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.
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?
DUCKS IN A ROW launched its crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter last week, featuring backpacks built with the cycling commuter in mind.
This unique backpack holds a laptop, combining the lifestyle and high-tech features the urban dweller needs. The backpack has a convenient touch screen pocket which means users can navigate GPS and handle music without stopping. The DUCKS IN A ROW backpack has a simple handlebar connection which leaves cyclists’ shoulders free and keeps riders’ shirts and suits wrinkle-free and tidy.
“We set out to bring our take on urban fashion to sophisticated commuters who cycle to work,” said Anna Brosh, co-founder of Ducks In a Row. “While developing this bag, we focused on creating the best solution for urban commuters’ every day needs which include functionality, style and fashion.”
The backpacks will be available in Caramel or Dark Brown vegetable-tanned leather and each backpack comes with a designer water resistant rain cover to keep valuable contents dry.
DUCKS IN A ROW backpacks start at $189 on Kickstarter. Visit the DUCKS IN A ROW website for more information.
MEASUREMENTS: 28cm/12cm/43.5cm. DUCKS IN A ROW backpacks can hold up to a 15” laptop securely. TOUCH SCREEN PHONE POCKET: Perfect for navigation, answering phone calls, and music handling. RAIN PROTECTION: Comes with a water resistant rain cover for the bag and seat. MATERIAL: Fine vegetable-tanned leather. SPECIAL FEATURES: Flashlight connector, quick access top pocket, helmet connector, comfortable organizer.
Waltzing Matilda got its start making sandals, which we reviewed this summer. Now, Waltzing Matilda is a full-fledged leather outfitter based in Wayne, Pennsylvania – making everything from shoes to bags to laptop cases to wine carriers.
“Everything we make is handcrafted in the USA in small micro-factories and meant to last forever. We make a strong effort to use repurposed and recycled materials found during our travels. We don’t compromise. We are creative, adventurous, and humble, and sincerely want to stimulate the senses with our pieces. Every hide is handpicked and has unique features and marks that add to the character and beauty of each product. We hope you love your new piece of art, and that it travels with you for a long time. Please let it age gracefully.” – Waltzing Matilda website
Today we will be taking a look at the Waltzing Matilda Market Tote, a simple multi-purpose tote with WM’s classic boho look.
CONSTRUCTION & AESTHETIC
The Market Tote is simply constructed with beautiful 5mm Horween leather, which you notice instantly. The leather is smooth, waxy, and smells wonderful. Its rectangular construction allows it to stand up on its own while still being floppy enough to carry extremely comfortably. The leather looks amazing from afar, and feels even better once you touch it. It’s so soft. I’ve occasionally handed it off to a friend to admire and they immediately gush about how nice it feels.
In classic minimalist Waltzing Matilda style, the straps are hand stitched directly to the body of the tote. A small hanging pocket is attached to one side with copper rivets at the top.
My tote is a beautiful rich black, with a lovely Horween sheen. The Market Tote also comes in Brown, Medium Brown, Grey (with black straps), and Navy (with brown straps).
FUNCTION
The Market Tote is 13.5”H X 14.5”W X 4.5”D, making it large enough to carry pretty much anything. You can use it as an everyday carry bag or for a quick trip to the farmer’s market. The inside is unlined and undyed, but any wear adds to the charm.
The small inside pocket is slim but plenty deep, and great for stashing keys and a phone so you don’t have to fish around the bottom.
The leather for the straps is struck through, which is a nice touch. The straps are long enough for comfortable over the shoulder carry. They’re not particularly thick, but have plenty of strength as long as you’re not carrying around an anvil.
CONCLUSION
I absolutely love my Waltzing Matilda Market Tote. It’s simple, but the beautiful Horween leather stands out and gets compliments everywhere I go. If you’re looking for a bargain, the Waltzing Matilda store is probably not the best choice for you. However, 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.
Whenever someone shows me a small leather company, I am immediately interested. Many times I find some of the most gorgeous and well-made products from these small companies. Turek Leather Works has continued this interest with their handy and affordable Horween Front Pocket Wallet.
ABOUT TUREK LEATHER WORKS
Robert Turek believes in handmade, high quality, long lasting, affordable goods. Based in rural Illinois, Turek Leather Works was established in 2014 and is a fresh new leather company born from “love and passion for elegant style” and proves these beliefs by crafting some gorgeous goods out of Horween leathers – one of the oldest tanneries in the United States. As we will see from the review, this is one of the nicest handmade Horween front pocket wallets I’ve seen at this price point.
CONSTRUCTION
The rich Dark Brown Horween Chromexcel leather is so beautiful, and when bent shows some light pull-up in the leather that disappears after a short time. Its aroma will make you smile. Each piece is hand cut, and then hand burnished and slicked to ensure a finished and smooth edge. For the stitching, it’s all done by hand using the saddle stitch method to provide unrivaled durability. The wallet they sent me was certainly up to the standards they claim to stand behind. Please visit Turek Leather Works’ website for detailed information on their production process.
FUNCTIONALITY
This wallet is quite handy. When all I have to do is open it up and take out whatever I need, it makes life so easy. Keep in mind this is more of a minimal wallet designed for your front pocket, so it will hold what you need but probably not a whole lot more than that. After breaking the wallet in a little, I managed six to seven cards on one side and ten to twelve folded bills on the other side. The wallet will easily slide into your pants, even if they are on the tighter side.
