Everlane Suede Weekender Bag Review – $135

San Francisco is the place to be for any energetic start up looking to cash in on a fresh demographic. From app companies to new age sandwich shops, its sloped hills house thousands of young-blood ventures that desire to shake things up. Everlane was founded by some such folks, with the intent to cut out the middle-man in clothing manufacturing. Directly linking customers with information about which factories produce their goods and all of the costs associated, they make it possible to buy designer basics knowing exactly how much any item has been marked up. From knitwear to basic leather goods, Everlane represents an affordable alternative to normally expensive clothing or trappings. I got my hands on their Suede Weekender Bag, a $135 duffel meant for short excursions or weekends out.

FUNCTION

There are two small straps which allow the duffel to be carried like a tote. After just a short while though, carrying it like this is uncomfortable. Since there is no shoulder strap option, the only other methods of holding the bag are to sling it onto your back or carry it over your arm like a purse. Neither are highly suitable for long term movement. This is a bag that is meant to be taken from taxi to airport or car to home, not lugged around for extended periods of time; but the spacious design is suitable for short or long term use, since it’s essentially one open compartment with a small, zippered area sewn into the interior. This area and a pocket on the exterior make it possible to keep a few small items from being swallowed up in the bulk of the bag, without disrupting the appeal of the amorphous design. Since it is relatively formless, larger and more cumbersome objects can fit into this weekender than the traditional rucksack. As long as you pack with some level of organization, this is a convenient place to store a large amount of items.

CONSTRUCTION

The suede is nice enough to keep the bag both soft and sturdy, while retaining a sleek high-fashion appeal. It’s also noticeably soft to the touch, as is the interior canvas lining. The leather that comprises the straps, zipper pulls, and piping is thick and attractive. The portion of the zipper that is leather-lined is double stitched, along with a couple of the other leather details. This is a solid bag, but only in the context in which it is intended to be used. You might not bring this weekender with you on a trip out to the slopes; but it would be very well suited to being paired with…well, a suit. It would last much longer as a stylistic accoutrement than if much abuse were to distress the supple exterior. Given a tame environment and gentle owner, it could last a decade.

AESTHETIC

With a company focused on making designer goods available to the public straight from the factory, much of the appeal revolves around the elegance and simplicity of attractively designed products. This weekender is no exception to that rule. A hot ticket item in the designer market right now, this style of bag has a classic silhouette. This combined with the minimalist detailing and beautiful suede exterior of the offering give it a fantastic look. You could just as easily take it on a weekend trip to the coast as you could bring it to Milan during fashion week. That’s really the purpose of this bag; it’s high fashion made affordable.

CONCLUSION

Everlane makes it easy to find out how much it cost to produce your item, the markup, and what a traditional retailer might have sold it for. Listed directly under the product description and factory information is a chart showing the cost of materials, hardware, labor, duties, and transport associated with whatever item you are viewing. With a production cost of $82, the traditional retail value projected at $400, and the Everlane price rests satisfactorily on $135, this Suede Weekender is a good buy. That is to say, its a good for anyone who wants what they’re offering: a stylistically based design with good materials and great functionality. You might not be able to take this duffel into the forest on your dirt bike, but with the kind of looks it draws in the city, you may never want to.

December 16, 2014December 19, 2017

Ruitertassen Heritage Professor 13″ Laptop Satchel Review – $425

Ruitertassen is a company born from the fruits of Jacob de Ruiter, a Belgian craftsmen that started with nothing in 1925. His philosophy to craft durable and affordable bags for the hard worker together with his technical abilities brought him success in a period of worldwide economic crisis and war. Today, Ruitertassen bags are designed to be timeless in look and endurance. The company continues to respect Jacob’s heritage and philosophy by creating work bags worth every hard-earned penny. It’s latest venture is to open its online US store with offerings from its most popular and classic line in early 2015.

Each satchel comes with a leather keychain

CONSTRUCTION

All Ruitertassen bags are handcrafted from full grain leather with practicality and durability in mind. The leather is sourced from a Belgium tannery and is shared by another well known company, Louis Vuitton. This tannery is located a few kilometers from the workshop and is the original one used by Jacob de Ruiter eighty years ago. The satchel leather is 100% vegetable tanned with natural extracts in a process that lasts for four weeks before being oiled. All the classic satchel designs have hidden German tuck locks which make unlatching the front flap a cinch. Each tuck lock feels sturdy and deep enough to prevent the latch from accidentally opening. For the diehard classics fan, there is still the option of opening each buckle manually and using the buckle just as a way to modify the height of the main flap. For strength, Ruitertassen uses the strongest nylon threads and double stitched corners of the outer pockets. The entire back and front flap is made from a single piece of leather and held to the side panels with automotive grade rivets as is the handle. Inside the bag, the dividers are made with flat rigid Texon strengthened with a layer of nylon lining. All the labor necessary to construct these bags is done in the Ruitertassen workshop using high-precision mechanized tools in Germany to keep quality control high and prices low. Ruitertassen is confident in their attention to construction and durability and will take any bag back from an unsatisfied customer for. Any repairs necessary in the first two years are done complimentary in the workshop after which repairs are done at an affordable price. For customers based in the USA, they will employ local craftsmen for repairs to avoid the hassle of returning the bag internationally for repairs.

FUNCTION

There are three things you will notice about this bag. It is BIG. It is LIGHT. It is SPACIOUS. The bag is 12″ x 16″ x 6.” This is one of the smallest satchel designs but is still quite large on smaller framed individuals. One of the limiting factors for the size is that this is designed to hold 13’’ laptops. The showcase feature of this particular satchel is the padded laptop compartment which hugs my 13’’ Macbook Pro comfortably. The dividers stretch enough to add an additional laptop sleeve or case if desired. The satchel is also extremely lightweight at 4.85 lbs and is a welcome alternative for those with shoulders tired from carrying other leather behemoths to work. This is a good thing since shoulder pads are not included but can be purchased as an accessory. The compartments and pockets are designed to maximize carrying capacity. There are no space-occupying interior pockets whatsoever except for a side of stretch fabric for holding pens and other small objects. The exterior pockets are deep – deep enough to fit an iPad Air by itself. Oh and don’t forget, those tuck locks really do make a difference.

AESTHETIC

This understated bag is not meant to be a fashion statement. This particular satchel design is from the Heritage collection due to its closeness to the original Jacob de Ruiter designs from decades ago. It has a slightly rugged appeal but is clean and polished enough for casual business attire. The beauty lies in the pull up leather which easily distresses and can take a good beating while traveling. This bag feels more at place at a meeting in a coffee shop than in the executive board room.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Ruitertassen Heritage Professor 13’’ Laptop Satchel is a well-priced working man’s bag. What it lacks in edgy styling, it makes up for in leather quality and smart design details. For those who care more about substance and practicality, this is one bag to put on your wishlist. Although the US store isn’t up yet, it can still be purchased from the UK site and delivered straight to your home.

December 10, 2014December 19, 2017

Florsheim Marlton Wingtips Review – $170

Florsheim got its start over a hundred years ago in the Windy City (Chicago). Surprise! An American luxury shoe brand does exist in this market flooded with Italian companies. Founded in 1892 by a father-son team, it is one of the oldest American shoe brands still in business. For any company that lasts over a century, there must be a market draw that keeps business ever improving and expanding. Some companies find their niche in exclusivity, while others expand into the mainstream. Florsheim went with the latter, expanding into a name brand giant throughout the middle twentieth century. Now a household name, Florsheim is an established American brand with as much heritage to tout as many English and Italian brands. I got my hands on the Marlton Wingtip, a traditional offering from the Limited Collection.

