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Minimum Squared Minimalist Wallet Review – €64

As the second wallet in Minimum Squared’s new lineup we’re reviewing this year, today we’re going to look at their Minimalist Wallet. Their award-winning Slim Wallet is a full sized bifold wallet that keeps an impressively thin profile, but the Minimalist takes that a step further. This wallet is cleverly designed to not only hold cards, but give easy access to a few receipts or cash bills.

About Minimum Squared

Minimum Squared is the product of a couple, Adrian and Sanela, who were seeking to fill a need of their own. This attempt was so successful that it became a commercial success. It began with their Red Dot Design Award-winning Slim Wallet Elastic, which we had the pleasure of reviewing a few years ago (check it out here for even more about Minimum Squared), and has evolved to a collection of four wallets. Today we’ll visit the Minimalist Wallet.

Leather & Construction

Similar to the Slim Wallet, the Minimalist Wallet is made from a single piece of Horween Chromexcel that has been folded and sewn into the shape you see. Thread is polyester and saddle stitched. Edges aren’t burnished but are cut well and smooth.

Construction is excellently done, with no flaws. The caliber of the leather and stitch leads me to believe this wallet will last a lifetime. The elastic used to secure the top flap may wear out, but should be relatively easy to replace.

Function

At first, I thought the Minimalist Wallet was simply a card holder, but there actually is a secret trick up its sleeve. The top flap acts as a clever slot for cash or receipts. You slide one side of the bills into the slot, then tuck the other side behind your cards. In order to access cards, use the wallet normally, without pushing the top flap back too far. If you want to flip through your bills, you can push the top flap back further, and they pop out from behind your cards for easy access. I wasn’t sure how usable this feature would be, but after trying it a few times I was surprised by how well it works!

Overall, this is definitely a minimalist product. The dimensions are barely larger than the cards within, making it easy to forget it’s in your pocket. Minimum Squared suggests 4-7 cards can be held, but I’d reduce that to about five, myself. When I reached 6 cards it became fairly challenging to find and remove the card I wanted if it wasn’t at the front. However, this is leather, and will stretch a bit with use.

One tip is to use the part of the elastic inside the wallet as a card divider. You can place a few cards in front of it and a few behind it within the wallet. This makes two cards easy access: the one in front of the wallet, and the one directly behind the elastic.

I’ve always had a hard time with the one-pocket card holder type of wallets. The Minimalist Wallet makes some small improvements on the style that make it easier to use.

Aesthetic

A minimalist wallet has a minimalist look. If you love the look of well-made leather products without flair, you’ll like the look of this wallet. The single-piece design means lots of smooth folded corners and minimal exposed edges. Minimum Squared offers a few colors of Chromexcel and several colors of thread for you to mix-and-match to your taste. I have black Chromexcel with blue thread here.

Conclusion

Minimalist Squared’s Minimal Wallet is well constructed of high quality materials and looks great. If you only need to carry a few credit cards and bills, the design is great for keeping them secure and fairly easy to access. The thin profile takes up hardly any room in your pocket. The price is about right for the caliber of product you’re getting. I recommend this slim wallet as a Buy It For Life item.

Be looking forward to our review of Minimum Squared’s Cardholder in a couple of months!

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Shamma Warriors and Shamma All-Browns Leather Sandals Review — $85 and $70

Have you ever thought, “Dang, are my feet sexy enough to be on the internet?”

I have.

And although I’m not sure of the answer, here they are: my feet sporting some sweet new sandals—the Shamma Warriors (latest design, nylon straps) and the Shamma All-Browns (classic design, leather straps).

These aren’t just any sandals. They’re minimalist running sandals, designed to keep you as close to barefoot as possible.

I christened mine one early Wednesday morning on a sidewalk up the street from my house. I ran a few uphill interval sprints, and the Warriors lived up to their name.

I do believe they are the next best thing to barefoot.

Construction

I was impressed with these from the moment I opened the package. They’re very simple, but each piece is sourced from high-quality materials. The leather feels great, and it makes for an awesome texture to stand on. (Except they got a tad slippery in water.)

Due to the sparse design, they’re very lightweight. If you’re traveling, you can bring these as an extra pair of footwear without an extra thought. That aspect is a big deal for me. They’ll also save you packing a few pairs of socks.

Shamma sandals are constructed with Vibram soles. The Warriors, the thinnest type, are 3mm. You’ll notice in the pictures how easily they bend. I like that. The All-Browns, the medium type, are 7mm, which is still thin compared to most shoes. Shamma also sells a third, thicker type that I didn’t test. Personally, I love the barefoot feel of the Warriors. If you’re planning on heavy (or spiky) terrain, you might go up in thickness. I once hiked the Canadian Rockies in a pair of Vibram Five Fingers, and the Warriors feel comparable. You’ll connect with the earth when you notice the nuances of the terrain beneath your feet.

I wore my Warriors at Cobble Beach, OR, which is a bit like a ball pit, only it’s filled with smooth gray stones. It felt like a rough foot massage, which is to say good. My toes splayed in a more natural movement as the ground shifted beneath me.

Functionality

When I ordered, I found their sizing guide to be perfect, so use that. (And make sure you tell your printer not to shrink the page to fit—another mistake I made.)

After that first early morning sprint, my feet bottoms felt a little raw. Also, on my right foot only, the strap between my toes rubbed a little. After a couple days, my feet broke in the sandals and everything felt great. If these are your first minimalist shoes, plan some extra time (more than a couple days) for getting used to the feel.  Also, if you’re hiking on sand or unstable ground, you’ll likely get things caught between your foot and the sole–huaraches work best on solid terrain. Just something to be aware of.

When they arrive, they’re not assembled, and I made the mistake of trying to lace them intuitively. (I’m a technical writer who knows better than to read the instructions.) That was a mistake, and I had to undo all my work. However, assembling them wrong taught me the benefits of the right way, and I can affirm to you that, yes, it is better. They stay on better, and the straps wrap in a way that feels right. I won’t recreate the steps here, but here’s a link to their lacing guide so you don’t get lost.

One downside on the All-Browns is that the heel strap still slips down, even after a month of adjustments and breaking them in. It’s just hard to make an adjustment in one place and have it flow into three different segments of the leather. This is no big deal if you’re mostly lounging, but if you’re covering ground, it’s annoying to stop and pull the back straps up. The Warriors, with their updated straps, fix the snugness problem. And it’s a cinch to loosen them up when you’re relaxing. In other words, you’ll benefit from Shamma’s latest iteration.

I did wonder whether the straps being on the ground would cause them to wear through, but so far I haven’t put in nearly enough miles to answer that question. So I talked to Josh, the owner, (who’s a genuine person, by the way, as you’ll see in his YouTube videos), and he said that the foot’s pressure is central, not on the sides where the laces are, so it’s mostly a non-issue. Customers occasionally send in their sandals to be resoled, and even fewer for new straps. Basically, you’ll likely wear out the sole first.

Aesthetic

As far as looks go, the All-Browns do have the upper hand, what with the leather straps. And as you put them together, you get to trim the leather as the final step. There’s something satisfying about finishing the manufacturing process yourself. I liked that.

My little sister is my style consultant. I trust her expertise and her international fashion experience. She said she’s seen this style of Y-strap mostly on more feminine designs. I told her I’d seen pictures of Jesus wearing a huarache running sandal like this. That’s where the conversation ended. Bottom line is, if you’re male, these may push you toward metro and/or hippie. I’m okay with that. I love the simple design. (Another option is to order an extra SKU from Shamma called Power Straps, which give the sandals a more brawny look and, as a bonus, enhance the sandal performance for more strenuous and lateral activities.)

I think of these like Chacos but more minimal and with zero-drop (which is key)—plus leather for some extra panache. I wear them for outdoor adventures rather than as a fashion statement. Still, the simple design is cool.