AESTHETIC
If you are someone like me and appreciate minimal and simplistic designs that get the job done, look no further. 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. I’ve gotten nothing but compliments about it.
CONCLUSION
The Horween Chromexcel 2 Pocket Bifold Front Pocket Wallet has definitely impressed me with its sleek and minimal look, high quality construction, and excellent price point. The wallet is available to purchase from Turek Leather Works’ website and buyers can choose from several different thread options. Be sure to check out their other great looking selection of handmade goods. Robert Turek has also provided a 10% discount to the readers of this review. Just enter the code: BESTLEATHER at checkout.
Pack Animal, based in Seattle, WA, recently announced their debut Kickstarter. Pack Animal creates saddlebags for motorcycles using timeless materials that look great on any bike.
The Saddlebags are made with waxed canvas and leather. The bags attach using halter snaps that click onto d-rings on the bike mounting kit. The same halter snaps make for a seamless transition from saddlebag to messenger bag with our shoulder strap. The entire backside of the bag is shielded by a thick piece of leather that rests against the side of the bike and protects the bag and its contents as you rack up miles.
The Tool Roll is a small bag to store equipment and gear in case you need a tune-up. When rolled out completely, the tool roll is 22″ wide and 11.5″ tall. It has a flap to cover your combination wrenches and allen keys, a flat storage pocket that works great for receipts, zip ties, fuses etc., an additional flap covering a utility pocket that fits larger wrenches or pliers, and a large zippered pocket perfect for sockets, screwdrivers, bolts, and any other odds and ends you need to carry with you.
Check out their Kickstarter for discount prices on awesome gear for your bike.
Cravar is based near Jakarta, Indonesia. It was birthed out of a backpacking trip to Italy during 2005 when Yoki Baskara encountered an old stationery shop that was being operated by 3rd and 4th generation leather artisans. Yoki was also involved in wedding photography. In identifying a need for quality wedding albums, he assembled a team a craftsmen and began to assemble handcrafted leather wedding albums and tote bags. In 2012, Yoki proposed a plan to several close friends for a leather goods company and Cravar was born.
After a very successful Kickstarter in 2013 followed up with another successful Kickstarter campaign in 2014, Cravar has starting carving its niche in the global leather products industry. We recently reviewed (and gave away) The F.C. 15 Bag.
Cravar launched another Kickstarter last week, offering several products including two sizes of closable travel journals ($50 & $70) and three sizes of leather tote bags ($189, $209, & $239). The totes feature full grain veg-tanned leather, adjustable handle lengths, double stitched seams, inside pockets, and lots of customizable features. You can also get Cravar passport holders, pouches, and cardholders. While the Kickstarter was funded within the first 24 hours, you can still pick up these great-looking pieces for discount Kickstarter prices, so check them out!
Backers can:
Choose & mix leather colors
Add optional upgrade details like a zipper closure on the tote bags
Add free monogramming option to stamp the rewards with backer’s initials
Choose from two font options for the monogramming as everyone has different taste
I have been a lover of shoes since I was a child. I always wanted to have the newest and coolest styles, and was never really content with the shoes I had. Unfortunately, I haven’t changed much in that regard. I have enough shoes in my closet for many women to be envious. Shoes are still one of my favorite things to own and Steve Madden has impressed me with their Romah Wingtip Oxford.
About
Steve Madden has been an iconic footwear name for many years in the women’s fashion scene. After such a successful 10-year stint there, Steve Madden Men’s line was launched. Starting as a primarily casual offering, Steve Madden Men’s has evolved into a funky lifestyle brand that guys of all ages should include in to their wardrobe. Their purpose is to offer men as many different styles as possible, all at a high-quality, wallet-friendly price.
Construction
The Steve Madden Romah is constructed with a full leather upper, synthetic sole, and an extremely comfortable fabric inner lining. The shoes are assembled in China, and brought back into the United States. The leather on this shoe is a very soft, polished leather that has age beautifully after several months of use. While some people like their dress shoes to develop a patina and worn-in look, the Romah Wingtip Oxford was not constructed to do so. The leather is very scratch resistant and will maintain the clean, sophisticated tan color.
Function
This shoe is designed to be worn with anything from summer wear and bright colors to chinos and muted colors for the colder weather. Because it is lace less, it really functions as a casual yet dressy Oxford. Steve Madden is famous for the spunky, funky, do-what-you-want look, and these shoes are a perfect example of the lifestyle brand they have successfully created. I have used these shoes many times for casual summer evenings and even a little more dressy outings such as business meetings. Each time, I had numerous friends and family members ask about the shoes. The Romah is a funky shoe for the independent man that has functioned flawlessly and become my go-to casual shoe.
Aesthetic
Steve Madden has done a wonderful job designing this shoe. Because of the unique brogueing trim and perforated medallion toe, the Roma is truly a do it all Oxford. The sleek tan color and no-nonsense shine of the Roma is perfect for a stylish, do it all shoe that most men should have in their closet. The lace less aspect of the Roma is the most important. Because the shoe does not have any laces, it exudes the casual, classy look. But the beautiful brogueing and sleek lines strengthen the dressy, modern side of the shoe. This feature is really what sold me on the quality and overall desirability. I do not own any other shoes like this, and Steve Madden has done an excellent job and will keep me coming back.