FUNCTION

The fit is initially a little tight, and a bit awkward to step into at first. Breaking in tight shoes with as rigid heels as the Marlton has, my gait must have looked a little strange for one or two days as the leather adjusted to my stride and heel roll. In order to keep a tight oxford-style shoe from warping at the heel, make sure to use a shoehorn. Although they can immediately seem like a superfluous accessory, a simple shoehorn can add years to the life of your shoes. They eventually settled in quite well after the initial discomfort. In fact, these wingtips are now among the best fitting shoes I own, being on the level of my classic Vans skate shoes. However, for some with more dramatic heel roll the height and chunkiness of the sole might be a little dramatic to walk in comfortably. This is not to say that they lack comfort. They feel buttery and comfortable while still being firm, and the insole has a padded insert that also improves the feel.

CONSTRUCTION

A reasonably thick leather sole is goodyear welted with a rubber heel to provide traction. The outsole is thick and seems somewhat durable, though not recommended for rainy days without a rubber sole insert (these can be added by any cobbler for a small fee). Thin calfskin surrounds most of the upper, along with three sturdier suede contrast pieces. Suede around the top of the vamp allows for flexibility where the foot normally bends and warps a completely calfskin or cordovan shoe. Though the calfskin portions seemed at first questionable in thickness, they are resilient and thick enough to maintain the facade of the shoe. Still, I would question the integrity of the upper after a couple years of use. This level quality is well yoked with the price point even if a far cry from twenty year use material, which is nearly the maximum lifespan of any pair of oft-used shoes.

AESTHETIC

Undoubtedly the strongpoint of the shoe, a beautiful design, lends itself to a great reception from anybody who sees them. From a lineup of my personal collection, my family picked them out as either the best or second best looking. They are clean and slim, so as to remain modern and classic at the same time. The wingtip detailing and suede accents are definitively classical elements; you might see them on a Kentucky Derby attendee or Wall Street city slicker in the early twenties. The thin sole and thin profile keep them from looking like an outright anachronism though, and the balance is quite nice.

CONCLUSION

At $170 the Florsheim Marlton Wingtip is a well priced shoe. Not a steal, but a well priced investment that would likely last its wearer many years if properly maintained (use shoe trees, invest in a shoehorn, keep the leather polished and conditioned with a balm or lube, and avoid wearing them in the rain or snow). With a classic look and attractive detailing, this comfortable wingtip is a good choice for anyone looking to attend a derby – or Monday at the office – in style.

December 9, 2014November 21, 2019

Saddleback Leather Classic Valet Tray Review – $59

BestLeather has reviewed numerous items from the Saddleback Leather Company, ranging from tote bags, duffel bags, MacBook sleeves, wallets, and more. But when it comes down to it, sometimes all a person needs to feel put together is a special place to put all their junk. The Saddleback Leather Valet Tray is an ideal solution to this problem.

Being a man who enjoys keeping everything in order and in one place, the Classic Valet Tray was a treat to receive. Every night when I come home and look at this piece sitting by my bed, contentment is on my mind. Because I know that this tray will hold all my items, and it will do it in a flawless fashion.

Construction and Aesthetic

The Saddleback Leather Valet Tray is constructed using Saddleback Leather’s chestnut colored Full-Grain leather. Fastened by two brushed rivets on each overlapping corner for maximum durability, and stitched using marine-grade polyester, the tray’s structure definitely lives up to the Saddleback Leather standard. The inside is lined using dark-tanned pigskin leather. Being 7 ¼” by 7 ¼”, there is plenty of real estate to organize your items in the tray. The best part about this tray is the removable leather bottom panel. This allows for quick cleanup in the case of a spill or mess. Or, if you’re like me, you can keep loads of cash underneath hidden from covetous siblings.

Function

You might be thinking this is just a tray to hold stuff, but it’s so much more. It’s one of the best trays to hold stuff. It holds my phone, wallet, watch, keys, chap stick, headphones, and various other EDC items. It does it all. It is made from the highest quality materials and it’s absolutely gorgeous. It’s also small enough that you can easily pack it in one of your bags an take it with you while you travel. This will ensure that you have a place for all your items at your hotel or wherever you may be staying.

Saddleback’s reputation for quality, well-functioning products is well known. So don’t settle for something less than this and buy a knock-off. In fact, Dave Munson from Saddleback Leather has quite a bit to say on this subject.

Conclusion

The Saddleback Leather Valet Tray might seem like an item you will buy and use occasionally or forget about, but if you are new to leather and want to test a piece out that has numerous practical uses, this is the piece for you. This particular version is in their chestnut color, but they also offer it in tobacco, dark chocolate brown, and carbon. My children won’t need to fight over it when I’m dead…they’ll be able to buy themselves one because it’s reasonably priced at $59.00.

December 8, 2014December 19, 2017

Floto Imports Ragazza Bag Review – $299

A lot of us here at Best Leather love rugged, hard-wearing pieces—bags you could drive a truck over or laptop cases you could throw off the edge of a cliff. Those pieces are great, but sometimes a sleek, delicate bag is the perfect compliment to your outfit when you aren’t planning on taking your stuff to a BASE-jumping contest or a bear fight.

The Floto Imports Ragazza Bag is just that bag. Made of embossed calf-skin leather, this bag has a chic, modern feel that exudes class. It is beautifully simple—just my style. Made by Floto Imports, this bag is a relatively recent addition to their line of handbags, travel bags, and briefcases. Established in 2003 and based in Brooklyn, NY, Floto imports all their calfskin leather bags from Italy. You can check out two of our reviews of their duffle bags here and here. And, we’ll have a review on their new Messenger Brief coming out soon (don’t miss it…it’s a beautiful bag).

AESTHETIC

This is easily the prettiest bag I have ever owned, with its brass colored zipper and hardware and its minimalist design. The sides gently slope upward and inward to give it a “trapezoidal prism” shape, if you will. Even when I have my wallet, phone, keys, makeup, gloves, notebooks, and other items packed in, there is plenty of room, and the sides don’t bulge out, allowing it to keep its smooth appearance. This bag also comes in black, ivory, yellow, and red. While I love the versatile tan color, I also think this bag would have a wonderfully bold, mod look in yellow or red.

FUNCTION

The Ragazza Bag is definitely on the larger side of the spectrum, but it’s not too big for normal everyday use. I can actually fit my 13” laptop and its charger in there with ease. Even though it’s not necessarily built as a laptop bag, it’s nice to know that in a pinch, I can throw my MacBook in there for a quick meeting or trip to the coffee shop and not have to switch bags.

The Ragazza Bag is lined with Floto’s signature striped fabric, which complements the tan leather well. There is a zippered pocket and two small pockets along the sides that can fit my phone and keys so I don’t have to fish around for them. There is also a wide pocket in the middle of the bag to break up the large space. This space is nice for makeup or loose change that you don’t want rolling around the bottom of the bag. It comes with a removable crossbody strap that clips on, but I prefer to just use the handles because I like the way it looks. There are little brass feet at the bottom of the bag to keep the bottom from getting too dirty.

THE LEATHER

The bag is made of embossed Italian calf-skin leather. Tanned in Italy, the hide is tumbled, dried, and sprayed with dye before being compressed in steel molds to create the texture. At first I was worried that the delicate-feeling leather would crease or break easily, but so far that is not the case. Plus, Floto Imports offers a lifetime warranty with its bags should anything go wrong. The only flaw in the leather is a small chip from the edge of the removable shoulder strap.

