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Satchel & Page Mailbag Giveaway!
Be sure to read the full review of the Satchel & Page Mailbag…and leave a comment too! We want to know what you think of this iconic bag. Thanks!
Inspiration fuels innovation. For Satchel & Page, inspiration from leather bags made decades ago inspired Daniel Ralsky, founder of Satchel & Page to start creating high quality bags that you’ll be able to pass on to future generations. The main catalyst for Daniel was a leather map carried by his grandfather during WWII. Taking that, along with several other classic bag designs that were popularized by the Greatest Generation, Satchel & Page is carving out a well-respected niche for themselves in the leather products industry. Over the past couple of months, I’ve been using and carry the Satchel & Page Mailbag. It’s an iconic design and their rendition of it is excellent.
Based in Austin, Texas Satchel & Page is dedicated to producing handmade, high quality leather products for you to enjoy and pass on to the next generation. Initially they started out with a few iconic bag designs: the Mailbag, Map Case, Gladstone, Briefcase, and Pilot’s Bag. Now they’re expanding their product line with new bags, small goods, and a collection of fantastic jackets too. In fact, we were privileged to review one of their prototype jackets, which you can read about here. And, we just recently received one of their Café Racer jackets, which will be reviewed shortly.
Satchel & Page doesn’t cut corners on quality. The Mailbag is constructed of 6-8 oz., rich brown, full-grain vegetable tanned leather. Hot stuffed with a blend of oils and waxes for a unique, rugged look. As they say on their website, it is “custom made by the tannery for us and you”. It’s also made with hand-hammered copper rivets, antique brass hardware, and sewn together with heavy duty, polyester thread.
If you’re interested (and you should be, because it’s an interesting article to read) check out Daniel’s article, “What Does Handmade Really Mean?” In it, he offers great details that you should find helpful and useful when considering a leather product purchase…and, it gives you some great insight into how Satchel & Page creates their products.
The Mailbag is an easy one to carry. It’s large and capable of transporting a lot of gear. But, it’s not a cumbersome bag. It’s 16” wide, 12” tall, and about 5” thick and weighs about 4 pounds empty. Its lines and style are directly drawn from the US Postal Service Mail Carrier Bag that was so popular during most of the 1900’s.
The exterior is simple – one slot pocket on the back of the bag. When flying, I use that pocket for my iPad and notebook. The bag is closed using one strap/buckle closure on the front. The adjustable shoulder strap features a thick, comfortable pad and is adjustable to 55 inches, which should accommodate cross body carry for many people.
The interior is a real treat. It contains a separate compartment for up to a 15” laptop. You can secure your laptop in that section with a single flap and stud closure. Inside you’ll find several pockets of various sizes, pen loops, and a key clip. The bag is unlined and spacious. I have packed it up with my laptop, iPad, camera, and two lenses with ease.
As with most bags that use this design, there are some “flap gaps” that occur between the bag’s main flap and the sidewalls. If you’re carrying the bag from the shoulder straps, it will kind of seal itself up and now allow rain or snow to cause problems. But, if you carry the bag from the small handle, the gaps can be large enough to allow a decent enough amount of rain or snow to enter the bag…but, that’s only if you like to leisurely stroll in pouring rain or blizzards. If you’re moving with haste in those bad weather conditions, it’s a non-factor.
The copper rivets and antique brass hardware look great with the dark, rustic brown color of the leather. Details inspired from the original mailbag like the pleated leather front panel, and the riveted side panels help to give the bag a nostalgic, vintage appearance. The vegetable tanned leather will patina with use and age making this bag look even better years from now.
The Satchel & Page logo is tastefully placed on the back of the bag, which I appreciate so that it doesn’t interfere with the vintage, nostalgic presentation of the bag. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that this bag garners lots of looks, questions, and comments on its beauty. I’ve carried it on two separate trips to California and it’s been to numerous meetings and coffeehouses. I enjoy carrying this bag.
I may have said this before, but my favorite bag of all is a 1940 Swiss Army Packsaddle Bag. One of the main reasons I like it is because of the stories it contains and the history it has. I think the same of the Satchel & Page Mailbag. Even though it’s a new bag, it hearkens back to days gone by with its styling and looks. Since it’s based on such a storied, old design, I think that alone has great appeal. But, when you couple that with high quality leather, expert craftsmanship, and a lifetime warranty, you have a bag that definitely qualifies as a Buy It for Life product.
**Be sure to look for the Satchel & Page Mailbag Giveaway coming up too. That will be in featured in a separate article**
Here at BestLeather, we’re always on the hunt for great up and coming products. Arcane Supply Co dropped perfectly into our crosshairs with the introduction of their Hinterlander backpack. With rugged good looks and superior craftsmanship, you’ll be eying this bag with all the fervor of a hungry lion on the Serengeti . Catch is, you’ve got a direct role in making this happen.
Philadelphia based Arcane Supply Co has spent nearly a year developing what they feel will be the only bag you’ll ever need. Inspired by the vintage rucksacks of Switzerland’s Elite Ski Patrol, The Hinterlander’s pedigree so far looks promising given the materials used:
Designed to be as versatile as it is rugged, the Hinterlander backpack is aimed to serve as a faithful companion from the jungle to the streets. If the Kickstarter Goal is met, BestLeather will do a full review on the Hinterlander, plus, Arcane Supply Co will host a BestLeather Giveaway for the pack as well! Their Kickstarter campaign begins Friday April 24th, so be sure to check it out and give your support if you want to see this put into full production.
Floto Imports and BestLeather have the epitome of the perfect BestLeather relationship. We have reviewed numerous Floto Imports products, they advertise on our website, and we enjoy every second of this mutually beneficial partnership. So when we received yet another bag from Floto Imports, we were extremely thrilled.
When BestLeather initially received this bag, I didn’t see it right away. Many others saw it, held it, “smelt” it, and inspected it before I even had a chance. However, when the bag was shown to me, I immediately fell for it. It’s rich brown leather, stunning brass hardware, and aesthetically pleasing streamlined appearance were enough to make me want to fight for the bag and the chance to review it.
Floto Imports was established in 2003 and is based in Brooklyn, NY. All of their products are manufactured in Italy with the philosophy, “older is better”. While many companies like to innovate and use new technology to construct their leather goods, Floto’s goal is “to refine old world craft methods to produce pieces that are superior to mass-produced luggage.” Read what the company is all about here. Each and every one of their bags we have reviewed live up to this mission.
The Floto Imports Messenger Brief features their Saddle Brown Italian calfskin leather. The leather’s refreshing burgundy tint and heavy-duty stitching contrast nicely with the precision Swiss made Amiet lock and brass hardware used throughout the Messenger Brief. The detachable, adjustable shoulder strap lets you convert this bag from a slung over the shoulder messenger bag to a business brief. The messenger is 12″ high x 4″ wide x 15.5″ long. It is the perfect size for a 13” to 15” laptop.