But I took all these photos so you can give the final opinion.

Conclusion

I like both these pairs of sandals.

But I know you’re wondering which one I like better. If I could only pick one, I’d go with the Warriors. They’re the more recent design—they’re easier to adjust, and so they fit to your feet better. However, if you care less about utility and more about style, the all-leather straps on the All-Browns look great. They’re still functional, but they won’t stay as attached to your feet as the newer models.

Also, you need to decide which of the three thicknesses to get. Personally, I love the thinnest (the Warriors). But it’s a matter of how barefoot you want to feel. If you prefer to err on the side of caution, go with the middle thickness.

I was also asked why I’d pay $85 for these when flip-flops are so cheap. My answer: There’s no comparison. Shamma sandals are designed with minimalist runners in mind. They protect your foot, stay on tight, and still keep you tuned to the ground. If that’s what you’re looking for, this is an easy investment.

As close to barefoot as possible.

 

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Mack Provisions Vintage Baseball Glove Minimalist Wallet Review – $70

If there’s one item we see the most at BestLeather, it’s wallets. For the most part, they’re all made of excellent materials and feature quality craftsmanship, so much so, that reviewing them for me has almost become a jaded experience. However when I came across Mack Provisions Vintage Baseball Glove Minimalist Wallet, I got that giddy wallet fever and had to check it out.

Construction

The intriguing aspect of these wallets is that they’re made from vintage baseball gloves. The brands used can differ, and each wallet is unique.

The Barbour thread really does a great job blending in. Notice how it closely resembles the original thread on the Rawlings patch.

The years typically range from the 1940s-1960s. A very cool requirement is that the original gloves have to have been originally made in the US.  The thread used is American made Yellow Barbour’s 6 cord linen thread. The edges are beveled and hand-burnished with beeswax. The wallet consists of a single card compartment and money strap on back. Measures 4”x3”. If you love the timeless charm of vintage baseball as much as you do the thrill of the game, why not take your passion to the next level? Whether you’re fine-tuning your swing or stepping up your pitching practice, you can get it now at Anytime Baseball Supply and explore a range of pitching machines designed to boost your performance.

Function

This is definitely a minimalist wallet.  The single card compartment doesn’t offer much organization but it does challenge you to trim your carry. Most of my loyalty and membership cards are digitally stored on my phone, which allows me a light wallet. This is great for my ID, credit card and other essentials.

The money strap works as long as you have enough cash to keep it snug. I’m personally using a paper clip to keep the cash in one wad then securing it inside the strap which allows for easier retrieval.  The slim design is great for front pocket carry.

Cash retrieval can be quite difficult. so I accelerated the break in by stretching the strap with some playing cards.

Aesthetic

In my humble opinion, this is hands down the coolest wallet I’ve reviewed for BestLeather. The style harkens back to golden age Americana. The wallet is cleverly built around key focal points from its previous life as a baseball glove.

This wallet just exudes nostalgia and reminds me of simpler times, so definitely fun to carry some of that magic on a daily basis.

The Rawlins patch off center really catches the eye and the “oil treated” stamp on the money strap is a great touch. I will admit this wallet doesn’t have that great leather aroma I always look forward to, it smells like…well it smells like a 50 year old baseball glove. The character of this wallet is definitely there and so is the spirit.

Conclusion

I haven’t had this much fun reviewing a wallet in awhile. Mack Provisions Vintage Baseball Glove Minimalist Wallet is an aesthetic treat. While the simplicity takes a  functionality hit, a little honing of your wallet essentials can make it work. At $70 bucks, it’s pricey given the leather, but the spirit of the piece definitely trumps most wallets.

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ColsenKeane No. 217 Utility Bag- $475

Carrying things from A to B is one of the most basic functions we do as humans. Everything from suitcases, shopping carts, cars, trucks, planes, and boats are designed just to move stuff around. For most people’s daily needs there are plenty of options, with many electing to use something as simple as a plastic supermarket bag. If you’re seeking an item with a lot more flair, there is the No. 217 Utility Bag from ColsenKeane Leather.

I have to be honest and say that this is the first bag I’m reviewing on BestLeather, which makes me somewhat of a novice. With that said, I hope my article does ColsenKeane and this bag much-deserved justice. The company, based in North Carolina, has been creating top-notch leather goods since 2010. Most people that saw me wearing the 217 for the first time complimented it right away, a testament to the team’s design skills and craftsmanship. Let’s get into it.

The Utility Bag leather has a gorgeous color and design, which makes each piece unique

CONSTRUCTION

When I got the bag, I was immediately drawn to the full-grain leather. That may sound cliche on this blog, but I think this stuff is pretty exceptional. The Utility Bag that I asked for was made out of a veg tanned hide in a unique style called Havana Brown. The color has an absolutely beautiful brown sheen that catches your eyes immediately. The highs and lows that run along the finish are stunning and give it real character. Looking at the pictures that I took, I would say they make the color pop a bit more than in real life, but not by much. The bag comes in a couple of other styles, but you definitely can’t go wrong with this one.

The hides are very thick, adding to the weight of the piece. I wouldn’t call the Utility Bag heavy, but it’s noticeable when sitting on your shoulder. I tend to prefer things that feel durable, so I consider this a plus.

Taking a look at the design shows you just how much ColsenKeane knows what they’re doing. The entire case is made with just five cuts of leather: 1 large piece that forms the shape of bag, the 2 side panels stitched to the main piece, and 2 belts woven along the surface of the bag. Limiting the amount of stitching and separate pieces minimizes the weak points in the bag, which adds to the integrity and strength of the product.

Colsen Keane has been making leather goods since 2010 in North Carolina

The rest of the details shouldn’t be overlooked either. The hardware on the bag- the buckles, rings, rivets- look and feel great, perfectly complimenting the colors of the leather. The handle and shoulder strap are made in the same Havana Brown, completing the Utility Bag’s look. From beginning to end, every aspect was designed with precision and forethought. The leather, stitching, colors, and handles all come together to make one fantastic product.

FUNCTION

Given its size (13″ x 7.5″ x 7″ ), I found the Utility Bag most useful when taking a few things to work everyday. My lunch, headphones, water, sunglasses, and some small knickknacks all fit well, with some extra space if I ever needed it. I was also able to use it as an overnight bag on occasion without issue.

My brother is a photographer, so I lent him the 217 to use as a camera bag for a bit. He was able to fit his camera, a couple of lenses, and some other gear in the Utility Bag without hassle. I saw him carrying it around a couple times, and I think it made him look like a real professional. If you’ve been thinking about getting a case/bag that will complement your DSLR, this one should definitely be considered.

The bag can be a great option for photographers seeking a standout carrying case

For what I needed, the Utility Bag was a good fit. I will say that if you’re looking to get it, make sure it’s the right size for you. It’s not really big enough to just toss your average laptop in, and stuffing a few days worth of clothing may be tough. If you want something that can be used a bit more freely, you should take a closer look at ColsenKeane’s duffle bags. They come in the same colors and have a similar design, so most of what I’m saying here will apply to those bags as well.

CONCLUSION

I know a lot of folks (especially guys) are looking for something to carry a few things around everyday. If you’re anything like me, you want the luxury of having extra space just in case. You might be looking for a bag that you can fit your camera and a few accessories, or to carry some lunch and gear to work. Whatever your needs are exactly, the Utility Bag from ColsenKeane is a handsome multipurpose bag made with incredible quality.

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Buffalo Jackson Dakota Apple Watch Band Review – $84.95

A quality leather strap is a fantastic upgrade for your Apple Watch, and I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing several in recent months. Today we’re going to be looking at Buffalo Jackson’s Dakota Apple Watch Band. This strap is assembled well with quality leather, breaks in nicely, and has a look that fits in just about anywhere.

