that the thickness of the leather and its tendency to act as an insulator means the mugs make a fantastic hand warmer with hot beverages. Even if the liquid in the mug is too hot to drink, it will radiate heat throughout the leather sleeve that is pleasant to the touch, like holding your hands over a warm car heater.
It is also important to note that as with all leather, you’ll want to remove the sleeve prior to washing the jar. Leather doesn’t do well when it gets exposed to liquids over long periods of time. Should the sleeve get damp, simply wipe it clean with a dry paper towel.
Aesthetic
The Range Mug bring an aesthetic element to the Mason jar that elevates it far above the simple drinking vessel used for summertime iced tea and college parties. I can envision them in coffee shops, restaurants, and homes where you want something more than just the traditional coffee cup.
The colors available to us were brown and black, traditional colors that go well with pretty much any décor. The stitching is a minimal contrast stitching that goes well with the embossed border surrounding the sleeve. We recently had a group of friends over for a birthday party who hadn’t seen the mug before, and all of the comments were that they liked the simple, sturdy design in the way it looked and felt. If you can’t trust the opinion of the majority, who can you trust?
Conclusion
By the success of the Kickstarter campaign Kyle ran for the Range Mug, it is already a success. With an initial goal of $2,000 (which he met in four days), he was able to raise over $8,000 to fund the initial materials purchase and manufacturing of the mugs.
At the price point of $30 per mug, it’s a good value for what you’re getting. Anytime a craftsman uses leather this heavy in a product, it adds significantly to the materials cost. While Kyle could have used a lighter leather in the construction, I’m glad he didn’t. The thickness provides great insulation, is resistant to stretching, and looks good.
The biggest issue you’re going to have with the Range Mug is on deciding how many to purchase. While we can’t help you with that decision, we can tell you that the mug is solid and good looking, and will elicit comments from admirers whether you have these in your household or place of business.
Here at BestLeather we come across a large number of wallets. While most are amazing, some catch my eye more than others. When I was given the opportunity to review the Eastwood Roper Wallet, it instantly caught my eye with the gorgeous Saddle Tan color and functional design. Byline Supply Co aimed to create a classic, yet rugged wallet design to commemorate cowboy culture and Clint Eastwood himself. Let us find out if they succeeded in this venture.
ABOUT BYLINE SUPPLY CO
Austin Boyd’s appreciation for well-made American heritage goods was born from a leather belt his grandfather made years ago. He noticed how well constructed goods were from this time and felt he needed to offer the same experience to people today. These goods told the story of the owner, even after they had passed. This ideal is what Portland-based Byline Supply Co is rooted on and strives to communicate these ideals to their respective customers through the goods they produce. From their website: “We exist to help you live your legacy, and give you a piece of true American heritage.” Learn more about Byline Supply Co here.
CONSTRUCTION
This beauty is handcrafted from U.S. sourced Wickett and Craig English Bridle leather. The Saddle Tan color is lovely to my eye, and has already started to age nicely. The wallet is machine stitched with bonded 207 thread on a world renown Cobra class 4s machine, used by the best saddle makers in the world. If you notice, the edges are black. This is achieved by a combination paint/dye that penetrates the leather and will not chip off over time like regular edge paint. All this along with the solid brass snaps and eyelet (for the lanyard), customers can rest assured that no detail was overlooked.
FUNCTIONALITY
I’m not usually one for larger wallets, but this design definitely won me over. After opening the wallet you see there are two cash slots on each side underneath the card slots, one card slot on the left for the most commonly used card, and three on the right that can hold at least 8 cards before breaking it in a bit. It is a seriously roomy wallet. Because of the roominess, the Eastwood Roper is definitely larger so it may not always fit in your back pocket if you’ve got smaller pockets. Although I did not use the brass eyelet to attach a lanyard (not included with the wallet), I can see why many would use this to keep their wallet secure in their pocket.