CONCLUSION

I like my accessories to speak for themselves, without “C’s” or “MK’s” or “LV’s” plastered all over the side to make me a tacky walking advertisement. At $299, the Floto Imports Ragazza Bag is priced a bit lower than all those “C’s” “MK’s and “LV’s” but has all the luxury of designer brands and a much more unique look, as well as a lifetime warranty. I would definitely recommend adding the Floto Imports Ragazza Bag to your collection for those days when you need to stand out with a modern, sleek look.

*Use the code “holiday” to get 30% off on the Floto website! That means this bag costs only $211 right now, which is an awesome deal.

December 3, 2014December 19, 2017

Blue Claw Co. De Gaulle Dopp Review – $90

Blue Claw Co. started in 2010 after an extended overseas trip with the goal of producing modest yet durable luggage goods which could survive any trip. The Blue Claw name comes from the blue crabs of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland as all products from the initial line came with a waterproof blue lining. All products are American through and through – quality American materials put together in America and shipped throughout the U.S.A for free.

CONSTRUCTION

The De Gaulle Dopp is a blend of thick waxed canvas and full-grain cowhide leather. The charcoal canvas is a heavy 14.7 oz. 100% cotton fabric impregnanted with Martexin wax. Martexin Original Wax is an American product comprised of non-hazardous food and pharmaceutical grade waxes. The base leather is a supple yet hefty slab of full-grain goodness which adds weight to the bottom and helps the dopp keep its shape. This soft, minimally-treated leather is proprietary only to the Blue Claw Co. and will not be found anywhere else. Blue Claw Co. has been able to leverage their size and scale to develop their own leather customized from finish, weight, and grade, to the location of where the cow was raised.

Even with all the attention paid to the leather, the hardware is just as important. All hardware is solid brass supplied domestically and customized for color of plating, base metal, and design. A heavy-duty YKK zipper with leather pull-tab keeps your items safely secured and allows for easy opening and closing. Leather end tabs can also be unsnapped to add even more space and make stuffing this large dopp easier. Inside the dopp, the signature blue liner provides a water resistant and easy-to-clean barrier. For the guy-on-the-go, a quick wipe of a sponge will keep this dopp looking sharp for ages to come.

BlueClawCoDeGaulleDopp7 — This thick, supple full-grain leather is proprietary to Blue Claw Co.

FUNCTION

Let’s face it. A dopp kit is meant for functionality and is usually tucked away in your luggage. So when it comes to a dopp kit, the two most important things are size and durability. Fortunately, the De Gaulle Dopp succeeds in both areas. This large dopp measures 10″L x 5.5″W x 6″H and is more than enough to carry a week’s worth of toiletries including toothpaste and electric razors without having to compromise with only using sample or travel size items. The waxed canvas is easy to clean and water-resistant and so is the blue interior lining which protects against accidental spills, toothpaste gunk, and exploding canisters.

AESTHETIC

The dopp is a humble bag with stunningly good looks. The waxed canvas is thick with beautiful texture and shading at every bend and wrinkle. The brown leather is buttery soft and adds sophistication to the overall look, much like leather elbow patches on a gentleman’s tweed suit. On the inside the pop of cobalt blue adds some modern flare to a classic design. The De Gaulle Dopp comes in four colors – charcoal, navy, british tan, and olive. For an extra $20, the bag can be personalized for some added custom luxury.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

At $90, the Blue Claw Co. De Gaulle Dopp is a perfect blend of form and function, well worth it for any sophisticated traveller. This all-American travel companion will easily last a lifetime and only get more beautifully burnished with time and use.

December 1, 2014April 24, 2023

Craft & Lore Northwestward Field Notes Review – $80

If you’re a scatterbrain like me and need a mini notebook to carry around with you to keep track of life, you will know that notebooks break apart quickly when carried every day. That’s where the Craft And Lore Northwestward Field Notes cover shines. It is a leather cover for the supplied Field Notes notebook with a few card slots on the inside.

Chad Von Lind is the owner, and maker of Craft And Lore. He produces fine hand made leather goods out of his home shop Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He is both “In word and deed” an honest, hard working, and skilled craftsman.

Construction

The Craft & Lore Northwestward Field Notes cover is made from quality Belgium tanned 4/5oz saddle leather. This weight of leather is ideal in my opinion. Thicker and tougher than a 2/3oz however any thicker and it would be a pain to carry. The dye is applied evenly and the finish is smooth, with a nice sheen. It closes via two quality snaps that are set firmly. The piece is hand stitched together with heavy duty waxed thread. He pays every attention to the details when stitching. Backstitching is done at the beginning and end of all stitching lines making the strongest bond.

Function

Having used the notebook cover daily now for 2 weeks or so, I am a big fan. It is like my organizational hub. I run two business in addition to writing for BestLeather so I have lots to keep track of and it is great to have a notebook on me at all times. I also need to carry two sets of business cards and the two card slots are perfect for my needs.

My only issue with it is the pen slot. You cannot fit a full sized pen in the designed slot. It is designed for a mini pen, which I don’t have. However this may be a positive for you. Now the biggest plus in my eyes is that the leather cover prolongs the life of the notebook inside, by quite a lot. This allows me to keep my important ‘scribblings’ safe for much longer than if I were to throw it in my pocket un-protected.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics is a difficult topic, as it is purely subjective. However as leather connoisseurs, most of us can agree on how quality leather good looks. Quality leather consists of a nice even dye, a good finish with a pleasing luster, even straight stitching, and properly set snaps. The Northwestward Field Notes encompasses all of those aesthetics making it a very high quality, aesthetically pleasing cover.

BestLeather Conclusion

The Craft & Lore Northwestward Field Notes is a great addition for the unorganized. A very well built organizational hub for you notes and business/credit cards. You can also use it as a passport holder too! It is perfect for someone who needs to carry two sets of business cards. Aesthetically it is a gorgeous piece of art. Functionally it performs well, it will keep the contents safe and secure and is easy to use. However, it will require the purchase and use of a smaller pen. But with that said, it will prolong the life of your notebook in a beautiful handmade in Idaho package.

November 28, 2014December 19, 2017

Loyal Stricklin Loyal Travel Wallet Review – $156

It’s amazing how many different types of wallets are out there. Do a quick Google search and you will find countless styles from almost every leather maker. So which do you choose? I won’t answer that for you, but if you are looking for something unique, well made, and useful, Loyal Stricklin provides.

The name says it all for the Loyal Travel Wallet. This is the second wallet from Loyal Stricklin that we have reviewed. Just like the front pocket wallet, this is one of the best wallets for travel that I have seen. The sheer quality will guarantee it will stay true to its owner for many adventures to come.

Construction

Loyal Stricklin does not disappoint with their build quality. The wallet is made from 4oz. Horween Chromexcel horsehide and stitched together with sturdy thread. Just like the other Loyal Stricklin wallet reviewed, this one is rugged looking without being rough. Each of the four pieces that make up the wallet are perfectly cut, sewn together, and finished with smooth burnished edges.

Function

The Loyal Travel Wallet easily carries everything that a traveler needs on a vacation. The slots can accommodate up to eight cards, the money pocket is roomy enough to tote a normal amount of cash, and the exterior pocket holds all the boarding passes you would need.

