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Saddleback Large Leather Satchel Review – $408

There comes a time to take the leap from a nylon messenger bag to a quality leather piece that excels in both form and function. If you search for “best leather bag” in Google, the first hit will be the Saddleback Leather Company website– and for good reason. Saddleback Leather (SBL) is a Texas-based company specializing in full-grain, fully tanned leather goods designed to last a lifetime and beyond. This is an online company whose commitment to well-made leather products have earned it a cult following among the style and leather forums across the internet. Today I’ll be taking a look at their Large Leather Satchel.

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CONSTRUCTION & AESTHETIC

Saddleback uses full-grain chrome tanned leather, all fully dyed. This particular satchel is in their Black color, which is a darker version than the Carbon color they used to use. The satchel also comes in Chestnut, Dark Coffee Brown, and Tobacco. The leather, as always with Saddleback, is extremely high quality and sturdy, getting softer and more supple with age. You can learn a bit about the leather Saddleback uses on their website.

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Some bags have seams at the edges of the bottom, or a seam down the middle of the bottom, which binds multiple smaller pieces of leather. But each seam is a potential weak point, which is a problem for someone who wants their briefcase to last a lifetime. Saddleback’s Leather Satchel is made up of only two main pieces of leather: the front flap going around all the way down the back, and the front panel. The edges are rounded to accommodate this design.

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To further strengthen the bag, all seams are double-stitched and the stress areas are reinforced with copper and brass rivets, as well as hidden polyester strips. The hardware is nickel-plated brass and can hold up well against any abuse you’d give it. I appreciate that this satchel has only one strap and is relatively minimalist with the hardware. I think it has a simple and classic look while still maintaining the hefty “Saddleback” look. I’m not always a huge fan of their products that have tons of pockets and jangly bits, so I think this satchel strikes a nice balance.

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FUNCTION

A large ring at the top of the bag allows you to convert the satchel into a backpack if you so choose. Just detach the lobster claw clasps from the sides, run the strap through the ring, and reattach to the smaller rings at the bottom. There’s even two shoulder pads to keep you comfortable. Of course, using such thick and sturdy leather means the bag weighs about 5 pounds empty. This isn’t terribly heavy, all things considered, but it will be an adjustment if you’re not accustomed to carrying around quality leather bags.

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The bag features a two side pouches and a slim pouch that runs across the back for quick access. The inside of the satchel has two small phone or pen compartments, a key fob strap, and a sleeve for an iPad, book, or notebook. You can also fit an 11″ MacBook in the sleeve. A 13″ MacBook or other laptop can fit in the large pouch. At 14” W x 11” H x 5” D, the satchel is a nice in-between size. Not too bulky, but has plenty of room to fit what you need to run to a class or a meeting.

Saddleback Large Satchel 2 This satchel comes in two smaller sizes. The small is 10” W x 9” H x 4” D, for $308, and the medium is 12” W x 10” H x 4” D, for $378. I imagine these sizes would function well for ladies as a purse, too.

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CONCLUSION

The Saddleback Large Leather Satchel is an excellent choice for an everyday carry bag. It is spacious and functional without being bulky. The hefty leather, strong seams, and sturdy hardware will outlast you and all the items you put in it. Its simple lines and classic color means this leather satchel will never go out of style.

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Perfect size for cats to hide in, too.
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Angel Jackets Tom Cruise Mission Impossible 5 Jacket Review – $189

My childhood dream was to become a superhero who could also become any other superhero at will. Years later, not having given up on the dream, I found a way to get myself one step closer to that superhero reality – through the Angel Jackets Mission Impossible 5 Jacket. Wardrobe, as you may know, is the most important part of any superhero’s persona.

Light and stylish, this jacket will serve you well…whether you are hanging off the side of an Airbus 400 during takeoff or riding a motorcycle at 100+ miles per hour (we recommend doing neither).

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About Angel Jackets

Paul Anderson created Angel Jackets in 2009 after the death of Michael Jackson in response to MJ’s fans looking for a unique way to remember Michael. By combining the costume element of movie star outfits with wearable jackets and real leather, Paul had hit on a winning combination that fans loved.

Today, Angel Jackets updates its collections regularly and takes custom orders. They offer a wide spectrum of jackets from past, present, and unreleased movies, television shows, and musical offerings. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced replica of the jackets today’s stars are wearing, Angel Jackets is a great starting point.

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Construction

The shell of the jacket is made of genuine, chromium salt tanned, lambskin leather sourced from the Karachi and Sialkot areas of Pakistan. The shell is of good quality, though thin and designed more for the casual wearer. The entire jacket weights slightly under thirty ounces, making it a lightweight in its class. The other leather jacket I have hanging in my closet is sixty ounces by comparison.

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The interior of the jacket is lined with viscose, a soft semi-synthetic material composed of regenerated cellulose, often used in the linings of sport jackets and dresses. There are two pockets sewn into the lining, one on each side. They are a nice touch in the event you need to conceal some clever spy gadgets while out on your impossible mission.

On the sleeves, outer pockets, and front of the jacket, you’ll find heavy duty YKK burnished metal zippers. YKK Group is a Japanese conglomerate well-known for manufacturing zippers, and the quality of metal used in this jacket is a nice touch.

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The black stitching appears straight and is evenly spaced with no threads dangling at endpoints. Continued wear during cooler months will give a good indication of how it holds up over time.

The standup collar lends a casual look to the jacket without sacrificing any elements of appearance, a look Ethan Hunt would surely approve.

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Function

If you’re a superspy finding himself tasked with protecting the world from ne’er-do-wells and need a light flexible jacket to keep you warm and make you look good, this is your jacket. While it is based directly on one of the jackets Tom Cruise sports in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, it will serve handsomely in the spring, summer, fall, and possibly the winter depending upon the climate you live in, whether you are saving the world or not.

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The overall lightweight construction of the jacket feels like it would be best suited for a night out on the town or a summer pleasure ride. This is not a heavy duty jacket and should be treated as such.

The jacket I received is a Large (L), and is a very comfortable fit for my size large body. If you are a weight lifter or someone who is very bulky across the shoulders, you might consider going up a size to give your shoulders additional breathing room.

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Aesthetic

I like the way the jacket looks and fits to my frame. I also appreciate the zippers on the cuff for giving the arms a flared look and a little extra ventilation. The burnished zippers don’t contrast the black lambskin too much and add a nice touch to the overall look. The black viscose interior is the only choice for maintaining a high-quality look while letting the jacket remain light and breathable.

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The one concern I had when I received this jacket was a scent that reminded me of napthalene, the same smell some of you might remember when your mom put mothballs in your closet as a kid. After hanging the jacket up for a couple days, the scent dissipated to unnoticeable levels. As of this writing, there is little to no scent on the jacket at all.

After speaking with Paul, he stated that the reason for the smell is due to the leather not being able to breathe during shipping. The moisture content in the jacket can produce the described odor. He also mentioned that since the jacket is hand-wrinkled leather, it contains more moisture than similar leather processed by a machine. If you’re looking to wear this jacket the moment you receive it, you might want to keep this caveat in mind. Give it a couple days to breathe, and it will be superhero-ready.

