Total Watch Repair Honey Genuine Alligator Leather Watch Strap Review $249.95

Purchasing a new watch band is a great way to add some renewed interest in an old timepiece. A lot like going into your closet to find an outfit for a special occasion, simply changing bands can add a whole new character to your wrist watch. We’ve reviewed a number of watch bands so we were particularly excited to test out a Banda Honey Genuine Alligator Leather Watch Strap offered by Total Watch Repair.

About

Established in 1992, Total Watch Repair is a family owned business located in Los Angeles. Members of the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute and the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, they specialize in watch repair. You can also purchase timepieces at their retail outlet, and with an A+ rating from the BBB, they’re about as legit as any horophile could hope to be.

CONSTRUCTION

The strap is made from…you guessed it, genuine alligator skin. It’s a matte finish with a honey color. Matching thread keeps the color uniform and a silver plated buckle completes the look. The alligator leather is pretty flexible and shows some interesting scaling, but aside from that looks almost identical to cow’s leather from a distance. It is a really thin leather with an almost synthetic smoothness. The buckle feels a bit cheap and doesn’t exude quality. The watch’s backside indicates it is made by Banda, a global strap manufacturer so I don’t place blame on Total Watch Repair.

FUNCTION

The strap does it’s job of keeping the timepiece secure on my wrist. There is one fixed strap keeper and one floating keeper that keep excess strap neatly contained. There is no discomforting pinch from the buckle when moving the wrist, and the notch spacing allowed for a good fit. A watch strap’s main purpose is to keep it on your wrist, and this strap carries this task out like any other.

AESTHETIC

The strap doesn’t offer the “wow” factor I was expecting. I would have liked to have seen deeper scaling, and perhaps some scarring. Just something that gave testament to the fact that this was made from the hide of one of nature’s most deadliest predators. Aside from the creases, this just looks like a very subdued, cheap leather strap. It’s a formal design, I chose to wear it with my suit and found it could barely pull off the look. Much like the Big Mac at McDonalds, this strap looks better in staged pictures than it does in person.

CONCLUSION

Here at BestLeather we like to give every product received a fair chance. I personally cannot recommend the Banda Honey Genuine Alligator Leather Watch Strap. Priced at a premium of $249.95, there are such better options out there from skilled crafters. However, Total Watch Repair continues to stand out as an exemplary timepiece service center and offers many other promising bands at very affordable prices.

September 3, 2015December 19, 2017

HIDES Canada Leather Tech Tote Review – $266

Whether you’re a student, self-employed, or a full-time office worker, chances are, in 2015, you bring your laptop with you everywhere. And when you usually carry a purse as well, it’s nice to be able to combine them so you don’t have bags hanging all over you like a pack mule.

Today I’ll be looking at the HIDES Canada Leather Tech Tote as an everyday laptop tote bag.

ABOUT HIDES CANADA

HIDES Canada is a new brand out of Toronto, Canada. Their product line includes messenger bags, totes, duffels, wallets, and a dopp kit. From their website:

HIDES was inspired by the age old leather making tradition in the subcontinent region of Punjab and Northern Kashmir. We are committed to bridge the gap between man and nature during these complex processes. The way the leather is being crafted – these methods have been used since the past 35 years and only the best had crafted skins are used for our products. This ensures that our products are not only, eco-friendly, but also handcrafted to perfection; which only get better with age!

THE LEATHER

HIDES Canada uses a full-grain leather with a distressed look. The leather used at HIDES is unique, as it comes from the region of Punjab in the subcontinent and Northern Kashmir. The animals in these parts of the world are free to roam and are exposed to harsh climates and temperatures. Extreme conditions like these make the animals’ skins thick and extremely adaptable to their surroundings, which produced a very tough and unique leather. The leather they use is full-grain, and is often referred to as Crazy Horse leather. Crazy Horse leather is a thick pullup leather that is finished with natural oils and waxes, which gives the leather a distressed, rugged look and finish. The leather on the Tech Tote is very unique looking. It darkens up in certain areas, while maintaining the lighter areas, giving it great texture.

CONSTRUCTION & FUNCTION

The Tech Tote features a large main pouch with a padded sleeve that fits up to a 15″ laptop and is secured with a velcro strap. The opposite side has a large zippered pouch, a phone sleeve, two pen loops, and a small multipurpose pouch. There are just enough pouches to keep you organized but not overwhelmed.