About Buffalo Jackson

Buffalo Jackson company goal is “to create a clothing line that fits a man who knows how to tie a bowtie as well as a dry fly.” Founder Xan Hood was inspired to create their men’s clothing line by seeing a contrast to the styles of masculinity that existed in the world. On one side there’s the polo wearing city man, on the other, the flannel wearing mountain man. He calls the overlap of these styles the rugged gentleman.

The company creed, Honor Your Wild, is described on the Field Guide included with every purchase.

Leather & Construction

The Dakota strap is constructed with top-grain leather, nylon stitching, nickel hardware, and a reinforcing copper rivet.

Top-grain leather isn’t as tough as full-grain, but the Dakota is made with two layers and is nice and thick. Strength won’t be an issue. In addition, the look of the leather is very uniform. My Saddle Tan color strap looks great and has a small amount of pull-up. The leather is also nice and soft, and edge stitching minimizes stretch. A copper rivet is used near the buckle for extra reinforcement at what is probably the highest stress point on the strap.

This strap is going to hold up well compliments of the good materials used and skillful assembly.

Function

When the Dakota was brand new, I had a bit of a hard time using the buckle. I was nervous the strap was a touch too thick for the size of the buckle, and therefore difficult to thread. I was very impressed by how well it wore in, however. After a couple weeks of wear the leather began to shape to its use and was much easier to work with.

The Dakota only has a single floating keeper strap. I personally prefer this paired with a static one near the buckle, though the advantage is that there’s less underneath your wrist when you’re sitting at a desk or using a computer. In addition, the keeper is the same soft leather as the rest of the strap, so even more comfort when typing. Though sometimes the keeper would rotate so I couldn’t see the cool Buffalo logo!

As far as simple strap function goes, the Dakota does a great job. Buckle holes are tightly spaced and two lengths of strap are included to make sure you’ll get a good fit.

Aesthetic

I’ve found that rarely do I feel that I need to switch straps when I’m wearing the Dakota. I love the Saddle Tan color I have here. It matches formal attire as well as rugged outdoors gear, perfectly adhering to Buffalo Jackson’s idea of the rugged gentleman.

The uniform contrast stitching complements the color nicely. The Buffalo logo is a nice touch to the keeper. I love how the copper rivet looks, but it’s sadly hidden behind the excess strap when wearing. I think my favorite part is the patina development. The saddle tan has deepened nicely.

Conclusion

I’d definitely suggest the Buffalo Jackson Dakota Apple Watch Band for anyone hoping to upgrade the look of their Apple Watch (particularly if you’re still wearing the awful one Apple provides!). It’s tough, versatile, and the price is right.

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Kodiak Leather – Classic Weekender Duffel Kickstarter Announcement

Kodiak Leather was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah and is a maker of some of the best bags and duffels on the market. Not to mention that they all come for a reasonable price.

Kodiak Leather has recently launched a new Kickstarter campaign for their Classic Weekender Duffel that’s made out of 100% full grain buffalo leather. This is an amazing looking duffel and is a project that we are excited about and more than happy to share with our readers.

Below you can see some of the main features of this bag:

  • 100% full grain buffalo leather
  • Large interior compartment, measures 21″ x 11″ x 11″
  • Detachable and adjustable  100% full leather strap with leather pad for comfort
  • Tough leather carry handle on one end
  • Sturdy brown nylon interior lining
  • 2 exterior pockets with easy access buckle straps with magnetic closure (same as buffalo leather satchel)
  • 1 exterior zipper pocket on front; perfect for carrying phone or other smaller items
  • Separate shoe compartment on bottom of bag; access through zipper on side of duffel
  • Interior zippered pocket; perfect size for an ipad or books
  • Full leather attachment to interior side panel for credit cards, phone, and other items
  • Leather pen holder stitched to inside of bag
  • 5 solid brass feet to protect bottom of bag and keep from touching the ground
  • Sturdy YKK zippers
  • Heavy duty brown nylon interior lining
  • Exterior measurement 23.5″ x 12″ x 12″

There is a lot more info about this duffel on their Kickstarter page that you can check out. If you are looking for a top notch bag at a great price then donating to this Kickstarter is a great idea. Below are some more pictures:

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Koch Leather Custom Tote Review

Joshua and Jen Koch have been booming with new designs in their store lately. We’ve reviewed a few of their products before but never a custom one. Outside of BestLeather, I consider Koch Leather to be one of my go-to companies to contact when I want a custom piece made. One of the most recent products is this custom tote with a masculine edge to it. Josh and I spoke via emails to come up with a tote that had some risky modifications: side straps to cinch the bag, a drop-down key leash, d-rings for shoulder straps and a stitched bottom 1/4th of the way up. After carrying it over the last few months every day, I figured it would be a great showcase for review.

Koch Leather Custom Tote, breaking in nicely but still able to stand on its own due to reinforced bottom.

Construction

One thing I can always count on Koch (pronounced “coke”) leather for is quality leather and materials choice. This bag is fully made of Horween Chromexcel with plenty of pull-up and pretty decent resistance to scratches. The hardware used is mostly stainless steel, with a few hammered copper rivets that add a nice touch. For the side cinch straps, a stud closure is used as well as an optional stud closure at the top of the tote, which would help secure the contents.

I didn’t purchase a shoulder strap with this tote design, but could easily pick one up in matching leather from Koch leather, or use any of my straps from other bags. Exterior D rings accompany the sides of the bag, as well as the extended key latch inside the bag. A standard pouch that seems customary to all Koch totes was also included inside.

Detachable key strap also nicely finished with a logo and copper rivet.

Function

The tote has been a great secondary every day carry option for me. I believe that the design and function of a tote-style bag is underappreciated amongst men, and certainly underrated in terms of quick, no zipper/closure access to your goods. Typicallyy, I carry my DSLR camera, a small pouch with extra memory cards and batteries, and a light jacket. There is still plenty of room for a water bottle, wallet, keys etc. I mainly chose the tote design because I didn’t want to have to unbutton or unzip any closures to access my camera. There is that optional stud closure up top, but I find myself rarely using it, in fact tucking it behind the inside pocket often.

It is very useful however, on rainy days. I have also carried a full size notepad along with my regular set up with no issues or bending of the pad. As I stated previously, I didn’t order the optional shoulder strap with the bag, but for this review I did spend a few days carrying it via a shoulder strap. The less amount of bulky items in the tote, the more it will lean in towards your body. Even with my big camera inside, it did not bump up against my side enough to cause any discomfort.

Cinch straps on the side make it easier to increase or decrease the opening and capacity.
Fully packed for the next trip with room to spare.

Aesthetics

With Horween leather and copper rivets, what’s not to appreciate about the look? As this bag has been used, it has gained some floppiness, and scratches and scuffs have been kept at a minimum. I intend on utilizing a shoulder strap more, to add some shiny patina to the sides of the tote. The accent stitching and reinforced bottom also add to the overall beauty. Two small logos occupy the bag minimally and pleasantly, and I had to search for them to notice.

I believe the most masculine or gender-neutral feature is the shortened straps as opposed to traditional totes with a longer strap drop length. When I propositioned Josh to make the tote, I knew beforehand I didn’t want a bag to sling on my shoulder via the straps, so the design modification shines. In hindsight, the only modification I would add, which I could still do, is request a snap button handle wrap, to make carrying via the straps a little easier and more uniform looking.

Minimalist logos are my favorite.

Conclusion

As you can tell, I couldn’t quite find anything negative to say about this custom tote from Koch Leather. Custom designs are done by Koch on a made to order basis, so its best to figure out what design ques and functionality you’re looking for prior to purchasing. Costs may vary but I highly recommend Koch Leather Totes, and adding your own modifications to get a bag unique to you.  Josh is also a great help at providing guidance if you are unsure and would like to ask questions prior to him putting the needle to leather.

