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June 25, 2016December 19, 2017

Brookes & Hyde Burnt Amber Sunglass Case Review – $70

We’ve reviewed a lot of great and varied leather products here at BestLeather, but, somewhat surprisingly, this is the first sunglass case we’ve ever seen! Brookes and Hyde’s Burnt Amber Sunglass Case is a great first entry into this category, made with a gorgeous Horween Bandit pull up leather and utilizing a unique wrap-around closure design.

ABOUT

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.

Today Brookes and Hyde continues as a one man show with big aspirations. Each product is handmade and has a personal touch reflective of its artisan: colors are named for favorite craft beers, and “Cincinnati, Ohio” is stamped on each item in homage to its origin. By sticking to the principles and passions that built the foundation, Brookes & Hyde intends to become a well known name in the industry.

CONSTRUCTION

The entire case is made with reasonably thick but very soft Horween Bandit leather, with brass closure studs (leather and studs are offered in various colors). Edges are machine sewn with bonded nylon thread, and are given a high-gloss, painted finish.

The inner leather is unfinished, with a soft suede-like feel. No rigid structure is used, but the pocket is folded and sewn such that a space is created for sunglasses.

Construction is overall top-notch, with no noticeable irregularities. This case should last a lifetime.

FUNCTION

This sunglass case is both a pleasure to use and a great way to add some protection to your favorite pair of sunglasses.

I’m a huge fan of the wraparound closure design. I’ve never been a big fan of snap closures on most sunglass cases (mostly because they often end up tearing the cheap faux leather the case is made with), so the stud closure is a refreshing new take. Pulling the case open and even closing it is done easily with one hand with no strain on the leather.

The obvious tradeoff with this case is that there isn’t a rigid structure inside, so there’s somewhat minimal crush protection. The upside is that the case remains soft to the touch and pliable, fitting in smaller spaces, and provides all the scratch and drop protection you could need.

This sunglass case should fit most styles of sunglasses easily. It’s a bit roomy for my Wayfarers, but I’ve never worried they’ll fall out. Also, while certainly unintended, I’ve even found this sunglass case to be a great protection for my iPhone 6s, in a pinch!

AESTHETIC

Brookes & Hyde’s Sunglass Case definitely travels in style. The Bandit leather has some absolutely stunning distressing right from the start, and since it’s a pull up leather, you can quite literally customize the look to your liking. I gently crinkled my case in my hand when I got it to create some killer distress lines around the edges. If you don’t like the changed colors, create a bit of friction by rubbing the leather with your thumb, and the original brown color returns.

The overall aesthetic has a rugged feel, with the distressing adding an asymmetric and irregular beauty.

CONCLUSION

My sunglasses have enjoyed the protection of the Brookes & Hyde Burnt Amber Sunglass Case, and I’ve enjoyed using it. The pull-up leather is beautiful, and the wraparound design is refreshingly unique and easier to use than standard snap designs. I highly recommend this case as a Buy It For Life product.

Be sure to swing by Brooke’s & Hyde’s shop and check out the Burnt Amber Sunglass Case and their other great leather goods.

June 24, 2016December 19, 2017

Mission Mercantile Laptop Sleeve Review – $115

After spending a good chunk of hard-earned cash on a new laptop, the last thing you want to do is cause any preventable harm to it. Thankfully, you can always pick up a laptop sleeve to keep it protected. Instead of getting an ugly, easily torn nylon or neoprene case, check out some of the leather and canvas options out there. One of those great options is the Mission Mercantile Laptop Sleeve.

ABOUT MISSION MERCANTILE

Mission Mercantile was launched in fall 2015. They operate out of their own factory in Leon, Mexico– Blue Artisan Group. We recently reviewed Mission Mercantile’s Stateroom Weekender, as well as their Steamer Backpack (which we are giving away here).

You can learn a bit more about Mission Mercantile in my recent interview with Chuck Bowen, one of MM’s founders, who has a passion for serving “mission men and women” who love leather goods.

CONSTRUCTION & AESTHETIC

The Laptop Sleeve is made with full-grain vegetable tanned leather and thick waxed canvas. It’s designed to pair with the Steamer Backpack, which uses the same materials and is offered in matching colors. They both have a similar vintage aesthetic and look great as a pair or separate. The contrasting stitching looks great against the dark “Oil” colored leather.

The interior is lightly padded and lined with matching suede. It keeps your expensive electronics protected and scratch-free without being too large or bulky.

FUNCTION

The Laptop Sleeve will hold up to a 16″ laptop. My trusty Macbook Pro is 13″ and fits nicely even with a bit of extra room on the sides. The padding holds it snugly. The closure is a straightforward strap and loop combination that’s simple enough for quick access but sturdy enough that it doesn’t feel like it will open up on its own.