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Conclusion

This jacket is fun. It is lightweight, sports a modern, casual look, and is a comfortable fit. As someone who likes the idea of subtly emulating his favorite film stars, the Mission Impossible 5 Jacket does just that. I don’t think the jacket will stand up to heavy abuse based on its lightweight construction, but as with all things leather, it never hurts to own more than one.

At $189.00 for a genuine leather jacket, it’s a good value for the looks and fun factor alone. I plan on sporting it in the fall months to see how the stitching and stress points hold up, and to ensure the leather shell can take a few scratches without tearing.

On a final note, what you see on the Angel Jackets web site is what you’ll receive when ordering the jacket. No, Tom Cruise does not come with the jacket, but the look you see online is what you’ll get when you unfold the jacket for the first time. If you’re a fan of the MI series or are in the market for a casual, lightweight leather jacket, check it out.

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Moore & Giles Canady Haversack Review – $850

Moore & Giles has been firmly entrenched in the leather industry since it was founded in 1933 in Lynchburg, VA. Currently, Moore & Giles employs more than 70 people in its headquarters in Forest, Virginia with representation in every major metropolitan area as well as strategic partnerships in England, Germany, France, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Moore & Giles designs and develops luxurious natural leathers for leather upholstery, residential leather, hospitality leather and aviation leather. In 2007 they also introduced a collection of luxury leather bags and accessories as an additional avenue to showcase their leathers.

We’ve reviewed a few Moore & Giles products including the Bray Sportsman Duffel, Donald Dopp Kitt, and Brennan Rucksack. A few weeks ago, we published an interview with Thomas Brennan, one of their product designers. You can read the interview here. Today, we’ll be taking a look at his Canady Haversack. Keep an eye out for more reviews of Moore & Giles products, coming soon!

Moore and Giles Canady Haversack 1

THE LEATHER

Moore & Giles beautiful milled leather is really the star of the show here. It’s supple, yet sturdy. My Canady Haversack is in the color they call “Titan Milled Brown,” a lovely rich brown. It also comes in Brompton Brown, a darker color, and Titan Milled Gunmetal, a deep black with brown accents. Each bag comes with a monogramming option, located at the top of the exterior pocket.Moore and Giles Canady Haversack 9

 

The leather is absolutely perfect, and will require some maintenance to remain supple and scuff-free. We reviewed Moore & Giles proprietary leather conditioner here, which works very well on this bag. We’ve reviewed quite a few other leather conditioners, which you can read about on our “Leather Care” tag.

Moore and Giles Canady Haversack 7

CONSTRUCTION & AESTHETIC

The Canady Haversack has a very unique tapered construction. It’s a cross between a messenger bag and a briefcase, allowing easy access to the contents of the bag while maintaining the sleek handled look of a briefcase. The bag has D-rings that attach to a leather shoulder strap for shoulder carry if you prefer, but the bag does look pretty sleek as a briefcase, and its padded handles make it easy to carry by hand.

Moore and Giles Canady Haversack 5

Lined with Moore & Giles signature fabric liner, this bag features a padded laptop sleeve and lots of functional little pockets. The main compartment unzips at an angle so the bag conveniently sits upright on its own. The angled zip means the bag opens and expands quite a lot, but is supported by a piece of liner that connects opposite sides of the zipper. The Canady Haversack measures 15” x 11.5” x 4.5”, a nice medium-sized messenger. You can fit plenty of items in here, and view and access them all with ease.

Moore and Giles Canady Haversack 4

 

The main pouch features several reinforced pockets in the liner, where you can store folders, pens, and notebooks. The front pouch has pockets for business cards and a slot for your cell phone. If you have a bulky case on your phone, it imprints the front of the leather, making it obvious that you have a phone there and stretching the leather a little bit. It’s a minor issue, but it does interrupt the sleek aesthetic of the bag.

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CONCLUSION

The Moore & Giles Canady Haversack is a beautiful, functional bag that will absolutely stand the test of time. If you’re looking for an everyday carry bag that will keep you organized, the Canady Haversack is a great option. It’s expensive, but it’s not unusual to pay a premium for Moore & Giles famous leather and thoughtful design.

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Satchel & Page’s Belt Kickstarter Reaches First Stretch Goal

Satchel & Page, based in Austin, Texas, has quickly made a name for themselves in the leather world. After successfully funding two Kickstarter campaigns for their leather bags and belts, they recently launched a third campaign for their leather belts. We’ve reviewed several Satchel & Page products, including their Mailbag and Bomber Jacket, and found their products to be top-notch.

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For $62, you will receive a leather belt that comes in four colors and four hardware finish options, detailed in the graphic below:

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Here are some of the features of their belts, as listed on their Kickstarter:

1. Custom made for you. For any occasion. – With two width options (1.5 + 1.25), you are covered for casual wear with jeans, and formal/office wear with slacks. And with 4 leather and 4 hardware options, you can create a belt just how you want it. They all come with the same exceptional quality and lifetime guarantee.

2. The highest grade leather hides – 10 -12 oz. full-grain, vegetable tanned leather from only US origin cows. It’s simple: The best hides make the best belts. See below infographic.

3. Military grade brass hardware – We offer the standard antique brass and silver matte finishes, but we also wanted to offer some unique finishes that you can’t find anywhere else. So we developed our own process to hand antique finish the Iron Rust and Copper Patina hardware, which makes each one of these buckles just a little different.

This Kickstarter has blown past its original goal of $5,000 and reached its first stretch goal, which is a hand-stitched journal cover. They’re just a few hours away from meeting their second stretch goal, which would allow them to offer their belt in a Chestnut color. Be sure to keep an eye on Satchel & Page’s Kickstarter and for other updates we encourage you to like their Facebook page.

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LederMann Rugged Leather Briefcase Messenger Bag Backpack Review – $455

We’re changing things up a little bit here. That doesn’t sound quite right. We’re working to add a new component to our BestLeather readers with the addition of some occasional short video reviews of the products that we review. Our first foray into this is a feature style on LederMann’s newest bag – their Rugged Leather Briefcase Messenger Bag Backpack. And, apologies in advance for some of the wind noise in the video.

As you can assume from the name of the bag, it’s multipurpose in its design. It can easily serve as a formal, large briefcase. It functions very well as a messenger bag for casual, less formal business or scholarly pursuits. It can easily work as a classy overnight bag. And, you can load it up, reconfigure the shoulder strap and carry it backpack style. This is a new style of leather that LederMann is offering too. This “Rugged Leather” style has a unique texture to it and looks to offer great longevity and should develop an excellent patina with time and use. The Rugged Leather has a bit of a rough out feel to it…but certainly not that rough. It’s just similar.