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Chamberlain’s Leathermilk Healing Balm Review – $16.95

While a lot of our viewers love scratching up their products as part of establishing a personalized patina on leather goods, I recognize that others would rather minimize the scratches. Depending on the finish of leather, scratches may enhance or destruct the aesthetics. Sometimes, a bag or other leather product is in need of a surface makeover, which is where Chamberlain’s Leathermilk Healing Balm can assist.

Healing Balm and included applicator pictured alongside a Saddleback Leather Overnight Bag, a company they have a great relationship with.

The Product

The healing balm comes in a small tin along with a sponge-like applicator. Don’t be fooled by the size of the tin: a little goes a long way. The smell of the balm is pleasant, reminiscent of coconut macaroons. The product has a beeswax-like texture, and is made from various oils and waxes. Application of the product to leather goods is very simple with the applicator, and like I stated before, a small amount goes a long way.

Chamberlain’s Leathermilk Healing Balm and included applicator.

Testing

For the purpose of testing the balm, I wanted to try a few different leather colors and textures. Used for the tests are one vegetable tanned Classic Bifold wallet by Corter Leather, one chrome tanned Gun Deck wallet by Das Offene Meer Leather Company, one Saddleback Leather Overnight Bag, and one Saddleback Leather Large Satchel. I chose these as they all have differing levels of patina and texture, and was not directed by any of the companies to use their product for demonstration.

I intentionally created some scratches and scuffs on products to show a before and after. Note that I did follow Chamberlain’s instructions to let the balm absorb, than later buff out any leftover balm that did not absorb. They have a nice guide on using the healing balm here.

Photo heavy Before and After Shots:

Creasing and scratches near the handle support of a Saddleback Leather Large Satchel.
After applying the balm, the edge is definitely taken of the small scratches and the crease is filled in color.
Intentional scratch made on a Gun Deck Wallet.
The scratch can still be seen slightly in the middle, but much more mild in tone.
Had some fun with this one – scratched BL for BestLeather out with my finger on a Corter Leather Classic Bifold.
The “BL” scratch can barely be made out, certainly displaying an improvement.
Scratch on the strap of a Saddleback Leather Large Weekender Bag in Tobacco.
Similar to other treatments, the scratch toned down considerably.

Outcomes and Conclusion

Overall, the Chamberlain’s Leathermilk Healing Balm is great for toning down scratches and scuffs in varying textures of leather. It does an excellent job of muting the harshness of surface level scratches. If you are not a fan of the scent, rest assured it does fade quickly especially after a quick buff of the leather.  I would use this most often for things such as wallets, which can become scuffed up if you throw your keys or pocketknife/flashlight into the same pocket incidentally.

I have a feeling it would also be great for automobile leather, but my light colored leather seats were too tan to test any discernible areas.  Priced at nearly $17.00 with free shipping, its well worth it and the small tin will last quite some time even treating multiple bags and small goods. I’d like to reiterate that this product is mainly for spot treatment, I don’t see it being ideal to cover an entire bag, but in some cases that may be the best idea, particularly with darker or black bags. Deep gouges or bug bites in full grain leather would likely not be treatable.

Scuff on an outer heel of a Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot in cordovan color.
The scratch remains, but less attention-drawing.
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Thirteen50 Wrap Around Card Wallet Review- $30

Choosing which wallet to carry is a big deal for a lot of people. It’s something you use a few times a day, everyday, for years on end. A lot of folks want something that’s convenient, pleasant to look at, and durable. Thirteen50 hopes you’ll find all of that in their Wrap Around card wallet.

Last week I wrote about the Big Hoss belt from Thirteen50 Leather. If you look back at that review, you can read about how great the leather is, the quality of their production, and how their team got started in the leather business. Along with that piece, the guys sent me a minimalist wallet in a matching style.

The grains really pop in the Old World leather

CONSTRUCTION

This specific wallet is made of Old World Harness leather, just like the Big Hoss belt. Obviously, the leather used here is much thinner. It runs around 3.5 oz., just under a sixteenth of an inch. The hide is also vegetable tanned, so it has a very natural look and feel to it in your hands.

In terms of the build, the design is pretty straightforward. Essentially, the wallet is two pieces of leather laid on top of each, folded over halfway, and then sewn shut on two sides. This creates three pockets for cash and cards: two thin outer slots, and a thicker one on the inside. At the end of the process, the edges are burnished and waxed by hand.

FUNCTION

As described on the website, this wallet aims to be minimalist, and I found that to be the case. The whole thing is really thin, especially for something with two layers of leather. I’ve been using the inner pocket for four cards, a few folded bills on one side, and my ID and registration on the other. If you’re shocked by how little I walk around with, you might not be interested in a minimalist wallet at all.

I found the Wrap Around to work great for my carry. Access to the cards and cash was pretty convenient. To get a card out of the middle slot usually means sliding them all about halfway out, then plucking out the one I wanted. If that last sentence sounded tedious to you, I assure you that it isn’t.

Remember that when using this kind of leather product, any stretching the wallet undergoes can’t be “unstretched.” So if you want to switch from using six cards to three, you might find the wallet too loose.

AESTHETICS

Like I mentioned, this wrap wallet has a very natural feel to it. You can see the grains and slight imperfections which make each hide unique. It’s not as smooth as a pull-up leather, so this style may not be the one you’re looking for. But you can expect the leather to develop a nice patina and softness over time.

With that in mind, the Wrap Around comes in a variety of leathers (Bridle, Old World, Chromexcel) and colors (ox blood, black, brown, tan, etc.). If you want something more supple, one of the Chromexcel options should be perfect.

CONCLUSION

If you’re looking for a wallet that you’ll hardly notice, the Wrap Around card wallet from Thirteen50 might be what you’re looking for. It’s a quality piece, it looks interesting, and it’s incredibly thin. The wallet comes in a ton of styles and colors that can satisfy any taste you might have.

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Waterfield Bolt Crossbody Leather Laptop Bag Review — $199

My new roommate can’t believe how little I own.

I just feel good about not having things. I recently learned there’s a psychological term for this: Obsessive Decluttering.

I realize this may sound like a contradiction, but I’m also continually hunting for quality items. Yes, that’s true. I will pay almost any price for a product that is exactly what I need and nothing more. Well, I needed a case for my tablet, and I found a solution with everything I needed and nothing more: the Bolt Crossbody Laptop Bag by Waterfield Designs.

Construction

I’ve reviewed several Waterfield products, and, like the others, the build quality on the Bolt Crossbody is impeccable. It’s made of a durable waxed canvas with full-grain leather for the accents. I tend to use mine for urban adventures, but I think it would withstand a wilderness (and rainfall) adventure just as well. That’s the kind of quality we’re talking about.

Beyond the leather and canvas, it’s the little things that drive this bag from adequacy to excellence. Sturdy YKK zippers seal the main compartment and protect the secure pocket in the back. The interior has a separate pocket lined with padding to help protect your tablet (or laptop) against bounces and jostles. It’s lined with a golden material, a color that reflects light really well, which makes it easy for you to see your stuff inside (I love that). The front has a magnet closure with a nice snap to it, inside of which is an ultrasuede pouch, just big enough to hold your iPhone Plus or Pixel XL. Stout rings hold the strap in place but also allow for some contour motion as you carry it.

In short, Waterfield has a lot of experience designing bags for tech, and that history has led to some insightful features. This attention to detail makes me excited to own this bag.

Functionality

I’m an author who writes on a tablet—that’s an example of how I try to minimize what I carry. The Bolt matches that same ideal. I love it. It’s small enough that when I carry my lunch to work in it, I can throw the whole thing into the fridge. (Make sure your electronics aren’t in it when you do.) Because it’s small and lightweight like this, I’m never reluctant to bring it along.