An added bonus is the included field journal and pen, allowing you to always be able to document anything that may happen without needing anything other than your wallet. Travel wallets that can carry all of these things typically are too large to fit in any pant pockets but this one slides right into the back without a hitch; however, it does stick out of the pocket a bit which, for me, is a problem, especially when traveling in tourist areas where pickpockets are rampant. Although, if you like having a chain on your wallet, there is a metal hole built in just for this purpose. For frequent jacket wearers, the wallet fits perfectly in the inside pockets. If you fit into either of these categories then the size will not be an issue.

When buying a wallet, especially one as nice as this one, I look for something that can be used in multiple situations. Outside of travel, I don’t know how much I will personally use this, but my wife loves it. The wallet fits nicely in a typical purse as well as a clutch. It is big enough to hold all the extra paper and accessories (hair ties and bobby pens) that I usually find in her wallet and because she is a list maker, the added pen and journal are perfect. Amazingly enough, Loyal Stricklin’s wallet has nearly replace her basic purse. If it was a half inch longer, it could replace the checkbook too.

Aesthetic

This wallet is gorgeous. The Horween leather used has a deep, rich brown color giving it a very understated look. Although you can get this model with colorful stitching, the one that I have blends right in with the rest of the wallet. Loyal Stricklin really hit it home with the design. It doesn’t look like you are going out on an expedition with heavy duty buckles, leather straps, and pouches all over the wallet, but instead, it has a sleek design that hides and secures everything in it making it more at home for daily use.

Conclusion

This is definitely one of the best all-around travel wallets I have ever seen. It provides enough space and pockets to carry the basic travel needs including a journal on the go. The construction is fabulous and well thought out as well. The price is steep for an occasional travel item, but if you find yourself on many adventures or like to carry a journal everywhere, but have no good way to carry it, this is a wallet to consider. If you are in the market for a travel wallet, this is definitely a BestLeather Buy It For Life item.

Check out this wallet and other great gear from Loyal Stricklin here!

November 26, 2014December 19, 2017

Origins Leather Company Utility Tote Bag Review – $199

Over the past few months, BestLeather.org has reviewed several products from Origins Leather Company, including their Simple Wallet and Classic Briefcase, which was also the featured giveaway product in August. The company successfully funded a Kickstarter earlier this year and launched their line of vegetable-tanned leather bags and accessories. So far, we’ve been impressed by their products, so when I talked to Erik from Origins Leather Company, I was excited to check out another product from their line, the Utility Tote Bag.

Construction and Aesthetic

This tote is constructed with beautiful chestnut colored vegetable-tanned leather, dyed all the way through. The outside of the bag is super soft and smooth, making the handles comfortable to hold. The handles are long enough to carry over the shoulder, and the straps run through a loop at the top of the bag, fastened by rivets at the bottom. I’ll explain why in just a minute!

The bag is 16” deep and 16” wide, making it easy to hold a laptop, papers, groceries, picnic supplies, or whatever you need to haul around. The seams are stitched with marine-grade polyester thread and feel very sturdy. There is a little pouch stitched to the inside that’s big enough to fit your phone and keys so you don’t have to fish around for them. On the outside of the Utility Tote Bag, the stitching for the pouch is hidden behind the straps, which is a nice touch. A rectangular piece of leather sits at the bottom of the bag to help reinforce it and keep its shape. The top is fastened with a brass snap.

Function

While the tote looks beautiful, the best part of this bag is its unique design. This tote is designed so you can pull the straps through the loops to hold a blanket or wear it as a backpack. I’m excited for warmer weather, because this bag will be absolutely perfect for picnics, outdoor concerts, and music festivals. I can place my favorite wool blanket through the loops, stick it on my back, and keep my hands free (especially important if you have little ones, like all the founders of Origins Leather Company).

The bag is breaking in nicely, and is extremely sturdy (plus it’s backed with a 100-year warranty). I’ve been using it almost every day to carry around my 13” laptop and its charger, several notebooks and folders, my wallet, keys, phone, and a hat and gloves, which all fit nicely. I sometimes even stick my jacket through the loops if I need to be hands-free.

Take a look at the company’s demonstration video to get a feel for just how functional this bag is.

Conclusion

The Origins Leather Company Utility Tote Bag is an awesome bag in every situation. I love how much care went into designing a product that really has the customer in mind. Once summer comes around, I’ll be taking this bag all over the place—to the farmer’s market, to the park, on a picnic, to concerts…and the leather is so pretty that it works in a more professional setting too. At $199, the Utility Tote Bag is very well priced for such high-quality, environmentally friendly leather, and innovative design.

*Origins Leather Company is currently offering a 15% off coupon code to our readers here at BestLeather.org! Use the code BEST15 at checkout.

November 25, 2014December 19, 2017

Bison No. 1 Belt in Burgundy Review – $100

With a strong line of leather wallets including the No. 2 Wallet in Navy and the iPhone 5 Wallet, Bison has made the next logical leap in leather good designs – equally strong belts. Starting out with just two belt designs, Bison has once again successfully blended tough American hides with smooth sophisticated construction. Today, we get to look at the No. 1 Belt in Burgundy.

CONSTRUCTION

Like all Bison goods, The No. 1 belt is constructed by hand in the U.S.A. This single prime strip of thick full-grain English bridle leather is sourced from the Hermann Oak tannery in St. Louis, Missouri. All metal is solid brass casting. A buckle and belt loop are fastened to the belt with solid brass Chicago screws so the belt may be disassembled to switch buckles. You can then pick a raw brass finishing option or brushed nickel plating. Sizing is according to the conventional fashion standard similar to buying jeans and not to true measured size. Belt width measures 3.5 cm. This belt definitely feels tougher than it looks and you can feel the weight and strength of the leather in your hands when comparing it to those typical “fashion” belts you see at the mall.

FUNCTION

I put this belt to the test. Both a coworker and I tried it on, sat down, stood up, and walked around, and it was able to hold back the leviathans that are our midsections without difficulty. Upon taking off the belt (yes, my coworker wanted to keep it for himself), there was no evidence of any permanent creasing, warping, or frayed edges, even after multiple wears. The Chicago screw features adds some versatility to the belt in case you want to switch up the buckle with your own selection not offered on the website.

AESTHETIC

Bison goods have a simple, clean sophistication to them and this belt fits right in. The leather is uniformly dyed without any marks, blemishes, or uneven coloring even in harsh lighting conditions. The edges are unwaxed but have a nice smooth fully-dyed and burnished look to them. This allows the belt to work in both the casual and dress settings particularly with the raw brass option. The No. 1 belt also comes in golden tan, cognac, brown, and black color options all in Hermann Oak English bridle leather. For even more options, buyers can pick a more modern buckle style with the No. 2 Belt.

BisonNo1Belt8 — No one will fault you for taking off your belt in the office and showing it off on your desk.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Bison No. 1 Belt in Burgundy is a classy yet versatile belt with quality that you can see and feel. Stop wasting your time and money repeatedly buying cheap leather designer belts that fall apart on the clearance rack. At $100, the No. 1 Belt is a worthy investment that will put your other generic cowhide belts to shame.

November 22, 2014December 19, 2017

Far Horizon Traders Serengeti Satchel Review – $249.99

Far Horizon Traders (FHT) has had some great products reviewed in the past including the Sahara Bag as well as the Ascent Rucksack. Today, we bring to you the Serengeti Satchel Review to complement their wide variety of bags.