CONCLUSION

The Mission Mercantile Laptop Sleeve is a beautiful, buy it for life item that will far outlast any laptop you put in it. And, you still have the chance to win this Laptop Sleeve AND the matching Steamer Backpack. Good luck!

June 6, 2016December 19, 2017

Taft Clothing The Mack Boot Review – $260

When Kory, founder and owner of Taft Clothing, handed me The Mack Boot, he told me to “wear them hard.” For the last several weeks I’ve done just that, nearly every day, in a wide range of situations. These boots have taken all the beatings I’ve handed them with no problems, and drawn in a lot of compliments along the way. The Mack Boot is a high quality, stylish, and surprisingly affordable leather boot.

ABOUT TAFT CLOTHING

Taft Clothing began in Provo, UT in 2014 with a Kickstarter project…for no-show socks! After high initial success with socks, they’ve since transitioned to a focus on their line of luxury, European (mostly very unique) shoes. This family-run business aims to disrupt the typical notion that you have to pay outrageous prices in order to get high quality. By completely cutting out the middle man, refusing to sell wholesale, and only providing products direct to consumer, Taft is able to provide shoes you may see on a store shelf for $600 for less than $300. There are, however, no compromises in quality – some of the finest materials and construction methods out there are used in Taft Clothing’s line.

Taft Clothing enhances the direct-to-consumer personal touch with a few inserts in their packaging, including a personal thank you, short bios on some of the Spanish artisans, care tips, a Taft shoe horn, and dust bag.

CONSTRUCTION

The Mack Boot is handcrafted in Almansa, Spain. Taft’s team of experienced leather artisans have made shoes for numerous high end shoe brands around the world.

Both the brogue pattern upper and lining is made with Vachetta natural (read: untreated vegetable tanned) leather; cowhide for the upper and calfskin for the liner. The leather is hand cut, stitched with Gutermann polyester thread, and hand painted. These steps are clearly done with expert hands – each edge and stitch is immaculate, and the rich cognac coloring is gorgeous. Speed hooks are made of cast iron.

The Mack Boot’s stacked leather outsole is Blake stitched to the upper for flexibility and comfort, and can be resoled. All leather is sourced from Italy’s Artigiano Del Cuoio tannery. Rubber inserts in the outsole provide traction and comfort in all conditions, combining the advantages of leather and rubber.

FUNCTION

It’s only been several weeks since The Mack Boot and I were acquainted, but they already feel like old friends. On day one they felt fantastic, and after dozens of wears and plenty of abuse, things have just gotten better. The Vachetta upper and lining is soft enough to form to you, but sturdy enough to provide support. They’ve slowly molded to my feet and ankles and now fit like a glove. The reinforced heel and toe provide additional protection.

I’m a huge fan of the speed hooks. They allow me to leave the shoes tied in most circumstances, just pulling the laces off the hooks to get in and out of the shoe. The tabs on the back of the heel make putting them on quicker yet (though they do occasionally catch my pants, too).

I’m excited to see how well The Mack Boot continues to handle time, use, and all the situations I throw at them. So far, I’ve worn these boots to work, school, church, athletic events, camping, DJing, and more, and they’ve taken it all like a champ. Outside of exercise, I think the only thing that prevents me from wearing them is when the weather gets too warm – as would be expected for any boot, they’re best matched with pants and cooler weather.

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Some well-worn outsoles

FIT

My 10”/25cm long and 4”/10cm wide (at the ball) feet typically end up in an American size 8 or 9 formal shoe or EU size 41, and Taft’s shoes run true to this as a 41 was the right fit for me. They’re a bit more snug on my toes than on my narrow heel.

CARE

After some intense jumping and lifting while DJing, a small amount of color bleed ended up on my socks. Taft suggests the use of shoe horns to keep shoes dry. A small insert included in the box has a few other care tips, as well.

AESTHETIC

The Mack Boot is incredibly versatile. In formal settings they’re brogue wingtips, in rugged situations they’re combat boots, and everywhere in-between they’re right in-between. In none of the situations I introduced them to did they feel out of place or fail to function well, nor did they fail to draw compliments!

The hand painted cognac color is stunning, with hints of brown, red, and orange, depending on the light. As you can see, I couldn’t stop taking photos of The Mack Boot!

CONCLUSION

Taft Clothing’s The Mack Boot is a fashionable, rugged, competitively priced shoe. Materials and construction are top notch, and the style shines in nearly any situation. Not only are you getting a phenomenal value product from a company that cares about its customers, but you’ll get a shoe that will last for years to come. I love my pair more each time I wear them, and highly recommend The Mack Boot.

Be sure to drop by Taft Clothing’s web store to see The Mack Boot and the rest of their unique shoe collection.