Conclusion
The Romah Wingtip Oxford has proved to be a staple in my ever-growing wardrobe. The beautiful tan color, perfect brogueing, and lace less feature really turn this shoe into a perfect example of Steve Madden design. If you are looking for a funky, do-it al shoe, check them out. To purchase the Romah, use the Steve Madden Amazon store. The store has the Romah Wingtip Oxfords on sale for $63.00. This is a deal you shouldn’t pass up.
As much as I love leather, I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes it’s not the ideal material for certain situations. The strength and rigidity hinder its pliability, and packing it down when not in use is usually not an option. That’s when I usually opt for natural textiles, especially waxed cotton. In the search for a bag that has a good marriage of both materials, I came upon the Tucker & Bloom London Duffel.
ABOUT
Tucker & Bloom is a family owned business with a culmination of over 30 years in the bag industry. Founded by David & Case Bloom, the father and son duo started the company after 9/11 when the travel wear industry saw a large decline in activity. David Bloom was actually the director of Coach travel products in New York at the time and with his son Case who has a background in art, encouraged the birth of the company. Another interesting note, Case Bloom’s great grandfather is William Feinbloom, the founder of Champion Sportswear and inventor of the first hooded sweatshirt. All of their products are made from nationally sourced materials and fabricated in their Nashville factory.
CONSTRUCTION
Coming in at 20” Long x 14” High x 10″ Deep, the London Duffel is a large bag. The main body is made from American 18oz (per square yard of material) filter twill waxed canvas. Filter twill is a weaving method that utilizes diagonal threading over a plain weave, the result being a stronger, tighter fabric. The leather panels and straps are sourced from Kentucky. They are waxed and vegetable tanned. The shoulder strap is padded and has a very comfortable shearling lined pad. The interior is an orange four-ply Taslan Nylon lining and beefy #9 Riri zipper pulls contain all that awesomeness.
FUNCTION
The London Duffel is a classically styled bag with some great modern features. The properties of the Taslan lining make the material water resistant yet breathable, making this great for gym clothes and such. The bag’s capacity is ample – the savvy traveler will be able to pack for a week and a small family could get away with one London Duffel for an entire weekend.
The interior compartments are spacious but are pretty loose and don’t keep contents contained very well, an elastane strip along the top of the pockets would have been great. I would also like to see a zippered pouch near the top for quick retrieval of smaller items. The adjustable shoulder strap is easy to adjust and the shearling pad makes carrying the bag, even when loaded down, a surprisingly pleasant experience. And thanks to the waxed canvas this bag holds up great in wet conditions. So you can take this bag camping just as easy as you can to Disneyland.
AESTHETIC
The London Duffel is like a Toyota FJ40 Landcruiser. It can handle anything and looks good doing it. The coloring seems to dance from brownish to green depending on the lighting. Quality just seems to exude from the bag and it looks just as good on a bellman’s cart as it does thrown next to a pile of logs. It’s not the type of bag you’ll want to baby, thank goodness, and the waxed canvas does a great job of repelling stains. When at the airport, I’d definitely keep a close eye on the baggage carousel or else you might not get it back.
CONCLUSION
There’s a lot to choose from in the big bag market, if you’re not getting anywhere in your search, I heartily recommend Tucker & Bloom’s London Duffel. The capacity has you covered no matter what you’re doing and the solid construction will see you through it.
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 & FUNCTION
The leather uppers are made of full-grain nubuck, with a tan sole and foam insoles. The biggest difference between the Brooktons and the classic men’s 6-Inch boots is the sole. The Brookton trades the hefty rubber sole for a lightweight EVA sole. This has its pros and cons. The biggest upsides are the boots’ weight and flexibility. These boots are insanely light while still being pretty sturdy and protective. The downside is that EVA compresses pretty quickly and isn’t going to withstand tons of wear. So far, though, they’ve stood up to the elements well.
These boots take a bit of time to break in, so I’d recommend doubling up on socks for the first few wears. After that, they are surprisingly comfortable, with padding on the midsoles and heel, as well as a padded collar for a pleasant ankle fit and mobility. **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 Wheat Nubuck is the classic yellow color associated with Timberlands, with white stitching along the quarter to set them apart from classic 6-inch Timbs. They look great and go with nearly everything, especially skinny denim. The downside of this color is that they stain pretty easily. You can pick up a suede & nubuck cleaner pretty much anywhere, including on the Timberland website, and I’d recommend doing so if you like your boots to look pristine.
The Brooktons come with two colors of 100% post-consumer recycled laces, in tan and brown. There are also two other leather options if you’re looking for a darker color. Dark Brown, with the same light color sole, and Black Nubuck with a cute grey and pink sole.
CONCLUSION
So far, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the Timberland Women’s Earthkeeper Brookton 6-inch Classic Boots. They have proven to be a great choice for boots on the lower end of the price range. If you’re looking for a non-imported boot that can be resoled and last 5+ years, save up for a different boot and spend a couple hundred more dollars. If you’re looking for a classic streetwear aesthetic but don’t want to commit to a heavy sole, these are a good choice. The Timberlands are a very good price at $120, and you can often find them on sale. Casually, you’ll probably get a solid four years out of these boots, and their timeless look won’t go out of style any time soon. They’ll stand up to the elements and look good doing it.
Being on the review staff at BestLeather I’ve seen more wallets than the back pocket of a pair of Levi’s 501s. A lot of the wallets we review are high quality, expertly crafted pieces, but maintain the same general formula. When we got wind of the Trayvax Element in Canyon Red we immediately had try out the innovative design.
