Steve Madden Romah Wingtip Oxford Review – $120

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.

November 5, 2015December 19, 2017

TUCKER & BLOOM LONDON DUFFEL REVIEW – $375.00

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.

November 4, 2015December 19, 2017

Timberland Women’s Brookton 6-Inch Classic Boots Review – $120

Timberland boots are a beloved classic, formerly relegated to menswear only. We recently reviewed the Men’s 6-inch Premium Waterproof Boots, one of their most recognizable products. The Women’s Earthkeeper Brookton 6-inch Classic Boots have a similar aesthetic, but are a bit rounder and lighter.

ABOUT TIMBERLAND

Timberland can trace its roots all the way back to 1920s Boston, where Nathan Schwartz began his career as an apprentice stitcher. Schwartz and his family grew the company and, in the 1950s introduced an innovative injection-molding technique that allowed them to waterproof their boots. In 1973, they introduced the “Timberland” brand, and the rest is history. Timberland is now a huge clothing and footwear brand that operates stores worldwide. Their company headquarters are in Stratham, New Hampshire.

CONSTRUCTION & 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.

October 29, 2015November 14, 2019

TRAYVAX ELEMENT WALLET REVIEW – $79.99

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.

October 27, 2015December 19, 2017

Floto Imports Firenze Dowell Briefcase Review – $449

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.

October 26, 2015December 19, 2017

Jaunji Designs Explorer Rolltop Backpack – $173 on Kickstarter

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.

October 23, 2015December 19, 2017

Range Leather Announces Kickstarter

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.

October 23, 2015December 19, 2017

Buffalo Jackson Everett Leather Camera Bag Review – $149.95

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.

October 22, 2015December 19, 2017

WaterField Designs Field Tote Review – $119

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.

October 21, 2015December 19, 2017

A Simple Leather Belt Co. Essential Wallet Review – $79

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.

October 20, 2015December 19, 2017

Colsen Keane Minimalist Standard Leather Satchel in Crazy Horse Review – $695

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.

October 19, 2015December 19, 2017

Buffalo Jackson Trading Co. Leather Sunglass Straps Review – $27.95

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.

October 16, 2015December 19, 2017

Brace Leather Announces Kickstarter

Brace Leather, out of Montreal, has recently announced their nearly-funded Kickstarter. Founder Yann Berube writes:

“The idea for Brace came from our desire for a cohesive line of quality leather goods that would simplify working or studying on the go. We wanted these goods to be well designed, well-made and with long-lasting, quality materials that look good too. Enter Collection 001: Man Overboard, Essential Leather Accessories designed for life on the go and delivered in one simple kit.”

This first collection was based on the founders’ personal lifestyle and made for people who live and work on the go. All their leather goods are made by hand in limited runs, using full grain leather, in their Montreal studio.

But this is just the beginning. The plan is to expand the idea and begin a series of collaborations with creatives and entrepreneurs. Imagine a kit of essential leather goods made specifically for the Photographer, the Artist or the Chef. The goal is to partner with their favourites in each field and create a kit of essentials specific to the profession and lifestyle.

The products offered in their Kickstarter include snaps, key rings, card holders, laptop sleeves, and charger holsters. You can create the Man Overboard kit for just $248 USD, which saves you about $100 USD.

You can find more about us on Brace Leather’s website or Instagram.

October 15, 2015December 19, 2017

Iron & Resin Elk Bobber Gloves Review – $72

Riding motorcycles is definitely one of my favorite things in this world. There is nothing like hopping on my bike and cruising in to town or hitting some twisties. Every motorcyclist knows that he/she needs several things before they are truly prepared to ride. A helmet, protective jacket, and a solid pair of gloves are the three items, in my opinion, that are essential to every rider. Today we are going to check out the Iron & Resin Elk Bobber Gloves.

About

“Born in a small, Southern California, blue-collar beach town, graced with world class point breaks and seaside racetracks, where ghosts of a once towering oil industry still linger in the shadows. Iron & Resin is the brainchild of several friends who, after decades of collective experience building successful clothing brands, decided to turn back the clock and start anew. The result is a small, hand built collection of goods that draws heavily upon the founder’s own lifestyles and experiences.