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Jack recommends The Mack Boot, too

June 1, 2016December 19, 2017

Speakeasy Leather Co. Launches New Line of Bags on Kickstarter

Speakeasy Leather Company, based in Milwaukee, WI, has launched a new Kickstarter campaign for a full collection of American-made leather bags. The bags, backed with a lifetime guarantee, are inspired by the “Prohibition Era” of American History. The bags in this collection all have a unique silhouette and represent several years of design and development.

The line includes the 1920 Overnight Duffle Bag, the 1933 Weekender Bag, the 1846 Messenger Bag, and the Bootlegger Backpack, available in four different leather colors – Burnt Timber, Red-Brown Gizmo, Tobacco Snakebite, and Rio Latigo. There are also some smaller items like a wallet, key fob, pen, cardholder, dopp kit, tablet sleeve, and more.

From the Kickstarter Campaign:

I am doing my part to rebuild the Milwaukee leather industry, preserve its history, and move it into the next century. Sourcing and manufacturing locally is the foundation of our success. With your support, we will be able to generate a positive impact in a time where it seems like everything is heading in the opposite direction. You become a major part in rewriting the future of the American leather-making and manufacturing industry. You are not just backing a product that is outsourced you’re backing a quality product that will last for generations and continue to tell the story you are now a part of.

The Kickstarter has already reached its goal, but it’s not too late to get one of these beautiful bags for a sizable discount, as well as help reach their stretch goals. Check it out!

June 1, 2016December 19, 2017

GIVEAWAY: Mission Mercantile Steamer Backpack & Laptop Sleeve ($460 Value!)

We are excited to partner with Mission Mercantile to offer our readers the chance to win a Steamer Backpack & Laptop Sleeve set. This is a beautiful carry set that will last you a lifetime and more. The backpack and sleeve are made with full grain veg tanned leather and thick waxed canvas.

From our review of the Steamer Backpack:

Many of Mission Mercantile’s products hark back to inspiration found in days gone by. The Steamer Backpack in particular was designed after the steamer bag – a sturdy, flat-bottom bag built to be packed into a larger steamer trunk that was loaded onto a train or steamboat for lengthy travel…The Steamer Backpack also has its roots in vintage mail sacks, many of which were mainly canvas but reinforced with sturdy leather at the bottom and top, where they featured a similar belted closure.
This backpack certainly has an eye-catching look, with its wide swath of solid waxed canvas and unique belted closure. The bag instantly looks like there’s a story behind it…so prepare to have LOTS of people ask you about it wherever you go.

The giveaway runs til midnight on June 30th, when we will pick one lucky winner! Enter below – we have lots of ways to enter, so good luck!

Mission Mercantile Steamer Backpack – $460 Value

May 26, 2016December 19, 2017

Harmattan Design The Traveler Review – $500 (Exclusive BestLeather Discount)

Sometimes you need something to hold your laptop. Other times you need a carry on. Then sometimes you need something that will hold it all. Harmattan Design’s The Traveler is a very large duffel bag made entirely of Italian vegetable tanned full grain leather, and will hold everything you need for an extended stay while maintaining a high fashion look. Read on to find out more about our experience with this duffel and get an exclusive limited-time BestLeather discount!

ABOUT HARMATTAN DESIGN

Harmattan Design is headed by Radu Zarnescu of Romania. Radu and his team of leather workers have years of experience designing and building goods for others, but wanted to do things their own way. Since recently finishing their first successful fundraising campaign, they continue to sell their four most popular designs on their own website. Harmattan’s goals include using the highest quality materials and maintaining reasonable prices.

CONSTRUCTION

The Traveler is essentially one large bucket of 5-9oz, veg-tan, full grain leather. This leather comes from Italy, and is tanned with Harmattan Design’s own custom concept. It’s very soft and has a gentle suede feel on the outside, and is left largely unfinished and fuzzy on the inside, with no lining to wear out.

Hardware is all cast iron and nickel plated to a chrome-like finish. The main pocket and two small pockets on the side are closed with a stiff but sturdy zipper.

All seams are single stitched with polyester thread. I noticed a couple loose stitches on one corner of an inner pocket, but stitching elsewhere is solid. The bottom corners of the bag are each reinforced with a riveted patch.

The Traveler features dual handles on the top, and a two-layered shoulder strap with a small pad. Both handles and the shoulder strap buckle are stitched to the main body and reinforced with rivets.

Harmattan Design offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

FUNCTION

The Traveler is big! The volume is around 50 liters, but I think an application example may work even better to show just how much this duffel can hold:

Without even trying hard to overstuff the traveler, it easily held all items pictured below, including 3 pairs of shorts, 3 pairs of pants, 7 T-shirts, dress shoes, flip flops, laptop, headphones, etc. – more than enough for an extended trip.

The two side pockets are very small, so besides perhaps a wallet and some keys, you’re going to want to have a dopp bag or organizer of some sort for your smaller travel items. Having no inside divider leaves you free to carry very large items if needed.

The dual handles give a good sense of strength, though both may be a bit much for small hands. You could carry it with one handle, though the bag will tilt to one side a bit. The strap is great for slinging over your shoulder or using-cross body, and has a good range of lengths.

One functionality concern I had was a fairly sharp smell inside the bag when I first received it. This did, however, fade with time and hasn’t ever transferred to my clothes or other items. Some others that I showed the bag to even liked this smell when it faded a bit, though I didn’t fancy it. Harmattan Design tells me this smell is a result of their tanning process.

AESTHETIC

The Traveler is definitely meant to travel in style. A true Italian piece, it has an edgy fashionable look, with a color that is soft and can range from mustard to deep orange or brown depending on the light. I expect the patina to continue to deepen with time.

Included with each Harmattan Design bag is a small swatch to test leather treatment. Their custom leather concept takes in conditioner well, and the color can be made to alter quite a bit if desired. The following side by side pictures are of my swatch in different lighting (warm on the left and cool on the right) and with different levels of conditioning.

If you like the lighter brown/mustard yellow color, go easy on treatments…but if you want a deeper brown shade, soak it in. I do recommend at least some treatment, as the very soft suede-like leather drinks water spills as easily as it does conditioner.

The Harmattan logo is printed gently into the side of the duffel and on the shoulder strap. The small round accent cutouts in the handles and shoulder pad are a nice touch.

I have received plenty of compliments on The Traveler. It’s a handsome duffel that will definitely stand out at luggage pick up.

CONCLUSION

Harmattan’s Design’s The Traveler is made with great materials, holds a ton of luggage, and has a high-fashion look. The smell and loose stitch gave me a bit of pause, but after some time, a camping trip, and a roadtrip or two, the stitch has held strong and the inside has only a faint smell.

If you’re liking the look of this bag and need a large duffel for travel, The Traveler will fit the bill. The 100% thick vegetable tanned leather and polyester thread construction should last for many years and serve you well in your travels.

For a limited time, Harmattan Design has decided to offer BestLeather readers an exclusive 35% discount on all of their products! Use code BESTLEATHER at checkout.

May 26, 2016December 19, 2017

Mission Mercantile Steamer Backpack Review – $345

One of my favorite parts about the leather industry is the fascinating history behind many of the its traditions. It’s amazing how some of the smallest details of classic bag designs can have the most interesting backgrounds. Mission Mercantile is a company that really seems to share this passion for history, and their Steamer Backpack demonstrates this perfectly.

ABOUT MISSION MERCANTILE

Mission Mercantile is a new brand, launched in fall 2015. They operate out of their own factory in Leon, Mexico– Blue Artisan Group. We recently reviewed Mission Mercantile’s Stateroom Weekender, an incredibly tough overnight bag made entirely with full grain veg-tanned leather- just like all their products. Learn a bit more about the company in my recent interview with Chuck Bowen, one of MM’s founders, who is passionate about serving “mission men and women” who love leather goods.

AESTHETIC

Many of Mission Mercantile’s products hark back to inspiration found in days gone by. The Steamer Backpack in particular was designed after the steamer bag – a sturdy, flat-bottom bag built to be packed into a larger steamer trunk that was loaded onto a train or steamboat for lengthy travel. The steamer bag was, in fact, perfected by Louis Vuitton in the late Victorian era.

The Steamer Backpack also has its roots in vintage mail sacks, many of which were mainly canvas but reinforced with sturdy leather at the bottom and top, where they featured a similar belted closure.

This backpack certainly has an eye-catching look, with its wide swath of solid waxed canvas and unique belted closure. The bag instantly looks like there’s a story behind it…so prepare to have LOTS of people ask you about it wherever you go.

CONSTRUCTION & FUNCTION

The Steamer Backpack is made with full-grain vegetable tanned leather and thick waxed canvas. In accordance with its steamer and mail sack roots, it has a heavy, flat leather base with subtly squared edges, all held together with contrasting stitching and heavy rivets. It weights in at about 3 1/2 pounds, which is a nice medium weight for such a sturdy bag. Seeing as the bulk of the bag is canvas, it wears very comfortably for daily use.

The waxed canvas has survived several spring showers with no issue. There are three canvas color options and a total of six leather and canvas combinations at this time. The pictured backpack is Oil leather with Dirt canvas.

The bag is unlined with the exception of the top flap, which is lined with matching canvas. It measures around 14″ x 6″ x 18″, making it large enough to carry a laptop and school or business essentials. There’s also enough room to pack for an overnight trip. The bag is tapered, however, and is belted at the top, so larger items don’t fit in as easily as some wide-opening backpacks. Its tapered shape also makes it look kind of funny if there’s lots of stuff in it, but this isn’t an issue unless you have a habit of overpacking.

The ideal setup for this bag is to have your laptop and folders/notebooks at the back, and then chargers, wallet, an