ABOUT
Trayvax was started in 2013 by Mark King. Originally setting out to develop a reusable plastic bag carrier, Mark ended up on a different course and created the Trayvax wallet. With an aim to produce the toughest most utilitarian wallet on the market, Trayvax uses top quality materials and all of their wallets are assembled here in the USA. When asked how the company started, we were told “In Mark’s apartment 2 years ago. We were powder coating every Trayvax wallet in the bathtub and sewing each product by hand.” That’s a far cry from their operation now consisting of over 30 employees. A good sign for us consumers, when a company is growing that rapidly, it means they’re doing something right!
CONSTRUCTION
“We use top grain leather that is custom dyed to shape-shift its color and oils. We use mil-spec grommets, spot welding, and sandblasted stainless steel on each wallet. They are flossed together, welded, and finished completely by hand to produce a seamless leather wallet.”
That was the impressive response we received from Trayvax when asking about their construction process for the Element. From the materials used, one might say it over engineered, but I think that is what Trayvax demanded of the Element. For instance, the paracord used to bind the wallet is mil-spec 550 which means it has a minimum load strength of 550lbs. The Element weighs about 3.8 oz empty and measures 4.5” Long X 2 ⅝” Tall. And the cherry on top, it’s made right here in the USA.
FUNCTION
While the Element is definitely innovative in design and function, it still adheres to the same basic principle of all wallets. It holds your cash and cards. The Element has great capacity in a smaller package. The initial instructions call for you to place all the cards you normally carry in the wallet along with a provided spacer card, then you soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to expedite the break in process. While this step isn’t necessary I recommend it as the cards will be very tight and hard to get at otherwise. Once broken in, card access is a breeze. The front opening in the leather lets your thumb quickly push out your cards.
The Element has a built in bottle opener for liberating your libations in a flash. You can attach a cord or clip to the grommet loop at the top if you want to carry the wallet around your neck or on your bag. I usually prefer these carry options because the Elements steel frame is pretty unyielding and can be uncomfortable in your back pocket when sitting. I really like the money clip which makes getting cash out less of a chore. Everything is secured in place by the horizontal leather flap that runs along it.
AESTHETIC
At first glance, one might guess at the purpose of the Element. Is it a tool? A weapon? I usually spend Saturday morning at local garage sales, so I have my wallet out often. The Trayvax Element definitely elicits impressive responses from people. You just feel cool whipping it out. It’s a great fidget device too, I like to just have it hand and feel the weight when waiting at appointments and such. The Element comes in several colors, we received the Canyon Red edition and the color is beautiful, like it was baked to perfection on a sandstone slab in the searing Utah summer heat.
CONCLUSION
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 bulletproof construction and superior machining and craftsmanship, you would do well to try one out.
Recently I was out looking at motorcycles, one of those “maybe this is the month I buy one” type of things, and as always, one particular brand held my attention captive – Aprilia. The salesman, sly man that he was, must have noticed my jaw ajar and said something that I absolutely loved – “It’s just got that special Italian magic.” I’m reminded of that phrase every time I look at Floto Imports Firenze Dowell Briefcase. Available from the Floto Imports’ online store, the briefcase comes in Vecchio Brown, Olive Brown, or Black. In this case, I’ve had the pleasure of keeping the Black version with me as my daily bag. The Firenze Dowell joins the other briefcases in the collection as a welcomed addition to the aesthetic and feel of the Floto line.
ABOUT FLOTO IMPORTS
We have been fortunate to review several great pieces from Floto Imports over the past year or so. You can read those reviews here. Floto Imports was established in 2003 and is based in Brooklyn, NY. All of their products are manufactured in Italy with the philosophy, “older is better”. According to the Floto website, “Our mission is to refine old world craft methods to produce pieces that are superior to mass-produced luggage. Top grade Italian calfskins and natural, vibrant fabrics come together to create timeless and iconic styles.”
AESTHETIC
We’re at the point, in the ebb and flow of trends, that favors the “rugged” look in American fashion, and it’s this precise reason that makes the Firenze stand out so much. This isn’t a mountain man’s bag, this is the bag of a gentleman. The polished black calfskin leather looks as sleek as it does refined, and the clean lines and stainless steel hardware finish out the look in a way that demands a second glance. I use this bag every day, and I can honestly say that I feel like dressing up my wardrobe to finish what the bag starts every time I put it over my shoulder. It would look as good with a three piece suit as it does with nice jeans and oxfords.
FUNCTION
As you’d expect from a briefcase, this bag has plenty of room for my documents, books, and personal effects. Currently I’m using it for two reference books, a documents folio, and two notebooks, but I could easily fit a laptop in there too should the need arise. There’s a main compartment for the bulk of the storage, with a zippered pouch, and the smaller but functional front pocket has spots for pens, a phone, and business cards with room to spare. It’ll hold everything you need it to in a way that is simple and effective.
CONSTRUCTION
Despite its sleek, simple look, the bag is crafted sturdily. Built in Italy, the stitching is clean, precise, and well executed. The same could be said of the hardware: the stainless steel looks and feels sturdy, and provides no room for worry. The strap is detachable by means of clips, which feel as reliable as the rest of the hardware. The lock on the front is one of my favorite parts of the bag. Made by Amiet, a Swiss company specializing in hardware for leather products, the lock is sturdy and simple, utilizing a small key for operation. If you don’t need to lock the bag, the mechanism acts as a simple method of securing it, and can be operated by pulling the switch down. With weeks of steady use I see no signs of weakness from any of the bag’s features: again, this is a product that has as much function as it does form, and that’s saying something.