The only issue with the Messenger Brief’s construction is its thin detachable shoulder strap. The rest of the bag is sturdy and well made, but the strap is just a little lacking. Floto has already addressed this issue, and you have the option of upgrading to their heavy duty Grande Strap if you require a little extra support and strength.
Opening up the front cover, the inside has two 12” deep compartments. The front compartment consists of penholders, cardholders, and a cell phone sleeve. The second compartment is for your laptop or schoolbooks. Two zippered compartments on the front and back exterior provide much more space for essential items. I fit my 13” MacBook Air, a spiral notebook, a skinny folder, 3 pens, and a pocketknife, all with plenty of room for more.
My favorite aspect of this bag is the way the leather feels. So far I have not felt or used a bag quite as soft as this. The leather’s color and build demonstrates class and bravura – yet its touch is supple, inviting, and easy to use everyday. I carried this bag frequently for the last few weeks of school and took it with me to the trade shows in Las Vegas. Every single time I took the bag somewhere, someone would comment on its beauty and attractiveness. It actually became a great marketing tool both for BestLeather and Floto Imports because I had the opportunity to explain the BestLeather review process, and how and where to get a bag like mine.
Over time this bag will develop a lovely patina. It has already shown excellent wear and tear just from a few months of semi-hard use. I am looking forward to watching it change as I consistently use it for years.
The Floto Imports Messenger Brief has impressed me again and again. I am extremely satisfied with this bag. The leather’s soft touch, unique color, and stunning looks were all enough to convince me to purchase another Floto Imports bag. This messenger brief is currently available on the Floto Imports website. If you care about functionality, style, and love Italian leather like I do, this is the bag for you.
Hey BL Readers, Phillip Kimm, owner of WestEast Armory is offering a special discount just for you!
“As thanks to you and your readership, I’d like to offer you a BestLeather.org exclusive coupon. During the checkout phase of my Etsy shop, coupon code BESTLEATHER will give a 10% discount with no minimums and no expiration date.”
So, there you have it! Thanks Phillip for the generous offer to our readers – we appreciate it.
It’s always exciting to get away for a few days – whether it’s during the week or a quick weekend jaunt, time spent away from the normal routine is always treasured. When it comes to packing for that next adventure it can sometimes create issues. Usually you get stuck between those thoughts of “I want to carry more than my daypack will hold, but I don’t want to take a big bag or suitcase either. Decisions, decisions, right? Fortunately a great general purpose bag was created called the duffle or duffel. Regardless of how you spell it, its origins can be traced back to 17th Century Belgium.
Whipping Post was founded by Ryan Barr, who says he likes to “makes useful stuff”. Based in Atlanta, GA Whipping Post creates a host of great looking, rugged, simple functional leather goods. In talking with Ryan about his company, he had this to say:
“I was getting started working with leather and actually started Whipping Post when Dave Munson of Saddleback took me on and mentored me. As I was getting my footing he actually let me work for Saddleback and learn the business. We have different styles, but he’s been very influential. I do all the design work and we do manufacturing in Mexico as well.
The name Whipping Post is actually inspired by the song Whipping Post by the Allman Brothers. In the song it’s actually a metaphor for the way he’s been treated, but I like that a Whipping Post is designed to take abuse. We hope the products we make will be able to take whatever abuse you throw at them and stand the test of time :)”
The Whipping Post Weekender Bag is a classic zip top duffel bag. It’s constructed of 100% vegetable tanned leather, copper rivets, and sports heavy duty hardware (check out that extremely substantial zipper). The leather used on the body of the bag sports a nice copper color and is thick, but soft and pliable. The straps have more of a chocolate brown hue to them and are a thicker cut of leather. Stitching is hidden on the interior and there is generous use of copper rivets at key stress and anchor points around the bag. The d-rings, clasps, zipper, and other assorted hardware all have an antique brass finish to them.
The Weekender Bag is 21″ long x 11.5″ wide x 9″ high and weighs 6 pounds. Those dimensions make it carry-on friendly for most airlines. The main compartment of the bag is spacious. Even at my size, I’ve utilized this bag on several trips spanning 4+ days. So, as a true weekender, you’ll be set as far as pack-ability and space are concerned. The exterior is smooth and features slot pockets on both ends of the bag – ideal for a boarding pass, a book, or your smartphone.
The interior is unlined, keeping it simple. The side pocket is helpful for storing small items that you don’t want to get lost in the large, main compartment. The zipper is large and easy to manipulate. The detachable shoulder strap is easily adjustable and sports a nice, thick shoulder pad. The handles are comfortable even when the bag is fully packed. The handle closure is a nice feature too. The included luggage tag is a great little bonus in my opinion since many companies only offer that as an additional item to purchase. The luggage tag isn’t quite large enough to accept a full size business card, but with a little folding, you can get your card in there for emergency identification purposes.
Solid leather duffel bags are awesome in my opinion. I think the Whipping Post Weekender Bag is particularly attractive with its combination of two leather colors, copper rivets, and the antique brass hardware. It’s simple in design, but it turns heads and draws attention. So far, on both of the flights that I’ve taken with this bag, it has been commented on and had questions asked about it. It looks good on your shoulder and it’s capable of being carried cross body too. Ideally, I’d like to have it sitting in the backseat of a fully restored Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, or perhaps a Land Rover…just about any kind of classic, cool looking automotive or truck will do. I need to work on adding that component. I have the cool bag…now I need a cool vehicle to match, right?
If you’re in the market for a great all around bag, the Whipping Post Weekender Bag will be hard to beat. Built with quality components, great looks, and utilitarian purpose, it will easily become your “go-to” bag when your next business trip or adventure comes calling. It’s competitively priced at $350 and in my opinion, worth every penny. The bag will get better looking with age and use and perform without issue for decades to come.
Over the past few months, we’ve reviewed several Colonel Littleton items, including the No. 18 Portfolio and the No. 40 Campaign Bag. Today, I’ll be reviewing the Wayfarer Tote in Black. There are a number of tote bags on the market, so let’s take a look at Colonel Littleton’s offering.
Colonel Littleton is based out of Lynnville, Tennessee, a town with a population of 327. The real Colonel Littleton himself got his start selling vintage cufflinks in 1987, which sparked an interest in creating unique, heirloom items. Now, 28 years later, Colonel Littleton makes bags, belts, hats, wallets, knives, cologne, and more, all with a unique Tennessee flair.
The beautifully textured black leather is the most remarkable feature of the Wayfarer Tote. The leather, like most of Colonel Littleton’s leather, is tanned in-house from American hides. It’s dry-milled, meaning the leather is tumbled in a dryer to separate and soften the fibers after it’s been tanned and dyed. This makes the leather incredibly soft and supple, inside and out. It’s not too floppy to stand up on its own, but it definitely has a very luxurious feel to it.
Like the other Colonel Littleton pieces we’ve reviewed in the past, the attention to detail is extraordinary. Each piece is expertly stitched, making this bag sturdier than the soft leather would indicate on first impression. Both the straps and the bottom of the bag are reinforced for strength.
The inside of the Wayfarer Tote is equipped with a zipper pouch and an open divided pocket to store a pens, phone, or other essentials. The rest of the bag is open to carry whatever you need. The straps have a 15″ drop, perfect for carrying over your shoulder. A magnetic snap closure keeps the top of the bag secured and gives it a nice shape as you’re carrying it. At 9″ deep and 12″ wide, the bag itself is rather shallow for a tote, so if you need to carry around folders or papers, this is not the right tote for doing so. However, if you think of it as more of a purse with long straps, it does its job perfectly.
The Wayfarer Tote is a classy, subdued accessory that does its job beautifully. You can tell just by looking at it that the leather is extremely soft and high quality. For an extra $9, you can customize your tote with three initials on an oval-shaped nickel plate. I would definitely recommend this; it’s a nice little way to personalize a relatively simple bag. The bag is available in black, saddle tan, or vintage brown, all beautiful, rich colors.
At $355, the Colonel Littleton Wayfarer Tote is definitely a splurge. It’s completely American made with careful attention to detail, and its classic look will never go out of style. The leather is some of the softest I’ve ever felt on a bag. Still, $355 is pretty pricy, but once you feel the leather, you won’t regret it.
The Nevada City, CA based Copper River Bag Co. create rustic feeling, sturdy bags right in their hometown and inspired by the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains. They offer a fairly broad selection of camera, laptop, and everyday bags all with a foundation of traditional styling and simple construction. We recently got the opportunity to use their 14” Courier Mail Bag, an affordable leisure option to keep with you on the day-to-day. Note that ours does feature an all leather shoulder strap (as opposed to a cotton one), an addition that will cost you $58 on Copper River Bags’ online store.
Simple construction lends itself to toughness in the case of the body, where four main pieces comprise the structure of the bag and each of its joints are single stitched with medium sized polypropylene thread. The flap’s buckle closure and adjustable belt-end are both riveted to the main body, whereas the top handle and width adjusters are sewn on. The top handle itself is one of the few problem areas; it feels flimsy and is uncomfortable to hold. The shoulder strap is the other issue, feeling a little unsubstantial and awkward at times, although the leather on the body is much thicker and satisfying to use.
The rawness of the design can make the bag feel more rustic than it intends to be. Your objects will likely collect bits of the nappy underbelly from the unlined interior, the shoulder strap is a bit thin which comes into play when you are carrying lots of bulk, and there is no laptop sleeve which is often required when purchasing a messenger bag nowadays. Sometimes small items can get smashed or mangled if not properly padded, though that is common in any bag made of such thick leather. Despite any of these shortcomings this is a very simple bag, and better constructed (due to the rivets and thick leather) than many of its price-range counterparts. It stands up well to bad weather since its oiled leather is water-resistant and can hold a considerable amount while still being easy to close.
This messenger looks great, with one of the more classic looks I have seen in this price range. Full-grain oil tan leather makes the front flap and back sleeve look attractive and rustic and the simple nickel finish on the brass hardware would be hard to beat. It is available in five other finishes, from bright yellow to plain brown, though I can’t imagine any would look better than our distressed tan version. This is the kind of bag that makes friends and strangers curious enough to ask where you bought it.
The most obvious issues with the mail bag consist of the thin and occasionally uncomfortable straps as well as the unlined nappy interior, but it looks great, fits a lot of personal items, and (with the exception of the overpriced shoulder strap) comes at a notably good price point. Although it does have some issues, the Courier Mail Bag is great for a paltry $138 and is likely to exceed the quality of most other offerings in that price range.
For more from Copper River Bag Co. check out their website: http://www.copperriverbags.com/
Deion Sanders once said, “If you look good, you feel good, If you feel good, you play good, If you play good, they pay good.” For some reason, that quote came to mind when I first saw the Avund Goods Randi Small Shoulder Bag. More concerning to me, is that I’m a guy! I recruited my wife on this review whose own collection of purses is nothing to chuckle at.
BestLeather has reviewed a number of Avund Goods….goods. Their Avund Goods Forsta wallet took the number one spot in our Best Leather Goods of 2014 wallet category. The quality construction continues with the Randi. Constructed from an aniline finished vegetable tanned shoulder cut of leather, the Randi is dyed and colored on both sides. Waxed polyester thread is handstitched to make up the main body. The shoulder strap has 4 notches to adjust the length via center bar buckle and is secured to the main body by rivets. The edges are beveled, then burnished with beeswax to a natural, high gloss finish. Dimensions come in at 7.5″ x 5.25″ x 2.0″ and the weight is 8 oz.
The Randi is a get up and go type of bag. With just enough room to carry your essentials and compact enough to not get in your way. The adjustable shoulder strap really increases mobility. If I’m somewhere relaxed like the farmer’s market, I like the bag hanging low so I can access the contents easily. If I’m somewhere a little hectic (think New York subways) I like the bag high up by my elbow to keep it close, and with the Randi I can do that.
There’s a small interior slot that keeps my phone and money separated from the main compartment which makes retrieval easier. I was skeptical that the strap would keep all my things secure, but it has yet to fail me. My only small issue is the flap is hard to get undone with one hand, it’s a fair compromise though given my contents are secure. Normally I pack heavy, so a smaller bag seemed like a no go. The Randi challenged me to pack intelligently, and I find myself preferring to go light.
All of the essentials for a day out.
The styling of the Randi is a welcome departure from the pattern print bags saturating the market. It’s simple and straightforward design mesh function and style seamlessly. The Avund patch on front is secured with rivets and accentuates the bag well. The clean look lets you wear whatever and get away with it, you don’t need to find an outfit that matches the bag. The more it’s used, the more character the leather takes on, making the Randi an ever evolving piece.
Avund Goods Randi Small Shoulder Bag is a great looking bag at a smart price point. For $199 you get full leather construction and won’t need to worry about it going out of style or breaking a zipper. It’s compact nature will make it your trusted companion for when you just need to get out without taking it all with you.
In our last Satch & Fable review, we were introduced to the 13’’ Leather Satchel. Made of goat leather from India, it exemplified the Buddhist concept of Wabi-sabi which finds imperfection and transience as beautiful. This time around, owner Fabrizio Giuliani has introduced a whole new line of travel and backpacking gear with the same concept and beautiful leather. If a satchel isn’t your thing, then take a look at the Satch & Fable Laptop Backpack.