Forged in California… In a mass produced, disposable world, Iron & Resin is a product of “one-off” culture. Where men still build, by their own hands, the craft they ride, be it water or land. Our goods are carefully hand crafted and printed one at a time in California.”

Construction

My motorcycle is all black. Both of my riding jackets are all black. My helmet is all black. It only makes sense that I ride with black leather gloves. The stylish Elk Bobber gloves are constructed from black 100% Premium Grain Elk Hide leather. With only three main components: the leather, stitching, and metal anchor piston rivet; the Elk Bobber gloves are very simple. Their simple design, rolled cuff, and no-nonsense feel are my favorite things about them. Iron & Resin has done an excellent job combining performance, comfort, and durability into this attractive leather glove.

Function

The Elk Bobber gloves have been my primary riding gloves for several months now. The comfort level is far above any other riding gloves I have worn. The seams do not bug my fingers or rub them raw, I have adequate squeezing range of motion, and the length is suitable for wearing under a jacket and also comfortably without one. I have encountered one small issue with these stunning gloves. After longer periods of use, the black dye in the leather rubs off into your hands, and is frequently difficult to remove. To many this may seem petty, but if I’m going to show up to meetings or work, I cannot have black all over my hands. Over time the severity has significantly decreased, but know that it is something you will have to adjust to/prepare for during the beginning of the Elk Bobber’s life.

Aesthetic

As I said before, the Elk leather is some of the softest, most comfortable leather I have worn. The gloves have already formed to my hands and started to develop the worn, masculine look. I have several riding friends who have tried these gloves out, and even purchased some themselves. They are truly an attractive, solid addition to any motorcyclist’s riding gear, whether they ride a street bike like myself, or a classic Harley.

Conclusion

It is obvious that passion, time, and superior materials went in to the making of the Iron & Resin Elk Bobber gloves. Even though the gloves do leave a few black marks during the “new” stage, it is a small price to pay for such, comfortable, attractive, and capable leather gloves. At $72.00, the Elk Bobber is a reasonable investment that will absolutely last a lifetime of riding. Head over to Iron & Resin’s website to check out their other leather gloves, and even some other hand built lifestyle goods.

October 14, 2015December 19, 2017

Conestoga Leather Amia Tote Review – $269

The name Amia in French means “beloved.” Conestoga Leather bestowed this name upon their Leather Amia Tote because they hope it will become your favorite bag. Beloved. Let’s see if it lives up to the name.

About Conestoga Leather

Maryland-based Conestoga Leather features craftsmanship by the Amish community nestled in the Maryland area and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Their handmade product line, which includes folios, bags, and valet trays, has a heavy focus on functionality and design. Their main focus is on luxury portfolios, one of which we recently reviewed– “The Professional” Folio.

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.“

The Leather

Conestoga Leather exclusively uses North American bison hides that are tanned in the U.S. The Amia Tote is made of thick full grain bison hide, inside and out. The leather is both durable and beautiful. Bison hide always has that distinct rustic grain that separates it from cowhide, so you can immediately tell that this tote isn’t your everyday cow leather bag.

The bag comes in five color options – Mocha, Ocean Blue, Peanut, Red Rock Canyon, and Saddle. My Amia Tote is “Peanut” colored, a pleasant nutty brown that complements the bison leather grain well.

Construction & Function

The Amia Tote is pretty simply constructed, with two sturdy copper rivets attaching each end of the long tote handles, which have about a 12″ drop length. This gives the tote nice long straps that allow you to carry it over your shoulders comfortably. The copper rivets create a metallic pop that adds visual interest to the bag.

At 12″ x 10″ x 4″ the bag is on the smaller side. It comfortably fits everything you would fit in a standard purse, but don’t expect to fit anything much bigger than an iPad in there. There are leather slot pockets on both sides of the bag, which are about 5″ deep and run across the width of the tote. These are sturdy and good for collecting the little items you don’t want rolling around the bottom of your tote.