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We highlight most of these items in the video, but here’s a quick rundown of the LederMann bag’s features:

  • Thick Full Grain Leather, 4 – 5 oz. (2 – 2.2 mm)
  • Suede Lining
  • Heavy-duty, Industrial Nylon Thread
  • Machine Pressed Heavy Duty Rivets at all stress points.
  • Size: 16″W X 12″H X 6″D inch.
  • Front Pocket/Compartment Size: 13″W x 9″H x 1.5″D inch for the open
    pocket compartment
  • Easily converts to a Backpack.
  • When you order from LederMann, you enjoy free shipping to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia,
    Italy, France, Germany and many other countries.

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LederMann is also going to be sponsoring a giveaway for a slightly different bag featuring this same new rugged leather. So, be on the lookout for that very soon. And, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter too as we’ll be sending out a special promotion from LederMann offering some fantastic savings just for BestLeather readers! In the meantime, please check out the LederMann website and look at all of the great, well made leather products they create and sell there.

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Thirteen50 Leather Announces Kickstarter for their Full Grain Leather Belts

Thirteen50 Leather, based in Oceanside, CA, has just announced a new Kickstarter campaign for their full-grain leather belts. From their website:

Thirteen50 is a leather company with a passion to create quality leather goods, made in the USA. The saying, “they don’t make em’ like they used to” is said far too often in this day in age. This is sad, but so very true. At Thirteen50 we wanted to do as our ancestors did, and make a quality product at an affordable price (not to mention, offering a killer traditional look).

Each full-grain leather belt is made by hand in the United States. If you fund their Kickstarter, you can choose to be rewarded with a leather bracelet, leather key fob, or one of their belts. The belts, priced at $50 on the Kickstarter, come in the following colors: Chestnut, Black, Dark Brown, and Natural. You can also choose your hardware finish color: Silver Matte, or Antique Brass. Sizes 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 4, 48 and 50. Each Thirteen50 product comes with a lifetime warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Check out their Kickstarter now, as you can save $20 or more on their sturdy belts. Thirteen50 Leather will also be debuting a line of bags and accessories in the near future. Be sure to keep an eye out for a BestLeather review of Thirteen50’s belts, coming soon!

Thirteen50 Belts Cover

 

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6 Favorite Etsy Stores for Ladies

With its hand sewn dresses, vintage furniture, and Barry Manilow pillows, Etsy can be quite overwhelming. Finding the perfect backpack, purse or wallet can take a bit of time and research, so we’re here to help! We’ve curated a few of our favorite Etsy stores that specialize in products for women. We’re always on the lookout for more great shops, so be sure to tell us about your favorites in the comments!

Blue Drop

Sandals, backpacks, camera bags, and more, all made in Greece and priced very reasonably.il_570xN.731284813_mokhil_570xN.712498740_t6fb

 

Tox Leather

Wallets, electronics cases, tote bags, and much more from Tox Leather. We’ve reviewed several of their products here at BestLeather, including their Shiny Macbook/Document Case (which made our Graduation Gift Guide for 2015) and Cigar Cases.

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Aurora Shoe Co

Aurora Shoe Company sells ladies’ shoes handmade in Aurora, New York. Their simple designs are sweet and timeless.

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Jenny N Design

Gorgeous genuine leather backpacks, tote bags, purses, and more, from a one-woman operation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We’re big fans of her waxed canvas and leather backpacks.
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Awl Snap

Based in Richmond, Virginia, Awl Snap makes unique designs in fun colors. They feature roll-top backpacks, bucket bags, clutch purses, and more. They were recently a featured shop on Etsy, and you can read a bit more about them here!

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Crow SLC

Crow SLC is a shop in Salt Lake City Utah that designs modern bags and clutches with a very angular, minimalist look. I purchased the Mini Crossbody Bag in black for my mom, and she loves its unique look. They just released some new designs for pre-order, so check them out!

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Harmattan Design Launches Kickstarter Campaign

Harmattan Design, a new company out of Wilmington, DE, has just launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund their new line of products. The new product line includes backpacks, messenger bags, ladies’ tote bags and purses, a cycling bag, and a document tube. All their products are made of vegetable-tanned, full-grain harness leather from Italy.

Harmattan Design focuses on superb design and high quality materials. Radu, Harmattan Design’s founder, started the company because he was tired of doing cheap design for manufacturers and wanted to apply his skills to a product line with high quality materials. Wanting to get his ideas out of his head, he ended up with 14 different designs, and thus Harmattan Design was born.

All the Kickstarter products are reasonably priced, from $160 – $340. You can save around $40 by ordering early, so be sure to check out Radu’s designs! We have pictures of all 14 of the great looking products, so take a look and be sure to check out the Kickstarter page.

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Thrux Lawrence Black Leather Coasters (Square – Set of 4) Review – $25

Thrux Lawrence is one of the first companies BestLeather has had the pleasure of working with, and also the first company to pique my interest in leather. Because my barber is connected to the Thrux Lawrence flagship store, I repeatedly find myself perusing their leather goods, the outstanding collection of antiques, and generally longing to buy one of everything. Thrux Lawrence is a solid company who “builds them like they used to.” Even when it comes to coasters.

Thrux Lawrence Coasters

About Thrux Lawrence

I discovered Thrux Lawrence one day casually strolling the streets of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho with my sister. She had apparently heard about this awesome store that just opened downtown, and being the hip teenagers we were, we had to check it out. My first experience with Thrux Lawrence was very exciting. Tanden greeted us at the door and began explaining how his company was built around the principles of functional yet stylish design, limited supply, and Made in the USA. From that point on I was very interested in leather and its durability, longevity, and style, especially the products Thrux Lawrence has to offer.

Thrux Lawrence Coasters

Construction

Coasters may perhaps be the easiest leather accessories anyone could construct. But even with something so simple, it is still difficult to get the perfect result. Made from black 10-12oz bridle leather, these coasters are as indestructible as any of the other Thrux products. Occupying the standard coaster size of 4 x 4 in, this coaster provides adequate space for even the largest of drinks. The burnished edges and Thrux Lawrence logo add just enough flair to the coaster.

Thrux Lawrence Coasters

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Function

I have yet to come across a drink that will not fit on these coasters. And even if I had, I should never be drinking that much anyway. The coasters function extremely well. The leather is thick enough to prevent moisture underneath, but not too thick so drinks tip over if they are not placed all the way on the coaster. I have been pleased with them so far, and they will most definitely outlast any non-leather coaster.

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Aesthetic

Black is one of my favorite colors. It is simple, goes with almost anything, and in the case of coasters, prevents any discoloration. The Thrux Lawrence coasters are very rigid. Their strength reflects the principles this company was founded on, and even though coasters are very simple, they’ve continued to abide strictly to those principles.

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Conclusion

If you are looking for a simple set of quality leather coasters, check out the shapes and colors Thrux Lawrence has to offer. Whether you choose squares or circles, black or brown, the coasters will be the same quality. Coming in at $25, the Thrux Lawrence Leather Coasters are an excellent choice for simple, effective leather accessory.