CONCLUSION
For a price that is well under what similar designer bags would cost, Floto Imports has created a briefcase that will complement anything you wear, capable of dressing up a pair of jeans with oxfords (though you may feel this bag deserves a suit). Sleek, simple, timelessly classy. It’s a bag that I’m not only happy to carry, but that carries what I need in a way that makes my old messenger bag seem barbaric by comparison. Put simply, the Firenze Dowell Briefcase has that special Italian magic.
Jaunji Designs, a small design studio out of Vancouver, British Columbia, recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for their new Explorer Bag. We got our hands on one of these Explorer bags a few months ago. The version we received was a prototype and it seems that a few things have already been improved since that time. Here are our thoughts on the Jaunji Designs Explorer Rolltop Backpack.
ABOUT JAUNJI
“We are a quality driven lifestyle brand and we believe that our designs/products should be simple, functional and lasting – We will never settle for anything less! Our team compasses decades of experience in the creative and design fields. We strive to design with functional features and use the best materials available. Our aim is to create products that make everyday life more enjoyable.
As we evolve to perfection as a young company that symbolizes the approach – “more than meets the eye” – our goal is to bring you products that are just as unique as you.”
CONSTRUCTION
The Explorer Rolltop Backpack is made of vegetable tanned full grain goat leather. Goat leather is naturally water resistant, making it useful for everyday products. Goat leather is softer than some of the other leathers due to the presence of lanolin wax. Goat hide is lighter than cowhide and is more supple requiring little break in time. The downside is that it can be less sturdy – some of the leather on the closure straps stripped off upon my first real use of the bag because there is not much room for the straps to slide through the hardware. It is, however, reinforced at the seams and stress points like the buckle closures. In addition, some of the stitching around the mouth is a bit uneven, but not noticeable unless you’re looking closely. Previous experience with goat leather from some of our reviewers has elicited comments about adverse smells from the tanning process. In this case, the Explorer pack does not emit an adverse odor at all, which is great. The texture and color of the goat leather is great and it will definitely darken with time and use to develop a unique patina.
The Explorer features brass YKK zippers and brass finished metal hardware. The metal hardware hasn’t failed on me but it feels a little light weight. Again, this could be due to the fact that this is a prototype and hardware choices may have changed and been upgraded since then for the production pieces.
FUNCTION
The top closure straps run right over the shoulder straps when the top is open, making for a very ergonomic and natural design. There’s lots of padding in the main section of the bag, enough to protect fragile cameras or electronics. There’s also a padded laptop sleeve. The straps and fit of the bag feels comfortable on my shoulders, even when relatively full of stuff. The straps are thick and padded, making them quite comfortable and less of a hassle to put on.
There is a slot pocket for an umbrella, as well as several lash points for other gear on the bottom and main body of the bag. These tie-down points and straps make the bag very customizable for whatever purpose you have in mind. The rolltop makes the bag expand from 14″ to 20″ inches, so it can fit quite a lot if you need it to. I hope Jaunji Designs will come out with matching straps that can be used to accessorize the Explorer in time.
The interior is lined with a thick, medium brown colored fabric. It feels good to the touch and will certainly aid in protecting whatever treasures you store inside of it. It does create a dark cavern, so you’ll need to fish inside for your items, but that’s pretty normal for most backpacks of any style. The quick access document/tablet pouch is a nice touch. It’s secure, but quickly accessible due to the large zipper on the pack.
AESTHETIC
Everyone likes the look of this bag; I get compliments on it from everyone who has seen it. Jaunji Designs pulled off the rolltop look very well. The bag tapers nicely and doesn’t look scrunched; it’s definitely an ideal and classic design that can open up or be strapped down however you like.
CONCLUSION
The Jaunji Designs Explorer Rolltop Backpack is very aesthetically pleasing and its Kickstarter price is right. There are still a few spots left on the Kickstarter campaign. The Explorer is extremely aesthetically pleasing and its design is quite useful. You shouldn’t plan on it lasting you forever, but $175 is a reasonable price for a great looking bag that you’ll enjoy and find useful for several years to come.
Range Leather, from Spokane, Washington, recently launched their Kickstarter campaign on October 7th to introduce their newest offering, the Range Mug. Their campaign runs through November 6th, and while it has already exceeded its original goal, they’re looking to their “stretch goals” to be able to offer additional enhancements and features customers have been asking for. Kyle Koster, owner and creator of the company, put it best with this direct quote from their campaign:
“Our latest endeavor at Range Leather Co. was to design the most versatile drinking container to accompany any adventure. Our goal was to combine an everyday product with the timeless look and vintage feel of genuine leather. The Range Mug is built from the finest 10 oz Horween leather, secured with Chicago screws and is hand stitched to fit around a wide mouth Mason Jar. “
Range Leather Co. believes that working with your hands is a respectable trade, so that’s what they do. Range is dedicated to creating timeless products, guaranteed to wear in and not out.
The Range Mug insulates against both hot and cold liquids allowing you to enjoy a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, sweet tea and beer. From camping to business meetings, you’re sure to find that the Range Mug is the ideal beverage container.