The top of the bag is closed with a nice strong magnetic clasp, which effectively holds the thick leather together.

Aesthetic

The Amia tote is beautiful. The quality of the bison leather is very high. It’s one of those bags that you like to touch and feel. It’s sturdy thanks to the thickness of the leather. The deep grain comes through nicely in the peanut color I requested and received. It’s one of those bags that gets noticed right away too. So, be prepared for questions, comments, and “can I feel it?”…because it will happen.

Conclusion

The Conestoga Leather Amia Tote is a versatile bag that is quickly becoming “beloved.” If you’re looking for value, this is probably not the tote for you, as this is a luxury item handmade in the U.S. with top-notch materials. But, if you’ve got the money, the Amia tote won’t disappoint and will provide many, many years of great service.

October 12, 2015December 19, 2017

Wilsons Leather Roma Leather Tote w/Bar Review – $179.99

As an admirer of all things leather, I can appreciate the value in a quality leather product even when I see the product is intended for a different audience. I’m also someone who values the contentedness of a happy home. Thus, when given the opportunity to review the Wilsons Leather Roma Leather Tote, my wife was ecstatic, and I was grateful for the chance.

As an expert in all things fashion, specifically purses and shoes, I knew I would need my wife’s objective opinion to give this tote a thorough review. As the product tester, her insight into the function and aesthetics of this bag were invaluable.

About Wilsons Leather

The Minnesota-based Wilsons Leather, formed in 1988 by a merging of Bermans Leather and Wilsons House of Suede and Leather, is a modern day leather clothing and apparel retailer known famously for their jackets, bags, and accessories.

In 2008, the G-III Apparel Group purchased Wilson’s Leather and E-commerce divisions. Today, Wilsons Leather offers in-season, designer products at their outlet stores. Their online stores offer an even more extensive line of products in addition to increasing brand awareness and improving customer experience.

On a more personal note, my wife and I have been visiting the Wilsons Leather Outlet in North Bend, Washington, each time we take a trip to the west side of Washington from our home in Spokane.

Construction

The leather in this bag is sourced from India and is semi-vegetable tanned cowhide dyed red (the bag itself comes in three color selections at Wilsons Leather online) and is held together by non-contrast polyester thread and SPS zippers. The gold-colored bar across the top contrasts the red color and doesn’t interfere with the top zipper closure. Dual carry handles on the bag are attached to the tote with gold hardware that is sturdy and attractive. Weighing in at 2.2 lbs (1kg) with stitched-in sides, this bag is going to hold its constitution (shape) regardless of what you choose to carry in it. At 16″ x 12″ x 4.25″, you’ve got over 800 cubic inches of storage space, more than enough space to store all but the proverbial kitchen sink.

Having purchased Wilsons Leather purses in the past, my wife noted that the black beading on the carry handles has a tendency to come loose after repeated use. The beads appear mostly cosmetic, though they do function to give the straps grip when carrying it on your shoulder, so it is something to keep in mind.

On the outside of the bag, you’ve got one zippered pocket for carrying those odds and ends you can’t live without, while the inside of the bag shows a large interior pocket suitable for tablets, large wallets, and other devices bordered by another zippered pocket and two open pockets. The two open pockets are sized for carrying a smart phone or similar device.

Function

I interviewed my wife for this portion of the review and she shared some very candid opinions with me, as she has done throughout our marriage. She found that both the carry strap and handles fit comfortably over her shoulder. How she carried it depended on the wardrobe she was wearing that day. You’ll find the bag does not easily slip off your shoulder due to the black rubber beading in the carrying handles and straps.

The inside and outside pockets were convenient for storage, as she put in her phone, notepads, and various sundries a business professional might need on any given day.

While the bag itself lends the user a sleek and professional look, she encountered one issue with the design: the bag opening is far narrower width of the rest of the bag. This led to her not being able to see to the bottom of the purse. Smaller items got lost in the bottom of the bag and were difficult to find at a moment’s notice. However, the design does lend itself well to carrying files, small laptop computers, and tablets, which is what she mainly used it for.