Thrux Lawrence Coasters

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Maxwell Scott – The Sabina Coin Purse Review – $100

Women’s wallets can be kinda goofy. I’m not a huge fan of giant checkbook-sized wallets, but pockets on women’s jeans and pants are never big enough to fit a pocket sized wallet. It’s a lose-lose. So I am always on the lookout for interesting women’s wallet idea. Maxwell Scott offers up a cute alternative with their ball clasp coin wallet, dubbed The Sabina.

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ABOUT MAXWELL SCOTT

“Family owned and run, Maxwell Scott Bags is founded on a shared love of Italy, a passion for design, and a firm belief in the importance of excellent customer service.” Currently based out of York, England, Maxwell Scott Bags was founded in 2002 with one goal: to become the most loved British bag company in the world. With a company revamp in 2013, the founders began a new vision. “The new brand identity comes from a blend of elements considered sacred to the company founders: craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a passion for creating individual style.” Be sure to read up about the company and its history, as well as keep up with the Maxwell Scott Journal. We recently reviewed their pen case, known as La Pienza. You can read the review here.

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THE LEATHER

Maxwell Scott uses full-grain vegetable tanned cowhide, raised and tanned in Tuscany. You can read a bit about the heritage of their Italian tannery and veg-tan process on their website. The waxy, full-grain leather has an interesting, almost marbled look to it. I wasn’t entirely sold on this when I first saw it, but I’ve come to appreciate the patina it has acquired. It also protects it from looking scratched or dirty after being carried around in a purse.

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The inside is lined with light pigskin that is durable and contrasts the leather nicely. The Sabina comes in three colors – classic tan, dark chocolate, and night black. My night black color is very versatile — it can look fancy but it’s also not too over-the-top for everyday use. For an extra $25, you can have up to six letters embossed on the purse, in blind, gold or silver.

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CONSTRUCTION & FUNCTION

The Sabina Coin Purse is rather small, at 5.7″ x 2″ x 4.5″. It’s small enough that I can grab it and my phone in one hand, which for some reason feels very convenient to me. In my opinion, it’s not quite big enough to be used solely as a clutch purse, but that really comes down to personal preference as I’m not the type to use a clutch. However, I find it to be the perfect size to throw into a crossbody purse or handbag. It’s also be great for trips to the bathroom if you use it to hold lipstick or other cosmetics.

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The Sabina’s leather is expertly gathered up at the top by beautiful brass edging and fastened with a sturdy ball clasp. It has two separate internal pockets separated by a middle divider. The divider is hinged so that you can access either pocket easily. I like the shape and size of this coin purse because the coins sink to the bottom and leave plenty of space for cards and a few folded bills. I wouldn’t put more than four or five plastic cards in there, or else it would be difficult to access the coins at the bottom. I’ve found that I like to keep chapstick and a few sticks of gum on one side, and coins, a bit of cash, my ID and two other cards in the other. The hinge still functions perfectly, even with all those things in there.  It’s become a great catch-all for all those little things that roll around on the bottom of my purse. Of course, it doesn’t have to be used as a wallet, either. There’s plenty of space for lipsticks, powder, or even a mini mascara if you’d prefer to use it as a fancy travel cosmetics case.

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CONCLUSION

I’ve come to really like The Sabina Coin Purse from Maxwell Scott and its vintage, feminine aesthetic. It’s become my everyday carry wallet and it has encouraged me to pare down on the amount of cards I carry (I haven’t missed them one bit). $100 is a bit steep, but this purse is crafted from gorgeous leather and constructed beautifully. It also comes with a 25 year warranty should anything go wrong,  which I highly doubt would.

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Conestoga Leather “The Professional” Folio Review – $299

After spending several hundred dollars on a tablet, the last thing you want to do is scratch it, shatter it, or otherwise damage it. Thankfully there are tons of options out there when it comes to high quality tablet cases, tablet sleeves, or folios. We’ll be looking at The Professional, from Conestoga Leather. Conestoga Leather focuses almost exclusively on luxury tablet folios, with three goals.

1) Design it to be undeniably beautiful and extraordinarily functional
2) Use only the finest of domestic bison leathers
3) Place those leathers in the hands of the best artisans in America.

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About Conestoga Leather

Colorado-based Conestoga Leather features craftsmanship by the Amish community nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Their product line, which includes folios, bags, and valet trays, has a heavy focus on functionality and design.

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From their website:  “Our goal is to offer quality, American made products that are handcrafted by artisans. We desire to be fairly priced but realize that we do not have the advantages of large companies who build items by the tens of thousands. Our products are often crafted one at a time. “

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Construction

Handcrafted from genuine bison leather, this zippered folio’s construction is impeccable. It’s quite large, at 11” x 9.25 x2.5, but it’s cushioned for drop protection and can fit everything you need for a meeting or business trip.

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The Professional has three multipurpose pockets with plenty of space for your tablet, a 5×8 notebook, and pen. There’s a center leather flap with credit card slots, and a diagonal-cut sleeve for loose-leaf paper. The riveted piece on the front hinges outward to act as a desk stand.

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The tablet is held in the folio with leather straps at the corners. Upon purchasing, you can choose what tablet you will be using, and the straps will adjust size and position accordingly. You can also choose whether you are right or left-handed, and whether you want brown or black bison leather.

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FUNCTION

My brother has been using this folio for several weeks now, and has quickly become a daily staple. Here’s what he has to say about The Professional:

“High quality, very functional, not too bulky. The snaps to remove and install the iPad are easy to use and durable. The notepad holder works very well. The card holder pockets are handy and easy to use. The leather stand is surprisingly durable and handy when you want to view your iPad for an extended length of time. I still don’t know what the purpose of the front top pocket serves. If I had to choose, I’d rather just have a larger storage pockets there or two more additional small pockets. It is difficult to access the power button on the top of your iPad to turn it on and off.”

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CONCLUSION

The iPad is very secure and protected in this case. It is a good looking, good smelling case that is both functional and stylish. This is not a minimalist folio. It has a much more traditional aesthetic. If you’re looking for something simple, this is probably not the case for you! However, you are getting a high quality bison leather piece, handcrafted in the USA. At $299, it’s certainly not cheap, but nothing about this piece is cheap. The Professional is currently on sale for $229, a $70 discount, so snatch one up if you’re in the market for a multipurpose tablet case.’Conestoga Leather Professional Folio 10 Conestoga Leather Professional Folio 7

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American Bench Craft Men’s Brown Hammer Riveted Leather Wallet – $69

I used three words to describe the American Bench Craft Hammer Riveted Leather Wallet upon receiving it: stylish, durable, and compact. If you’re looking for an artisan-crafted wallet that will let you carry the essentials and look good doing it, this may be the wallet for you. The wallet comes in its own box and drawstring bag stamped proudly with Made in the USA on the front. If you’re someone who has come to associate that phrase with quality, you will not be disappointed when handling this wallet.

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Yes, you’re going to have to get rid of some of those punch cards and discount cards, but think about it this way: your butt-bump will be smaller, it will fit in your coat pocket more easily, and did I mention the word stylish?