The Range Mug is offered until November 6th on Kickstarter for 30% OFF the retail price to any backer willing to help this project off the ground. That means acquiring a Range Mug for just $22 on their campaign site. Having nearly reached their first stretch goal, the project will soon release both brown and black leather to go with their natural color.
You can find out more about everything Range Leather offers on their web site or by visiting their Instagram page.
Buffalo Jackson sells a multitude of your classic leather goods – wallets, belts, and briefcases. Today we will take a look at a more unique leather item – the Everett Leather Camera Bag specifically designed to carefully hold your camera and accessories.
CONSTRUCTION
The Everett series of bags including this camera bag are made in India using goat leather tanned through their local traditional tanning and processing techniques. Goat leather is significantly thinner than traditional cow leather making it more pliable and lighter which is good for the back. The downsides to using thinner, softer leather means the leather is more prone to damage and tears particularly if not regularly conditioned or maintained (I have personally experienced this multiple times). This particular bag appears relatively well made for an Indian goat leather bag. All edges are double stitched and the strap hardware seems to be a bit larger gauge and sturdier than what I traditionally see in these imported goat bags from India or Pakistan. The hardware is made of brass and zinc. Potential areas of weakness and breakdown are the single-layered leather loops to which the strap clips and the fact that the straps are made from multiple pieces of leather sewn together end-to-end. The bag measures approximately 12 x 9 x 5 ½ inches.
FUNCTION
The Everett Leather Camera Bag has a full cushion padded interior that can be removed. There are extra built-in overlying Velcro padded flaps to help hold everything in place even if the bag is turned upside down. The removable padded interior appears to be made of a velour-like fabric to help cuddle your valuables. There are also a surprising number of additional compartments including an external open compartment and an external zippered pocket. Internally there is an additional open pocket and a zippered pocket. I was able to easily fit my camera, light diffuser, and flash into the padded cushions with additional space for cables, accessories, and a lens. The padded compartment can also be removed for extra space and to transform the bag into a more versatile carry-all style.
AESTHETIC
The Everett Leather Bag comes in the standard natural goat leather color which is described by Buffalo Jackson as “Camel.” The leather and hardware already have that distressed look with variable patina which helps bring that “vintage” look to the bag. The green canvas interior is a nice natural color contrast with the leather. Although the color and look of goat leather is great, one of the downsides to anyone who has experienced these types of bags is the smell associated with the local tanning techniques. Though visually appealing, these bags have a sharp pungent smell that I can best describe as a blend of vinegar with a hint of cat urine that is more noticeable in closed spaces like a car or closet. Wash your hands after heavy use and don’t expect to be using this bag as a makeshift pillow during a camping expedition.
BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION
The Buffalo Jackson Everett Camera Bag is a fair purchase at $149.95. It is surprisingly detailed in design with excellent cushioning for a goat leather-style bag. Your back will thank you for not having to lug around unnecessary poundage in addition to your camera equipment. Like most imported goat bags, be prepared that the “leather smell” is not going to be the same as an American cowhide bag. The thinner leather is also more prone to failing at stress points, particularly with the rotational stresses placed at the flat strap loops, but these Buffalo Jackson bags come with a 3 year manufacturing warranty so don’t be afraid to enjoy your bag on your expeditions – just don’t go crazy.
To quote Ezra Koenig of indie rock band Vampire Weekend, “I find it hard to choose which tote to take out into the world. All those hours spent staring into my tote nook – I can’t get them back.”
I feel you, Ezra. There’s so many great totes out there, it’s tough to decide sometimes. Let’s take a look at the WaterField Designs Field Tote, made of waxed canvas and full grain leather.
ABOUT WATERFIELD DESIGNS
WaterField Designs was founded in 1998 by Gary Waterfield, who now leads the design process at his San Francisco workshop. Each product is designed and manufactured in small batches by artisans at the WaterField production center in San Francisco, CA.They make everything from gadget sleeves to handsome tote bags to Surface Pro covers, and their small, local operation allows them to quickly get multiple styles and sizes up and running (like sleeves for both Apple and Android devices), and they also crank out covers for random electronics like the Apple Superdrive, Apple TV, or even your wireless keyboard. From their website:
“We cut out the clutter with simple and focused design. We are mindful of how bags hang on your body, how cases protect your devices, and making them lightweight and easily accessible. Customers also influence what we make. Our most popular products came from customers requesting a certain feature, bag, or case.”
AESTHETIC & CONSTRUCTION
The Field Tote is made of beautiful waxed canvas with full-grain veg-tanned leather as trim. The body of the tote is 14″ by 8″ by 4″ wide. The front pocket has a leather and metal closure that stays nice and snug. There is also a metal key ring on the outside for clipping on your keys with ease. A small zippered pocket hangs in the interior of the bag.
The waxed canvas is beautiful and textured, and its distressed look adds a unique element to the bag’s aesthetic. The waxy brown pullup leather is stitched with sturdy nylon. The leather is simple, attractive, and compliments it well. The Field Tote comes in brown, burgundy, and navy, which is mine. A word of warning to dog and cat owners: The waxy canvas on this tote picks up and retains fur like no other, so consider purchasing this bag in the lighter brown color if your furry friends like to shed.