CONSTRUCTION

The other two reviews mentioned it, and I’ll mention it again – the smell of FHT leather is addicting. It’s not overpowering and it’s not chemical. It’s just enough to lure your nose into taking a nice big whiff from the surface. The Serengeti Satchel is made from 4-5 oz full grain vegetable-tanned leather put together in Mexico. The front straps as well as shoulder straps are lined with a dark chocolate suede and the single internal compartment inside is lined with a brown canvas accented by a leather pocket and four slots for writing instruments or AA flashlights. A heavy-duty YKK zipper closes the top and the double straps on the front flap are held down by aged brass buckles. Brass rivets are also used on the straps.

FUNCTION

The satchel measures 16″w x 10.5″h x 4″d. It is more than big enough to fit a day’s worth of work gear including a computer, laptop, light sweater, notebook, and camera. The single external side pocket has a slit-button cover for easy access and most importantly to keep things from falling out. The YKK zippered top is also a welcome security function that lets me forgo buckling down the front flaps when I’m in a hurry. The shoulder strap feels comfortable and the pad has a unique shape, although it could benefit from a little more “padding” besides the additional layer of suede. The large back panel pocket is surprisingly roomy and, due to the suppleness of the leather, really expands out to be able to fit a good amount. The bag itself is not too heavy given the fact that interior materials are mostly canvas.

FHT Serengeti11 — Big enough to hold some books, snacks, phone, keys, wallet, and your sternum.

My favorite part of this bag? This bag is SUPPLE. It’s the perfect balance of soft yet rugged leather. The bag is soft enough to contour to the items you fill it with, but sturdy enough to maintain its shape and stand empty. This is one of those bags you would hold on your lap on a crowded rush-hour subway and end up resting your head on and taking a nap. You really have to hold it to enjoy it. It’s a bear of a bag – tough looking on the outside but cuddly on the inside.

AESTHETIC

This bag follows the trend of the other Far Horizon Trader bags. It is appropriately named the Serengeti because it looks like it has been sun-tanned, aged, weathered, and well travelled, yet close your eyes and it feels like a new, just-conditioned, luxury bag. The patina is beautiful but not too much that you can’t build your own. Unlike some other rugged-type bags, there are almost no rivets on the bag itself and the inverted seems and folded edges add a sense of sophistication to this item. The color tone is subtle kept consistent throughout even down to the aged brass hardware. One other aspect of this bag is the multiple panels used to create it. The flap, side, front, back, and bottom add up to 12 separate pieces from what I can see. Some may argue that more pieces means more weak points but they do not appear to be in any particular load bearing areas and I actually prefer the aesthetic lines these create around the entire bag.

FHT Serengeti12 — Just the right size for a 6’3” British Indian man on the phone.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Far Horizon Traders Serengeti Satchel is a soft, smelly, beat-up looking leather bag for $249.99 – all reasons why you should feel, smell, and use this bag as often as possible and not feel guilty.

November 21, 2014October 22, 2021

Rustic Leather Writer’s Bag Review – $139

The Rustic Leather Replica Mailbag Review this past spring introduced readers to Rustic Leather’s uncompromising dedication to full-grain American goodness. The Writer’s Bag is created with the same principles and is the latest addition to the product line found on their Etsy website.

CONSTRUCTION

Out of the box, the first thing that hits you is that fresh leather smell. You can’t really lose this bag because you can just sniff it out. It’ll make whatever room it’s in smell like your favorite leather shoe store or the box to your favorite pair of leather boots. The Writer’s Bag measures 9.5” wide, 11” high, and 2” deep. Made of 2-3mm thick full-grain 4-5 oz. cowhide, this small bag weighs in at 22 ounces. The leather is substantial and rugged – the dark chocolate color is not afraid to show off scratches while taking a beating. Stitching is performed with machine precision using marine grade, UV resistant, polyester thread. Rivets are placed at high tension areas such as edges and corners. The inside is a single compartment lined with a velvety soft suede lining (I wish my suede jacket was this soft). The suede is perfect for keeping anything you need for your writing scratch-free. Whether you carry a notebook for your drafts or a laptop to do the job for custom essay writing service, they will fit the inside well and stay safe throughout the wear. Your things will also remain dry due to the material. Like the rest of Rustic Leather’s gear, this bag is hand crafted in Texas.

FUNCTION

The Writer’s Bag is a deeper version of Rustic Leather’s Shoulder Pouch. The original pouch was created to function as a second pocket on your body for keys, wallet, phone etc. This new bag has a simple, single compartment design with the original function to carry accessories but fills in the niche between a full briefcase or satchel and a thin pouch. In addition to your basic small everyday carry items, it is just tall and wide enough to fit small notebooks, an iPad Air, documents, books, small items of clothing, electronic gear like a Macbook charger, and anything else that you feel like cramming into the 2’’ deep pocket. There are two additional slim pockets on the sides for tall, thin items such as writing utensils, and a large back panel pocket for easy access papers and flat items. The looped flap closure design is also elegant and easy to use – a nice welcome to the endless buckles from all my other bags.

RusticLeatherWritersbag09 — Perfect fit for an iPad Air with a case.

RusticLeatherWritersbag07 — Enough room for a 550cc silicone implant…and then some.

RusticLeatherWritersbag04 — Need a place for your voodoo mask? No problem! Just slip it into the external pocket.

The Writer’s Bag can be used independently with the carrying strap provided, or it can be attached to other items using the snap-on fasteners in the back. These fasteners are bit more streamlined and sleeker looking than the Shoulder Pouch whose fasteners have a push-down handle. While these fasteners snap easily onto other items, it requires a little bit of practice to get used to quickly detaching them from your briefcase handle D-rings for example. First try took me a few minutes, now it takes me a few seconds. I’m sure once you get used to these handleless snaps it will be …..a snap. On the other hand, this bag would be great for travel or crowded areas, because thieves will not easily swipe it off your briefcase or satchel and it is less likely for an accidental bump to knock the fasteners off.

AESTHETIC

This bag is a simple, no-frills design created for function and durability. The stitching is impeccable and the rivets and raw unfinished edges definitely give the bag a more masculine and rugged feel. The rounded edges and even the smooth handleless fasteners (though frustrating) do add a bit of clean sophistication to the overall look. This particular bag is considered “Rich Chocolate,” although other color options such as “Buckskin Tan” are available if you contact Dave, the owner, through the website. The leather will start out tough and beautiful but will definitely get scratched, soften, and patina over time depending on how hard it gets thrown around. The Maker’s Mark on the back pocket does slightly break up the nice clean look of this bag, but the bag can be specifically ordered without it.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Rustic Leather Writer’s Bag is a well-constructed durable intermediary between a full-sized satchel/briefcase and a shoulder pouch. Priced at $139 on their Etsy store, this bag would make a great gift for anyone with a taste for American-made leather without breaking the bank or their back.

November 20, 2014December 19, 2017

Craft & Lore Axe Holster – $37

As a woodsman an axe in an essential tool. Having worked 4 years on a backcountry trail crew I have a lot of hours on an axe. One thing I know is just how easy it is to set it down while gathering wood and lose your axe. The Craft & Lore Axe Holster solves that problem. It is by no means a new idea, however a great rendition of a classic tool.

Chad Von Lind is the owner and maker of Craft & Lore. He produces fine hand made leather goods out of his home shop Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He is both “In word and deed” an honest, hard working, and skilled craftsman.

Construction

The Craft & Lore Axe Holster is about as simple and tough as a leather item could get. Leather, rivets. The leather is a 13 oz. English bridle leather, a very tough, thick and sturdy choice. The two pieces are held together with four solid brass hand peened rivets, one of the strongest types of rivet. With this kind of construction I don’t think you could break it if you tried.