AESTHETIC
This thing looks good while still being rugged and durable. The leather and thread color along with the black painted edges look sleek and timeless, and again looks even better with age. The inside of the wallet is nicely put together and the cards are organized in a way that makes them easy to find and access when they are needed most. I found using this wallet in day-to-day life quite enjoyable and effortless.
CONCLUSION
After spending several weeks with the Eastwood Roper wallet, I am very pleased with its functionality, durability, and just how darn good it looks. I habitually touch the Wickett and Craig leather just because of how nice it is. At $105, it is getting pricey for a wallet. I believe it is worth it for something of this quality, plus people will ideally use this wallet for the rest of their lives. I am confident Clint Eastwood would approve. The Eastwood Roper Wallet is available in Saddle Tan, Brown, and Natural leathers and remember to check out the full product line from Byline Supply Co on their website.
Well, the cold weather has come around, which means it’s time to break out the sweaters, jackets, scarves, and other wonderful wintry apparel. Of course, the best footwear to pair with these outfits is the beloved boot. I firmly believe that a nice pair of riding boots are an important staple for a woman’s wardrobe, especially if you live in a colder climate. Today we’ll be looking at Timberland Women’s Savin Hill Tall Boots.
ABOUT TIMBERLAND
Timberland can trace its roots all the way back to 1920s Boston, where Nathan Schwartz began his career as an apprentice stitcher. Schwartz and his family grew the company and, in the 1950s introduced an innovative injection-molding technique that allowed them to waterproof their boots. In 1973, they introduced the “Timberland” brand, and the rest is history. Timberland is now a huge clothing and footwear brand that operates stores worldwide. Their company headquarters are in Stratham, New Hampshire.
CONSTRUCTION & FIT
The Savin Hill’s uppers are made with full-grain leather. It’s thick enough to feel substantial yet supple enough to wear comfortably. It has a nice waxy sheen that looks great and adds a waterproofing element. The inside is lined with a cute mesh fabric and zipped up with a hefty brass colored zipper.
The calf circumference is 14.25 inches and is adjustable with a pegged gusset at the top. The boots fit true to size and fit comfortably with thick wool socks. The shaft height is 14″ which makes them slightly taller than similarly styled riding boots. I’m quite tall at 5’10” and these boots fall comfortably above mid-calf. I’ve tried on other riding boots that have looked too short for me, so the height is a big plus in my book.
These boots take a little bit of time to break in, so I’d recommend wearing them for short periods of time at first. The front of the ankle is a bit tough and takes some time to soften as well. After that, they are quite comfortable, with a removable padded footbed made from recycled plastic. **Side note: Timberland has a pretty impressive commitment to sustainable and climate-friendly manufacturing. You’ll notice a lot of their shipping and manufacturing materials are recycled or biodegradable. You can read more about that here.**
AESTHETIC
The Savin Hill boots have the classic riding boot look with a few extra details to make them unique. The lighter colored stitching and the threaded detailing on the back give them a distinct look. The 1-inch leather wrapped heel and rubber outsole match nicely, and the big brass buckle gives it that iconic riding boot look. The rubber outsole provides decent grip.
The Savin Hills come in three colors: Tobacco Forty, Black Forty, and Wheat Woodlands, a light tan color. My Tobacco Forty color is a nice, rich cognac color. It has a bit of a distressed, marbled look, which I prefer because it hides scuffs well.
CONCLUSION
Timberland Women’s Savin Hill Tall Boots are a great choice if you’re looking for unique looking riding boots that will last. Over the years I’ve had several similar pairs of boots from this price range and the quality of the leather on the Savin Hills is my favorite. These have a timeless riding boot look that won’t go out of style, and their sturdy construction mean you will get your money’s worth.
As mobile technology has integrated into every aspect of our lives from cell phones to flash drives, so has the risk of identity and data theft. Many of today’s fancy and popular leather products are designed to show off your newest gadget but not all attention is wanted. Silent Pocket is a company that has taken the extra step to protect both what can and can’t be seen. By using proprietary Radio Frequency (RF) shielding material, the Silent Pocket V2 Medium Sleeve is able to protect and secure your data under the guise of a sleek black exterior.