The middle of the bag is nice and roomy, and is made even larger with the zippered gussets on each side. Just unzip the sides and the tote expands significantly. This also adds a bit of stability to the bag if you’d like it to stand up on its own. This is an awesome feature that works especially great if you are carrying around papers or files. The expansion feature on the Tech Tote works flawlessly. Some bags have this feature but the gussets are not solid leather like Tech Tote, and items fall out the sides or get caught in the zipper. It’s clear that a lot of thought was put into the functionality of this tote.

The outside of the bag features zippered pockets on the front and back. The front of the bag displays two stitched pieces of leather, in slightly contrasting colors, giving some visual appeal and texture to the bag. The inside is lined with olive and khaki fabric, which contrasts nicely while remaining in the same color palette.

The handles are the perfect length for over-the-shoulder carry if you prefer. The tote comes with a 46″ shoulder strap that attaches to D-rings on the inside of the gusset with lobster claw clasps. It is adjustable via a heel bar and has a small pad for comfort. The shoulder strap is really the only part of this bag that I am not a fan of. The strap feels cheap, brittle, and flimsy. This is an issue I’ve noticed with a lot of bags on the market, where detachable shoulder straps seem like an afterthought. Thankfully the attached handles are very sturdy and comfortable.

AESTHETIC

At 15″x12.5″x5″, the Tech Tote is nice and compact when it comes to laptop bags. In fact, it’s not really that much larger than many purses. I’ve found that it doesn’t stand out as a laptop bag and can easily double as a purse. It’s usable in tons of different settings, and its tan color makes it quite versatile. It’s not too crazy or modern, and functions perfectly for everyday use. I have been told that this bag will soon be available in black, as well, so keep an eye out for that! I think black leather will look great.

CONCLUSION

I’ve been quite pleased with the HIDES Canada Leather Tech Tote. It’s the perfect color, shape, and size for everyday carry. It’s well-constructed and the Crazy Horse Leather will only look better and more interesting with age. $266 USD is a reasonable price for a very useful bag that will last you for years.

September 2, 2015December 19, 2017

Show Off Your Stuff for the BestLeather Instagram Photo Contest

Show off your stuff! Enter the BestLeather Instagram Contest by posting a picture of your favorite leather item. Be sure to tag @BestLeather and use the hashtag #bestleather. The first 25 posters will win a BestLeather vinyl sticker, and our favorite pictures will be featured on our website!

Good luck! We’re excited to see your photos.

Take a look at the making of our awesome new stickers from Vinylfire:

September 2, 2015December 19, 2017

Introducing Hunker Bag Co. from Nashville, Tennessee

Denton Hunker — drummer for Americana rock band Green River Ordinance — was on the lookout for a durable, yet stylish bag that would keep up with his touring lifestyle. When he couldn’t find one to use on the road, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Turns out, Hunker is also a rock star on the sewing machine and began Hunker Bag Co. to share his craft with others.

“I believe that a good bag does two things,” says Hunker. “It holds and protects your personal possessions and takes you on an adventure every day.”

Hunker learned his craftsmanship from his grandmother who taught him on a 1950s sewing machine. Each bag is made to order using top grain leather, Martexin waxed canvas, all-brass hardware and branded with the Hunker logo, still utilizing the techniques he learned from his grandmother.

The Hunker Bag Co. product line includes duffels, totes, messenger bags, wallets, wristlets, and more, for both ladies and gentlemen. Take a look at the video below to see how each bag is crafted.

Hunker Bag Co. | How It’s Made from KEJProductions on Vimeo.

August 27, 2015December 19, 2017

Thrux Lawrence Black Leather Builder’s Billfold Review – $120

The movement of earth and construction of buildings and monuments through which we conduct our daily lives is the work of serious men. These same serious men require reliable, solidly built tools and adornments to quarry the stone and cut the timber these structures require.

Joining this lineup of robust equipment is the Thrux Lawrence Black Leather Builder’s Billfold. Rugged, yet stylish and sporting some serious hardware, this wallet will echo the attitude and good looks of its owner. It is important to note that the wallet I received is a prototype and has undergone some changes since this writing.