Function

Sometimes simplicity is beauty, and it couldn’t get any simpler than this holster. It simply attaches to your belt and holds an axe. The belt loop is quite large and can accommodate any sized belt. The opening is large enough to hold any hatchet or axe, however I wouldn’t carry something longer than 28” as it might feel cumbersome or scrape the ground. However my 19 1/2” axe is perfect. The holster works wonderfully in my field testing and it will be a go to item for my woods kit.

Aesthetics

The leather has a brown oil dye that looks wonderful. It is even and has a nice luster. The edges are beveled and burnished giving it a nice finished look. The rivets are spaced evenly and I love the look of hand peened rivets. The color of the leather offset by the brass is my favorite combination. This is the kind of item you will cherish every time you use it.

BestLeather Conclusion

The Craft & Lore Axe Holster is a simply designed and beautifully built, “bombproof” holster for your hatchet or axe. It keeps your axe right at your hip allowing two free hands. Is it a buy it for life item? No, it is a buy it for multiple lives item. With its extreme build quality this is something you can, and will want to leave for the kids.

November 20, 2014December 19, 2017

Loyal Stricklin Front Pocket Wallet Review – $89.99

There are countless different types of front pocket wallets available, but few are as good as the one from Loyal Stricklin. Michael Stricklin started the company for a reason we hear a lot around here; he was tired of only having low quality goods available. Michael and his small band of artisans took it upon themselves to set things right and they nailed it. All of their products are meticulously handmade in an old railway depot in Opelika, AL using only US sourced materials to create simple, functional pieces of art that will serve their owners well for many years to come.

Construction

The construction of the wallet is impeccable. Loyal Stricklin uses tried-and-true Horween Dublin leather, heavy-duty stitching, and durable hardware and finishes the wallet off with clean, burnished edges. After a month of daily use and close inspection, I couldn’t find any faults in the build quality.

Function

I have always really loved the idea of front pocket wallets, especially for travel, but due to their size, I never found them practical for everyday use, that is, until this one. Loyal Stricklin has developed a design that easily fits in the front pocket and carries all the cash, cards, and all of the miscellaneous stuff that I carry in my everyday wallet.

So how does Loyal Stricklin do this? First they made the wallets primary function as a card holder. The pocket is nice and wide so that I can easily fit up to ten different cards into it and once the flap is secured; there is no possible way for any cards to fall out of the wallet. The cash is held in by a tight flap on the back of the wallet. Even the flap has a small pocket that I have found useful for stashing a house key, a useful and necessary feature since I often lock myself out.

Although this wallet has become my everyday carrier, there are just a few things that I wish were different. The first is the button clasp’s size. The large button creates a bulge that is sometimes noticeable when worn in the back pocket, but’s only a problem when sitting in uncushioned seats for an extended amount of time.

Overall, this is not an issue and I definitely wouldn’t trade the bulge for a less durable clasp. The second issue is the money pocket. It takes a little bit of effort to get cash into the slot and if you try to fit anything more than five or six bills into it, you have to accept having some of the money sticking out. I never carry more than twenty dollars on me so this has never been an problem.

Aesthetic

The Loyal Stricklin Front Pocket Wallet has a lot of character without being ridiculous looking. As stated before, it has a very slim profile, slimmer than a small smartphone, which makes it comfortable and natural to wear in a front pocket. The leather has a rich brown color that has quickly developed a lovely patina, especially around the button. My favorite aspect is the inclusion of dark blue stitching rather than black. It gives the wallet a subtle flare that I haven’t had in any other wallet.

Conclusion

This is one sweet wallet. The exceptional build quality and design create a wallet that secures cards better than the traditional variety and provides pockets for both cash and other small items while keeping the profile slim. Although it is priced higher than most other wallets, quality, character, and utility of the wallet justifies the cost. It definitely is built for people who use credit cards as their main form of payment so if you carry a lot of cash, this may not be for you. If not, this wallet will serve you well for many years to come.

Check out this wallet and other great gear from Loyal Stricklin here! While you’re at it, see what the team is up to on Instagram!

November 19, 2014December 19, 2017

Bison No. 2 Wallet in Navy Review – $65

Bison has been hard at work over this past year upgrading and adding to their online store of top notch American made leather goods. Since their iPhone 5 Leather Wallet was first reviewed in February, the Bison workshop has put out some new materials and colors to their growing collections. I was lucky enough to get my hands on their popular No. 2 Wallet in their newest leather option – Horween Chromexcel in Navy.

CONSTRUCTION

Like all Bison goods, this bad boy is made of the best of American leather using precise hand techniques and strict quality control. The leather used in the construction of the No. 2 Wallet is sourced from the Chromexcel leather line of the Horween Leather Company in Chicago, Illinois or the English Bridle leather line of the Hermann Oak tannery in St. Louis Missouri. Each piece is hand constructed with only a single piece of prime leather gently folded and stitched together to create two separate compartments. There are no linings, rubber, or glue. The stitching comes with Bison’s lifetime warranty of course. All together, this wallet measures in at a sleek 3.7” × 2.5” × .1”.

FUNCTION

This sleek wallet is designed to be minimalistic and slim – perfect for a night out or when you don’t want that awkward bulge protruding from your pant pocket. There’s really not much more to say about function because it does what it’s supposed to. It holds things.

AESTHETIC

While the No. 2 wallet holds things in, Bison’s packaging holds nothing back. There are no cost-cutting measures when it comes to the multi-layer packaging and production.

For something so small, you would think there’s not much to say, but here is where this wallet really stands out. The design is so simple, but you would have to be blind to miss the many little added touches that demonstrate the precision of the craftsmanship. The stitching is flawless, the edges are cut impeccably, and the weight balance is perfect. Don’t forget to look inside and catch the flash of the Bison emblem emblazoned in gold on the side.

This particular Navy color, unique to Horween Chromexcel, is sophisticated and dressy, but has just enough pop to add some edge. There are 9 other colors if you can’t decide on just one (natural, golden tan, cognac, burgundy, brown, whisky, malbec, jet top stitch, and jet.)

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Bison No. 2 Wallet in Navy for $65 is a must-have for Horween leather lovers. For everyone else, there are nine other color options to choose from. The decision to get this slim wallet is as simple as its design. With its sophisticated packaging and classic design, the No. 2 wallet is a well-priced gift option for you or a loved one this coming season.

November 14, 2014December 19, 2017

About the Hermann Oak English Bridle Line of Leather

The Hermann Oak Leather Company is one of the premier commercial tanneries remaining in the United States. Established in 1881 by Louis Charles Hermann to provide harness leather to wagon trains and settlers traveling west, Hermann Oak has maintained a tradition of producing high quality vegetable tanned leather. Businesses tend to flourish when a high quality product is provided at a fair price and Hermann Oak is no exception. As the company grew, Fred Hermann Sr. contracted with the US military to provide leather for our soldiers in both world wars. The company segued into more consumer based products after World War II with the help of Fred Jr. and Hermann Oak today is captained by Shep Hermann, who is one of the most gracious business men I have had the opportunity of speaking to.

Shep gladly provided several hides for Best Leather to review and work with. We posted our first review on their Sierra Latigo line of leather several months ago, and in this review, we’ll look at their English Bridle line of leather. We will also be looking at their Harness leather in a future review.