CONSTRUCTION
Without giving too much away, the Silent Pocket V2 Medium Sleeve has a patented unique interlocking RF magnetic seal which keeps the sleeve flat and minimalistic – no extra folds, buttons, Velcro, or zippers. The outer layer is constructed using vegetable-tanned top-grain cow leather and held together by both glue and stitching. A fine mill process is used to polish and soften the leather. All leather products used by Silent Pocket are sourced and handmade in India under the supervision of an on-site quality controls manager.
FUNCTION
The medium sleeve measures approximately 8″ x 5’’ on the outside but fits 5.75’’ x 4.1’’ on the inside which is enough for an iPhone 6, Galaxy, or Nexus phone. They have a sizing chart available on the website – a large would fit an iPad Mini and the extra large would fit an iPad Air. It contains 2 internal sides, one which blocks all incoming and outgoing signal transmissions to your cell phone. Additionally, smart keys, credit cards, passports, other RF enabled electronic devices, and anything that is RFID / Near-Field Communication (NFC) chipped, will be protected inside the RF shielding lining. The second side only shields against RFID / NFC. For the experts needing more technical nitty-gritties such as decibel, frequencies, and bandwidths, there is much more information on the website. Basically, this sleeve blocks cell phone data (RF), Apple Pay or Google wallet data (NFC), and credit card information (RFID).
One possible downside to using this type of pocket is that once your phone or device is in the sleeve, it really goes off-the-grid. Texts, phone calls, voicemails, and any other wireless push notifications will not be received until after you bring out your phone. At the same time, your phone or other tech will not receive a wireless signal and will behave accordingly.
When trying it out for myself, I can tell that as I slip the phone into the sleeve with the top still open, my phone signal immediately drops to one bar. Of course, once the magnetic seals close, I can’t see if any signal is being received on my phone. I also don’t have any data stealing instruments to test if I can hack into my own devices through the sleeve, although I am unable to call my phone when it is inside so I know the wireless signal is being blocked.
AESTHETIC
The Silent Pocket V2 Medium Sleeve has a minimalistic design. Uniform black supple leather protects your goods. The only indication that you might be hiding something is the small shield logo debossed on the bottom corner. If you’re looking for some cool, edgy design, you won’t find it here. It makes sense since you wouldn’t want to call attention to what you’re carrying if you’re trying to hide what’s inside. It’s the James Bond of sleeves – classy and subdued exterior with a hardcore interior.
BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION
The Silent Pocket V2 Medium Sleeve starts at $109.95. To be frank, this sleeve is going to be pricey and a hassle for your average Joe who likes to get his texts and Facebook messages in real-time. However, if you’re a CIA agent, international spy, or someone who just would rather be safe than sorry, it might be a worthwhile investment for high-level of protection with some sleek sophistication. Reviews on Amazon for Silent Pocket have been great so far so don’t just take my word for it.
In the first part of our interview with Kyle Koster, creator and owner of Range Leather, we covered a number of topics from his entry into the trade to the ethics of creating luxury goods with leather. If you haven’t had a chance to read or listen to the first part of the interview, you can find it here. Rather than draw it out with a lengthy introduction, we present the second of three parts in our series of with Kyle.
BL: It’s pretty close to the holiday shopping season, though for some retailers you’d think it started in July. What plans do you have for Range Leather this holiday season?
KK: This is really the first Christmas that we’ll be fully geared up to be in business which is nice in that we’ve had time to prep both products and just inventory in a sense. So we are doing some Christmas shows, different ones. We’re actually doing one this weekend.
There are tons of different – from like high schools in this area. All have craft shows. Those are like the smallest shows we’ve done, but there have been some larger shows, even in Spokane. We’ve traveled to Portland and different things, to shows.
Listen to what Kyle has to say
BL: What do you find to be one of the biggest hurdles when you’re trying to prepare for a show or, better yet, your first holiday season?