The magnet on the outside pocket is a brilliant addition. It always stays closed, which looks nice, but it’s also super easy to access. Frustration free. A great feature.

There are a few slots to hold your pens, or, in my case, a digital stylus. (Really, they thought of everything.)

The handle on the back is one of my favorite features. It’s sewn tight against the bag, which gives you control when holding it, so the bag doesn’t swing around loosely. I’ve found myself using this handle (rather than putting the bag over my shoulder) about half the time.

I got the smallest size, which is 11×9” inches. That’s just right for my Pixel C tablet or your iPad. (They say it’ll fit an iPad Pro too, but I haven’t tested that yet.) If you need something bigger, Waterfield makes two larger sizes, the biggest of which is 14×12”, which should fit your 15” MacBook (or similarly sized laptop) just fine.

Aesthetic

This bag looks great. The waxed canvas has both a rugged and a classy vibe, fitting a variety of styles. The dark chocolate leather is beautiful and provides a nice accent. In the photos, you’ll notice a slight shift in the apparent contrast between the leather and canvas; that’s all accurate though and just depends on the lighting.

Also, when you buy, Waterfield offers three colors of leather; I chose chocolate. They also let you swap the waxed canvas for a ballistic black nylon, which is a synthetic textile that gives the bag an entirely different look, which you can see on their site if you’re interested. These variations leave room for a lot of variety.

As usual, though, I’ll let you judge the style from the pictures.

Conclusion

I have owned three Waterfield products, and I’ve been impressed with each. The Bolt Crossbody Laptop Bag is my favorite though. It is built with the same quality I’ve come to expect from Waterfield, and it also matches the utility I’m looking for—without any excess.

Overall, I am an avid fan of their designs. I would eagerly buy another bag from them in the future to match whatever device I might own next.

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Thirteen50 Big Hoss Full Grain Leather Belt Review- $60

For the past few weeks, I’ve been wearing the Big Hoss Full Grain leather belt from Thirteen50 Leather. I have nothing but great things to say about a solid and cool piece like this one. But let me start from the beginning.

BestLeather is no stranger to the three guys out in California. Pat, Trey, and Craig started the shop a few years ago when they realized they could make better quality leather goods, and still charge a reasonable price. We’ve seen their full grain leather belt and we are inclined to agree.

But recently, Thirteen50 released their new Big Hoss belt, and this thing is just phenomenal. When you take it out of the bag, you can tell it’s unique, and that’s because it is.

Bighoss-1
The Big Hoss pairs well with a casual look, like a pair of jeans

CONSTRUCTION

The belt starts with Old World Harness leather from the Hermann Oak tannery in St. Louis. This stuff is tanned and finished to be durable and weather resistant. Beyond that, Thirteen50 uses the thickest hides they can get for this belt: around 14 oz. For reference, most leather belts are between 8 to10 oz in thickness. It’s also runs about an inch and half wide, wider than most products on the market. There’s no stitching at all on the belt-generally the weakest point of any leather product-which will likely extend its lifetime.

When holding it in your hands, you can feel the weight and thickness immediately. I imagine that this will be the heaviest belt that the average person owns. Putting it on for the first time, I almost felt like I was holding a saddle. I did experience a bit of stiffness from the belt at the beginning, but it’s been wearing down during each wear.

The rest of the design is pretty straightforward. There are four Chicago screws punched and attached near the buckle, which hold a single loop in place. When you order from the Thirteen50 site there are two options for the buckle: either a slider or roller. All these pieces of hardware come in a matching set of silver or brass.

Bighoss-2
You can see the natural grain lines running across the leather

AESTHETICS

The build of the belt, pragmatic and rugged, is intrinsic to its style. Because this hide is vegetable tanned, you can see the beautiful and natural grain lines running across the width of the leather. The screws and buckle come in simple tones and designs that compliment the leather quite well.

The entire belt has a simplicity which just gives it a certain kind of cool. Its thick, wide, and warmly colored. It goes great with a good pair of jeans and a casual look. I wouldn’t recommend it for a formal event of any kind, but I don’t think the guys at Thirteen50 would either.

Bighoss-3
The Big Hoss uses incredibly thick 14 0z. hides

CONCLUSION

The Big Hoss Full Grain leather belt truly meets the goals that Thirteen50 set out to accomplish. This is a great product, made with some terrific leather that’s been properly hand burnished and waxed. It has simple and durable screws and buckles that do their jobs well. I can’t tell you for sure, but I would bet that the Big Hoss will last you years and years. For all that, it comes at a pretty fair price.

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Go Forth Goods Gunnar Leather Duffle Bag Giveaway

Best Leather and Go Forth Goods have teamed up and put together an awesome giveaway for you all. They were kind enough to be willing to give away one of their Gunnar Leather Duffle Bags to one lucky winner. This bag is a beast and you will not want to miss it. Keep reading below to learn more about the giveaway and how you can get a chance to win!

You can read our full review on this bag here, but you can get the gist of it by reading an excerpt below:

I don’t think I’ve taken the Gunnar out without receiving at least one compliment. This bag is gorgeous. Pull-up leather is always beautiful, but across the wide landscape of a duffle bag, it turns heads! The soft leather will move quite a bit as you fill and carry it. This causes the pull-up to create a subtle marbled pattern that is always changing.

Giveaway Details

The giveaway will run from now until midnight on July 5th. Once the giveaway ends we will announce the winner and get in contact with them. The winner will have the bag shipped to them within 1-2 weeks following the end of the giveaway. There are a handful of ways to enter the giveaway and you can do each one of them to insure the best chance at winning. The more entries you have in the giveaway the better chance you have at winning.

Enter the Giveaway Below:

[RF_CONTEST contest=’5917′]

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Go Forth Goods Gunnar Leather Duffle Bag Review – $400

We have partnered with Go Forth Goods to give this leather duffel bag away to one lucky winner. You can enter into this giveaway here!

I got really excited when the opportunity to review the Go Forth Goods Gunnar Leather Duffle presented itself. A classic military style top-loading clip closure duffle, but made with gorgeous, full-grain pull-up leather. This duffle is made sturdy, has both modern and vintage appeal, and I think you’re going to love it.

About Go Forth Goods

Founder Nathan Martin began Go Forth Goods in 2014 when bags currently on the market just didn’t fit the bill. Now they create leathergoods that are based on tried-and-true timeless designs of the past, while looking toward the future. Products are designed to last a lifetime.

Go Forth Goods remains a small operation in Georgia where orders are made individually or to-order. They hope to provide quality items as well as inspire: “So no matter where your journey takes you, go forth and do good!”

Leather & Construction

The Gunnar is constructed entirely from full-grain, pull-up leather, without a lining or other materials (except the brass hardware, of course). I’m personally a big fan of pure leather products. Lining in these sorts of bags tends to break down relatively early in the product’s lifetime, and the leather is much better looking (and smelling!) anyway. The main body has thick leather for strength, but it’s also tumbled for softness. The carry handle and strap are much thicker and stiff 10oz veg-tan leather. The strap has a buckle that is adjustable for length.

The main body is stitched together around the bottom and center seam. The carry handle and strap are both reinforced with rivets. Construction is well done, with no notable imperfections or irregularities. One change I would have made is a rivet or addition reinforcement at the end of the center seam on the opening side. This stitch does seem somewhat vulnerable when items go in and out of the bag. However, all seams are reinforced with triple backstitching, and so far I haven’t seen any issues.

Construction and materials are all done so this bag will last a lifetime–which Go Forth Goods guarantees!

Function

If you’ve used a military style top-load bag before, the function of the Gunnar will be familiar to you. It’s essentially a large bucket of space. To close it off, you fold down the pin near the top, then fold down the three rivets onto the pin. There’s a clip at the end of the carry strap that is then used to hold the rivets onto the pins, which both completes the carry strap connection and secures the duffle shut. It may not be familiar to some, but it’s fun to use and very effective for securing items.