About Thrux Lawrence

I recently had the chance to visit the Thrux Lawrence shop in downtown Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, for a product photoshoot. Walking into the store, you get an immediate sense of style and sheer authenticity. From the onsite, old-school barber shop to the pool table to the leather workshop populated by hand tools and vegetable-tanned leather hides, Thrux Lawrence is a unique and inviting stop for custom leather (and other) products.

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. After touring the shop and viewing all of the collector’s items on display, it’s easy to see how his love of vintage goods has translated into the products they produce today.

Construction

The Thrux Lawrence Builders Billfold is as serious as it is solid. It weighs 7.4 ounces (207 grams), making it the three hundred pound offensive lineman in the world of wallets. The leather strap that connects the wallet to the solid brass swiveling trigger snap is 3.5 millimeters thick on average. The snap hook is far stronger than any item of clothing you might attach to it and is secured to the leather strap by a hand-hammered brass rivet.

The wallet is constructed of 3 ounce oil-dyed leather and stitched with nylon-bonded black thread, creating two slots for cash and eight compartments for credit cards, man cards, and identification. There are two additional compartments for storing cash and other similar-sized items with no need for folding. The wallet measures 7 ½” x 3 ½” closed, and while it will fit in the back pocket of your jeans, it might find a more comfortable nest in a cargo pocket or the inside pocket of your jacket.

If I was asked to point out an area for improvement on this wallet, it would be where the leather strap is connected to a cord to attach it to the wallet. The cord is strong and well-reinforced on the wallet side with a brass grommet protecting the leather. I’d like to see the same grommet reinforcing the tie-off of the cord and leather strap. The snap on one edge of the wallet is great for keeping it closed. The only thing I worried about was snagging the other edge of the wallet on a piece of clothing or a bag when hastily stored, as it hangs open a bit. A second snap opposite the first would eliminate this concern.

Function

The wallet fit comfortably in the back pocket of my work pants, though I don’t think sitting on it would remain comfortable for very long. The strap was long enough that I could clip it to my belt and store the wallet in the inside pocket of my jacket.

If you’re someone who appreciates being able to carry all of your credit cards, cash, and punch cards in one place, this is the right wallet for you. It is designed to be able to take a beating, and with the card slots facing inwards, there is little chance they’ll fall out. This wallet is one you’ll be able to carry for years, if not decades.

Aesthetic

This wallet is big and sturdy; it is designed for the outdoorsman who wants to keep his stable of credit cards, identification, and business cards all in one place. Its appearance and feel give the owner a sense of ruggedness, such that this wallet might be at home clipped to the saddle of a Dutch Warmblood riding out on a windswept prairie. It conveys a sense of ruggedness and quality that anyone looking for a full-size wallet will appreciate.

Conclusion

The Thrux Lawrence Black Leather Builder’s Billfold is good looking, tough, and will go anywhere on the trail you do without fear of it succumbing to the elements. It’s also available in brown leather. With a couple minor hardware changes to the snaps and grommets, this wallet would be the perfect addition to any working man’s wardrobe. As it stands, it is an excellent wallet that you wouldn’t be disappointed with should you choose to add it to your collection. For an investment of $120, you’ll be purchasing a wallet that will last you for your lifetime of hard work and on-the-go-style.

August 26, 2015December 19, 2017

Moore & Giles Carlton Courier Bag Review – $610

There are tons of messenger bags on the market, and sometimes it can be tough to choose one that stands out as your style. An easy way to make your bag stand out is by selecting a unique leather. Moore & Giles has done just this with their Carlton Courier Bag made with American Bison leather.

ABOUT MOORE AND 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 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 quite 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 the Carlton Courier Bag.

THE LEATHER

Moore & Giles beautiful bison leather is really the star of the show here. The natural wrinkles and striations of the bison hide set it apart and give it a very luxurious look. The leather is supple, yet sturdy. The bag also comes in a slightly darker cowhide called Titan Milled Brown. Each bag comes with a monogramming option, located at the top of the exterior pocket. 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.

CONSTRUCTION & AESTHETIC

The Carlton Courier measures in at 15” x 10” x 4”, slightly smaller than the average messenger bag. Its compact inside space is maximized by several zippered pockets: a small pouch on the front, a slim one on the front of the inside, and a large pocket that stretches the whole back of the bag. The rest of the bag, between the two interior zippered pouches, is totally open in the middle, leaving room for books, tablets, notebooks, or a 13″ laptop.