KK: I think the biggest one that always happens is working capital within a business. Your hides are expensive. People don’t understand. They really are expensive, and then to buy like quantity, and to not know when you’re going. If you’re making to order obviously it’s easy as a business. If you’re making inventory for a show or a craft fair, whatever it is, you have to have a large amount of each item that you create in stock because some shows you’ll sell a ton of minimalist wallets. Then the next show you’ll sell very few minimalist wallets, and you’ll sell key chains and bracelets and stuff like you can’t believe. So you have to have quite a bit of inventory stocked up. That means obviously you have to have quite a bit of hides.
One of the reasons we did this Range Mug Kickstarter was because we hadn’t worked with 9 or 10 ounce leather at all, and so I had stayed away just because of this being a hurdle. Obviously 9 or 10 ounce leather is more expensive, and it’s for wallets, and for what we originally were doing I didn’t need it. I could do 4 to 6 ounce, I kind of like 4.5 to 5 for wallets or at least the ones we do.
This Kickstarter with the Range Mug we’re raising money because we’re going to place a pretty large order with Horween for 9 or 10 ounce leather. That’s a huge hurdle. It’s like funding that, especially because I funded every business. It’s been a blessing. We haven’t taken on any investors or anything like that. That’s probably the biggest hurdle is working capital.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: Let’s get technical for a moment – what you mean when you’re talking about a 5-ounce leather versus a 10-ounce leather?
KK: Probably the best way is to either go on line and look at a scale or a chart, but leather is going to go by ounces starting at maybe 2 ounces.
It’s thickness. So if you would measure the thickness – it does go in mm is usually the best way. But you can look at a chart, and it goes up. It doesn’t jump equally. The difference between 6 and 7 ounces may not necessarily be the difference between 9 and 10 ounces if that makes sense. But you can look at the chart, so it’s going up in thickness of the leather.
The best way you can use a caliper or a leather gauge, and you can get your 1.9 mm, 1.8, and look at. And that’s the crazy thing. Each piece of leather is going to – most of them are sold 4.5 or 5 ounce even because each hide has a variation. That’s one of the things I like about leather. Every piece is essentially unique, where it comes from on the hide, the animal, everything. Your medium is not square is what I always tell people.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: It’s all about the leather when you get right down to it. What’s your preference: vegetable-tanned, chrome-tanned, or otherwise?
KK: That’s a good question. The veg tan leather I like. I really have been liking some of Horween’s Dublin as well. That is a great tannage from them.
It’s Horween’s – I can’t remember exactly, but it’s a veg tan leather, and then working with Chromexcel which is a chrome tan, and then it’s re-veg tanned. That’s kind of like their staple, but between those two it’s kind of what I enjoy working with. I don’t know. Even when you’re working with it you can tell how the edges burnish up and different things like that.
I found kind of the colors I like the best from them. My favorite is their whiskey color; it’s a beautiful rich brown. For our Range mug we’re doing natural Dublin which is really cool. On the Kickstarter page you can see what the natural looks like. It’s really really good-looking stuff. The pull up on that if you like creased over the leather you can see maybe the best way to describe it is a different variation of color. The Dublin has a really really rich – it just kind of looks rugged from the start.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: With all that fine leather, we know you’re making some pretty cool products. What can you tell us about your most recent Kickstarter project and how the stretch goals have helped make the Range Mug a success?
KK: In the Kickstarter project where we are we put a stretch goal for both black and brown, so adding 2 additional colors as your project maybe goes beyond what you thought it would go or what you wanted it to go, or the goal you set for it. You can release stretch goals. People with Kickstarter are familiar. We did one at five thousand dollars. We were releasing brown and black as additional colors to our natural Dublin, and I just got some samples in. Actually I don’t have any of the natural today because we’re going to have to place the large order with Horween, so here’s a brown and a black.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: I checked, and as of this interview, you’re pretty close to your first stretch goal. How close are you away from your goal? Why do you think this project has been so successful already?
KK: Like sixty dollars. I fully expect that to be – we still have a week or so left. They’re sturdy.