Aesthetic

The design, as she stated, is highly professional, and made for a business woman with a sense of style. The gold-colored hardware combined with the rich red color of the leather is a striking combination that promotes sophistication and elegance with the right wardrobe. As will all accessories, the shape is an important part of the appeal. With the stitched in ends of the bag, you have a tote that will hold its shape for years. This tote will work best with a business professional look, especially with darker colors where the bag will stand out as the showpiece of your entire outfit.

Conclusion

When you want to get into quality leather products without breaking your bank, Wilsons is always a great place to start. With the noted exception of the rubber beads lining the handle, the bag is solidly constructed. Known for their great sales, the bag’s MSRP is set at $460.00, listed online at $179.99, and right now (as of this writing), you can get an extra 40% off, bringing the price down to a smoking $108.00 and free shipping on your first order.

To recap, you’ve got genuine leather, overall great construction, good, looks, and plenty of carry space in a great looking tote for under $110 shipped. While we did note a couple of potential, albeit minor, functional issues, using the tote for the larger items it seems to be designed for will serve you well. The Roma Leather Tote is a nice way to start your collection of fine leather purses, bags, and satchels without breaking the bank while still looking great.

October 7, 2015December 19, 2017

Wilsons Leather Dark Rugged Double Gusset Brief Review- $249.99

If looks were everything, there would be no question about picking up Wilsons Leather Dark Rugged Double Gusset Brief. Dark leather, contrast stitching, and antiqued brass combine to give this bag an appeal that is universal to the modern business world.

Wilsons offers the brief as a lightweight bag to hold your laptop, tablet, and office accessories. With the aesthetic appeal of the bag being obvious upon inspection, the question is whether or not the bag will hold up to the daily demands of the office and the roads you travel on to get there.

About Wilsons Leather

Wilsons Leather is a U.S. leather retailer, selling jackets, belts, shoes, handbags, and gloves. At its peak in 2002, the Minneapolis-based retailer had 763 stores in Canada and the United States.

Construction

The bag is constructed of semi-vegetable tanned cow leather sourced in China, measuring 16” x 12” x 4” and is light for its size and construction. It weighs in at 2 pounds, 14 ounces (1.2 kilograms) without the strap or 3 pounds, 3 ounces (1.5 kilograms) with it. The lightness is due in part to the 2 mm thickness of the leather shell. The leather shell is well supported by foam padding encased in nylon between each section of the bag. The foam padding on the smaller accessory pockets is a nice touch.

On the outside of the bag, everything is held together by gold contrast stitching using polyester thread. Antique brass rivets hold down the D-rings (for attaching the carry strap) and one piece of the handle. The other side of the handle is inset into the bag and stitched in place. The zippers are constructed of the same antiqued-brass slides and plastic elements (the teeth) and are non-branded, unlike the traditional YKK zippers found in many of Wilsons Leather products. I would like to see metal elements in the zippers to increase product longevity even with the minor weight increase to the bag.

The insides of the bag are made up of two main compartments and three outer pockets. The small outer pocket has slots for cards, pens, a smartphone, and room for other accessories. The larger exterior pocket adjacent to it is available for slightly larger accessories. The outer pocket on the other side of the bag is identical to this pocket.

The main inner pocket has three large side pockets (5.5” wide by 8.5” deep) for electronics and a velcro nylon strap for securing your laptop.

The last piece is the carrying strap, made of nylon with a sliding leather pad for your shoulder. At the end of the pad, antique brass swivel snap hooks allow you to attach the strap to the bag.

Function

I work in an office and occasionally in the field, so need an all-in-one bag to carry my laptop and various sundries around. This bag does just that. With numerous zipped inside and outside pockets, it was very easy to store and access all of my equipment on the fly.

The adjustable-length canvas strap was nice for longer walks. Even with the sliding leather pad on the strap, keeping the strap crossed over my opposite shoulder was the easiest way to carry it. I was able to access the zippered pockets even with the bag slung over my shoulder, which was nice when reaching for my wallet or phone.