The single bucket of space takes some organization to use effectively. It’s best to put least-used or just-in-case items at the bottom. I’ve also learned a trick of using a small cinch bag or something similar to keep smaller items together in one place within the duffle.

One way the Gunnar really hits a sweet spot is its size. If it was much larger, not only would it be harder to organize well, but it would also start to feel like a more cumbersome piece of luggage. The size is good for both holding all you need for a couple nights and feeling very portable and easy to use.

So far I’ve taken the Gunnar on camping trips, to the gym, and on a quick overnighter or two. The just-right size and easy to use military closure have made it a pleasure to use in every case.

Aesthetic

I don’t think I’ve taken the Gunnar out without receiving at least one compliment. This bag is gorgeous. Pull-up leather is always beautiful, but across the wide landscape of a duffle bag, it turns heads! The soft leather will move quite a bit as you fill and carry it. This causes the pull-up to create a subtle marbled pattern that is always changing.

The strap and carry handle are additions to the Gunnar that leaves the duffle with an overall simple, understated, beautiful look. It’s stunning yet unpretentious. You’ll love the way this bag looks hanging over your shoulder.

Conclusion

I find myself looking for excuses to use the Go Forth Goods Gunnar Leather Duffle whenever I can. Each time I do it serves me well. It’s made well, fun to use, hits a sweet spot for carry capacity, and fantastic to look at (and be seen with!). The price may seem high for those used to more common polyester duffles, but is actually quite reasonable for the caliber of leather and assembly. If you’re gawking at the photos of this bag as much as I was, I suspect you won’t regret springing for the Gunnar. It’s a guaranteed Buy It For Life product that I highly recommend.

If you want to have a chance at winning this awesome bag for free you can enter the giveaway below:

[RF_CONTEST contest=’5917′]

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Mohinders City Slippers Solid Review – $165

I’m no stranger to the awesomeness that is Mohinders. I reviewed their classic City Slippers 2 years ago and aside from my belt, they were probably my most used leather piece. The slip on and go functionality quickly won me over. When I moved this year to the east coast and forgot to pack them, you can imagine my dismay. However, they’re back with the Mohinders City Slipper in Solid, and I’m excited to give them a go.

Construction

The City Slippers are constructed from water buffalo leather. Locally sourced botanical tanning agents free of chemicals are used in treating the leather.  The cavani style of weaving brings the upper and natural crepe sole together. The Mohinders branding can be found on the inside heel. The footbed is firmly padded. The slippers are made by hand in India by a group of skilled artisans. Seriously, go on the Mohinders website and check out the bios of the men behind the shoes. 

The Cavani weave replaces typical stitching and is a lot more durable than thread.

Function

Let me state one thing right away, the City Slippers are stiff out of the box.  I could barely get my foot in.  This wasn’t my first Mohinder rodeo though, I knew I had to work at them a little. After about 2 weeks of somewhat uncomfortable wear I was rewarded with a very good fit that stretched to the exact dimensions of my foot. This may be a turnoff for some, but it’s worth the effort.

I’m not a traditional sandals guy and I loathe flip flops so the City Slippers offer a great compromise. They stay on your feet well and offer above average comfort from a leather slipper.  They’re great for warm weather outings and the slip on/slip off functionality will win you over in no time.  Great for the beach as the solid leather covers your foot and keeps small rocks and other debris out. This model lacks the breathability of it’s woven brother but I prefer this closed toe design.

Perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons.

Aesthetic

These are good looking slippers. I almost dislike referring to them as slippers, lest images of bunny shoes and Isotoners come to mind. The clean, uncluttered design makes these babies instant classics. I’ll admit, the original Mohinders took some getting used to stylistically for me. I liked these right out of the box. Paired with seersucker 7” inseam shorts, Oxford with rolled up sleeves and you’re doing damage! They’re stylish which too in a way can limit them. I definitely wouldn’t wear them with gym shorts or cargos, but this is America and you can if you want. The leather will darken and take on a more golden hue as they wear in, I really like this and enjoy the character they develop as I use them.

Conclusion

If you can get past the pricing, I think the Mohinders City Slippers are a great summer footwear option. They break the tired mold of flip flops and offer a more versatile wearing experience. The company’s efforts in making this an ethically sourced product are admirable as well.

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Brookes & Hyde Brown Ale Dress Belt Review – $160

We’ve enjoyed reviewing a good handful of belts recently, but this is our first dress belt of the year. In fact, it’s somewhat rare for quality leather product companies to make them! Which makes our look at the Brookes & Hyde Brown Ale Dress Belt all the more exciting. This belt is well made and looks fantastic with a suit.

About Brookes & Hyde

It’s been my pleasure to get to know Connor Sambrookes, owner and founder of Brookes & Hyde, over the last year or so. Connor started Brookes & Hyde as a senior thesis project. Hoping to design shoes, he began work for a company designing products for some of the biggest names out there. It was at this job the opportunity to apprentice under a highly experienced leather craftsman came about, leading to creating his own products and founding the company. Brookes & Hyde has grown quite a bit since we began working with them. The company continues as a one man show out of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Leather & Construction

Brookes & Hyde’s Dress Belt is made with Horween leather, Essex on the outer and filled with Snuffed Suede. Essex leather uses the same tanning extracts as the famous Horween Shell Cordovan, and is perfect for a dress belt. It’s strong, has a great feel to it, and will age beautifully.

The buckle is nickel plated cast zinc and looks fantastic. While a buckle attached with rivets or chicago screws would be stronger, I think stitching works better for this belt. Firstly, stitching fits much better aesthetically for a dress belt. In addition, a dress belt likely won’t take too much abuse, and this quality stitching will hold up well.

Stitching is done by machine with bonded nylon thread, and follows the entire edge of the belt to hold in fill and reduce stretch. It’s very uniform and strong. Impressively, all edges of the belt are burnished and painted–even the buckle pin holes! This is a level of attention to detail we don’t see too often.

Overall construction is immaculate. Some aspects are done with class in mind rather than pure strength, but that fits the bill for a dress belt.

Function

I’ve said it before and will say it again: a belt is functionally very simple. This belt, like many others before it, holds up your pants. Brookes & Hyde’s Dress Belt is made very well, and is a pleasure to use. The careful burnishing and painting of the edges and overall uniform construction make it easy to slip this belt through your belt loops and tighten.

My belt size has the bad habit of being right between standard sizes, but this does give me the opportunity to note if it’s best to size up or down with belts. I ended up getting a belt a size down. This worked out, as the belt felt a bit small at first, but a little use proved to stretch the size just a tad to make it just right. Brookes & Hyde will help you find the right size for you.

Aesthetic

It’s critical for a dress belt to look great, and Brookes & Hyde doesn’t disappoint! The Horween Essex has a beautiful color and grain. The nickel plated buckle has a chrome-shine finish. The clean stitching and painted edges bring the materials together in a classy, high-fashion way.

I typically pair my Brown Ale colored belt with a grey suit, matched with my shoes. I think it would go equally well with a navy suit. This belt is a real stunner and will shine amongst all the standard belts most men pair with their suits.

Conclusion

The Brookes & Hyde Brown Ale Dress Belt strikes a great balance of sturdy construction while not forgetting the importance of a classy, great looking dress belt. The materials are high quality and carefully put together. Attention to detail enhances the formality of the look and makes the belt a pleasure to use. This isn’t a cheap belt, but you’re not likely to see this level of attention to detail at a much cheaper price point. I highly recommend this belt for anyone hoping to enhance their dress look with a belt made of high-end leathers.