You know one of the things we do is a hand stitch line down ours which I think really adds character to it. In all the products I like to have some sort of hand stitch worked in. We do everything 100% hand-stitched, don’t use any sewing machines. The reason for that is with a hand stitch like a saddle stitch you’re going to get twice the thread thru every hole. You’re actually using 2 needles on a thread going back and forth, whereas a sewing machine essentially loops and pulls, and if 1 string breaks the whole integrity of the stitch is gone. With the saddle stitch you’re getting double the thread because you’re
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
There you have it for part two of our interview with Kyle Koster, creator and owner of Range Leather. In the third and final part of our interview, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of the Range Mug, the Sanford Leather Pipe Tobacco Case, and what it was like to live in Hong Kong. We’ll also have Kyle’s final words on how he finds satisfaction in working with his hands in a business world that always seems to demand more of the mighty dollar.
By now you’ve heard of Colonel Littleton. The nearly-30 year old company has produced some beautiful designs out of Lynnville, Tennessee by combining high quality materials, historic American flair, and a single artist’s touch – the Colonel himself. This guarantees consistent heirloom-quality products ranging from large goods like the stunning Colonel Littleton No. 40 Campaign Bag to today’s item – the compact yet practical Colonel Littleton No. 27 Phone Wallet.
CONSTRUCTION
The No. 27 continues to follow the dogma of Colonel Littleton designs. This full-grain cowhide is hand-tanned at a small local American tannery. The leather in this wallet is dry-milled and buttery soft, yet firm in the hand. It also has a flawless texture though the Colonel is known to not be afraid of leather pieces with lived-in character. The edges are single stitched and each leather piece is lined with polished leather – even the individual pockets. Edges are smooth and finished.
FUNCTION
The outside dimensions are 6”H x 4”W closed. Phone pocket dimensions are 5 ⅝”H x 3”W. It fits a naked iPhone 6 into the snug pocket. There isn’t enough room for a phone with a case, unless you have a smaller phone. I tried a Samsung Edge phone, but that didn’t fit. On the other side, you have two card slots and a general pocket for bills, receipts, and anything larger. By combining your phone and wallet into one, you can carry this in your jean or shirt pocket without needing any extra space. That being said, this is about the half the size of an iPad Mini. If you tend to wear fitted clothing and looking for something more slim, this wallet may not be right for you. The wallet also functions as a guard to protect your phone against key scratches and the soft, thick leather acts as a guard and cushion in case of accidental drops. The phone pocket can also be used as a passport wallet when traveling.
AESTHETIC
The No. 27 comes in a nice gift box. The color is Vintage Brown with subtle variations in tone for a more sophisticated look. Initials can be debossed for free onto the right lower corner in the front, but that also means you can’t return it if you change your mind. Otherwise there is a 30-day return policy. In the back, the Colonel Littleton emblem is proudly emblazed. The outer leather has a very fine texture whereas the inner leather is more coarse although this may be varied between wallets depending on the particular cow used. Overall, the wallet has a basic design but the look and feel of leather and details in the construction and edging make it pretty obvious that this isn’t a cheap clearance item you can buy at the discount stores.
BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION
The Colonel Littleton No. 27 Phone Wallet commands a hefty price at $125. That being said, this is one wallet that you will be keeping for a lifetime or handing over to the next generation. It may not be ideal for those who tend to lose their personal belongings or live fad to fad, but the No. 27 makes for a great gift idea for the holidays for someone who’s a stickler for quality.
In 1960 the first pair of Dr. Martens boots left their Northamptonshire factory in the English Midlands. In the time since then, Dr. Martens have become an icon, embraced by rebellious British youth championing working-class style. Today we’ll be taking a look at the Dr. Marten Women’s Pascal Boots.
ABOUT
This is the third pair of Dr. Martens footwear that we’ve reviewed here. Read our review of their 1460 ForLife Boots here, and the Made in England Weaver Shoes here.