FUNCTION
The design of the Field Tote was thought through very thoroughly. It is made to be entirely collapsible, so you can put your bag in a bag for extra carry space while traveling. The sides of the bag also have a subtle gusset effect so the bag lays flat when it’s empty or doesn’t have much in it. This means that it can expand to hold quite a bit when necessary – it’s easy to pack a couple sweaters in there without them spilling out. This makes the Field Tote quite versatile and a great bag to use (or pack) for a trip.
The straps are long and comfortable, and the bag is a perfect size and light weight for carrying anywhere. With a strap drop of approximately 9.75″, it’s easy to set this up on your shoulder and carry it. There is a nice amount of pockets to hold smaller items. The outside pocket is perfect for storing your phone so you don’t have to dig around for it in the bag.
CONCLUSION
The Waterfield Designs Field Tote is a great tote. At $119, it’s also pretty affordable for a full-grain waxed canvas tote made in the United States. This is a great choice if you are looking for something compact and versatile. It looks and feels like a high-end bag, but with a reasonable price point. Its modern and stylish, but won’t go out of style any time soon.
From A Simple Leather Belt Co. comes a simple leather…WALLET? Yes. Today, we are reviewing the Essential Wallet by A Simple Leather Belt Co. (ASLB). Made with the same principles used in all their leather belts, the ASLB Amish leatherworkers have put together a sturdy, no-frills wallet for the practical gentleman
CONSTRUCTION
The leather used in the Essential Wallet is 100% full-grain vegetable-tanned cowhide, cut and assembled together in Ohio by Amish leatherworkers. The leather is 3.5oz which keeps the wallet feeling slim yet sturdy. The nylon stitching is guaranteed for 10 years. Inside, it uses perhaps the most tried-and-true design of any wallet – four card pockets, two internal pockets, and one cash pocket. This adds up to 8 individual panels of leather used to create this wallet. The wallet measures 4 3/8 inches by 3 ¼ inches. Empty it is 3/8 of an inch wide.
FUNCTION
This wallet holds cash and cards just as well as the next wallet. It is really simple and practical and the stitching is guaranteed for 10 years. What else needs to be said?
AESTHETIC
This simple wallet is surprisingly elegant. The leather inside and outside is uniformly polished – smooth and flawless. In the scotch color (I’m in a bit of a lighter leather craze right now) it seems to have the best potential to collect a variegated darker patina unique to its owner. The other darker color options, Havana, bourbon, and black, seem more resistant to color-changing patina. This wallet has definitely caught the attention of the people I work and hang out with. Ironically, when a product has a simple basic design, all perfection or any imperfection really stands out and I can’t find anything wrong with this one.
BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION
The A Simple Leather Belt Co. Essential Wallet comes in at a bit of a higher price of $79 when compared to the mass-produced leather wallets often found in discount clothing chains, but quality is a huge selling point here. Impeccably made by genuinely experienced American craftsman, the Essential Wallet is perfect for someone looking to add some subtle, long-lasting class and refinement to their collection of leather goods.
I flew into Charlotte, North Carolina, at the beginning of this year on my way to visit some family in Valdese. At that time, I hadn’t heard of ColsenKeane or their passion for crafting enduring, rugged leather products, nor did I know they are based in Charlotte. To my chagrin for not having found this growing company earlier, I was also delighted to be asked to review their Minimalist Standard Leather Satchel in Crazy Horse.
Saint Ambrose was right when he said “where a man’s heart is, there is his treasure also” – this is a company that loves what they create, and creates what they love. I always have an initial impression and reaction when I first view and hold a leather product. After carefully photographing the packaging (it was nicely done) on receiving the satchel, I unwrapped it like an early birthday gift.
Quite honestly, I’ve not seen another leather satchel that immediately overawed me as this one did, and still does. Think Pony Express meets Sam Elliott (Tombstone, 1993) to get a sense of the rugged individuality and good looks this bag conveys.
About Colsen Keane
I had a chance to talk at length with Scott Hofert, creator and owner of ColsonKeane, about his vision and products for the present and the future. As Scott put it, educated customers are the best customers. A self-admitted leather junkie, he’s been crafting unique leather ideas into reality for the last 8 years. While not an artist by trade, having worked in the non-profit sector for years, Scott’s passion for quality leather goods and vision for seeing niches in the leather industry that need to be filled have driven ColsenKeane to become the growing success it is today.
Reflected in his products is his love for the beefier (no pun intended) leather hides found in many of the products they produce. He understands that these types of hides retain their constitution and will last a lifetime, a guarantee he puts behind all of his products. And the way he came up with the name for his company? You’ll just have to ask Scott; he’ll welcome you into their store the next time you stop over in Charlotte.
Construction
The name of the bag is shrouded in a bit of mystery – why “Crazy Horse” Leather? Scott intimated that its origin may lie with the gentleman from whom he purchases the hides for the satchel. What is not a mystery is the construction of the bag itself: full grain cowhide measuring 3.9 mm thick held together by copper rivets and a waxed polyester thread that would be suitable for stitching sails on a main mast.
The satchel is one solid piece of hide, except for the sides, which are stitched in to help the bag keeps its shape throughout your lifetime of owning this product. The benefit of a bag that retains its shape is better protection of the contents inside versus something that may soften too much over time.
The D-rings, snap swivels, and buckles are all heavy duty pre-distressed nickel plated steel that add to the rugged look of the leather. He’ll also be the first to admit the bag is over-engineered, an intentional design element. I couldn’t see it designed any other way after having a few weeks with it. The double-stitched thread holding the sides in is the only stitching on the bag, the rest held by the copper rivets.
