Author: Victor

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.
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Pad & Quill Large Leather Backpack Review – $289

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

About Pad & Quill

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

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

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

Construction

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

Function

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

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

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

Aesthetic

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giveaway Details

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

There will be 4 total winners:

1st Place: Oak & Honey Leather Bifold Wallet

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

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

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Oak & Honey Bifold Wallet Review – $84

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

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

About Oak & Honey

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

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

Construction

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

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

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

Function

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

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

Aesthetics

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

[RF_CONTEST contest=’5398′]

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

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

Construction

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

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

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

Function

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

Aesthetic

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giveaway Details

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

There will be 3 total winners:

1st Place: Lombardi Buckleless Leather Belt + Key Fob

2nd Place: Lombardi Buckleless Leather Belt

3rd Place: Key Fob

Enter the Giveaway Below:

[RF_CONTEST contest=’5266′]

 

 

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SNPR Crazy Horse Strap Review – $265.00

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

This piece tends to exude a spirit of adventure

Construction

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

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

Tons of character exhibited in the handmade craftsmanship

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

Function

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

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

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

Aesthetic

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

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

Conclusion

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

  

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TheGoodLifeLeather Transformer Valet Tray Review – $129

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

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

About TheGoodLife Leather Co.

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

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

Construction 

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

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

Function

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

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

Aesthetics

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

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

Conclusion 

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

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Arrow and Board Classic Belt Review and Kickstarter

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

About Arrow and Board

With the motto “We make them like they used to,”  Arrow and Board is definitely in the business of making leather goods built to last. All of their goods are handmade in Austin, Texas; A big plus for those who prefer made in USA Goods. I spoke with Zac, who is in charge of product design and marketing. He was a joy to work with and really mot