Based in England, Dr. Martens’ impact on youth culture and beyond can be seen around the globe. They’re innovative, yet steeped in tradition – cutting edge but always paying tribute to their past. Dr. Martens is a brand that seems to cross multiple generations these days. You’re just as likely to see a 40 year old dude sporting a pair of Docs as you are an angst filled teen in one of their latest boot styles.
CONSTRUCTION & FUNCTION
The Pascals are Goodyear-welted, with a chain-stitched and heat-sealed upper and sole. The welt itself is also chain stitched to the upper and insole. This construction makes the boots quite sturdy and able to stand up to the elements. The leather is a tight grain, soft Nappa leather. It is stitched in single, double, and triple rows with a matching thread to create a nice, smooth look and allows the main focus to be on the signature AirWair sole and contrast stitching Dr Martens in known for.
Dr. Marten shoes are well-known for their AirWair soles, which was born out of a partnership with a German duo in the late 1950s. The AirWair sole is an air-cushioned, extremely comfortable to wear sole that is oil resistant, offers excellent long term wear, and great traction. My mom – the lucky recipient of these shoes – is a Registered Nurse who specializes in home health care. She is on her feet for hours at a time, and is able to wear these shoes all day long with no issues.
AESTHETIC
These boots have the classic DM aesthetic, with the thick, yellow thread used for the contrast stitching and the hefty, tan AirWair sole. They are a bit slimmer and tighter than some of the industrial boot styles, which works perfectly for a ladies’ boot. The front part of the sole is also a bit thinner, which makes for a slightly less imposing boot with a smaller silhouette. The Dress Blues color is versatile and matte, making it easy to pair with plenty of outfits.
THE ORIGINAL LINE vs THE VINTAGE LINE
When it comes to Dr. Martens, there is some debate about the quality of the Original Line, which is made in Vietnam. DM offers a “Vintage” Line (Made in England series), which is still made in England. In my experience, boots from the Vintage line have higher quality leather and more solid construction. The Vintage Pascal comes in a shiny black brush-off leather, with a matching black sole. And usually, the debate ends with the ultimate question of economics. How much do you want to spend? The answer is purely up to you and your budget.
If you have the money, I’d suggest spending the extra $100 and upgrading to the Vintage Pascals, which will last quite a bit longer with a more custom fit. (The Vintage 1460s are a unisex boot in a similar style.) However, if you are mostly concerned with getting the Dr. Marten aesthetic, the Original Line will suit you perfectly. Both lines are very sturdy, well built, and feature the hefty sole and classic heel loop that are so iconic to the brand.
CONCLUSION
The Dr. Marten Women’s Pascal Boots are a great choice for ladies looking for that iconic Dr. Martens look at an affordable price of $135. With their slimmer silhouette, the Pascals are a great asset to any ladies’ wardrobe. They are comfortable for all-day wear right out of the box and stand up to the elements like a champ.
We here at BestLeather.org would just like to say how much we love the Internet. In 2015, thanks to the world wide web, we can get 100% of our Christmas shopping done without ever stepping foot in a crowded mall or getting stampeded by crazed shoppers at Best Buy. Online shopping comes with an added bonus – coupon codes and site-wide sales. We’ve gathered a few of the best deals for you to peruse when shopping for leather goods for friends, family, and, of course, yourself.
We’ll be adding to this post when we discover new sales, so be sure to check back often.
The entire site is 20% off with code LOYAL at checkout, (if using PayPal wait until the end to select Paypal, don’t click it immediately) and all domestic orders over $75 get free shipping.
Maria Fano has recently announced their debut Kickstarter, featuring luxury women’s bags, passport covers, and more in a wide variety of colors.
Maria’s goal is to offer luxury handbags with premium materials for an affordable price. She and seven artisans based in Lviv, Ukraine, have designed a minimalist product line made for women who want handmade, designer quality at a more reasonable price point.
Currently, Maria Fano offers passport covers in 8 fun colors of French goat leather. The Michelle Bag comes in four colors: light grey, taupe, slate, and black calf leather. The goat leather interiors come in bright colors like black, purple, magenta, rose, yellow and light blue.