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About American Bench Craft

Jason and Chris Angelini founded American Bench Craft to create a better wallet that was as tough as it is beautiful. The brother’s different backgrounds lend themselves well to the leather business: Jason is a mechanical engineer in charge of product design, while Chris’ experience in business gives him an edge in promoting and marketing their brand. Today, American Bench Craft carries a full line of products from their riveted wallets to custom engraved dog collars. You can find all of their products online at the American Bench Craft Store.

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Construction

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.

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Jason and Chris use vegetable-tanned leather for this wallet, as it gives rich and warm tones that look more natural than a chromium salt or acid tanning process. Vegetable-tanned leather requires a high degree of craftsmanship to produce and costs more than other types of leather, but it is the only choice for this wallet.

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Those with an eye for detail will also appreciate the double-capped rivets throughout the wallet, rather than leaving one end uncapped as you’d find in many other leather products.

Function and Aesthetic

As much as I trust my taste in all things leather, the unique design of this wallet merited a second, third, and fourth opinion. Some comments were solicited and others were made the first time someone noticed the wallet.

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The rivets versus traditional stitching are a hit in their look and functionality. As I paid for my purchase at a local coffee shop, the barista noticed the wallet and called all of her co-workers over to take a look. The gold-colored rivets caught their collective eyes, and the one-piece design drew them in. Other commenters said the leather felt stiff, but understood it will mold to shape and end up with a nice patina over time.

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I’ve spent a few weeks with this wallet in my back pocket to help break it in and see how it felt. At some point during the day, I forgot it was even there. It was comfortable, and I didn’t experience the numb legs I’ve heard of others getting from having a bulky wallet in their back pocket.

Conclusion

Living in the modern world, I already owned a wallet prior to this one. Now that I’ve had the American Bench Craft Hammer Riveted Leather Wallet for a couple of weeks, I’m considering keeping two for my personal treasury. The wallet looks great, is well constructed, compact, and attracts the attention of those appreciative of all things leather.

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I’ll admit that I am sometimes one of those guys who likes to keep the coffee punch cards and coupons in my wallet. This wallet is not designed for that person. It is designed for the person who wants to keep only his credit cards, identification, and cash in one easy-to-access place. Don’t overstuff this wallet with plastic and paper, and you’ll never have the issues of cards falling out when you least expect it.

On a final note, this wallet merits a follow-up review in a few months for a demonstration of how it has been broken in and development of the patina. I’ll let you know more when I’ve had a chance to road test it for a while. If you make the choice to purchase this wallet with the size caveats in mind, you’ll have no regrets. The care and quality in this design make it worth every penny of its $69.00 retail price.

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ONA Bags “The Brixton” Review – $439

About a month ago I decided it was time to invest in a quality camera for all my photography escapades. I wanted a professional quality camera that didn’t require 20lbs of clunky, additional gear to haul around. I decided to go with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. I have thoroughly enjoyed the camera and lenses I have. But I did forget one thing: a quality camera bag. I began searching for leather camera gear to review and I found ONA Bags. This stylish leather company graciously agreed to a review and I jumped all over the opportunity. “The Brixton” is truly an outstanding camera bag.

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About

ONA Bags was founded in 2010 with the goal to provide stylish, high-quality camera gear for creative professionals and photographers. Based out of New York City, this company is dedicated to perfect design and functionality. “Our design process is driven by a desire to create products that complement your style and protect your gear. We believe that your camera bags and accessories should be rich and imaginative, like the photos you love to take.” It is immediately evident from The Brixton that this style-conscious leather company is passionate about quality leather goods.

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Construction

Like all ONA products, The Brixton is constructed using premium full-grain leather. The Italian-tanned leather has been treated with a light wax finish that is easily scratched and marked which gives the messenger an extremely attractive patina. The Antique Cognac color is contrasted by the antique brass tuck-clasp closure and darker brown waxed-cotton canvas. Built 13.5” long by 10.5” high by 5” deep, the Brixton is designed to carry a camera, up to three lenses, a 13” laptop, and other small camera accessories such as batteries, caps, and filters. The inside consists of four moveable dividers made out of closed-cell foam. The dividers can be taken out or moved around to allow adequate space for the lenses or camera. On the bag’s exterior, two front and side pockets provide ample storage for the additional small gear you may carry. The Brixton is an extremely well designed and constructed camera messenger bag that will protect your expensive camera gear in style.

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Function

I have taken this bag on more trips than any bag I own, and this is in only with 5 weeks of use. The Brixton is the perfect bag to take with me, even when I don’t plan on taking pictures, although we all know that some of the best shots are spontaneous and planned last second. This leather bag functions as more than a bag to carry your camera. Because it has been built with so much passion and personality, I have found that I enjoy using the bag exclusively as a messenger that happens to also perfectly hold my camera. The laptop sleeve and moveable dividers are healthily padded and protective, so I never worry that any of my gear will not be adequately secured.

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My favorite functioning pieces of this messenger are the brass tuck-clasps. Never once have the claps opened by themselves. It is pleasing to know that your camera gear is safe, especially when the total value in my messenger exceeds the value of my 1970 VW Beetle. On a typical day out with the Brixton, I have my Olympus camera, a macro lense, a 12-40mm pro lense, two small body cap lenses, a GoPro Hero 4, an extra camera battery, extra SD card, camera charger, and a few other small items. I’ve never run out of room with all of this gear, and the bag is also never too heavy, even with my MacBook air inside. The Brixton is an impressively flawless functioning camera bag that I enjoy taking everywhere I go.

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Aesthetic

The Antique Cognac color is perhaps one of my favorite colors of leather I have worked with. As mentioned earlier, because the leather has been waxed, it is easily marked and scuffed up. I personally only enjoy certain functioning bags to develop the patina everyone seeks after. The bags I want to develop patinas are the bags I take on trips and other ventures. I do not want my business or professional bags to be marked or scuffed. The Brixton is my number one adventure bag, so the patina and marks it has already develop are very welcome in my eyes. Every time I use The Brixton I am pleased with how it functions, feels, and especially, looks. Photographers in Banff, Mt. Bachelor, Portland, and pretty much everywhere I have taken the Brixton ask about it and what I think. Every time I tell them I have enjoyed every moment of its use, and if you are searching for a stylish bag to hold a solid amount of camera gear, ONA Bags has several choices for you.

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Conclusion

ONA Bags has impressed me from the very beginning. Their line of products is unmatched in the leather camera gear market, their employees are respectful and earnest, and the bag I own has been flawless. I couldn’t ask for anything else from a leather company. If you are an established professional photographer or even an amateur like I am, taking a look at ONA Bags and investing in a quality leather camera bag will not be a decision you regret. At $429, The Brixton is a fantastic choice and will outlast your expensive camera gear. Head over to their website to check out some leather camera gear that you deserve.