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Arrow & Board Simple Apple Watch Band Review – $149

I love watch straps, I love shell cordovan, and I love unique products. The Arrow & Board Simple Apple Watch Band in Shell Cordovan Reverse offers all three. This strap showcases the unique green underside of black shell cordovan, is lightweight and comfortable, and features top notch materials and construction.

About Arrow & Board

Arrow & Board is a family owned and operated company out of Austin, Texas. Zackary and Jackie Brown began the company inspired by a love of heirloom-quality watches and tech accessories. They actually began the company with Apple Watch straps, and have grown to include other tech accessories, classic leather products, and home decor. Their company aims to break the modern mold of disposable products by offering timeless pieces of their own.

Leather and Construction

The Simple Apple Watch Band is made with Horween shell cordovan leather. If you don’t know much about the granddaddy of leathers, make sure to check out our page about it. Here’s the brief version: it’s incredibly strong and looks amazing! One of the big advantages of using shell on a watch strap is that it can be quite thin but still be stronger than most straps at twice the thickness. This means it’s very lightweight, which I appreciate.

The hardware used is also a bit more lean than other similar watches I’ve used. It’s stainless steel and brass, so there won’t be any durability issues, but it does save a few grams.

Construction is well done. Cutting is done by laser for precision. Stitching is done by hand with polyester and is very uniform. Burnishing makes the sleek shell even more classy.

Function

Like many products we review, a watch strap is a relatively simple product. So we have to look at some of the subtle aspects that make the use experiences better or worse. Long story short, it nicely holds your watch to your wrist!

The lightweight construction makes this strap more lean, less noticeable, and therefore more comfortable. The strength of the shell cordovan means minimal stretching. The shell is fairly thin and nicely burnished on the edges. These attributes combine to make the strap more easy to use than thicker cow leather straps I’ve used. It’s easier to thread through the keepers as you pull it on and off.

Speaking of the keeper straps, they’re leather on this Arrow & Board strap! I’m a fan of this, as it means less things to push into your skin if you’re using the strap while typing at a desk in comparison to metal keepers. I wish the sliding keeper was a bit smaller, though. I wear my watch straps a bit loose and this keeper tends to float around a lot.

The quality construction and shell cordovan leather work together to enhance the experience of using this strap.

Aesthetic

If I’m honest, I don’t know why Horween’s black shell cordovan is green on the underside. I’ve inquired Horween about it, and will hopefully have an answer soon (perhaps in time for our upcoming review of Arrow & Board’s minimal wallet in the same color!). However, I do know that it looks awesome!

If you want to see the classic shell cordovan sheen, you’ll have to look at the inside of this strap. The green reverse side is much more matte, with a gentle texture to it. It’s muted enough to not have an overly loud appearance, but being green, still has a unique look that can catch attention.

I feel that the appearance of this strap is very well balanced. It’s subtle, yet stands out. As a result, I’ve used this as an all-occasions strap. I’m just as content using it to go outdoors as I am to wear it with the right suit.

Conclusion

The Arrow & Board Simple Apple Watch Band in Shell Cordovan Reverse is a fantastic high-end watch strap. I love the unique green look of the reversed shell that helps it both stand out and fit in. Shell cordovan allows the strap to be both strong and impressively lightweight. It’s comfortable to wear and easy to use.

The price may seem high for a watch strap, but some research into shell cordovan will show it’s roughly in line with the market. This particular strap features a few small enhancements, such as hand stitching and burnishing, that further enhance the value.

I highly recommend this strap to make using your Apple Watch an even more enjoyable experience.

Shell on shell
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Meqnes Handmade Moroccan Leather Weekend Bag Review — $795

The French word for leatherwork is maroquinerie. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice the root word Moroccan embedded in it. In fact, you might transliterate the word as “Moroccan artistry.”

“If the French guys give you a name, you know it’s a serious business.” That’s what Kamal Jahid said when I spoke with him over the phone about his upcoming Handmade Moroccan Leather Weekend Bag by Meqnes.

“Tourism is changing Morocco,” he said. In their rush to see site after site, tourists readily pay the same price for lower quality. That makes high quality no longer worth it. A people that were once famous for their leatherwork now create cheap products for undiscerning masses. And the craftsmen are not teaching their children either, so the art is dying.

That’s why Kamal and his co-founder David Liebers created Meqnes. They went directly to these marketplace artisans to talk in person. “They are generous and authentic–real people who sit down with you and ask about your family.” Together they made a deal: Meqnes would get a pledge from Kickstarter backers, and the artisans would then fulfill the order. Not having to stock these products lowers the risks for the artisans.

And it ensures that the world will get to see real maroquinerie once again.

Construction

Meqnes will make these bags from a thick calfskin leather sourced from Poland. It’s full-grain, vegetable tanned leather. When you knead it between your fingers, it’s especially thick and full—feels hardy, like it’ll last forever. I mean it—just touching it is a huge selling point.

As you may have guessed, I am using one of just three prototypes of the bag. But it isn’t the final version to be produced with the Kickstarter funds. So while the leather is top notch, the prototype’s metals aren’t. This is because, as David, explained, “It was difficult to get them in small quantities, so the zippers and buckles will be a lot higher quality in the final version, made with solid brass from a designer Italian company.”

Functionality

The dual handles are firm and comfortable. The shoulder strap is made from a single thickness of leather, which, again, is sturdy stuff. The strap is also removable if you’d like to minimize. At roughly 12”x12”x24”, the bag fits IATA (International Air) standards, so it’s an excellent carry-on companion.

When you zip the bag closed, the flap where the zipper ends hangs disconnected unless you also affix it to its clasp. This adds an extra step, which is a bit of a hassle if you’re frequently opening and closing the bag. The same goes for the buckle that crosses over the zipper and fastens in the center. And the pockets on the front are real buckles, which look amazing, but aren’t designed for quick access. These are each cool looking features (I love how they look), but they’re a slight drain on the user experience–giving up functionality in exchange for the aesthetic.

If you’ve watched the Meqnes Kickstarter video, you’ve heard Kamal talking about the bag’s structure. This really is a stand-out feature. By contrast, I was trying to find a tube of lip balm in the bottom of a different bag, and I could never quite tell whether I had searched the whole thing, because I could only see into the part I was holding open–it was frustrating. Not so with the Meqnes weekender. You just pull open the top, and you can see all four corners of the interior. Nothing gets lost because the sides don’t collapse. This made me smile. What’s more, the velvet red interior reflects light and makes it easy to spot even small items inside. (And it really is quite bright–I even undersaturated the color in a few shots to recover some of the blown-out reds.)

The interior has one large pocket across the back wall. Big enough for a laptop, and perfect for tucking in your shaving kit and other small items. And I like the simplicity.

Aesthetic

I asked Kamal about how fashion changes people’s perceptions, and he said, “You have no idea how many deals I’ve closed in airports.” So his advice? “You gotta be proud, man. Get a suit and go out there and change the world.”

Kamal designed this bag to match that philosophy. It’s a bag that makes a statement.

I have the Bullet Black version, which has a rich and deep hue, and which shows the distinct patterns of wrinkles across the leather surface. The seams show the stitching, a white thread. And each stitch has its own unique but subtle length and angle–proof that it’s handmade. The felt interior shows through at the seams, splashing a nice accent color that you mostly only notice up close. Overall, it has an exotic feel, a tone reminiscent of the streets of Rabat or Marrakesh.

I rushed this bag’s review process because I wanted to tell you about it before the Kickstarter ended. That means I haven’t yet carried it around in a crowded public space, but I don’t doubt Kamal’s claims that it will turn heads. It really is a sharp looking piece of leatherwork.

The central evidence, though, is in the photos. You be the judge.

Conclusion

I like this bag. I like its backstory too.

If you want a fashionable accoutrement, one made of heavy leather and with an exotic air, I recommend the Handmade Moroccan Leather Weekend Bag by Meqnes.

Personally, I love it.