Like the leather satchel, the leather of the backpack is full-grain goat leather. This means the backpack is exceptionally light while retaining its water-resistant properties. As previously described, the Indian goat leather is tanned using traditional Moroccan techniques giving the leather the misnomer of “Moroccan leather.” Because Moroccan tanning is a manual labor-intensive and odorous process, the leather often has a distinctive smell. The satchel I received did have a mild unique leather smell that I noticed right away. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it was distinctive and different from the chemically created leather smell that most western leathers have. This backpack, however, is much less “smelly.” Inside, there is waterproof canvas lining. Outside, brass hardware is sourced from India, and the external pocket has an interesting Oklahoma state button. Each bag is made by hand using vintage sewing machines with cotton stitches. Because goats are smaller creatures, multiple panels are sewn together to create this larger bag. Don’t expect this bag to be able to handle a hike up the Himalayans or outlive your children. For a bag constructed for enjoyment in the short-term, it still has all the bells and whistles of the many durable rugged leather backpacks out there.
The backpack measures 16x10x4. The key number here is “4.” This backpack is designed with a laptop in mind. Therefore, it is thin but still surprisingly roomy given the ample length and height of the bag. It easily fits my 13’’ MacBook Pro and iPad Air, but should be able to fit a 15’’ laptop and more. The middle compartment is padded on the bottom and sides to offer a nice pleasant cushion for your prized electronics without the hassle of an additional laptop sleeve. On the outside, there are three external bucked pockets and there are two zipper pockets on the inside. Inside, there are also pen holders and a cell-phone pocket made of leather sewn against the canvas lining. The only downside to all these multiple storage areas is that each of the 3 compartment/pockets drop all the way down to the bottom of the backpack. Therefore, things like laptops, folders, papers, magazines are great and easy to place into the backpack. One the other hand, smaller items I take to work such as my snack bag of almonds, notepad, measuring tape, vitamin bottle, and iPod all fall to the very bottom which requires a bit of rummaging and emptying everything out to find what you to want. The backpack also comes with detachable carrying straps. Placed slightly narrow on the backpack, they may fit a bit snug on people with wider backs or waists but the straps are soft and thin and the backpack can be carried off a single shoulder.
Well if you’ve never had a tanned goatskin bag, then you should get one. The leather comes weathered, soft, and completely unique. No two bags will ever be alike and every single blemish, mark, and scar only adds to the character and attractiveness of the leather. Inside, the dark blue canvas lining adds a flash of color and modern flair to a bag that looks like it’s been in the family for decades. In two weeks of carrying the backpack around work, no less than three random strangers have stopped to compliment me. I guess the bag speaks for itself.
The Satch & Fable Laptop Backpack at $269 is a beautiful, attention-grabbing backpack. It is ideal for those looking for an affordable, lightweight, back and shoudler-friendly bag for carrying their laptop and other items – something you can just grab and hang over your shoulder the entire day without sacrificing comfort.
The stock strap on my trusty Nikon was becoming a pain. The nylon edges were starting to fray, causing a very uncomfortable rash on the back of my neck. The adjustable buckles were nearly impossible to adjust to on the fly as well. Looking for a better option to carry my camera, I tried out the 2centsleathershop custom leather camera strap with great results.
2centsleathershop is an Etsy store operated by Marijana Cuzela and her partner. Located in the heart of Europe, Marijana started the brand after the collapse of the leather industry in Slovenia. Taking the skills learned, 2centsleathershop is passionate about crafting high quality handmade leather goods ranging from wallets to iPad portfolios. 2centsleathershop is also willing to work with customers to further personalize the products offered.
2centsleathershop offers camera straps with several different unique patterns and colors. The strap reviewed was in brown. The strap is crafted from premium vegetable tanned leather which naturally darkens over time to produce even richer hues. Three strips of leather are used to form the main body. Two pieces form the adjustable sides that attach to the camera and are riveted to the strap that goes around the neck. Small keyrings are placed on to the camera’s strap mounts that work in conjunction with the trigger snaps to easily remove the straps from the camera. All hardware is solid brass and the edges are coated and polished. The straps can be raised or lowered by a little over 3 inches.
My main gripe about my previous strap was that adjusting the length was a real chore. On the 2cents strap you simply pull the floating keeper up out of the way, pull the strap from the brass notch and place it where you need it. No having to coax a stubborn nylon strap loose here! I was able to adjust the strap longer for across the shoulder carry to shorter for over my abdomen in less than 15 seconds.
The soft leather is very comfortable on my neck and the weight is evenly dispersed over the wide strip across the neck. I wasn’t nervous at all with the camera hanging, the brass hardware inspires confidence that your gear will stay put. The quick release snaps are a godsend for when you need to remove the strap from your camera.
The strap also converts to a wrist strap for extra support when snapping pictures. 2centsleathershop demonstrates this well in their video.
This leather strap looks great and adds much needed character to most typical black SLR cameras. I also really appreciate the fact that while stylish, it’s also very low key. When traveling and snapping photos, I don’t feel comfortable with a large name brand printed on the strap around my neck signaling to everyone I have an expensive camera on my person. 2centsleather also offers personal initials, up to 3 characters at no additional cost. We got the BestLeather.org initials (BLO) and it really adds to the appreciation of the piece. The brass hardware accents the leather handsomely as well.
If you’re looking for a camera strap that is easily adjustable while also being comfortable and of course, leather, then you should check out 2centsleathershop Custom Leather Camera Strap on Etsy. Priced affordably at under $50 dollars and the free option of monogramming make it an appealing choice.
Spring is finally prevailing here in the Inland Northwest. Trees are starting to leave out, flowers are blooming, the snow is melting and the rivers are full. I always get excited about this time of year because it’s prime time for me to delve into one of my favorite hobbies…fly fishing.
Fly fishing is a great sport and I hope to actively continue swinging flies for the rest of my life. The only downfall to the sport is that it requires a lot of gear (most of it expensive too)…particularly in the spring and late fall when the air and water temperatures are still very chilly.
“They say you forget your troubles on a trout stream, but that’s not quite it. What happens is that you begin to see where your troubles fit into the grand scheme of things, and suddenly they’re just not such a big deal anymore.” – John Gierach
In a conversation earlier this year, a friend of BestLeather’s, Daryl Calfee of Moore & Giles Co., said I needed to check out the Bray Sportsman Duffel. And now, here it is.
Moore & Giles has been firmly entrenched in the leather industry since it was founded in 1933 in Lynchburg, VA. Currently, Moore & Giles employs more than 70 people in its headquarters in Forest, Virginia with representation in every major metropolitan area as well as strategic partnerships in England, Germany, France, United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Hong Kong. Moore & Giles designs and develops the world’s most luxurious natural leathers for leather upholstery, residential leather, hospitality leather and aviation leather. In 2007 they also introduced a collection of luxury leather bags and accessories as an additional avenue to showcase the inherent beauty and timeless appeal of their natural leathers.
When the Bray arrived in my office, the first thing that struck me was the sheer size of the duffel. At 15”L x 17”H x 13”W, it’s big. It’s not a traditionally shaped duffel either. Most of the time when you hear duffel or duffle, you think of a cylindrical shaped bag. The Bray is more of a cube.
More details about their construction comes directly from Moore & Giles: “The construction process is meticulous – ensuring every stitch and strap are perfectly crafted in place. The leather is our finest Moore & Giles Titan Milled Brown. This leather is crafted in only one small 5th generation tannery located at the foothills of the Italian Dolomites. This leather will get better with age and adventure. The body is constructed of our strong and water resistant Waxwear Rangertan. It too will age beautifully and wear in with a patina that is as unique as the places you take the Bray.”
A lot of great planning went into the creation of the Bray. It’s a feature rich bag that just keeps exposing more and more uses. It’s designed to be an outfitter’s bag or a guide’s bag. But, it’s totally set up for the gentleman who’s off to spend a week at an Alaskan lodge to stalk salmon on the fly, the dude who’s heading down to Bolivia to stalk Golden Dorado from one of the great lodges there, or for the man taking to the salt flats in search of Bonefish. Whatever your pleasure, this bag will carry all of your fly gear in high style.
The interior of the bag is spacious. With one, large top flap you gain access to the interior, which features a removable waterproof lining with a cinch closure. This is perfect for wet waders and/or your wading boots. It keeps the sand, mud, and mess inside. The compartment is vented though, which is great to provide air circulation and prevent mold/mildew inside. The exterior of the bag features an entire side with pockets designed to store your reels, fly lines, fly boxes, tools, etc. And, on each side of the bag are leather straps so you can lash down three of your favorite fly rods in their storage tubes. In addition to the nice, long handles, the bag comes with a solid leather, adjustable shoulder strap, which is great because when fully loaded the Bray can be bulky and heavy.
This is a beautiful bag. The leather is supple and has a great texture to it. The waxed canvas looks fantastic too. The aged brass hardware combines with the other two components to create a trifecta of visual awesomeness. This is definitely a bag designed for adventure. I’ve had the chance to show this bag off to a few different people and the result has been unanimous. They all have loved it. And, they all asked if they could keep it. No chance of that happening!
The Moore & Giles Bray Sportsman Duffel exudes a combination of refined ruggedness and luxury. At $1200, it’s not a purchase to be made lightly for most of us. But, there aren’t many other bags that can contend with it in this particular niche either. If you’re an avid fly fisherman who enjoys traveling with style and likes the leisurely appeal of great lodges, this is a perfect choice for you. In fact, it’s made for you.
It’s definitely a Buy It for Life item and will certainly be something to be handed down to sons and grandsons who have followed in your footsteps and passionately enjoy fishing with a fly rod.
A Quiet Morning on the Tye from Moore & Giles, Inc. on Vimeo.
Take out your wallet. Notice any cracked plastic on the ID window, tears in the nylon lining or maybe a tag indicating it was made in a country you never heard of until now? Of all man’s personal possessions, his wallet likely sees the most action. When you want something that will hold up to the daily grind year after year, the W.H. Earl Westport Four Pocket Billfold is a good option.
The Westport Billfold is available in a multitude of leathers and thread colors. The wallet reviewed consisted of a Chromexcel horse strip exterior and a Wickett & Craig show harness interior. The exterior Chromexcel provides a great looking shell while the W&C show harness leather is thinner making the wallet easier to handle. Ritza thread is used to keep it all together. The W.H. Earl insignia adorns the inner right pocket. The wallet measures in at 3.25” tall and 4.25” long when closed.
The Westport is pretty stiff initially. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as almost all quality leather requires break in. To speed things up, I just put a few heavy books on top of it before bed every night. The Chromexcel becomes pliable pretty quickly though. This is a hefty wallet and has no problem carrying a full loadout of cards and cash. There are 4 pockets and each can carry 2 cards without issue and you could probably get a few more in if you like to live dangerously. The Westport sits snugly in my back pocket and is surprisingly discreet. And it is a billfold so getting cash in and out is a dream.
The Westport is a masculine wallet that still remains classy. The L pattern of stitching that runs along the exterior looks sharp and gives the wallet dimension. The W.H. Earl branding on the interior provides some intrigue and the wave like cut on the pockets give the wallet a distinct touch that separates it from its mass produced cousins. The rich leather smell is delicious and that Chromexcel exterior is smooth. I highly anticipate the look of this wallet in a year from now as I’m sure it will look better with age.
While most department store wallets run somewhere in the $35-50 dollar price range, the $115 cost might seem high. But given those cheaper wallets usually only last a few years, you’ll most likely spend less in the long run. The W.H. Earl Four Pocket Billfold is a quality piece that really epitomizes the, “Buy the best and only cry once” maxim.
There’s a plethora of iPhone carry options on the market. Even with all the varieties it’s still hard to stand out since everything available basically amounts to disposable plastic. Avund Goods iPhone 6 Sleeve + Wristlet presents itself as a quality alternative multi function accessory that you won’t want to toss after a week.
As with most of Avund Good’s products, the iPhone Sleeve is made from aniline finished vegetable tanned leather that has been dyed through and colored on both sides. This is the whiskey colored model that will develop a naturally darker patina with use. Avund also offers this sleeve in black. Edges are beveled and burnished with beeswax. The main body is one piece of leather stitched together (Using waxed polyester thread) and one smaller piece stitched around that to form the pockets. The wrist strap is riveted around the metal keyring. The keyring itself is secured to the main body by a strip of leather that is double stitched. I really don’t see this ever coming apart.
The iPhone 6 Sleeve + Wristlet is great for those who like to travel light. My iPhone 6 fit in nice and snug, so there was no worries about it slipping out. A little caveat for people who use cases, unless the case is very slim fitting, your phone won’t fit in the sleeve. The pockets on the front and back of the sleeve are incredibly useful. They are perfect for stashing cash and cards. I like to fold my money around my cards and insert that in the front and I store a small wet-nap in the back just in case. Once on my wrist the sleeve is hardly noticeable. With smartphones getting bigger and bigger and women’s pockets getting smaller and smaller, this case is almost a necessity. The open bottom allows port access so you can charge your phone or listen to music with your earbuds unimpeded.
Avund has mastered stylistic simplicity. The sleeve’s whiskey coloring blends well in all environments and will weather all fashion trends. The iPhone itself is such a sleek and elegant piece of technology and it’s great to finally have a carry option that looks just as good. If you like the look of the sleeve minus the wristlet, Avund also offers a sleeve only version priced at $79.
If you don’t like being bogged down, yet still need a viable carry option for your cash and phone, Avund Goods iPhone 6 Sleeve + Wristlet is a perfect solution. Given the likelihood Apple will release a iPhone 6S at the same dimensions, this sleeve will serve you for repeated uses.
My wife has great taste. Seriously, she does. But, there are some strings attached to that statement – especially when it comes to purses, satchels, bags, and backpacks. She’s grown to really appreciate fine leather goods (thank goodness), but that “string” is evident. What is the “string”? She likes her leather goods to be very simple and uncomplicated. While it’s easy to understand and appreciate that “string” – it’s sometimes hard to accommodate.
In light of that, I was thrilled to come across Cravar and their line of high quality leather goods. Today, we’ll be checking out Cravar’s F.C. 15 Bag in the espresso color.
Cravar is based near Jakarta, Indonesia. It was birthed out of a backpacking trip to Italy during 2005 when Yoki Baskara encountered an old stationery shop that was being operated by 3rd and 4th generation leather artisans. Yoki was also involved in wedding photography. In identifying a need for quality wedding albums, he assembled a team a craftsmen and began to assemble handcrafted leather wedding albums and tote bags. In 2012, Yoki proposed a plan to several close friends for a leather goods company and Cravar was born. After a very successful Kickstarter in 2013 followed up with another successful Kickstarter campaign in 2014 Cravar has starting carving its niche in the global leather products industry.
The leather used on the F.C. 15 (and all of Cravar’s bags) is bark tanned, full grain leather tanned right in Indonesia. Cravar’s solid brass hardware is also made in Indonesia as well. It comes from a small workshop called Sotta Art. The antique finish on the hardware provides a nice touch that accents the leather nicely. Thread used is bonded nylon. The interior of the bag is lined with Sunbrella material. Using Sunbrella as the lining keeps the bag’s overall weight lower and still provides an easy to wipe out, durable lining.
Reverting back to my intro – you’ll notice the nice, simple closures on the F.C. 15. Yes! Finally, I have located a messenger bag that my wife really enjoys. Simple post and full body strap closures are her favorite. Add to that the great style of this bag, the color, and the storage it affords and my wife is very happy.
With three main compartments, it’s very capable of carrying and organizing just about anything you can think of. The two outer compartments are large enough to house an iPad Mini or similar device. Of course smartphones, charger cords, checkbook, pens, etc. will all fit in here with ease. The main compartment will carry a 15” laptop with ease and still have room for a variety of other things (books, sweater, whatever). The shoulder strap is easily adjusted and features a nice, wide, thick pad – it’s long enough to carry cross body too.
In addition to the Sunbrella lining, they’ve also included a Sunbrella zipper pouch, which is a nice little feature. It will easily hold all of your small items or personal items and keep them from rolling around in the bottom of your bag. And, if you don’t need it, you can leave it at home.
One of the really nice features is the way the flap is molded to completely cover the entire opening of the bag. Not only does it keep everything safe and secure inside your bag, it also keeps everything dry. It sounds minor, but there are a lot of messenger bags out there that have gaps on each side where the main flap doesn’t cover them. If you live in an area where it rains or snows frequently, this is an important consideration.
The F.C. 15 comes in four different leather colors (same holds true for all of their bags). The espresso color, the thread color, and hardware all combine to create a visual treat. I really like the way this bag looks. I’m not always a fan of black leather…but there’s just enough of a hint of dark, dark brown in this one that I think it has won me over. Perhaps it’s because I’m a huge fan and consumer of espresso? Who knows… But, I like the way this bag looks and it seems that many other people do too because they comment about it frequently.
The Cravar F.C. 15 is a very nice from many of the messenger bags out there. It seems there is quite a bit of similarity in the market right now…many bags seem look the same. So, it’s refreshing to see the F.C. 15 and the unique features that set it apart – the simple closure straps and the wrap around main flap. It’s a great bag, it’s well made, and it’s designed to be durable. It’s fairly priced at $395 (includes shipping) and it’s backed with a simple, hassle free warranty. Check out the F.C. 15 and be sure to look at the many other great looking designs Cravar has to offer too.
I’m an avid hunter. I enjoy “walking in the woods with a gun” every October in search of elusive elk. I then continue my trekking through November and into the beginning of December in search of whitetail and mule deer. For the past six seasons, my feet have had the pleasure of being swathed in a fantastic pair of Danner Hunting Boots. I don’t believe they make this particular model anymore – they’re 8” high, have the classic “Danner Bob” outsole, and feature solid leather uppers. They’re comfortable and bullet proof.
To be brutally honest, they have loved my feet well, but I have not reciprocated at all. I abuse them each season and then stick them on my hunting gear shelf in the garage. And…that’s been the story for the past six or so seasons (I can’t really remember when I got these boots).
When Luke asked about having us test the Dropforge Leather Care Cream , I did a quick mental inventory on what I thought would be a good test case and immediately and sadly thought of my trusty hunting boots. Their sad, neglected condition needs to be rectified…and Dropforge Leather Care has come to the rescue.
DropForge Leather Care is owned and operated by Bryan and his son Luke with the help of an old friend, Bob. They live in eastern Washington at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, namely Clarkston WA and create their products there too. Growing up on an Idaho farm and seeing first hand how leather needs to be treated, they got involved in the leather care industry in 1993. This led to 22 years of experimenting with what worked best in the industry, with first hand involvement in competitive products.
Now they’re embarking on their own with 25+ combined years of experience in the leather care industry. They seek to bring a fresh perspective and superior product line to the leather care community. Currently they’re running a Kickstarter campaign to help them propel their company forward. There’s still time to get in on funding their company and get some great products at the same time.
By now, you’ve seen the corresponding images of my boots. Yes, shame on me for not giving them more love over the years. But…dang, they’re awesome and have held up really, really well to substantial abuse over the years!
After banging out most of last season’s mud and shaking out some pine needles and junk the boots were ready for application of the Dropforge Leather Care Cream. Over the years I’ve used a variety of cloths and applicators for saddle soap, leather cleaners, and conditioners. However, when I’m working on a pair of boots I always gravitate to a trusty old sock. It is my favorite because it slips over my hand and allows me to work the product in easily with all of my fingers. The sock has just enough texture to allow you to really work the Cream in deeply.
The Cream is a soft product and goes on very easily. It has an extremely pleasant smell too, which shouldn’t be a surprise since it’s chemical free and all natural. It contains natural oils and beeswax. It’s the “bee” part that makes it smell, well…delicious. I was craving some really good toast, a little butter, and honey the entire time I was conditioning my boots. The Cream was easy to manipulate into all of the nooks and crannies on my boots and covered them entirely without issue.
Once you’ve applied the product Dropforge recommends that you let it sit overnight. If you’re able to set your conditioned products out in the sun or near a heat source this will also help the conditioning and waterproofing process. So…now, I need to be patient and let Cream work its magic.
My initial impression is very positive for Dropforge Leather Care’s Cream. It’s easy to apply, smells great, is all-natural, and already has my boots looking much, much more loved and appreciated. It looks like it’s going to protect and preserve my boots for many more seasons to come.
There are lots of other players in the leather care industry. All of them have benefits and drawbacks attached to them. Some contain harsh chemicals and some are all natural, like Dropforge Leather Care. I admire Brian, Luke, and Bob for creating Dropforge and entering into the leather care arena. I definitely like their product. They’re making some great strategic alliances with several highly respected leather companies too – so, their product is definitely proving itself worthy.
Having an all natural, eco-friendly, safe cleaner and conditioner that’s safe to use on small and large leather products is fantastic. We’ve had several people email us recently looking for a viable product to use on leather furniture and it seems like Dropforge fits that need very well. One of these days maybe we’ll venture into reviewing leather furniture and will be able to test it first hand. In seeing how well it worked on my great, but abused boots, I imagine it will work extremely well on furniture.
Next day impressions: I’m sold. My boots look much more loved now. There is no greasy residue on them and they look much, much better. They feel much more supple too. Due to the lack of conditioning on these boots, I’m actually going to apply another coat of Dropforge Leather Care’s Cream to them. I think one more application will put the boots in marvelous condition.
There’s a little less than a week left on their Kickstarter campaign. They have several great reward packages set up. We encourage you to back these guys (I did) and in return, you’ll receive some very high quality leather care products. I’m sure I’m not the only dude with a pair of boots that need some attention (or saddles, messenger bags, leather furniture, etc, etc.). Your leather products will thank you and you’ll definitely feel better about yourself after you’ve conditioned them too! Or, if you prefer, you can order products directly from their website: www.dropforgeleathercare.com.
The market for buying well-made, unique, and durable wallets has exploded over the past three to four years, but that sweet spot of incredible quality and incredible value is still hard to find. Although many companies have tried to hit it, Popov Leather is one of the few who have really pulled it off. Ryan and Jill started their small operation out of Victoria BC, Canada in 2013 with the goal of making quality, minimalist wallets and have been hitting that mark ever since.
I had the chance to test out four wallets from Popov Leather and each one is spectacular. One thing that I simply can’t get over is the overall value of these wallets. Each one is handcrafted and finished in a similar fashion to products from much pricier outfits. I usually don’t gush over a product, but these wallets are certainly deserving of it.
Every single Popov Leather wallet is made with the two of the most trusted names in the business: Horween Leather and Tiger thread. By using these two brands and putting them together with expert care, the people at Popov Leather complete the trifecta of the ideal no-nonsense leather good.
I expected to see a few stitches out of line simply because of the price, but Ryan and Jill have really taken time and care in creating these wallets. They even burnish the edges to a smooth finish! Included with each piece is a lifetime guarantee, but I seriously doubt anyone will ever have to cash in on it after testing out their wallets.
This wallet does everything to highlight the company’s mission of providing incredible value to their customers. It has great construction, beautiful finish, and an unbelievable price for it all. As for function, it performs just as I would expect a billfold to. There are four card pockets and a single, large bill pocket. Like all new, full-grain leather wallets it took a week or two of use to get loosened up to the point where the cards slid in and out easily. Some might be put off by the lack of lining, but I actually find it to be better for a wallet since it keeps the thickness down.
I love this particular style of wallet. Although it’s called a card holder, it really can function as a complete wallet due to the three pockets which can be used for both cards and cash. I think it is for this reason that it become a relatively popular design among leather companies. It’s small enough to easily slide into the front pocket without making it noticeable and the way the outside piece of leather holds everything together guarantees a snug fit for everything its carrying.
If you are worried that you may not be able to carry everything in it, let me give a bit of perspective. I was able to fit five cards and about $50 into it comfortably. You may be able to cram another card or two into it, but if you carry that many you may want to go with the billfold.
This is probably my favorite wallet out of the bunch. Even though it may be a bit too long for everyday use, I love it because it’s everything you need for international travel without any extras. Many passport wallets I’ve seen are either too thick or try to add more than what I would typically use on a trip. Popov, instead gives just two slots for cards, a nice wide pocket for all types of bills and tickets, and sleeve for your passport. Everything is contained in a slim package that can slip into the back pocket with only a little peeking out the top.
If you’re not a world traveler but want an all-in-one checkbook and wallet, you can modify it a bit to fit a sleeve of checks into the space intended for the passport. Either way, for $50 this wallet is a steal.
I’ve never been one for note taking but Popov’s notebook case really has me wanting to start. The construction is almost identical to the Passport case and functions very similarly. There is a sleeve for the notebook and another sleeve for any other papers you would want to carry around. Also like the passport case, this notebook is pretty easy to fit in pant pockets and will fit into a pack without much notice. The one thing I wish it had was a pen holder. I realize that Popov Leather strives to for minimalism, and it does so beautifully, but a pen slot would be awesome and really add to the functionality of this piece. Even with the lack of a place to put a pen the notebook cover is still a great buy.
As I have said repeatedly, these wallets are incredibly attractive. Popov has created some of the best looking wallets I have seen. They are not particularly unique in design or looks, but they are simply elegant. Depending on the color you choose, the wallets would look just as at home with a suit as they would with a pair of jeans. The style is timeless and will look just as good in 50 years as it did the day it came off the bench.
Ryan and Jill have used minimal amounts of stitching, leaving the leather to really shine in all its glory. It’s very apparent that they take pride in their wallets because the finishing work is top notch. All of the edges are burnished and smoothed to create a simple, clean look while still retaining the rugged handsomeness I appreciate. Popov also offers monograming for only $5 additional on all products to provide that personal touch and identity that many people appreciate.
If there is one word to describe Popov Leather, it would be “value”. No other company that I have seen has provided so much for such a reasonable price. As I have said before, I usually don’t gush over products that I review, but I still can’t get over the quality of material, craftsmanship, and design that Popov gives at this price. If you are in the market for a new wallet, or need gift ideas, you need to take a look at Popov. These two truly make a buy-it-for-life product. They are a young company, but have already proven that they know their stuff. I can’t wait to see what else they do in the future.
Check out these wallet and other great gear from Popov Leather here!
If you’re a regular reader of BestLeather, you’ve probably started to form an appreciation for well made products. Admittedly though, sometimes the products and pricing can be intimidating. If you’re looking to dabble in the world of fine leather goods, a belt is a great way to start. W.H. Earl Dry Goods Walnut Belt would be a good start.