VEGETABLE TANNED PERFECTION

Hermann Oak specializes in vegetable tanned leather. With the vast majority of leather being chrome tanned, vegetable tanning is almost becoming a lost art form. Hermann Oak is keeping this tradition of tanning leather using tree barks and other natural ingredients alive and well. The benefits of a vegetable tanned hide are many and varied. Vegetable tanned leather takes a patina, whereas chrome tanned leather does not. Patina is what gives high quality leather its distinctive look and what makes a bag or wallet look better with age.

Another significant benefit in our more environmentally conscious world is that vegetable tanning is significantly more eco friendly than chrome tanning, and it also results in a product that is moldable, than you can carve and make beautiful patterns in, and that has a slightly stiffer hand. Vegetable tanned leather also absorbs moisture better which allows the dye color to more fully saturate the leather and form a tighter chemical bond. Chrome tanned leather is essentially painted or pigmented with color, resulting in a product that has less color saturation.

For this review, we took the English Bridle hide that Hermann Oak sent us and crafted a large bag (approximately 16″ Wide by 12″ High by 8″ Deep) to show some of the properties and beauties of this leather. The leather provided was thick, approximately 9 ounces so, and was a pleasure to work with. Vegetable tanned leather is stiffer than chrome tanned leather, but I found this a benefit when working on this bag. Adding a slight burnish to some of the edges was a breeze and punching holes by hand and weaving the waxed polyester thread through them was a snap with the firm leather.

The chestnut color that Hermann Oak uses is beautiful as well. It has an earthy tone and marries well with the natural brown color on exposed edges of the leather. You can also get Hermann Oak’s English Bridle leather in black, British brown or havana. Most of Hermann Oak’s leathers are not struck through, meaning that the dyes are not impregnated to the middle of the leather. This can be an issue to some consumer good producers, but many bag makers will hand dye or hand paint the edges of the leather to give it a more finished look. This is a small tradeoff for using a thicker, finer, and more substantial leather that is bound to outlast most people. I found that this step was unnecessary with the chestnut color for our project, especially when you burnish the edges, with the finished product looking handsome.

ENGLISH BRIDLE

English Bridle leather has a characteristic smooth finish with a hint of a waxy feel. As the name implies, the leather was originally made for horse bridles and as a result, did not need to contain a significant amount of wax to perform effectively. Unlike harness leather, which is impregnated with more wax to better withstand the elements, English Bridle has slightly less wax, which still helps it to be weather resistant, but is a little drier. Their Latigo line is slightly drier still, which is characteristic of Latigo in general.

The underside of the English Bridle hide is also quite smooth, not nearly as much as the finished outer side of course, but smooth enough that I felt adding a liner to the bag was not necessary. Unlike certain leathers that fray or have a lot of loose fibers on the underside, this is not the case with Hermann Oaks English Bridle, which made for a nice finish on the interior of this bag.

SUPPLY

You can order directly through Hermann Oak if you have a large enough order (typically five sides or more), or for smaller orders you can order through one of their distributors, such as Weaver Leather or Tandy. Their customer service is excellent and they have a high knowledge of their leather and the leather industry in general. Shep Hermann himself leads the effort of being leathercated, and takes pride in knowing and understanding the history of leather, being current on new technologies and practices, but still maintaining the art and craft of days gone by.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSTION

The Hermann Oak Leather Company produces some of the finest vegetable tanned leather in the world. Period. Their English Bridle line of leather is smooth, has a slight waxy finish to it, is substantial in feel and is excellent to work with. And it is beautiful to boot. A bag was produced from their English Bridle leather that will outlast the bag’s craftsman, but that hopefully his sons will use on many adventures of their own. If you are in the market for some exceptional veg tanned leather, look no further than Hermann Oak.

November 10, 2014December 19, 2017

Smith Cornejo Leather Wine Satchel- $600

Inspired by drinking red wine and riding horseback across Andalucia, this one-of-a-kind design is perfect for gifting a truly special bottle, picnics in the countryside, or slinging over your saddle horn (or bike).

ABOUT SMITH CORNEJO

Smith Cornejo is a family business in West Virginia dedicated to functional leather goods of both rugged durability and elegance. Although they design and make some of the products from their workshop in West Virginia, most of the products are made in Guanajuato, Mexico, one of the leather making capitols. The leather is carefully sourced from gold rated tanneries. Although the leather comes from Mexican tanneries, most of the hides are from the US. Their partnership with Mexico ties into the family’s Mexican roots and their commitment to skilled workers and crafters.

CONSTRUCTION

The bag is constructed with 5-6 oz. full grain vegetable tanned leather and the straps are 7-8 oz leather. The hardware on the bag features buckles, d-rings and lobster style clasps made of solid brass. Solid copper rivets are placed stress points. The stitching is a silk thread. Lastly, the bag is fully lined with thick shearling wool. The dimensions of the bag is 13 inches tall by 6 inches wide and 5 inches deep with a single wine bottle and is about 13 inches wide by 8 inches wide and 6 inches deep when expanded to carry two bottles. Empty, the bag weighs about 3 pounds.

FUNCTION

This tote features a design that aids in the versatility of what you can carry and how you can carry it. The bag can carry up to two standard sized wine bottle or related spirits by adjusting the to buckles on the side of the bag that extend or synch the inner compartment together. The bag closes with a lobster style brass clasp that can also be adjusted for length (for those taller bottles) with a buckle directly above the clasp.

When carrying two bottles, they fit snuggly in the shearling lining and do not clink together while traveling (or horeseback riding).

This is one tough little tote with the thick leather, brass and copper hardware and the shearling lining. It defiantly is strong enough to hold more weight than just two wine bottles.

Another great feature to this bag and design is that there a few (if not more) ways to carry it. There is a sewn in handle on the back for the most basic way of handing it. There is also a clasp attached handle that has d-rings in which a longer strap is fed through and attached to two bottom d-rings. This design allows you to either carry it over the shoulder, cross body, or as a two-strap backpack mode. I found that if you are solely using it for a shoulder or cross-body, it is helpful to remove the smaller handle strap as it evens out the balance of the tote. Although a little cumbersome to take off the various straps, it is a well-designed system. Either way you do it, the bag is designed impeccably to be adjusted to comfort and carry.

The handles on the back create the perfect system for mounting on ones bike, horse saddle, or wall. Seeing how this piece is artfully designed, hanging it on the wall or a nice hook is a great way to show off the piece when not being used.

AESTHETIC

When I first received this leather wine tote my initial reaction was “Wow this can’t get any fancier”. My second reaction was something along the lines of “This little tote is built solid and can be used on a mountain trek let alone a simple excursion to a friends house with wine.” Whether you plan an adventure or just want to show off a fancy (or less fancy bottle, for that matter), this bag will stand to the occasion.

My girlfriend and I took it down to a clearing in the woods where we staged an afternoon wine tasting. Although I don’t usually retreat to a clearing in the woods for a midday glass of wine, I can say that owning a bag like this just may bring out the snob in me.

The leather is tough but not too stiff, which is nice since I didn’t want to struggle getting a bottle in and out of the bag or with adjusting the straps. The shearling lining is luxury to the max. I love reaching in the bag and feeling the soft wool and imagine myself being able to crawl in there if I was much smaller.

Besides function, this piece is really a piece of art and should be displayed as such. Again, the handle is perfect for mounting on the wall. You could even put it near your bar (if you have a bar in your house) and use it to keep your favorite scotch, spirit or other treasured bottle.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

Although one might contest to the higher price I can say without hesitation that it is a solidly designed piece with no noticeable design or function flaws. I would agree that the price is high and intimidating but so is the price for any such handmade luxury item made from thick full grain leather, shearing lining, and quality hardware. I’m looking forward to the age and wear on the piece. Although meant to carry wine bottles or other spirits, it can, of course be used for various other daily carry. And when not in use, it is beautiful piece of art to hang and admire. Check it out –here-.