If you need more space, you’ll appreciate the double gusset zip-around for more storage. It adds 3 inches of width to the bag, which is very generous for a bag of this type.

Aesthetic

The dark brown leather looks good with almost any business attire. The stitching is even and well done, a must when you use a contrasting thread color. The black zipper elements add a subtle appearance, though antique brass elements on the zippers would fit in well with the sliders.

I like the size of the bag for carrying it around. It’s easily going to fit in the overhead compartment of any plane, though you’ll probably elect to carry it with you considering the cargo it carries.

While you may not find yourself looking at the interior of the bag that much, it bears mentioning. The copper color of the nylon has a nice sheen to it, and the stitching is equally well done. Attention to details like this are what help to elevate a leather product over other designs. Of note, the blue tags around the zippers are there as a protectant and easily removed. I left them on in some photos to show detail in packaging of this product.

Conclusion

The Dark Rugged Double Gusset Brief is a professional, lightweight case that will serve you well in the office and on the road. It is attractive, has plenty of room, and should hold up well in the world of a business executive, college student, or anyone else needing a small briefcase. As I mentioned earlier, my biggest concern is the use of plastic zippers if you’re constantly getting in and out of the bag. Time will tell, though as of this writing, I’ve not encountered any issues.

Considering the price point of $239.99, the bag is a good value for a cowhide leather brief. What I appreciate about Wilsons Leather is that they often have sales on their products, whether you are shopping online or at one of their outlet stores; they tend to have quite a few sales where everything is 40% off online, meaning you could pick the bag up for $149.99 – an excellent deal. In the world of leather briefs, this bag would make a great gift for the young entrepreneur or graduate student.

October 2, 2015December 19, 2017

Kendal & Hyde Classic Leather Duffel Kickstarter

With five wildly successful Kickstarter campaigns under their belt, Kendal & Hyde Co. is at it again. This time around they have designed a classic leather duffel, modeled after arch top duffels from the 1940s. Their motto for designing this duffel: “Our leather travel duffel is authentically vintage looking enough to have been your grandfather’s, but with modern features you need.”

The duffel is made of full-grain, vegetable tanned leather sourced from the U.S. and Canada. Stitched with marine-grade polyester and held together with solid cast brass hardware and rivets, this bag won’t be falling apart any time this century. Even the handles are reinforced with 1/4″ steel bars. With a detachable shoulder strap, canvas lining, locking zippers and an integrated laptop sleeve, each part of this bag has been thought through with the traveller in mind. There are even pockets for your travel documents and an optional travel tag and water bottle holder.

This duffel will retail at $500, but if you snag it now, you can get it for $400. Kendall & Hyde are also running Kickstarter deals on passport covers, ID tags, and waterbottle holders. Check it out on Kickstarter!

September 30, 2015December 19, 2017

BOSTON BOOT CO CAMBRIDGE BOOT REVIEW – $200

As the ill fated Ned Stark would say, Winter is coming. While stowing away our flip flops and sunblock might seem like a real downer, the absence of men’s capris and the chance to dress up a little bit more seem like a good tradeoff. We’re excited to look at Boston Boot Co’s Cambridge Boot as a viable footwear option.

ABOUT

Dubbed Boston’s first Micro-Shoery, Boston Boot Co launched after a massively successful Kickstarter campaign in December of 2013. With over 30 years of combined experience in business and the shoe industry, founders Joe Lyons and Joe Prew established the brand with the aim of making small batches of highly crafted footwear. Free from the constraints of corporate bureaucracy, Boston Boot Co focuses on making the best boot possible. They currently offer various designs ranging from dressy wingtips to rugged chukkas.