Function
Need to carry a laptop up to 17″ along with your important files? This satchel will do the trick. If you want to carry accessories including your wallet, phone, a couple pens and some bank cards, you’ll want to go for the optional leather insert.
The leather insert is cleverly designed to not only minimize the interior space it uses, but will also allow you to put documents behind it. It’s an excellent conservation of space in a layout that is already generous.
The adjustable carry strap looks great when added to the bag, and adds an important element of functionality when you choose to sling the bag across your shoulder. I prefer carrying the bag cross-shoulder as it leaves my hands free to carry my morning coffee, a phone, or to stick them in my pockets on a cold day.
Aesthetic
Let’s get this out of the way: the satchel is a beautiful, over-constructed piece of craftsmanship that is difficult to not fall in love with. This satchel has a tendency to slow me down wherever I go. I don’t mind though; people see it and want to stop and comment on its beauty, or where I got it. The longer you own and use this bag, the more unique it will become, the look tailored to the experiences of your life.
I asked Scott specifically about the copper rivets, and yes, they are extremely difficult to find. His philosophy is that they are not only beautiful and will develop a beautiful patina over time, but that he eschews shiny metal on bags that would have an otherwise rugged look. However, as copper is too soft for the buckles and d-rings, he went with a distressed nickel look that fits right in.
The straps holding the bag closed are thick and perfectly sized for the buckles and add to the rugged look of the bag. Even after only a few weeks, I’ve noticed the scratching on the leather doesn’t detract to the bag, but gives it character you won’t see anywhere else.
The Final Word
Everything about this satchel indicates love of, and pride in, your craft. With the purchase of your Minimalist Standard Leather Satchel in Crazy Horse coming in at a $695.00 retail, you’d better be serious about your love of leather and those goods crafted to last a lifetime. If you’re just looking for a serviceable bag that is nothing special, this isn’t the one for you
As if their available product line isn’t enough, you always have the option to stop by their shop in Charlotte and talk to Scott about custom designing a leather piece that reflects you and your lifestyle.
Scotch whisky, also known as uisge beatha or “water of life”, is best when aged and enjoyed for what it is: a product of craftsmen with a love for the process and product. This satchel is no different. I predict that this bag will age with you, accumulating the wealth of knowledge and experience that is your life. While I have only had possession of this bag for a few weeks, the quality and aesthetic have spoken, and that is what I heard.
Scott and his team are not only artisans, but they want to share their love of the craft and philosophy of doing what you love with others. In addition to the 200-plus product concepts Scott keeps tucked away in his notebook, he hinted at offering a multi-day “leather experience” to teach the craft and business of leather working. His idea came about as a result of area businessman coming into the store and finding themselves drawn to the lifestyle and passion everyone at ColsenKeane exhibits through their craftsmanship and eagerness to share what they do.
If you want a high-quality, thoughtfully designed satchel that will (and is guaranteed to last you a lifetime), you’ll want to start here. Educate yourself on their products through the numerous videos and articles available online, and you won’t be disappointed.
Buffalo Jackson Trading Company is all about the American values and style which any rugged gentleman would have. Their Leather Sunglass Straps in medium whiskey is a clean stylish way to keep any guy looking effortlessly cool, even in a wind tunnel.
CONSTRUCTION
These medium-sized sunglass straps are made with a single strip of 100% full grain cowhide measuring 15 ½ inches long and 7/8 of an inch wide. On the outside, the Buffalo Jackson logo is proudly center displayed in bold capital letters. On the inside, there is a thin layer of pigskin lining glued and sewn together with dark brown nylon stitching which travels along the entire border of the strap. A debossed stamp on the inside declares its country of origin as “Old Mexico” which must mean… Mexico. The leather smells fantastic like a good piece of leather should.
FUNCTION
These straps do what they’re supposed to do. They keep your sunglasses on your neck. The strap wraps relatively close to most heads with about a 2-inch margin of free space. I much prefer this than to those cotton or nylon lanyard straps that flop way back and irritate your neck. On maximum pull between my two hands, there is very little stretch which is likely due to the pigskin lining. When putting the straps onto my basic Ralph Lauren sunglasses, they hold on to the arms well with good snug tension and don’t fall off even if I swing the sunglasses around a bit. They do come off easily enough with a little force. I haven’t used it long enough to test the long-term stretch of these straps but the pigskin seems like a very tight no-stretch lining so I am going to assume these will last longer than my glasses.
AESTHETIC
The look of these straps holds true to the rugged gentleman goals of Buffalo Jackson. The width and large branding of this leather will keep these straps for the more casual outing to the beach, hiking, or fishing, whereas I see the slimmer Elkton strap on the website better suited for the polo or golf game. The colors of the nylon, pigskin, and leather are all near identical and the leather will lend itself to some pretty sweet patina overtime through rain, sweat, and hand oils. This strap is “Whiskey” color and there is a darker “Dark Walnut” option as well.
BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION
The Buffalo Jackson Trading Co. Leather Sunglass Strap is a good buy at $27.95 for those looking for a versatile go-to strap. With minimal care, this casual accessory will definitely last a while and look better with abuse. Pick the XL size for Rayban Wayfarers or other XL sunglasses.
From their website:
