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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-.

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Brullen Drago1 Full Grain Leather Belt Review – $80

We love belts here at BestLeather, and we’ve had the opportunity to review some fantastic ones lately. Too many people settle for mediocre belts, despite the fairly reasonable price to upgrade to one you’ll enjoy for life. Brullen’s Drago1 Full Grain Leather Belt is soft, sturdy, stylish, and a great entry into this category.

About Brullen

Brullen was founded in 2014. Founder Alex Harrera was driven by a frustration with low quality products found amongst designer brands. Inspired in that direction, there’s definitely some effort put into the fashion of their products. Brullen’s items have even been featured in GQ magazine!

Brullen is focused on making quality products, “like they used to,” at great prices. ‘Brullen’ means scream or roar. Their Lions Head logo represents the company’s values (and looks really cool doing it).

Optional premium packaging shown here

Construction

This belt is made with 10oz full grain leather that appears to be vegetable tanned. It’s impressively soft compared to similar belts. Edges are stitched all around, which not only enhances the look, but also inhibits stretch.

The buckle is solid brass, and is held in place with a couple lines of stitching. This isn’t as strong as some metal hardware would be, but is still very strong and shouldn’t give out with normal use. The buckle itself is very strong.

Edges are all painted a contrasting black color on the tan belt I have.

Function

We say this in just about every belt review, but a belt is a simple product. Long story short, it holds up your pants, and the Drago1 is no exception. Sometimes a well made belt can be a better experience to use than others, though.

The soft leather feels great in your hands and makes the belt easy to manipulate. One thing I always look for in a belt is how smoothly it moves through your belt loops and the buckle, and the Drago1 glides easily. I really like the solid brass buckle, you can feel how strong it is. The leather keeper is unusually tight, but I felt this was probably good to support the soft leather.

A 1.5″ belt may not fit through too many belt loops on formal pants, though it could fit in aesthetically.

I have the misfortune of having a belt size that is almost inevitably right between standard sizes. My loss is your gain, however, as this usually gives me an idea of whether or not it’s best to favor sizing up or down if you’re between sizes like me. For the Drago1, I’d suggest sizing down. Of course Brullen will be happy to help out in making the right choice.

Aesthetic

As you might imagine of a product from a company inspired by designer brands and featured in GQ magazine, the Drago1 isn’t pure function. This is a great looking belt!

I was torn on a couple of the color offerings Brullen has, but ultimately the tan just stood out. The white stitching is complementary to the tan leather, but the black edging is contrasting. I love the look of the silver Lions Head logo. These look killer with a pair of jeans.

While the Drago1 isn’t the most flashy belt we’ve reviewed, it isn’t the most conservative either. You’ll have to decide if the look is for you, but Brullen informs me they’re working on some new designs with less adornment if you’re not sure about this one. I personally feel it stands out just the right amount, and love the look of the Drago1.

Conclusion

The Brullen Drago1 Full Grain Leather Belt is an excellent option if you’re looking to upgrade your belt. It’s made with quality leather and is well assembled. The look is great and will turn some heads. On top of all that, the price is great for a belt of its caliber. This is well worth the slight added cost over far inferior options on a lot of department store shelves. I recommend the Drago1 as a stylish upgrade to your wardrobe.

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[ENDED] Giveaway: Oak & Honey Deluxe Bifold and Cardholders (4 Winners!)

We are back with our second giveaway in as many weeks! This time around we are partnering up with Oak & Honey to giveaway awesome leather goods to 4 lucky winners. The 1st place winner will get one of their bifold wallets and then the three runner up winners will each get one of their leather cardholders.

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

On its surface, the wallet appears to follow the traditional bifold setup. What’s different is the full grain leather in Dark Brown Bridle, which feels amazing. The edges are also nicely burnished and painted, with a slight shine to them.

This was a first for a bridle leather wallet for me and I am impressed. A few of my bags have bridle leather straps so I trust this wallet to hold up just as those do. At $84 I believe that’s an extremely competitive price for a quality bifold and would be worth the money and longevity of the piece.

Giveaway Details

The giveaway will run from now until midnight on May 26th. 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=’5398′]

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Oak & Honey Bifold Wallet Review – $84

If I ever come into a ridiculously large sum of money, one of my things to do on a list would be to hand out upgraded wallets to strangers. Sure, there are other humanitarian efforts I’d make, but that’s a later conversation. I was reminded of the common practice of buying cheap department store wallets the other day in the checkout line at a local grocer.

An older man took out a wallet that was reminiscent of the exploding wallet, definitely having got out of hand. I’m clear and convinced that there is a style of wallet out their for everyone, whether they carry a lot of things or very few things in it. One of those wallets is the Deluxe Bifold Wallet by Oak & Honey Leather Goods. I got the chance to talk with the shop owner, Steven Gircys, and utilize this piece for today’s review.

About Oak & Honey

Oak & Honey was started as a part-time project by Steven Gircys. In January, he was able to depart his previous career in the film industry and run the Toronto-based Oak & Honey shop full-time from his home. Part of his inspiration comes from a bug I feel many makers get – seeing too many flimsy cheap quality belts and wallets flooding the market. I’m a firm believer that when makers resist capitalist mindsets and profit-driven production, they aim toward making goods that will last.  In addition to wallets, Steven has answered made-to-order requests, with varieties ranging from portfolios, motorcycle bags, all the way to full on briefcases.

Different leather options are available via the website. Photo by Steven Gircys.

Construction

On its surface, the wallet appears to follow the traditional bifold setup. What’s different is the full grain leather in Dark Brown Bridle, which feels amazing. The edges are also nicely burnished and painted, with a slight shine to them. My only regret posting this review is that I have not worn it in enough to make the exterior shine, much like wallets get when developing a unique patina. Being all bridle leather, it starts out pretty stiff, but there are options for a chromexcel exterior with just the interior being made in bridle.

The interior of the wallet is also set up traditionally, with a cash slot and card slots on either side. Hidden pockets are located underneath the card slots to hold cards you don’t normally reach for or wish to have out of the way. The thickness of the wallet is pretty standard for bi-folds, and dependent on the number of cards and cash that are stored.

With extended use the wallet thickness will mold to be slightly slimmer than shown here.

Function

As with any new wallet, the card slots took a minute to break in. Though at this point the wallet isn’t fully broken in, the ease of access for cards has improved. Being a bi-fold, there is a little too much bulk to carry in the front pocket, but it fits nicely into back pockets or shoulder bags. The wallet isn’t meant to be minimalist, so I’d recommend it to those that do carry a few cards or hold on to receipts and cash.

The hidden pockets are perfect for storing guitar picks without printing.

Aesthetics

The simple but detailed finishing of this wallet is what makes me reach for it among other bi-folds. The pressed logo does not detract from the overall design, and overall the piece is finished very well. The color is a deep brown, one of which I’d like to match with a belt and shoes.I have not discovered any errors in the stitching, and it is grooved into the leather slightly as to avoid premature abrasions from rubbing. Though my wallet was all one color, I have to say the two-tone variations Steven has definitely catch my attention.

Simple pressed logo on the front of the wallet. Also note, the nicely hand-stitched details.

Conclusion

Literally all of my wallets I’ve purchased or owned beforehand have either been chromexcel or raw vegetable tanned leather. This was a first for a bridle leather wallet for me and I am impressed. A few of my bags have bridle leather straps so I trust this wallet to hold up just as those do. At $84 I believe that’s an extremely competitive price for a quality bifold and would be worth the money and longevity of the piece.

As the site is Canadian based, make sure to click the currency logos to change to US dollars in the top right corner on the web pages.  The option to have a two-toned wallet with a chromexcel exterior and bridle interior is definitely something I’d recommend any bifold wallet user pursue. In fact, we are hosting a giveaway of one of the Oak & Honey wallets you can check out below.

[RF_CONTEST contest=’5398′]

Another photo by Steven Gircys showcasing the two-tone option.
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Buffalo Jackson Denver Laptop Messenger Bag Review – $299.95

It’s almost a symbolic rite of passage, the messenger. As a boy you’ve got your trusty backpack, filled with indispensable necessities like peanut butter sandwiches, Hot Wheels and maybe some homework. As a man, you might have passed that pack down and taken up a new method for carrying the tools that you need in life, and for many guys that is the quintessential messenger. Buffalo Jackson’s Denver Laptop Messenger Bag is one such example, and we’ll take a look to see if it merits such a respected position in your life.

Construction

The leather used is semi vegetable tanned, top grain cow leather. This gives it a smooth finish with a nice pull up. The bag is manufactured in Mexico. The leather is definitely on the thick side, so you will have to work at it before it rewards you with pliability. I would have liked to have seen double stitched rows along some of the leather panels, especially the bottom.

The hardware is really top notch and meets my Triple B Criteria: Big, Beefy and Brass.

Antique brass hardware is used throughout including the shoulder strap D rings and handle strap. A turn lock closure secures the main flap over the interior compartments and the back side features a zippered slotted pocket. The interior lining is soft suede which is a forgiving surface for delicate electronics. The dimensions are 16″ L x 11″ H x 4″ W and the bag weighs in at just under 5 lbs.

Function

The Denver has no problem executing its purpose in carrying your laptop. The thick leather in conjunction with the padded interior shields your laptop  from bumps and drops. Light rain is no issue and the flap closure of the bag means quick and efficient retrieval. Probably my favorite aspect is that the bag is self standing and with the orientation of the pockets, sitting down and bending to get items is a breeze. As the bag continues to break in, it might not stand as well but then you’re rewarded with a more comfortable carry as it will be less rigid.   Adjustable shoulder strap provides a great fit and the metal D rings that attach the straps are ideal for attaching carabiner key chains. With a laptop in the bag I was still able to fit in a bag lunch, light sweater and water. The Denver definitely functions as well as any messenger.

Aesthetic

This is a good looking bag, no doubt.  It has that effortless Paul Newman vibe of exuding cool without trying. Some bags seem to yell, “Look at me, I’m from an overpriced designer!” Whereas the Denver is appreciated in a more subtle manner. The bag for me at least, teeters on the edge of casual business. I see it as a great looking option for students or those who need a carry option that can transition from the field to the office. The brass trimmings are what really do it for me, they give the bag a rustic, rugged vibe. The leather is very prone to scuffs which in and of itself is not really a bad thing as it adds character over time.

Turn lock clasps are infinitely superior to magnetic closures. You sacrifice half a second in opening them but the security more than makes up for it.

Conclusion

Buffalo Jackson’s Denver Messenger is a solid bag, inside and out. The materials are durable and the craftsmanship shines. The 299.99 price point is about ballpark for bags in this quality range. I particularly like the rugged aspects of the bag and the adventure vibe I get from it. If you’re the type that likes to buy the best and only cry once, I’d tell you to consider the Denver.

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District Leather Metro Review – $225

Shell cordovan is often considered the granddaddy of leathers. It’s tough as can be, and holds a shine better than many can believe. How about a wallet that’s not only made with shell, but made of a rare, Horween marbled color #4 shell? District Leather’s Metro wallet is just that.

About District Leather

It’s been my pleasure to get to know Bill of District Leather over the last few months as we’ve discussed his review and many things leather. A software engineer recently turned full time leather artisan, Bill has a passion for leather. He goes out of his way to secure some of the best and rarest leathers out there for his products, and this passion extends into his construction and design. If the Metro is any indication, I could see District Leather becoming a well-revered name in the leather world.

Construction & Leather

As mentioned, the Metro is constructed with Horween’s shell cordovan leather. It might be said that quality, full grain leather can last a lifetime, but that shell cordovan can last multiple lifetimes. The underside is a very tight suede texture, soft and great to feel, and on the top is that incomparable smooth shine only shell can provide.

Stitching is done by hand, using linen thread, and is expertly uniform. Edge burnishing is gorgeous. District Leather puts a lot of love into these edges, and it shows. They are stunningly smooth. The feel and look is fantastic, some of the best I’ve ever seen.

The construction of this wallet is impeccable from any angle.

Function

In addition to being well crafted of superb materials, the Metro also presents a totally unique take on a minimal billfold wallet. On the left side you’ve got a vertical card pocket with an extra slot cut into it for one quick-access card. On the right, a very unique open card storage area. It’s hard to describe, so I’ll refer to the photos, but this is a fun take on card storage with several ways to use it. I eventually favored having my most frequently used card resting in the bottom slot of this area. I was worried it would fall out of my wallet easily, but never had any problems, and it was super quick to grab and put back.

The Metro is designed to hold 4-6 cards, but District Leather advertises it can hold up to 12, plus some folded cash or receipts. I never pushed my Metro this hard, keeping my card count around six. This is shell cordovan we’re talking about, so anything more than just a few cards will take some wear in, especially if you’re pushing the limits.

Kindly disregard my cheap fast food tastes.

This is a very unique design, and it will likely take some getting used to. It’s very cleverly made to keep the Metro thin and still capable of holding quite a few cards. At first I found the design unfamiliar, but eventually I came to like it quite a bit. I appreciated being able to arrange cards in various ways and experiment with what worked best for me.

Aesthetic

Wow. I’m relatively confident I heard some singing in the background when I first set my eyes on the Metro. This wallet is gorgeous. The streamlined design and buttery smooth edge burnishing would make it look good regardless of material, but the marbled color #4 shell cordovan makes it downright sexy. It makes me smile every time I pull it out of my pocket. I’m confident my pictures here can’t do this beautiful wallet justice, but I hope they can give an idea.

Conclusion

Shell cordovan is the king of leathers, and District Leather’s Metro does it superb justice. The gorgeous color #4 shell is complimented by excellent construction, burnishing, and a fresh clever design. Low cost isn’t one of shell cordovan’s virtues, but the Metro is priced competitively for its class–worth every penny. I can’t recommend this wallet enough. It’s a Buy It For Life product that you’re going to love.

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(ENDED) Giveaway – Lombardi Leather Belt and Key Fob ($416 Value)

We are excited to announce a new giveaway we are running in partnership with Lombardi Leather where they will be giving away a their signature buckleless belt as well as some leather key fobs. Their belt is one of the coolest and most unique designs we have ever seen and you definitely want to have a chance at winning it. Keep reading below to learn more about the items being given away and how you can win them.

As mentioned above, this belt is really, really cool. Below is a snippet from our review:

The Lombardi belt is made with thick (probably around 8oz) vegetable-tanned full grain leather and thick stitching. Cutting and stitching is done by hand. The saddle stitch follows the entire edge of the belt, enhancing the look but also minimizing stretch in the belt over time. Construction is overall top notch, and only shows minimal variance that would be expected with a handmade product. The leather and thread is going to see a lot of wear and tear because of the design of this belt, but the materials are high caliber and should last for many years.

This is another area where the Lombardi buckleless belt differs itself quite a bit from the pack. I’m a big fan of how this belt looks. The twisted loop catches a lot of eyes. The stitching accents the folds and turns well so you can see easily how the closure works. I had some friends see the belt on my counter and doubt that it would look good, only to change their tune once I actually put it on and twisted the loop. This particular color, Brits Brown, is one of Lombardi’s best sellers, and for good reason. It’s good a deep red-brown hue that looks fantastic and fits in in nearly any situation.

See the full review of Lombardi Leather’s belt here.

Giveaway Details

The giveaway will run from now until midnight on May 16th. Once the giveaway ends we will announce the 3 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 3 total winners:

1st Place: Lombardi Buckleless Leather Belt + Key Fob

2nd Place: Lombardi Buckleless Leather Belt

3rd Place: Key Fob

Enter the Giveaway Below:

[RF_CONTEST contest=’5266′]

 

 

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Lombardi Buckleless Leather Belt First Impressions – $149

A belt is overall a very simple product. It’s rare to see a lot of variance in how they work. Today we’re happy to introduce an exception to this standard. The Lombardi buckleless leather belt uses a special twisted loop of leather to hold the belt in place instead of the classic buckle. This belt is sure to stand out from the crowd while maintaining both quality and function.

About Lombardi

Francis Lombardi originally made one of his signature belts for himself. After enough questions and compliments had accrued, he decided to start making them for other people, and in 2012, Lombardi was formed. Lombardi prides itself on handcrafting all of their goods to be both stylish and of the highest caliber.

Construction & Leather

The Lombardi belt is made with thick (probably around 8oz) vegetable-tanned full grain leather and thick stitching. Cutting and stitching is done by hand. The saddle stitch follows the entire edge of the belt, enhancing the look but also minimizing stretch in the belt over time.

Construction is overall top notch, and only shows minimal variance that would be expected with a handmade product. The leather and thread is going to see a lot of wear and tear because of the design of this belt, but the materials are high caliber and should last for many years.

Function

This is where the Lombardi buckleless belt is really going to differ from most any other belt. I wasn’t sure what to expect before I actually was able to use it for myself. As you might expect, the twisted loop closure takes a bit of getting used to!

The method isn’t too complex. The thin end of the belt is passed through the two horizontal holes, turned down through the vertical ones, and then back over itself through the horizontal holes again, creating a tight loop. While this might sound strange, looking at the photos should help in understanding how this works, and instructions are included with the belt.

It was frankly a little frustrating at first. I had to develop a technique where I hold the belt in place while tying the loop to keep it from sliding. It was slow going, but I did get faster. I’m not sure this will ever be as quick as a standard pronged buckle, but it’s sort of like having buckles on a bag instead of a zipper or quick-release closures: it may take an extra moment or two, but there’s a reward for your extra effort. There’s no buckle, which is really nice in some situations, and the look is unmatched.

Most people that see this belt quickly ask if it really does hold tight like a buckled belt. Yes, it does. I’ve only been able to use this belt for a couple weeks, but so far I’ve had no issues at all. The twisted loop is very tight, and I don’t see this changing anytime soon.

Aesthetic

This is another area where the Lombardi buckleless belt differs itself quite a bit from the pack. I’m a big fan of how this belt looks. The twisted loop catches a lot of eyes. The stitching accents the folds and turns well so you can see easily how the closure works. I had some friends see the belt on my counter and doubt that it would look good, only to change their tune once I actually put it on and twisted the loop. This particular color, Brits Brown, is one of Lombardi’s best sellers, and for good reason. It’s good a deep red-brown hue that looks fantastic and fits in in nearly any situation.

Conclusion

The Lombardi buckleless leather belt is a stand-out belt both in look and function. The construction and materials are top notch, and should endure being looped around your waist for a good many years to come, looking better and better each time. It may take some getting used to, but if you’re looking for something unique to freshen up your belt loops, I recommend giving this belt your consideration.

Want a chance at winning this belt + other leather goods for free? Enter into the giveaway below!

[RF_CONTEST contest=’5266′]

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Minimum Squared Slim Wallet – €165

Typically we look to leather to provide us with very durable goods. To be honest, it can be rare to see a large amount of variation in the design of those products. That’s why the Minimum Squared Slim Wallet stands out quite a bit. It’s made with tried-and-true Chromexcel leather, but designed in a completely unique way. While remaining highly functional, the Slim Wallet is both beautiful and slim.

About Minimum Squared

Minimum Squared is the product of a couple, Adrian and Senala, 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 Slim Wallet, a slightly modified version of their flagship wallet. We will also be reviewing the rest of their new models in the upcoming months.

Construction & Leather

When I first received the Slim Wallet and was looking it over, I realized something incredible: this is all one piece of leather! The leather is cleverly cut, folded, and stitched into a slim and highly functional wallet.

The leather is Horween Chromexcel, which means pull-up and a soft yet sturdy feel. The Chromexcel is some of the thinnest I’ve seen used. This allows the wallet to be extremely minimal and remain very functional, though it may prevent it from holding up for a lifetime. Chromexcel is, however, extremely durable, and the Slim Wallet will certainly last for many years to come.

Thread is polyester and saddle stitched, so both material and method are of the highest quality.

The Slim Wallet is cleverly designed, uses fantastic materials, and is expertly assembled.

Function

The Slim Wallet is a pleasure to use. The amount it can hold and remain as slim as it does, complements of the thin Chromexcel and clever one-piece design, is truly incredible. Both cards and currency are easy to place and easy to remove.

The four card pockets can hold a total of 10 credit cards. Each of these pockets is designed just so to hold either two or three cards. Sometimes card pockets need some real break-in to make cards easy to access, but not so with the Slim Wallet. The smooth chromexcel and perfectly sized pockets make them slide in and out with ease from day one.

The cash pocket is uniquely designed in that one side isn’t stitched closed. This makes it easy to hold open the cash pocket, see all of your bills or receipts, and remove and replace them quickly. There is much less push and pull on the bills you don’t need to access.

The Slim Wallet remains very thin even with a full load of cash and cards. This is even more impressive considering the width and height–as Minimum Squared intended, it’s barely larger than the profile of the credit cards it’s meant to hold. This is the only folded wallet I’ve managed to forget was in my pocket. It also fits really well in the hands when you’re using it.

The only functional difference between the Slim Wallet and the Slim Wallet Elastic, as you might be able to guess, is the elastic. This means the Slim Wallet will need to be closed with the thin flap hidden behind the full-sized folds. In addition, the Slim Wallet is only offered in Chromexcel, where the Elastic is only offered in goat leather.

Aesthetic

The look of the Slim Wallet is simple and understated. It’s hard to go wrong with Horween’s color #8. It’s a gorgeous deep red, and the Slim Wallet shows it off well. The design itself is very aesthetic as well, particularly when you take a closer look and realize how clever it is. There aren’t any rough edges exposed, only smooth folds. Stitching is impressively uniform (and can be a variety of colors of your choosing). The Slim Wallet is beautiful in its functionality and simplicity, not from any excess or flashiness.

Conclusion

Minimum Squared’s Slim Wallet is a fantastic evolution of their award-winning Elastic. It’s one of the most clever designs I’ve ever seen. Yet this clever design is not at all just for the sake of being clever or for looks: the Slim Wallet is pure functionality. The surprising amount of cards and cash it can hold are always easy to access, and the slim form won’t take up almost any space in your pocket. All of this functionality doesn’t sacrifice the Slim Wallet’s simple and beautiful look. It’s certainly on the pricey side, but you’re getting what you pay for. I highly recommend this excellent wallet.

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Range Leather Co. Travellr XL Kickstarter – First Impressions

Range Leather Co. returns to the crowdfunding scene with a new, larger version of their Travellr dopp kit, and they’ve sent us one to give you our first impressions. This quality leather toiletry bag is made with thick Horween leather that looks fantastic and will do a great job holding and protecting all of your essentials. They also have an active Kickstarter campaign that will allow you to pick one of these up when you pledge at least $100. You can check out their Kickstarter page here.

About Range Leather Co.

We’ve had the pleasure of working with Range Leather Co. quite a bit here at BestLeather, from several reviews (including the original Travellr) to our exclusive three-part interview with founder Kyle Koster. In their workshop is in Laramie, Wyoming, they make products by hand that will “wear in, not out.” Check out the Range Leather Co. website to see their variety of everyday-carry and grooming leather products.

Construction & Leather

The Travellr XL is a very rugged dopp kit, made with thick, full grained Horween Buccaneer leather. There’s really no question that your items will be very well protected. Buccaneer is a pull-up leather. Not only does it have a slight color change effect when pulled, but this means that the waxes it has been stuffed with will help it resist water. Water splashed on the outside of this dopp will roll right off. It’s worth noting that no leather that hasn’t been sealed is completely waterproof. In addition, the underside of the leather (inside the dopp) will absorb water quickly.

I like that all the stitching on the ends of the Travellr XL is turned inward. This means those stitches are protected from any snags. The YKK zipper is very sturdy and reasonably smooth. The carrying strap is secured with copper rivets.

Should there be any issues with the construction at any point, Range Leather Co. offers a lifetime warranty to back up their products.

Function

Functionally, a dopp kit is ultimately a very simple product. As you might expect from the name, the new Travellr XL can hold a good amount of toiletries. I was able to fit an electric toothbrush, toothpaste, two deodorants, beard trimmer, retainer (wearing faithfully for 7 years now!), sore throat spray, glasses case, and contacts case. None of these products were travel size!

In addition to the spacious size, the Travellr XL features a carry strap on one side and a hanging ring on the other. One thing I wish was added is some form of organizational pocket, whether inside or outside of the bag.

Aesthetic

No doubt about it: this is a stunning dopp kit. The single-piece construction is nicely streamlined, and the pull up leather is simultaneously rugged and gorgeous. To some, a dopp may not be high on their priority list for items that must look good. I personally value being able to regularly use something that is not only functional, but beautiful. Makes life just that little bit better!

Conclusion

I haven’t been able to spend too much time with the Range Leather Co. Travellr XL, but more than enough to know this is a great product that I’m happy to recommend. Construction is top notch, materials are sturdy, the look is gorgeous. In addition, Range Leather Co. backs it all up with a lifetime guarantee. Swing by their already fully-funded Kickstarter and check it out.

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Da Luca Straps – Pauscovitz, Brennan, Blundtund

We’ve recently had the opportunity to team up as watch-wearing BestLeather writers to show you a few different offerings from Da Luca Straps. You may remember Da Luca from our review of one of their NATO straps a few years back. Da Luca is still hand-making high caliber watch straps, and today we’d like to show you the Pauscovitz, Brennan, and Blundtund.

Pauscovitz Watch Strap Review – $220

The Pauscovitz is a 22mm Swiss Army ammo pouch leather strap. I received this strap to be paired with my 42mm Apple Watch. The leather is incredibly thick and rugged! This might be a good thing, since the vintage leather may not last as long as freshly tanned leather. This strap should last for ages. The leather is skived significantly near the watch so it can fit around the pins.

I love the marks and stitches that came from the ammo pouch, and was bummed when a couple of these stitches fell out after a few weeks. The stitching actually done by Da Luca is done well and has held strong. I had to clip off the ends of the thread, but I wondered if this was intentional to match the vintage style. Overall it looks fantastic, and I’ve received quite a few compliments.

The buckle is very large, and matches the incredible thickness of the leather well. I thought it would press into my wrist, but it’s never once bothered me. Originally the strap’s width actually struggled to slide through the buckle, but over time the strap has worn in and things have become more smooth. While I did get a good fit right in the middle, I wish there was more sizing holes.

The pricing on the Pauscovitz is definitely on the luxury end, which makes sense, as Da Luca originally made their straps for Panerai brand watches. In comparison, this strap would seem like a pittance, though it’s over half the cost of my Apple Watch! It is made quite well and looks fantastic. The vintage ammo pouch leather is somewhat rare, as well. If the look suits your fancy this sort of strap may be for you.

Review Written by Bobby

More Pictures of the Pauscovitz Watch Strap

Brennan Watch Strap Review – $170

This watch strap from Da Luca is particularly adept at fitting in almost anywhere. Made of premium Horween color 8 shell cordovan means it’s built to last. It’s made of a single layer and unlined so the stitching is purely for aesthetics, but it looks great and stays lightweight. One nice touch, that I haven’t seen on many bands, is the edges of the band where it’s folded for the spring bars of the watch are skived to be a bit thinner. This gives the band a very uniform thickness.

If there was fault to be had it’s that there is only the single floating keeper. I typically prefer two keepers, one stitched and stationary and the other floating. As with all luxury goods, value is arbitrary and I’m of the option that if it’s what you want it’s worth the price. Da Luca has tons of designs and leathers to pick from so check them out and see if you can find the next accessory to go with the mechanical marvel on your wrist.

Review Written by Caleb

More Pictures of the Brennen Watch Strap

Blundtlund Watch Strap Review – $205

The Blundtlund strap is one of the vintage straps Da Luca offers to accommodate watches with 22mm lug widths. It is made from Swiss Ammo Pouch leather with notable thickness. This is a much thicker strap than your typical two-piece leather strap. The specific color is a light caramel color that I presume will eventually patina to a darker brown color. It goes well with black or white dialed watches. Being that this is a full stitch strap and not particularly dressy, I’d say it makes a great strap for everyday and casual wear. With that in mind, I suggest it pairs well with field watches such as the Hamilton Khaki models as well as big-faced watches such as Panerai and aviation-style watches.

The buckle has a nice brushed finish with signed logo. The strap uses two keepers to secure the excess strap when wearing. I’ve got about 6.5 inch wrists, and usually used the second to smallest hole when sizing. For a watch with a larger lug to lug length, the middle hole served me well. The strap does come with spring bar tubes for certain panerai models, but unless your watch is made to handle spring bar tubes or has drilled lugs, I would avoid trying to use them.

In contrast to other quality leather straps I own, I’d say this one is built tough enough to handle more than just fall-winter wear without fear of rapid degrading. The thickness of the strap is very solid, able to easily withstand cold winters as well as a little bit of sweat during the summer. Throughout my months of use, the strap holes have held up with no fear of expanding past expected limits. As with any leather strap, I’d suggest not swimming with it.

As has been mentioned, value for luxury items like this is relative to the watches and owners it will be attached to. Quality straps can be had for less, but likely not on par with Da Luca’s buckle, full stitching, and somewhat rare leather. I honestly am impressed with the Da Luca Blundtlund strap. It has held up, its stunning, and seems like an excellent daily strap for me.

Review Written by Mike

More Pictures of the Blundtlund Watch Strap

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Brookes & Hyde Chocolate Porter Dopp Kit – $200

The dopp kit (sometimes known more simply as a toiletry bag) is a simple but crucial accessory for any traveler. The Brookes & Hyde Chocolate Porter Dopp Kitt maintains this simple functionality, but enhances use with high end materials and a refined look.

About Brookes & Hyde

While Brookes & Hyde has grown since we reviewed their sunglasses case, the company continues as a one man show out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Connor Sambrookes 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.

Construction

This dopp kit is assembled very well. Leather is cut and stitched by machine for precision. Most seams are turned inward or double stitched, enhancing durability. You may not think a dopp kit would need to be especially sturdy, but it goes through quite a bit: tossed into and pulled out of bags often during travel, opened and closed frequently, and usually in danger of getting wet. Brookes & Hyde’s dopp is made to endure these abuses.

The leather selection for the dopp is spot on: Horween Plush. This is a chrome tanned leather (read: water resistance) that has been fully vegetable re-tanned. You’re getting the best of both worlds. The leather is milled with waxes, which makes it more water resistant and adds sheen and softness. The main compartment is lined with black canvas.

While it may not take the kind of abuse we need an EDC bag to endure, the kit is built well and suited to its use. Plush leather is great to feel, use, and look at, and has endured well so far.

Function

As I mentioned, a dopp kit isn’t a complex product. This one features a large main compartment, a small external pocket (this might be used for letting your toothbrush air out while on the counter during a trip), and a handle on the end for carrying from bag to bathroom. The RiRi zipper is very smooth. There is a thin rigid material between the canvas and leather on the base, giving a bit of structure, but the kit is otherwise soft and easily flattened. Water initially rolls off the leather, though will absorb if left sitting.

The kit is large enough to hold all of my admittedly simple toiletries with plenty of room to spare. I do enjoy the external pocket, but do wish there was small internal pockets for organizing especially small toiletries.

This dopp kit will keep your items completely private, but this does mean some added effort at the TSA terminals.

Aesthetic

This might be my favorite part of this product: it looks incredible sitting on your counter. As with many high end items, you’re buying both a product and an experience. I’m used to using a simple translucent plastic toiletry bag, so this was a huge upgrade. The Plush leather looks soft and begs you to handle it, but also has a nice shine. The grain is visible in a subtle way. The zipper is a solid contrasting silver. It’s the type of product that makes you smile when you know you get to use it.

My dopp kit here is the “Chocolate Porter” color, which typically looks a very true brown. However, as you can see in the photos, the lighting can change this a bit–you might say it ranges from milk to dark chocolate!

Conclusion

The Brookes & Hyde Chocolate Porter Dopp Kitt is an excellent, high end toiletry bag that is made well for its intended purpose. It’s a pleasure to use. The price point is on the high end, but both the leather and zipper are high end materials and construction leaves little to be desired. I recommend this product for those who want to enhance their travel experience with a dopp kitt that is both homey and luxurious.

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SNPR Crazy Horse Strap Review – $265.00

I was at Costo awhile back stocking up on gallon mayonnaise and 48 pack Cliff bars. Between pilfering the Ferrero Rocher sample stand and looking for my wife, I came across the jewelry cases. Looking through the glass I saw the watches steadily climb in quality and price until I hit the grail piece at the end, a Panerai listed at a cool $10k. Scrutinizing the piece I noticed the strap and was unimpressed. I mean, it was nice of course but looked a tad skimpy and sterile. My humble Hamilton had a much nicer strap, a SNPR Crazy Horse Strap.

This piece tends to exude a spirit of adventure

Construction

We’ve reviewed one of SNPR’s designs in the past, so we were no strangers to the solid build quality. However, the Crazy Horse leather is new to SNPR’s lineup.

When asked about the leather itself, SNPR replied Crazy Horse Leathers are made by applying a special kind of wax to a full grain leather surface that has been buffed and smoothed out. The type of wax used rests independently upon the leather fibers allowing the coloration of the leather surface to change if rubbed without the colors immediately reversing back. This process of rubbing and altering the color shades is what causes the antique appearance and is exactly what the craze for this leather is all about.

Tons of character exhibited in the handmade craftsmanship

This American sourced leather is about 4mm thick, or roughly two  Washington quarters stacked. The thread is 4 ply nylon cord. The watch features 4 arbor pressed notches which should accommodate anywhere from a 6” to 7.75” inch wrist. The buckle is a torched stainless steel.

Function

I’ll be the first to admit, sometimes a thick leather band isn’t always the most comfortable feeling on the wrist. Thankfully though, the Crazy Horse leather is remarkably pliable. In about a week it was already as flexible and soft as my Horween SNPR strap that is more than 2 years old. My wrist is about 7” and I was between notches but previous experience led me to use the tighter fitting and the leather accommodated to my wrist in no time resulting in a very custom fit.

The thick leather helps keep the collar of my shirts back for easy time reading

It’s been pretty frigid on the east coast this winter and the Crazy Horse had a lot of wrist time in low temps, I’m happy to report no chaffing on the wrist or stiffening of the leather in the cold. Since the weather here is as predictable as my ex, I also got to wear this watch in 70 degree weather and handles warm weather nicely. Usually I switch to a NATO strap when Summer hits but thanks to the high quality leather and the notches, it breathes quite well and I can expect all season wear.

Aesthetic

The Crazy Horse is a seemingly understated strap at first glance. It lacks a glossy finish and exhibits a more matte coloring. I really like how it adds to the appeal of my watch, rather than competes with it. I can liken it to a 1969 Camaro with classic American Racing Torq Thrust rims as opposed to 20” chromes.

The pull up on this leather is exquisite. You can bend the strap and see the oils disperse and then rub them back over. The leather almost seems pre distressed and lends well to the vintage look. One of my favorite features on this strap is the torched buckle. It has a pearlescent quality as the colors seem to morph when exposed to light. If torched is a little too exuberant, you can opt for stainless steel, PVD, Vintage PVD or polished.  Another note, this particular strap is 22mm at the lugs, but tapers to 20mm for a less bulky and more refined presentation.

Conclusion

I won’t beat around the bush, $265 is a very costly figure, and some won’t understand how a strap can cost more than a decent watch. However, these straps are usually paired with watches that range into the thousands. The quality is there, the craftsmanship is there. SNPR Straps Crazy Horse is the quintessential rugged brown leather strap.