CONSTRUCTION

The immediate appeal of the Cambridge Boot is its use of waterproof Horween 2.0-2.2mm Chromexcel leather. The pull up (changing of colors due to bending or pulling due to natural oils) on this leather is amazing. Rawhide laces from Kentucky based Auburn Leather Co are kept in place with 10 mm copper eyelets which are anodized for added protection. The Lining is calf leather and the triple density footbed with gel cushioning provides the comfort. A natural leather welt is used, which is the strip of leather that runs along the perimeter of the outsole. The outsole itself is a lightweight high-density blown rubber. Boots weigh in at approximately 2lbs 9 oz.

FUNCTION

The Cambridge is a pretty versatile boot that performs well in a variety of situations. The thumb tab on the heel makes for easy fitting. The high density insole coupled with the blown rubber outsole usually associated with running shoes provides for a boot that wears more like a shoe and is very comfortable. While I’ve never been a fan of rawhide laces due to their tendency to come untied, I can’t deny their aesthetic. The Auburn laces are pretty supple though and hold a lot longer than other laces I’ve tried. In cold weather, I’d definitely recommend some thick wool socks, as the Cambridge is not insulated. I actually prefer them this way as they can be worn across a wide range of weather conditions. The waterproof Horween definitely delivers as water glides right off, and with the welt construction I wouldn’t worry stepping in deeper puddles. I would have really liked to have had a gusseted tongue though, as it would prevent water and debris from entering the boot and making the Cambridge truly go anywhere. Traction is really good and the moderate outsole pattern can handle city streets and dirt paths adequately. All in all, the Cambridge is great for the shoe wearer who wants a boot but desires the flexibility and comfort of a casual shoe.

AESTHETIC

These are some damn good looking boots. The subdued orange outsole provides a snappy contrast to the sumptuous Horween leather. The welt coloring matches the stitching and the almost idiosyncratic attention to detail really completes the look. The eyelets are silver colored but the top is red, which gives some understated styling without showboating. The Boston Boot Co overlapping B symbols adorn the outer side heels. No loose threads, no separation on the welt and even stitching make you think some souls were sold in the fabrication of these boots.

CONCLUSION

If you’ve been spending the last few weeks looking for boots and weren’t satisfied with the current selection in large retail chains, then Boston Boot Co’s Cambridge Boot certainly warrants a second look. Made with top quality materials and priced rather fairly, they are a solid purchase.

September 29, 2015December 19, 2017

HoldFast Gear Money Maker Luxury Leather Multi Camera Strap Review – $215.00/$400.00

I moonlight as a photographer and have shot everything from portraits and weddings to sporting events. I prefer full-frame DSLR cameras and the accompanying glass that goes with them for all my shoots. However, carrying that much equipment can make you feel like you’re carrying Sisyphus’ rock at the end of a long photography session.

When I was offered the chance to review Hold Fast Gear’s Money Maker Luxury Leather Multi-Camera Strap, I took it without hesitation. The company claims it will allow you to carry up to 3 cameras comfortably for long periods of time. While I couldn’t justify the purchase of a third camera to my boss (read “wife”) for this review, I have plenty of glass to give it a thorough test.

ABOUT HOLD FAST GEAR

Matthew Swaggart founded Holdfast Gear in 2011 with three values in mind: taste, logic, and faith. As a photographer who has traveled the world, Matt understood the burden of carrying around pounds of equipment for hours or days at a time.

With an appreciation for the design aesthetics of the past and the need for functional equipment that would hold up even under the most austere conditions, he founded Hold Fast Gear. His company offers a growing line of products designed to suit the needs of the on-the-go photographer.

Today, Matt keeps his notebooks close with ideas for new products, and plans to launch at least 10 new products within the next year. He takes pride in the ethical production of all of his products in the USA while providing sustainable jobs to the Oklahoma economy.

CONSTRUCTION

We’ll be looking at two versions of the strap today, both similar in function, but different in form:

American Bison Leather (Mahogany): The genuine bison leather on this strap came from Colorado. Measurements average 35.8 mm across and 5 mm thick. Half of the thickness is due to the cream glove leather lining on the inside of the strap. There are four black D-rings on the front of the strap designed for carrying accessories. The two large buckles on the back allow for adjustment of the shoulder opening, having 9 adjustment holes spaced 25 mm apart. Dark grey punch-through rivets hold everything together including the leather securing the D-rings, the buckle straps, the cross piece, and the camera sliders.

The camera sliders are constructed of a massive D-ring, an equally massive, nickel-plated swivel, a fold-over leather strap secured by 4 rivets, and ¼” screw mount to attach to the tripod mount on your camera. As if that wasn’t enough, they also added a safety catch made of nylon and a plastic swivel that mounts to the lug on the left side of your camera.

Overall weight comes in at 1 pound, 14 ounces (840 grams), making it a little heavier than the bridle leather strap.

Tan Bridle Leather: We mention here only the differences between the straps. This strap measures 33.5 mm across (-2.3 mm) with a thickness of 3.2 mm (-1.8 mm). Of note, this strap is not lined with the cream glove leather. The hardware is all nickel-plated rather than black, including the rivets.

Overall weight comes in at a lighter 1 pound, 9 ounces (700 grams), and beside the bridle leather being naturally a bit stiff when it is new, those are the major differences in construction of the two straps.

FUNCTION

Because the overall design of the straps is nearly identical, I spent the majority of my time testing the functionality on the American bison strap.

My first chance to give the strap a real test was at a wedding reception photoshoot. I attached my primary camera – a Canon 5D Mark III with battery grip and various lenses, and my secondary camera – a Canon EOS Rebel T3i with 50 mm prime lens. The weight was significant, and would be a good test of the strap.

I had no problems sliding the camera into position for any type of shot I wanted to take. Carrying the cameras around for over 2 hours, I barely noticed the weight of the cameras. The strap is that comfortable. While initially concerned that the free-hanging cameras would bang against my leg or the surrounding environment, it was easy to adjust their position and prevent this from happening. If you’re someone who uses telephoto lenses of 200mm or more, you’ll want to be a little more careful in cramped environments.

The other issue I encountered was minor: getting the split ring on the lug of my camera and mounting the screw to the camera. It took some finesse with my large hands to get the split ring on the lug. Now that it’s there, I may never take it off.

I occasionally do shots low to the ground and found it easier to remove the camera from the strap. This took a little time if you’re someone who finds themselves doing this often.

Overall, I was very impressed with the ease of use and comfort of this strap, and found it very useful for the run-and-gun type of shooting that defined this wedding reception.

AESTHETIC

Matt uses a chromium salt tanning process to give the bison leather its softness and texture, and then a vegetable-based re-tan to bring back the form of the leather. The cream leather padding on the underside of the strap adds to the comfort and the beauty of the strap.

The bridle leather strap is an English bridle that is vegetable-tanned, drum dyed, and stuffed full of waxes and grease to make it weather proof. While initially stiff, it has the advantage of molding to the user after repeated use.

The hardware on both is beautiful and heavy duty at the same time. Large buckles and D-rings give these straps a flare that will make them get noticed. While the functions remain the same, the strap you choose is purely a matter of looks and what you prefer.

THE FINAL WORD

At the price point of $215 for the tan bridle leather strap and $400 for the American bison mahogany strap, the Money Maker Luxury Leather Multi-Camera Strap is a great investment. Like all quality leather products, it isn’t inexpensive; it is an investment. Having not known about this product before I was asked to review it, I didn’t know what I was missing. I’ll be able to save my shoulders years of wear and look good while doing it.

As of this final writing, I also had the opportunity to use this strap at an 8-hour wedding shoot on September 19th, 2015. With my 5D Mark III, battery grip, 70-200mm lens, and attached speedlight, I had some serious weight riding on my shoulders. In addition, I had my second camera, a Canon T3i with 50mmm lense as my backup, riding on the other strap. At the end of the day, my shoulders felt great – the strap performed that well. Now if only Matt could invent something to make my feet a little less tired.

If you want a camera support system designed and built by a seasoned photographer that is attractive and functional, Hold Fast Gear has got it right. With twelve models, there is plenty to choose from when trying to satisfy your sense of adventure.