W.H. Earl Dry Goods is a one man operation run by Nathan Hamm. Based in Portland Oregon, all his products are handmade and he offers a variety of wallets, belts, cardholders and more. The name W.H. Earl is a nod to Nathan’s family history as W.H. Earl was an artilleryman in the Civil War who later ran a general store. Using only the best materials available, W.H. Earl Dry Goods goal is to provide functional, durable products that will last for years to come.
The belt we reviewed was the Walnut Belt. It is comprised of one long strip of Hermann Oak vegetable tanned leather. The belt gets its signature look from actually being stained with dye made from black walnut hulls. The hardware used is solid brass and is sturdily kept in place by Ritza Tiger thread. You have the W.H. Earl branding on the interior below the buckle. The belt is 1.5” wide and has teardrop holes which are especially useful for reducing “buckle bulge.” W.H. Earl also has other options for the buckle finish and thread color for really personalizing your belt.
The life of a belt is a simple one, and the Walnut Belt delivers. The leather is treated with a wax finish that gives protection against moisture and abrasion, but I find the best benefit of that smooth finish is that it is incredibly easy to get through my jean belt loops. The holes are spaced 1.25” apart and I was able to find that sweet spot of being tight but not too tight. The belt is stout enough that I can throw on my knife, keys or other belt mounted essentials with confidence.
The Walnut belt has a rugged and adventurous vibe to it. The walnut dyes really gives character to the grain. It’s not uncommon to feel the sudden urge to chop wood or search for Atlantis when putting this belt on. I find this belt pairs particularly well with denim jeans. The brass buckle looks great and really adds to the overall look.
The W.H. Earl Walnut Belt is a solid investment. It’s a triple threat being rugged, well made and quite handsome. At $80 dollars, its affordable and you’re supporting American craftsmanship. So if you’re looking for a belt as manly as you, I’d recommend checking it out.
When I’m looking to organize my tools or gear I want something that’s going to be built tough, catch the eye, and be versatile. Just as I have curated a fine selection of tools of my trade over many years, I want to find a great case to protect and show them off. After a bit of hunting, I found these elegant leather tool rolls handmade by Gail Carrigan and her shop West Coast East.
Gail started building these tool rolls about 2 years ago when she needed a small, retro style tool roll to fit in the small trunk of her 1960’s sports car. Having worked with leather earlier to recreate the vintage bags of her parents, she self taught herself to make these tool rolls with a main objective: to produce a useful utilitarian product with a craftsman approach.
The leather used for this tool roll is a 4-5 ounce weight black oil-tanned Kodiak leather with a black suede inside. The inside has 12 tool pockets (6 in the back and 6 smaller in the front) as well as a larger pocket to the right, a snap closure pocket and a key fob. The stitching on the seams of the outside and pockets is a 2.5 pound boded polyester black thread. The other hardware include solid nickel rivets, snaps, and key fob and a natural horn button for the closure. Laid flat (unrolled) the bag’s dimensions are 22.5 inches long x 12.5 inches wide. When rolled, the dimensions are 6 inches wide x 12.5 inches long and .5-1 inch thick. The weight of the roll when empty is about 1 pound.
Whether you keep it in the boot of your sports car for wrenches, use it for small chefs knives, brushes for an artist,or any other small tools for a trade or hobby, this tool roll is extremely versatile. In my case I have been using this roll for Oyster knives and other shellfish tools for my catering service. It is small and compact enough to put in a backpack or briefcase and is especially convenient at a job site where space sometimes lacks. Like a fine leather briefcase, this roll tucked under your arm suggests an organized artist or craftsman (if that exists) with a high value for his tool and trade.
A few things I would like to point out is that although there are the pockets in front, they are small and will more easily hold flat tools. Tools that are thick or rounded fit awkwardly and therefore the tool roll won’t roll evenly. Although a minor detail, I had hoped to be able to fit business cards in the snap closure pocket but unfortunately, the pocket was not long enough. The pocket is great for small items such as car fuses, matchbooks, coins for parking meters, or pencil erasers.
Just as it was designed for, this piece is a real homage to a retro tool roll for a sports car. The jet black oiled leather outer and inner suede is striking and gorgeous. Since the lining is suede it will easily pick up dust and bits of whatever is on your tools. Being black, however, I suspect that it won’t appear dirty if you are to carry your well loved and used tools around in it from day to day. Of course with me, my well loved tools are as clean as they are when I took them out and with a tool roll like this you will be sure to keep your tools as clean as you would like to keep your tool roll.
For the price this is a real great value for a handmade piece of such high quality and materials from the USA. The design is simple yet highly useful and versatile. I am sure there are dozens of more applications I will have for this tool roll when I’m not bringing it with me to shuck some shellfish. Check it out -here-.
I remember one time awhile back my friends and I were just finishing up at a Chinese American buffet (which I’ll never go back to) and when it came time to divvy up the bill we all pulled out our wallets. If you threw them all on the table and shuffled them around, you’d be hard pressed to tell whose was whose. That might have been the starting point in my fascination with wallets and why I’m excited in reviewing the DaLuca Straps Leather Horizontal Snap Wallet.
When we looked at the DaLuca 1 Piece Nato Watch Strap we were introduced to the brand’s high standards of quality and appeal. It’s no different with the Leather Horizontal Snap Wallet. The resume is impressive. Made from Natural Horween Chromexcel leather and sewn using waxed linen thread and Prym 4gb brass snaps. The interior pockets are secured using brass rivets at either end as well. Measurements come in at a compact 4” long and 2.75” tall.
The DaLuca Straps Leather Horizontal Snap Wallet is made with the minimalist in mind. There is one compartment that houses your cards and currency. You can fit around 4-5 cards depending on how much cash you have. Paper bills should be folded and put behind the cards. Since paper money is taller than cards the money sits higher and is easily retrievable. This wallet can fit just about anywhere. Front pocket, chest pocket…doesn’t matter. The dual snaps might seem excessive to some, but I prefer the security they offer in keeping the goods in place.
This wallet just exudes rugged style. From the abundance of brass and the truly buttery soft Chromexcel leather, this piece is simply a joy to handle. While waiting for an oil change I found myself subconsciously fidgeting with my wallet as opposed to lurking Facebook which speaks volumes. The DaLuca branding on back looks great and nothing reads better than “Handmade in the USA.”
Us men are simple creatures. We don’t often have the chance to express ourselves through accessories. The wallet is one of the few strongholds we have to showcase our style and ideals without being superfluous. If you value quality, good looks and supporting American ingenuity, look no further than the DaLuca Straps Leather Horizontal Snap Wallet.