The edges are all trimmed and finished nicely, and the inside of the bag and the top flap are lined with Moore & Giles classic fabric liner. Despite the thick leather, the messenger bag stays fairly slim, and doesn’t get bulky even when full.

The Carlton has the classic, buckled double strap look, but with a convenient twist — you won’t have to fiddle with a buckle every time you want to open your bag. Instead of traditional heel bar buckles, hidden slide locks fasten the straps for quick access with the press of the button. The slide locks don’t feel cheap or easily breakable, making the tradeoff from heel buckles feel less scary. They also hide very well under the buckles, and no one will ever know the difference.

The strap is attached to the bag with D-rings and a lobster claw clasp, and the thick padded strap is unusually comfortable. These straps are removable if you prefer to carry it as a briefcase, and the top handle is sturdy enough to do so.

CONCLUSION

The Carlton Courier Bag is a traditionally styled, compact messenger bag set apart by its thick, beautifully finished American Bison leather. American Bison leather is always quite pricy, so $610 seems a fair price for such a large amount of high quality leather. Moore & Giles continues to make classy, well-constructed items for the high-end buyer.

August 25, 2015December 19, 2017

Meet Looptworks: An Environmentally Friendly Design & Production Studio Out of Portland, OR

Looptworks is a Portland-based bag and pack company made entirely from pre-consumer upcycled materials. Instead of sourcing brand new materials, Looptworks takes perfectly usable “waste” materials from around the globe to create unique products. You can find some more information about this process on their blog. The holy grail for Looptworks is to become a completely closed-loop company. We are impressed with these guys and their true commitment to sustainable product manufacturing.

Looptworks has two lines of all-leather products, the Loopt Classic Line, and the Luv Seat Line, as well as small leather goods made with repurposed Italian leather from the accessories industry.

LOOPT CLASSICS

All of the Loopt Classics styles are made with excess leather from the motorcycle jacket and chaps company, Langlitz Leathers. Langlitz is a 68 year old custom motorcycle gear company based in Portland, Oregon. They have a large amount of scrap leather as a result of their manufacturing, and the partnership with Looptworks keeps that high quality leather from going to waste.

LUV SEAT

In order to conserve fuel, Southwest Airlines wanted to replace its heavy leather airline seats with a lighter weight material, and they wanted to ensure that the 40 acres of iconic blue and tan leather went to good use. Looptworks upcycled this material into the LUV Seat Collection. Each LUV Seat item has its own visual personality acquired from the seat’s journey. By repurposing the leather, this bag conserves over 4,000 gallons of water and avoids 72% of CO2 emissions.

August 24, 2015December 19, 2017

Marlondo Leather Backpack Review – $398.00

Serendipity means the gift of finding valuable or agreeable things not looked for. When I received the Dark Brown version of Marlondo Leather’s new Backpack two days prior to a camping trip in Montana, I understood what it meant to be a beneficiary of the concept. If you’ve never been excited about owning a backpack before, you will be when you see this one. It is gorgeous in its full-grain leather, brass rivets, and nickel-plated hardware construction. Equally at home in the office or on the trail, the craftsmanship and durability of this pack will serve you for years to come.

Marlondo Leather spent a significant amount of time re-designing this pack from the previous version (read their no longer produced Rucksack review here), and the thought that went into it shows. They managed to combine beauty and functionality into a design that yields the perfect day pack for the adventurer, traveler, or full-time student.

About Marlondo Leather

“Ma”, as he is known, is a Chinese entrepreneur who has worked to give the Marlondo name the meaning it has today. He turned early setbacks into a thriving online leather store that ships all of its products from US distributors and understands the importance of good customer service.

Construction

The Marlondo Backpack is a heavy, beautiful beast constructed of full-grain cowhide leather, sourced from the United States, weighing in at 3 pounds, 10 ounces. Leather thickness varies from 2 to 3 millimeters (6-8 ounces) depending on the part of the bag measured. It is stitched with marine grade thread that can withstand exposure to sun, salt, chemicals and more without degrading. The designers saw fit to use heavy duty nickel-plated hardware for the buckles to ensure worry-free closure of the outside and main pockets.