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[ENDED] Levart Leather Wallet and Field Note Cover Giveaway

Best Leather has another really cool giveaway for you all this week! Levart Leather has been kind enough to be giving away a handful of their leather goods to 3 lucky winners. 1st place is going to recveive their 5 card wallet (review here), small snap wallet and their field note cover. 2nd and 3rd place will both win one of their 5 card wallets. Keep reading below to learn more about the giveaway and how you can get a chance to win!

You can read our full review on this wallet here, but you can get the gist of it by reading an excerpt below:

The wallet is made out of beautiful English Bridle vegetable tanned leather that is sourced from Wickett & Craig. Right away you can tell the quality of this wallet is top notch and the hand made craftsmanship add to this. I have been using this as my everyday wallet for the past few weeks and it has held up perfectly.

By design, it is a minimal and simple wallet with one card slot on the front of the wallet and 4 slots on the inside. Having only 5 card slots was new to me as I have been used to my big and bulky bifold wallet, however, I found out that I only really use 2-3 of my cards on a daily basis so this wallet was ideal. I found myself usually carrying 4 cards and then using the last open card slot as a way to carry cash.

Giveaway Details

The giveaway will run from now until midnight on June 15th. Once the giveaway ends we will announce the 4 winners and then get in contact with each one of them. The winners will have their items shipped to them within 1-2 weeks following the end of the giveaway. There are a handful of ways to enter the giveaway and you can do each one of them to insure the best chance at winning. The more entries you have in the giveaway the better chance you have at winning.

There will be 4 total winners:

1st Place: Oak & Honey Leather Bifold Wallet

2nd – 4th Place: Oak & Honey Leather Cardholder (see images of the cardholders below)

Enter the Giveaway Below:
[RF_CONTEST contest=’5632′]

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Levart Leather 5 Card Leather Wallet Review – $54

I’ve been using the same bifold wallet for the past 6+ years and it has gotten to a point where it is unusable. There are things falling apart and it is pretty much useless. So when I say it was time for a new wallet, I truly mean it. Lucky for me, Levart Leather Goods was interested in having one of their wallets reviewed and after using their 5 Card Leather Wallet for the past few weeks I am never going back to my original wallet again.

Let’s take a closer look at this Levart wallet.

Construction

The wallet is made out of beautiful English Bridle vegetable tanned leather that is sourced from Wickett & Craig. Right away you can tell the quality of this wallet is top notch and the hand made craftsmanship add to this. I have been using this as my everyday wallet for the past few weeks and it has held up perfectly.

By design, it is a minimal and simple wallet with one card slot on the front of the wallet and 4 slots on the inside. Having only 5 card slots was new to me as I have been used to my big and bulky bifold wallet, however, I found out that I only really use 2-3 of my cards on a daily basis so this wallet was ideal. I found myself usually carrying 4 cards and then using the last open card slot as a way to carry cash.

Function

As mentioned, this is a minimalist wallet and it plays that role well. If you are looking for a wallet that will hold 10 cards, a wad a cash, pictures and all of your receipts then this is not going to be the wallet for you. However, if you are like me and carry only a handful of cards and some cash then this will work out great for you.

The card slots themselves took a few days of use before they were broken it, but after that initial period it become much easier to quickly access the cards.

The wallet is slim enough to be carried in your front pocket if you wish, although I carried it in my back pocket the majority of the time. Overall, the functionality of this wallet was ideal after the initial breaking in period, which is to be expected.

Aesthetic

Every time I pulled this wallet out, whether at a restaurant, bar or a baseball game, I seemed to catch a compliment from someone I was with. Granted, most of my friends are not leather lovers like myself so when they see a high quality wallet it catches their eye.

I have the black wallet with the brown tiger thread, but on Levart’s website you can choose from 3 different leather colors (burgundy, chestnut and tan) and 8 different thread colors. You even have the option to add your initials for an extra 6 bucks.

Conclusion

All in all, I was impressed with Levart’s 5 Card Wallet and it has completely replaced my old bifold wallet as my everyday carry. If you are looking for a high quality minimal wallet that is both functionally and aesthetically pleasing than you can;t go wrong here.

Matter of fact, we are currently running a giveaway in partnership with Levart where you have a chance to win one of these wallets as well as some other leather goods from them. If you are interested, see the form below.

[RF_CONTEST contest=’5632′]

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Pad & Quill Large Leather Backpack Review – $289

For the last five years I have been on the hunt for the perfect backpack for travel, adventure, and something that would hold up over time that I could hand down to my children and perhaps even my grandchildren. You know one of those bags that when you see it, it looks like its been through years of adventures and travel and has all the character. When I fist laid my eyes on the waxed canvas and leather backpack from Pad & Quill I was just about breathless as my vision for this bag finally found me.

About Pad & Quill

Kari and Brian, founders of Pad & Quill, are out to make their mark on the world of eCommerce. Instead of outsourcing their products to the lowest bidder, they have a strict code that they want all of their products to adhere to, which you can read about here. They have a 25-year warranty on their bags, showing their commitment to longevity. From their website:

“We think there are folks out there who have the same sense of awe as we do when they behold a beautiful thing. Who marvel at how a handful of seeds can become a majestic stand of Baltic Birch, that are then transformed, in artisan hands, into a gorgeous, organic product. There are friends who share our sense of adventure and love to have a bag they pull from their closet with 15 years of travel written upon it, and miles to go. Pad and Quill products will never resemble a trinket pulled from a fast food bag.”

This backpack is an absolute beautiful piece of design and construction. The inspiration for this bag came from a cafe racer motorcycle in which vintage materials mixed with a modern design. Whether on a bike, hike or just and adventure, this backpack is just a real eye catcher.  Read more here.

Construction

The backpack is made out of a robust 24 ounce waxed canvas, full-grain American bridal leather, parachute grade nylon stitching, and nickel hardware. The bag measures 15 inches wide by 16.5 inches in length and 5.5 inches deep. The front pocket is about 9.5 inches across by 7 inches high and secures with a nickel eye. The exterior has 2 side pockets. On the interior there is a back slot with a leather strap closure for a laptop or portfolio. I have a 15-inch Macbook Pro and it fit in the pocket with no problem at all. On the front of that pocket is a large pocket suitable for an Ipad or other items, a smaller pocket and 2 pen slots. Empty, the bag weighs a little shy of 4 pounds. The bag closes with a nylon drawstring and the leather top secures with two buckles. The shoulder straps are lightly padded and adjustable with nickel buckles.

Function

This is a good size bag that can both serve as an every day carry commuter bag, a hiking companion as well as a weekender. I had no problem packing enough clothes for a two night trip recently with plenty of room to spare. The backpack is very comfortable as I have already taken it on 2 long hikes.

At first I was concerned that the bag was going to look too square but was happy of how it was able to fit rolled up clothes and books with ease.

Although the interior is basic without all the zippers and multiple pockets, It has the essentials,- a roomy padded laptop pocket and a few pockets to organize you smaller gear. The side pockets and front pockets are also great for the easy to access items like water bottles, sunglasses, passports and often in my case, doggy treats!

Aesthetic

Being a tall guy (6’1) I always loath when backpacks don’t fit my frame well and look too ‘dinky’ and I was very impressed with the look and feel of this bag, At first I even thought it was going to be too big. But after the first few outings and trips, I was rest assured that this was the perfect fit without being awkwardly bulky but also having a rugged and hefty character.

I love that the bag has just the basic pockets, and really lends to a rustic and minimal feel.

I always try to find a less desirable feature or function to a bag but in this case I could not find one. I just love every detail and am thoroughly impressed with the durability of materials and parts.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a stylish, rugged, and beautiful bag that fits a lot without the awkward bulges or uneven weight distribution, I can’t speak any more highly of this bag. The price is right!! Check it out -here-.