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Suus Announces Kickstarter for Leather Bags, Pouches, and Holsters

Suus is a new brand out of San Diego, California, who recently launched a Kickstarter for their leather bags, pouches, and holsters. The brand was founded by Sandino Cabrera, a graphic designer, who wrote:

One day, I came across a leather workshop. I was amazed by the work of these artisans, and the craftsmanship. I found fascinating how versatile leather can be, that gave me a new vision to expand my creativity and create innovate products. For me, one of the keys to be innovative is to solve the problem in the most stylish and fun way possible. That’s how SUUS was born: a brand that desires to solve carrying needs, founded in offering individuality, functionality, durability, and attention to detail.

Suus begins with 4 basic principles:

  • Functionality & Specialization: Everyone has individual styles and diverse daily activities: entrepreneurs, bikers, attorneys, photographers, designers, and chefs among others. That inspired us to create pieces that can fit your personality and at the same time improve your carry needs.
  • Individuality: We are going to laser engrave your name on each piece. Thanks to new techniques and processes, it is possible to express your uniqueness in each product.
  • Lasting: We value time. We are a generation in demand for non-disposable products. Hence we look for top quality materials and manufacturing processes, to provide you with long lasting warranties.
  • Detail: To create a high-end valued product, we put special attention to each minimal detail. Our interiors are full of life, we pledge to collaborate with the art community, that way we support upcoming artists and at the same time deliver a new experience in every piece.

THE PRODUCTS

      • Cody Holster: Cody is a holster inspired by the old Wild West. The purpose is to release men from inconvenient placement of cell phones, keys, wallets, or whatever personal stuff men carry on their pockets on daily basis. To maximize the versatility you can detach the pouch and just use with your belt. You can snatch up the Cody for $130 during the Kickstarter. c757d04e28a973b6567280cceccb9a2b_original (1)

 

If you want to know more about Holsters, Check this post about Top Sold Holsters.

    • Cooper Purse: The Cooper is a classy daily purse that fits everything. The compartments are strategically placed to improve usability. It has one easy access key compartment. Plenty of room and the SUUS secret feature! One detachable cosmetic pouch that functions like a divider inside the purse thanks to a zipper sewed to the edge. If you snatch it up early enough, you can get the Cooper Purse for just $195.42eb3c5f62da3ab8f8a75fdaff5fae79_original

Suus still has several weeks left on their Kickstarter, so be sure to check out their page and their website. You can watch their video below:

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WOTANCRAFT RYKER CAMERA BAG REVIEW – $379

Photography can be a very rewarding hobby and just about everyone dabbles in it at some point. So if you’ve mastered the Starbucks macros and decided to get into some serious picture taking, you’ve likely bought a camera body, lens, SD cards and a plethora of other gadgets. Now you’ve got all this great gear and no place to carry it!  Before you buy that cheap black nylon case from Best Buy, I’d recommend researching some quality leather alternatives like the Wotancraft Ryker Camera Bag.

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ABOUT

Aside from having a ridiculously cool brand name, Wotancraft has an interesting backstory. When we reached out about the company’s past, they replied as such:

 We created WOTANCRAFT ATELIER back in 2008. We shared the same crazy love for Panerai diving watches, but are just too frustrated to realize that none of the aftermarket leather straps are worthy of the inspiring and nostalgic military background of Panerai. At one point, we figured that if no one else is up for it, then maybe we should be the ones to make it happen. The guys at WOTANCRAFT are very intuitive when it comes to our creations and aesthetics. In 2010, when our friend walked into our atelier carrying a WWII Swiss Army backpack and a Leica M6 camera, right then we made the decision to create tough, rugged and military inspired camera bags, which lead to our launch of the “City Explorer” series, with military-hovercraft-grade waterproof inserts that people have never seen before in the camera bag market.We are continuously growing, not in business size, but in our ambition for greatness. Our existing lineup of products are being enhanced through generations, because we want to make every creation our classic, not fashion items that are created and discarded per market trend. Same goes for aesthetics. Many of our friends make fun of us having “old souls” living in our bodies, because we don’t make our products “teen-friendly” enough. But that’s the way we are; if you want to stay true to yourself, pleasing everyone is just not an option.

For those wondering, Wotancraft is named after Wotan. In Germean mythology he was the god of war and victory. Atelier is the French word for “workshop.”

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CONSTRUCTION

The Ryker is a medium sized bag coming in at roughly 11” long by 9” tall and 4.5” wide. At 3 lbs 3 oz  it’s lightweight without feeling cheap. Wotancraft provided us with some insider specifics about the leather used:

We use thick, full grain leather for all products, where the pores and skin textures are still visible, and we manually trim the leather if different parts require doing so. This is a lot more work and more costly than padding materials beneath thin leather processed by provider (how cheaper bags in the market are made), but for us this process has to be done to ensure the right look and hand-feel when bending the leather.

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We are also very specific in the leather characteristics that we use. The leather trim and shoulder strap on a Ryker bag is tanned with vegetable agents such as Quebracho, Chestnut and Acacia, which gave the bag an overall scent of fresh sweetness. We could have easily chosen leather that smells like ordinary leather and does not cause any love-or-hate contradictions, but for us love outweighs all others. It’s the same with the grain texture on the Ryker bag, we just love the specific hand-feel of such texture, and elegantly accentuated by the smooth oil-enriched trim and velveteen lining.

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All metal hardware is used for the buckles and rivets. Bronze YKK zippers are used with a rustproof coating. An incredibly soft, padded velvety interior is used to protect contents.

FUNCTION

The main functions of a camera bag for me are to protect the contents and to provide fast access. The Ryker has a magnetic flap which reveals a top loading zippered compartment. This configuration provides more overall protection but with the small cost of an extra step in accessing your gear. The adjustable, padded shoulder strap is very comfortable and provides great cushioning when carrying heavy loads. Even after a long day of shooting around town, my shoulder and traps held up fine.

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Thanks to the padded inserts and velcro walls I can securely pack my lens and body with virtually no wiggling around when on the move. The interior slotted pocket is great for carrying a 7” tablet or thin books. The smaller exterior storage options include the zippered pocket which is handy for smaller loose items such as memory cards or film.

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The Ryker will typically fit around 3 lenses and a camera body depending on your actual gear. I like to pack minimally so I had my 35mm, body, and 70-200mm lens all in the bag with no issues. The only features lacking that would make the bag easier to use for me would be a handle along the top so I can carry it briefcase style when not using the shoulder straps, and possibly buttons instead of magnets to increase the flaps secureness.

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AESTHETIC

The Ryker is easily one of the most handsome camera bags I’ve come across. The large panels of whiskey colored leather contrast beautifully with the dark brown pieces. The hardware demands attention and I ironically find myself snapping images of the bag rather more so than anything else! The real selling point visually is the Ryker’s ability to look good in a variety of environments.  Whether on the trail or in the city, this bag never looks out of place. Another great benefit is it looks like a messenger bag so you’re not advertising the fact that you have expensive camera gear on you. Looks good with an axe too, which is a major plus.

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CONCLUSION

Wotancraft’s Ryker Camera Bag’s looks and quality is head and shoulders above any option found in a big box store. At $379 it is pricey, but once you hold it in your hands the cost will likely seem justified. If you’re on the hunt for a bag that will securely protect your camera gear and look picture perfect in the process, I’d recommend checking this bag out.

 

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OliverGé Metropolitan 505 Review – $1,280

If you had to have one bag for the rest of your life, what would you get? For most of us here, this is a near impossible question because there are so many great, quality leather makers out there, but after spending a month with my OliverGé Metropolitan 505, I can confidently say that this would be a major contender. Its sleek, minimalist design, impeccable quality, and impressive versatility make this bag a dream.

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Construction

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From the very beginning, I could tell that this bag was built to last, but that’s not to say it is over built. The exterior is made with just three pieces of full-grain vegetable tanned leather, the interior is lined with gorgeous calfskin, and everything is saddle stitched together by hand with durable polyester thread.

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Everything is masterful done. The stitching is evenly spaced, the burnished and dyed edges are some of the best, and the lines of the bag are crisp and clean, but don’t take my word for it. Check out the master at work in the video below.

Function

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The 505 has everything you need and nothing you don’t. I can say that with confidence for several reasons. First, the base design will easily carry most everything that anyone would need on a day-to-day basis. I haven’t had any problems fitting various reference books, files, and magazines into the bag along with my computer. However, when packed with a day’s load, there is little room left.

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Secondly, the 505 is customizable. Part of the beauty of buying a bespoke bag is getting it tailored to fit your personal needs. If you need a pocket to carry your pens or charger, you can add them. If you want a compartment that will snuggly hold your computer, Olivier, the owner and craftsman behind OliverGé, will gladly take the dimensions and make a pocket for it.

For me, I typically walk to work so I added a shoulder strap to mine and I got to say, it’s extremely comfortable. The strap is made of a sturdy canvas and has a nice thick shoulder pad that broke in nicely after about a week and a half. On top of that, the bag itself is quite light for what it is (about 3.5 pounds) so even if I have it packed full, it doesn’t feel like a ton of bricks. I also, got a separate slot for my computer, which fits tightly into the slot.

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The only issue I have run into is that it has a hard time standing on its own. This is due to the fact that the front, bottom, and back of the bag are all made of the same piece causing the bottom to be round. It hasn’t really been a problem though, since I always can just lean it against my desk or lay on top of the desk to pull things out of it. This is a small issue, but nothing that would cause me to hesitate buying this bag.

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Aesthetic

This is one good looking bag. There are very few leather bags out there that can transition nicely between casual and business use, but in my opinion the Metropolitan 505 does this with ease. The minimalist style keep it from looking too much like an adventure bag, but also steers it away from the classic boardroom briefcase look. OliverGé has created a daily wearing bag that stands out among the rest with a unique look. It maintains the classical briefcase look while adding a bit of personal flare through the belt strap.

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Typically I prefer not to have belts flopping around on my bags, but having one as the central strap really adds charm and makes this bag a winner in my mind. Not only does it function just as well as any lock or sewn on buckle found on traditional briefcases, but it breaks up the monochromatic, formal style without overdoing it. Of course if you want a single color throughout, you can get that too.

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Once again, OliverGé bags are bespoke, giving you tons of options to fit your needs; including the way you want the bag to look. Olivier hand selects all of his leather from some of the best tanneries in Europe and then dyes and finishes them himself. You can request different waxing and oiling if you want it to be more rugged or glossy. You can even ask to get it “aged” where the bag will have a nice patina right from the start.

Conclusion

The Metropolitan 505 is truly a versatile and great looking bag. If I were to only have one bag from here on out, this would be it. I can use it when traveling to carry a few books and a computer without adding to much weight or looking like I belong in a law firm and I can take it into a business presentation without looking like I belong on an expedition. It simply fits its surroundings perfectly without losing any functionality or durability.

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The big question is whether or not the Metropolitan 505 is worth its price tag. I can tell you with confidence, yes. This is an expensive bag, no doubt, but it is handmade exactly to your specifications by a true master craftsman who uses some of the best leather around. When I requested a shoulder strap, Olivier asked for my dimensions so that the strap would fit me perfectly and it does. Having a bag that has everything that you want in the color and style that you like and that is made to fit you is true luxury. Pair that with the lifetime guarantee and I would almost say that this is a value.

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If you are in the market for a briefcase, but want to be able to use it outside of work, I would highly recommend OliverGé. Getting a bespoke bag is a rare experience, but it is a lot of fun and at the end of it all, you receive a bag designed for you and your lifestyle that will last you a lifetime.

Check out this bag and other great gear from OliverGé at oliverge-leather.com!

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Moore & Giles No. 33 Luxury Leather Conditioner & Restorer Review – $40

Whether you’ve spent $100 or $1000 on your leather bag, it’s going to need conditioning. There are quite a few products on the market, with ingredients that range from almond oil to beeswax to unicorn tears. We recently received Moore & Giles No. 33 Luxury Leather Conditioner & Restorer.

 

Moore and Giles No 33 Leather Conditioner 2ABOUT MOORE & GILES

Moore & Giles has been firmly entrenched in the leather industry since it was founded in 1933 in Lynchburg, VA. Currently, Moore & Giles employs more than 70 people in its headquarters in Forest, Virginia with representation in every major metropolitan area as well as strategic partnerships in England, Germany, France, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Moore & Giles designs and develops the world’s most luxurious natural leathers for leather upholstery, residential leather, hospitality leather and aviation leather. In 2007 they also introduced a collection of luxury leather bags and accessories as an additional avenue to showcase the inherent beauty and timeless appeal of their natural leathers.

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No. 33 Luxury Leather Conditioner & Restorer

To formulate their brand of leather conditioner, Moore & Giles partnered with Tad Coffin Performance Saddles, an equestrian outfitter based in Ruckersville, Virginia. The all-natural formula comes in a rather large plastic container. It has an odd consistency that I haven’t seen in a lot of other leather conditioners– an almost grainy feel. I’d recommend patch-testing this cleaner in an inconspicuous spot, and don’t use it on suede.

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Make sure your bag/purse/shoe/other item is clean, then use a damp cloth or sponge to apply a small amount of the cream to the leather. Rub it in vigorously and you’ll immediately see results. Some of the little grains don’t rub in immediately, so don’t be too gentle. If your leather is really dry, you can do this step twice. After two or three minutes, use a paper towel or dry cloth to remove any excess conditioner that didn’t soak in.

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I used a Marlondo Leather desk pad as my guinea pig for this conditioner. As you can see in the pictures, the leather darkened up considerably and the color became even richer. The conditioner leaves a waxy feel that keeps the desk pad feeling conditioned and protected.

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Overall, I was impressed with the performance of Moore & Giles No. 33 Luxury Leather Conditioner & Restorer. The $40 price is a little steep, but the huge container will last you forever. I’ve been conditioning pretty much every leather item I own (which is a lot now), and have barely put a dent in it. Be sure to check out the little instructional video Moore & Giles put together:

 

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Thrux Lawrence Brown Leather Coasters (Round – Set of 4) Review – $25

I’ll be honest and say I hadn’t thought much about coffee coasters in quite some time before I got my hands on the Thrux Lawrence Brown Leather Coasters. In this case, what you see is what you get: a set of four dark brown leather coasters with the Thrux Lawrence logo embossed on the edge. No frills – just quality, attractive leather to protect your furniture from the unwanted ablutions of a mint julep in the summertime. As is always the case with Thrux Lawrence products, the leather is well-made and beautifully grained.

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About Thrux Lawrence

Tanden Launder founded Thrux Lawrence in 2012 with the idea of crafting high-quality, limited release clothing and accessory lines that are made in America. As a collector of vintage goods, Tanden has integrated his love of these items into how he creates the products they put out. By examining the qualities responsible for giving these products their beauty and longevity, he has been able to integrate these qualities into the lines of products he is offering today.

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Construction

Construction is fairly simple with these coasters. The four pieces are made of a single piece of leather that averaged about 3.5 millimeters in thickness. The leather is thick, tough, and nicely grained. You’ll find the Thrux Lawrence logo embossed on one edge of each coaster.

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Function

The Thrux Lawrence Brown Coasters measure 4 inches across and are large enough to hold all but the biggest super-size drinks. The thickness of the leather ensures no condensation is going to form underneath the coaster and ruin that solid oak coffee table your grandfather hand-carved with a pocket knife. Any liquid spilled on the coaster cleans up easily with a paper towel due to the lacquer on the coaster surface. As with any leather product, avoid getting them completely soaked. A damp cloth is the most these coasters should see to wipe up any spills or clean them off.

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Aesthetic

The dark brown leather of the coasters is attractive, if simple. There are a few additions I thought would enhance the beauty of these coasters: the option to have the coasters embossed with custom lettering; and a stitching or embossing inset from the edge of the coaster. Embossing would look good as well as serve a purpose: it could trap any liquid running off a cup before it spills over the edge of the coaster. Stitching, while purely aesthetic, would set off the embossed lettering. The last addition that I’d enjoy for the coasters is a customized holder, leather or wood being my first two choices. They are currently packaged with a single rawhide lace that looks great, but could be misplaced. On a final note, because of the simplicity in the design and the dark color of the leather, these coasters would look at home out on the trail as much as they would on your dining table.

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Conclusion

At the current price point of $25.00 for a set of four coasters, the Thrux Lawrence Brown Leather Coasters represent a good value based on what I’ve seen of other leather coaster sets on the market. They would also make a great addition as part of a larger gift set. Based on the product lines Thrux Lawrence already has out, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them offering additional options for this product in the future.

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Sandqvist Jones Doctor Bag – $327

Even here at Bestleather, a bastion for great design and the best products in the leather world, I seldom have as much to say about a good product as I do about Swedish company Sandqvist’s Jones Doctor Bag. Run by brothers Anton and Daniel Sandqvist and their friend Sebastian, the company creates a wide range of design-forward backpacks, totes, messenger bags and the like while drawing inspiration from the sparse and ruggedly beautiful backdrop of their home country. We had the opportunity to review their interpretation of the rare doctor’s bag. Without getting ahead of myself the verdict, at least aesthetically, is very good.

Sandvist Jones Doctors Bag 1

Sandvist Jones Doctors Bag 4

CONSTRUCTION

Half canvas and half full-grained leather, the Jones is a sturdy, metropolitan bag. The buckles are riveted and important seams are double stitched, but most of the bag is single stitched satisfactorily. The canvas is too thin to recommend outdoor recreational use, but city going and day to day affairs will go off just fine. The nickel plated brass hardware is all heavy and functional.

Sandvist Jones Doctors Bag 3

 

FUNCTION

Though it works better carried as a briefcase the Jones is also easy to use as a backpack, though it has some small issues when being used as such. The shoulder pads move around every time the bag comes off your shoulders, making constant re-adjustment necessary. In addition the straps have little adjustability for broader or narrower shoulders, so what you see is what you get. Again, the briefcase method goes off without a hitch if that is how you prefer to carry the bag. The canvas can tend to attract lint, which is a minor bother at worst. The canvas lining on the inside is helpful with small items which has various accessory pouches, and the 15” laptop sleeve is great to have. The buttons to adjust the bag’s mouth width tend to pop open which may be an individual quirk although it can tend to irritate.

Sandvist Jones Doctors Bag 10

AESTHETIC

The Jones has a very strong visual style which is what makes it such a talking point for me. With so many products flooding the market for leather bags something striking is difficult to find anymore. You can find that in the Sandqvist Jones Doctor Bag. From the beautiful black leather, subtle nickel plated hardware, or the excellently placed minimalist logo, this is a stand out in almost any crowd.

Sandvist Jones Doctors Bag 7

 

CONCLUSION

It might seem a little pricey for the amount leather used on the bag but what carries the Sandqvist Jones Doctor Bag up to its price point is the quality of the leather used and the undeniably great visual it provides. With a few small issues in terms of functionality comes a good looking bag with a lot of character and storage space.

For more from Sandqvist take a look at their website here: www.sandqvist.net

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Craft & Lore Launches Kickstarter for The Port Wallet

Craft and Lore, located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is an independent design and build workshop, focusing on leather goods that are simple in form and function. Craft and Lore recently launched a Kickstarter for their Port Wallet, a minimal handmade wallet made to carry your indispensable cards plus some cash. We recently reviewed the Port Wallet, and here’s what our reviewer Ben had to say about it:

“The Port Wallet is a simple, no-fold, four pocket workhorse designed to carry 7-8 cards in the central pocket, as well as a few bills and a drivers license. With 4-5oz hand tanned leather and saddle stitched waxed polyester thread, this wallet is absolutely built to last — most importantly, it is able to withstand the abuse of day-to-day goings. From trips to the coffee shop on my bike to long commutes in the car, this wallet hasn’t appeared to even begin to wear in any way after three weeks of being in my back pocket. The Port Wallet is built to last. Period.

This wallet can be described in just one word: clean. The color of my vegetable-tanned leather Port Wallet reminds me of a fine 15 year single malt scotch: a rich, mesmerizing amber. The stitching accents the clean simplicity of the wallet. The leather is smooth and extremely soft to the touch; it’s an pleasant experience each time you reach in your front pocket.”

Craft and Lore Port Wallet 1
Not pictured: $39 Black Wickett & Craig Harness Leather

Here’s some of the features of the Port Wallet:

  • Cut and saddle stitched by hand in North Idaho
  • 4oz weight full grain vegetable tanned leather
  • W 2.75″ x H 4″ x D .75 ” (full)
    6.9cm x 10.1cm x 1.9cm (full)

For $39, you can get the Port Wallet in a natural veg-tan leather from the Masure Tannery in Belgium, or in Wickett & Craig Harness Leather in medium brown, dark brown, mahogany, or black. For $59, you can have your Port Wallet crafted from soft and supple Horween Dublin leather.

Craft and Lore Port Wallet 2

$39 is a great deal for a handcrafted, saddle-stitched wallet, so be sure to check out their Kickstarter page and their website for more of Craft & Lore’s heritage goods.

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Craft and Lore Port Wallet 3