You can get the Michelle Bag for $350 on Kickstarter, and passport covers for just $25 if you order early. Be sure to check out the Kickstarter page for more information.
Back in the dark ages, before video games, we used to sit down by the light of the fire and play a nice game of cribbage as a family. I’m mostly kidding – while I don’t get to play board games as much as I’d like these days, we still break out the cribbage board from time to time, usually while camping or on vacation. My parents had this fancy cribbage board carved into an elk antler from Jackson, Wyoming. While this was a pretty unique board, it was not exactly easy to fit an antler into a suitcase or whip out the antler for a quick game at the airport. If only we had gotten our hands on the Walnut Studiolo Travel Cribbage Board, a small cribbage board designed to fold up and take on-the-go.
ABOUT WALNUT STUDIOLO
Born in Portland Oregon, Walnut Studiolo started out as an Etsy store selling bike accessories. From their website:
“Today you can find Walnut Studiolo products around the globe. We’ve expanded from solutions for the bicycle lifestyle to interior design products for homes, beer and wine products, travel-sized games, and even custom work orders. Everything is still made by hand, evoking the same romance of those vintage images. For the connoisseur of design, for the lover of leather, and for the beautifully curated life, Walnut Studiolo products are guaranteed to please.”
CONSTRUCTION & FUNCTION
Inspired by the pocket games soldiers carried in WWII, the Travel Cribbage Board is on the smaller end of the spectrum. Made to fit in your bike bag, briefcase, or pocket, the board is lightweight and easy to carry. It weighs in at a little less than an ounce and a half.
The 60-point, laser-engraved board comes with four solid copper pegs, two black and two red, which store inside an built-in brass tube and fastened with a cork plug. Replacement parts are available on the website as well.
The board itself is wrapped in dark brown veg-tanned leather and secured with an antique style brass closure. The leather can be personalized with a monogram for $12. Folded up, it’s about as small as a standard deck of cards, which works great since you have to bring along a deck of cards anyway. For the uninitiated cribbage players, you can read up on the rules in this blog post from Walnut Studiolo.
The board easily slides into an internal pocket on your backpack or briefcase. When open, it folds out flatly. The pegs slip into the holes with ease. One thing to note – the board is shallow, so the pegs will wobble somewhat in their place. But, they should stay put even when you’re on the go in an airplane, in the RV, or even in a car. To date, it’s been to Florida and California where it’s seen use. Who won those games? Well, I hate to brag – but…
CONCLUSION
The Walnut Studiolo Travel Cribbage Board is great for traveling and just plain fun to have around, whether you’re a cribbage enthusiast or just like to have board games handy for visitors.It’s always good to have a classic game around for those times when the Internet fails or the power goes out. Cribbage is a great strategy game. If you’ve never played, get yourself one of these cool little boards and enjoy! At $45, it makes a great gift, and its high quality materials mean it will last long enough to play with your grandkids.
The day before Halloween was filled with mad dashes through the candy aisle of overstocked grocery stores in attempts to avoid trickery on All Hallows Eve. While many of us were considering the rapidly dwindling stock on the shelves of those temporary Halloween stores as our only means to costume contest salvation, Kyle Koster was taking time out his busy day to speak with me on life and his consideration of all things leather.
The road he took to start Range Leather wasn’t direct. He’s lived in Hong Kong, Mongolia, and Chicago on his journey, and now finds himself splitting his time between Spokane, Washington and Wyoming. He is a busy man, so we’re grateful we had a chance to speak with him at length on all things of life, leather, and the pursuit of happiness.
The audio of Kyle’s answers are included at the end of each question. The text has been edited from the audio for clarity in reading. As I interviewed Kyle at the Flour Mill here in Spokane, Washington, you’ll occasionally be treated to the background noise of passers-by as they do their shopping on a lazy Friday afternoon.
On a final note, we got so much material in this interview that I’ll be splitting it into a few parts to make it more manageable to read through (or listen to) in one sitting.