November 5, 2014December 19, 2017

Marlondo Leather Co. 14″ Leather Messenger Bag – $250

Someone is going to compliment me on it today. That is something I can always count on when I leave the house carrying my Marlondo Leather Co. Messenger bag. A woman at the grocery store tells me it looks good or an older businessman asks where to find such a piece; day in day out no matter where you take it. There is no denying that it is a really great looking messenger bag and will continue to look better and better as I use it.

When he began selling leather bags during his free time in college, founder Ma Londo decided that in order to ensure the quality of product he sold, he would need to make them himself. It has been three years since he opened up shop to craft attractive and durable products; these have been impressing the critics and buyers alike ever since.

My individual bag is a 14” messenger with laptop sleeve and detachable shoulder straps. The $250 price tag originally made me question what I was dealing with, since some pieces of comparable quality and size can be found at double the price. But after about a month and a half of daily wear and tear on my bag, I can finally confirm: this is simply a good buy.

FUNCTION & CONSTRUCTION

Thick full grain leather makes up the heft of the bag, with a pigskin liner for internal softness. By itself, the leather is not thick enough to suggest strong joints, but every weak point is riveted securely. Dog leash clasps secure the adjustable shoulder strap, and make it easy to transform into a briefcase. Though it hangs at an odd angle in briefcase form it is still useful enough to bring to the office. The shoulder strap is quite comfortable, though its leather is so thick it can be rough at first. After about a week of break in it has formed to my shoulder and keeps the bag (even when loaded down) from feeling like an anchor.

When adjusted this strap stays whatever length you choose without lengthening during use. Much of the exterior is single stitched with semi-thick nylon thread and stress points are double stitched. My main quibble is the amount of pocket space. There is a large sleeve pocket for a 14” laptop and one smaller pocket sewn into the front of the bag, with no other place to store pens, wallet, or phone.

Small items tend to be swallowed up if they are not placed in the laptop space which might, problematically enough, be inhabited by a laptop. This should not be considered a fatal flaw, since many full grain leather bags have little accessory space; just be prepared to lose anything you do not keep in the small pocket on the front.

AESTHETIC

People will notice when you wear it in public; the look is simple and minimalistic. The full grain leather is a beautiful dark toffee colour, wearing in a little darker when it begins to form a patina. This messenger follows in the rising trend of “it looks better the more you beat it up,” which I can personally testify to. Each new scratch or blemish makes the bag a little bit more individual, a little bit more me.

One of the most attractive factors of the leather is that it changes with the times, morphing with the wearer every step of the way. On the other hand there are a few true visible blemishes including a bit of sloppy sewing around the base. There is little to be found except under close examination, and all handmade leather products are somewhat imperfect. Still, if you want to find imperfections in the look you can, though that is not the point.

CONCLUSION

Marlondo has produced a sturdy, boutique-style leather messenger bag built to last as long as the person who buys it. Though a little lacking on accessory pockets and space, it is otherwise intentionally designed and functional. In the $250 price range, this is a great buy and a one of a kind bag: truly great value compared to its competitors. If you need a briefcase for the office, an everyday carry with room for your computer, an adventure pack with enough space to hold the bare essentials, or just something that will look great in and around the city, we recommend the Marlondo Leather Co. Messenger Bag. Just be sure to bring something to fit your small accessories into.

November 4, 2014December 19, 2017

Origins Leather Company The Simple Wallet Review – $45

For those avid readers of BestLeather.org, you’ll recognize the name, Origins Leather Company. We recently did a review on their Classic Briefcase, and followed that review with a giveaway of the same briefcase. The giveaway was extremely well received with over 14,000 entries, the best giveaway that BestLeather has had to date. After the giveaway we knew that Origins had a unique recipe for producing quality goods. That special recipe is quite simple, like many goods recipes are. They use very high quality vegetable tanned leather and thread, crafted by experts with a high degree of precision, into a good that is practicable and useful. That recipe is also used for their Simple Wallet, which we’ll take a look at in this review.

LEATHER

In the Classic Leather Briefcase review, I wrote that the leather Origins uses “feels as good as butter tastes”. That same leather is used for their Simple Wallet and it feels just as great. It is a little difficult to describe, but the leather has a soft but substantial feel. You immediately recognize that the leather is the type that will last a long time (Origins offers a 100 year warranty on all of their products by the way), but has a certain luxury to it as well. Origins uses a five ounce leather, which is boot leather thickness. The leather is also slightly burnished on all edges, which gives the edges a nice finish, and it comes in a beautiful chestnut color.

The inside of the wallet is unlined, which allows you to appreciate a different element of the fine leather. You really don’t need a wallet to have a liner of course, but I also appreciate bags and other goods that are unlined. There is something about the underside of finished leather that is tactile and fulfills some sensory need to fully appreciate the raw material something is made from. In other words, I like how it feels. There certainly are some applications where having a liner of some variety is appropriate, and often it is used for aesthetic purposes, but when it’s not completely necessary, I say let it be. Perhaps it is because I am a leather purist at heart. When you use leather as nice as Origins, this certainly is a great way to produce your products.

DESIGN

The Simple Wallet is as its name implies – simple. It has one open compartment for stashing your cards and bills. You can fit at least 10 cards along with some bills comfortably, so it has ample room for what most people need. The top flap slides securely into the attached strap and the wallet can fit nicely into either a front or back pocket. When opened, you will notice a small scoop that allows for easier grasping of your cards or bills.

The Simple Wallet is made from four pieces of leather. The main body and flap are made from one solid piece, one piece for each side, and the front strap. Its construction reminds me of how many quality messenger bags are made. The two side pieces are sewn to the main body with a small flap on bottom of each side piece riveted to the bottom of the wallet. This manner of construction produces a very hardy and durable wallet and forces the wallet to have a more open pocket. This could be a benefit to some as it makes sliding cards in and out easier, and also provides more room for additional cards and bills, but could be a drawback to some as it produces a wider footprint. The rivets at the bottom prevents the wallet from flattening out completely, especially if you only had a couple of cards and wanted a slimmer profile for example. This makes the wallet a full half inch in width, and provides a rigid bottom, but that is still slimmer than many wallets.

THREAD AND HARDWARE

The only hardware to speak of on the wallet are the two previously mentioned rivets. They are approximately 1/4 inch in diameter, with a dark antique finish, and are solid brass.

The thread is a marine grade polyester thread with a brown color that matches the wallet nicely. Polyester thread is three to four times as strong as nylon thread, and will not fade when exposed to sunlight. It is some of the best thread that can be used for high quality leather goods.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

In a world with ever increasing options for minimalistic wallets, the Simple Wallet from Origins Leather Company is a very strong contender. Made with some of the best leather I’ve seen, leather that is struck through (dyed to the core of the leather), is beautiful to see and feel, and crafted with precision and attention to detail, the Simple Wallet is an excellent choice for those seeking a simpler approach to carrying their daily essentials.

November 3, 2014December 19, 2017

Daines and Hathaway Military Wet Pack – $240/£150

Dopp kits and wash bags are staples of the fine leather scene, but there are few so iconic as the Daines & Hathaway Military Wet Pack. Its soft bridle leather and sleek lines give it a truly timeless look. In fact, this design is based directly from the wash kit issued to the British Army in the 1920s. Continue reading “Daines and Hathaway Military Wet Pack – $240/£150”