BL: How did you get started in the leather business?
KK: So, it’s a little complicated. I’ll give you a quick back story here. Three years ago I started a guitar accessory company and created a couple different locking mechanisms to quickly interchange your strap on and off your guitar and created that through injection molding, created a design. It’s produced in an injection mold; it’s a separate company. I was making a nylon strap.
Kind of the idea was, when you get customers, they would say, “Hey, I’d love a leather strap with your strap locks and your quick-connect system.” Kind of just started thinking about leather.
I started taking some lessons from this old cowboy at Tandy, kind of picking his brain, stopping in there. This was a little over a year ago, just coming in, just learning and trying things.
I just always had this fascination with doing something with my hands. I have always liked building, I have always liked design, and so I was looking for something tangible. So I thought, that would be a great way to make these leather straps and put them on a product we already have that we’re selling.
In January we ended up licensing that product out, the guitar accessory site out. It’s all licensed to a large company. It’s going to hit here at Christmastime. It will be public and get picked up through distribution.
So once I had this skill, then I could not technically make the straps. I kind of foresaw that, and it wasn’t going in a direction where I would be making the straps, so I just started making things myself, made a wallet, did a whole bunch of designs. I really enjoy designing, and just started using it.
Then I had some friends who said, “Hey, I’d love one of those.” It kind of just kept rolling. I gave some away, some more here. It’s actually our minimalist that we started with which we did the first Kickstarter for.
I was home last Christmas. I grew up in Chicago. So, of course, I thought I should go down to Horween just to see it. I took a trip down with my wife. We went to Horween and walked thru. They’re great. I was just so encouraged about their desire to work with small companies.
One of the guys, Johnnie, told me how Timberland was one of their first customers and struggled to meet purchase orders and stuff, and they worked with them and worked with them. Now they’re huge. He just has this desire to work with the smaller companies. They started Tannery Row that is their side if you’re familiar. It’s kind of like they’re focused on the smaller company side, but you can still get Horween leather thru them.
I was able to get a bunch of leather, came back and started. Pretty much since day one I have only used Horween leather, which is, pretty spoiled for that reason because I absolutely love it. I have seen some other stuff. It is super premium for anything you could find out there.
That’s just kind of how it started, and then we launched that first Kickstarter.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL: What were you doing before you decided to devote your working hours to the leather trade?
KK: Absolutely. Crazy story. I graduated from the University of Illinois with a finance degree, still haven’t used it per se.
Right after I graduated I actually applied to be a youth pastor at a bunch of different churches, and I got a position in Hong Kong. I got on a plane and moved over there as a youth intern in a youth ministry. Lived there for 2 years, learned a lot about manufacturing. Living is crazy expensive in Hong Kong.
One of the families who hosted me had an extra room, and I was fortunate enough to be able to stay with them because it is crazy expensive for an apartment and stuff.
Anyway, a lot of what people do in Hong Kong is do logistics for someone who wants to make something in Southeast Asia, the US, or the UK. He works with a bunch of kitchenware companies as his primary. So I learned some stuff about that just kind of on the side.
I ended up moving to Mongolia (laughing); bear with me. Moved to Mongolia for just a short period of time.
The guitar accessory company is actually called Hogjim Guitar Gear. Hogjim is the Mongolian word for music. Kind of bridged that gap. I worked with some missionaries there doing food distribution and a bunch of stuff just for a short period of time.
Then I moved back to the States, moved back to Chicago. Kind of had that reverse culture shock going on after being abroad 2-1/2 years. Moved out to Wyoming. My cousin lived out there, moved in with her and her husband and their 4 kids. Got plugged into Wyoming really like that. Lived out there for a little bit. That’s where I actually started Hogjim, and everything, the LC is based out of there. My wife and I are going back there in December. We’ll kind of be in between Spokane and Wyoming for a little while.
Listen to what Kyle has to say:
BL:We discovered you through your Kickstarter campaign for the Range Mug. Have you used other Kickstarter campaigns in the past to help build your business?
