Bold Lead Designs Eight Way Lead & Martingale Collar – $56 & $39

The dog. Man’s best friend. There’s a lot of truth to that statement and it’s been well documented, proven true time and time again. Dogs add a component to our lives that is incredibly special. A dog’s dedication and willingness to please is amazing. So, how often do we go out and spoil them with purchases that make them look or feel good? In my case, it’s not often enough. I have two great dogs. Maggie, our family’s Golden Retriever is pushing 10 years of age now. She’s been a fantastic dog. We added Sasha, our German Shepherd dog, to the family about 3 years ago. She’s certainly livened things up around here for Maggie and us. Recently, I went on a little quest to find a great collar and leash combination that would work well on either of our dogs. The results of my search put me on the website of Bold Lead Designs.

About Bold Lead Designs

Bold Lead Designs was created in 2008. Katrina Boldry, founder, owner and designer of BLD started the business after an unsuccessful search for a quality dog leash. One thing led to another and now her collars, leashes, and other items can be found in all 50 US states and 23 countries around the globe.

One thing that really stood out to us about BLD and Katrina is their dedication to the service dog industry. In the not so distant future we’ll be featuring an article about Katrina’s work within the service dog industry and how her company’s products are designed to improve the lives of those who live, work, and benefit from service dogs.

Construction

Katrina was kind enough to send us two of her most popular pieces: the Bold Lead Designs 8-way Lead™, which is a six foot versatile leash and the Bold Lead Designs Martingale Collar. Both pieces came in golden tan bridle leather.

All of Bold Lead Designs’ pieces are crafted in their Aurora, Colorado workshop. Bold Lead Designs is dedicated to true craftsmanship using 100% US made materials.

Both pieces I have are vegetable tanned leather from Hermann Oak Leather Company of St. Louis, MO. The bridle leather is weighty and has a great feel to it. When it’s in your hands, it is very reminiscent of horse tack – bridles, reins, harnesses, and other pieces.

The hardware is all sturdy and solid brass (some of their other designs feature chrome plated brass and solid stainless steel). You won’t find any stitching in their products. Instead, everything is assembled or secured with heavy duty Chicago screws, thick rings, lobster clasps, Conway buckles, or other heavy, solid fasteners. All of that to say, the 8-way lead and the martingale collar received are substantial pieces built from sturdy materials.

Function

The 8-way Lead is a dog walker’s dream. The ability to configure it in so many useful ways is great. My version of the lead is a size large (5/8” wide). It works great with either one of my dogs and is comfortable in my hands. With six feet of length, my dog is not constantly under my feet, but also not able to walk too far ahead. I can easily give Sasha or Maggie enough lead for them to “explore” while still maintaining control.

The Bold Lead Designs martingale collar is also a size large. Its size is ideal for walking either of my dogs. I do have it set on the longest possible setting (last hole of the collar). If either one of my dogs were males of their breed, I would most likely need to have chosen the XL version of the collar and then bumped up to the XL leash too.

I like martingale collars for the control they give you when walking your dog. Just a slight tug is usually all that’s needed to offer correction or get your dog’s attention. I’m not a fan of choke or spike collars at all – so the martingale collar is a great training aid or every day walking collar in my opinion.

Both of my dogs quickly adapted to using the martingale collar without issue and I saw a marked reduction in pulling from Sasha, my German Shepherd when using this collar. She has become very content to walk in stride with me when this collar is used.

Aesthetic

Both of these pieces look fantastic. The quality of the leather and hardware are very apparent. The attention to detail in the craftsmanship is also easily seen. The braid work on the 8-way Lead is fantastic. Both pieces look great on either of my dogs.

I don’t know if Sasha or Maggie can tell that they’re sporting two high quality, hand crafted leather pieces or not…but, it seems to me that they have a little pep in their step and their heads are held a little higher now when they’re donning this leash/collar combo.

Conclusion

I’ve been on the hunt for a quality leash and collar combo for a long time. I’ve had this mental picture of what I wanted, but could never seem to find it until now. The Bold Lead Designs 8-Way Lead and Bold Lead Designs Martingale Collar team up together to create an ideal walking set for my dogs. Now, I just need to get another lead and collar so that I can walk both of them at the same time. Considering the fact that these pieces are handcrafted in the US from high caliber components, the pricing is extremely fair. Take a few minutes, visit Bold Lead Designs website, and get a couple of things for your canine companion.

October 30, 2014December 19, 2017

Waskerd Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet – $75

The Waskerd Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet arrived at my doorstep about mid-September. After opening up the attractive packaging and inspecting this fine looking, well-put-together wallet, it was quickly “claimed” by my oldest son. It’s a tough crowd here in my house when it comes to leather products. My crew sees a lot of leather come through and when they jump on something, it means it’s a good piece.

About Waskerd

We’re not strangers to Derek Shaw and his Waskerd Leather creations. BestLeather has reviewed a couple of his wallets in the past: the Pinnell Money Clip Wallet and the Slim Strayer Wallet. Recently Derek relocated to Norfolk, VA from Philadelphia, PA and has continued his business there.

Construction

As with Waskerd’s other wallets, the Madison is made from thick, full grain leather. And, it sports the heavy gauge, waxed polyester thread that has become a hallmark of Derek’s designs. The stitching is all done by hand and is impeccable. At common stress points, the stitching is reinforced. Derek also offers your choice of seven thread colors on all of his wallets. On this particular wallet, we chose black, which I think creates a clean, classy look for the wallet.

Function

Prior to my son snatching this piece from me, I was able to load the wallet up to test its capacity. With two pockets on the inside and one external pocket, it can carry all of your wallet essentials with ease. I was able to easily keep two cards in the outside pocket (my license and debit card) and 3 cards in each of the internal pockets. If I had the luxury of having cash on hand, I would have easily been able to accommodate several bills as well.

True to its name, this wallet offers a very slim profile. My son often carries this wallet in his front pocket as well as letting it reside comfortably in a rear pocket on occasion.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been a fan of a wallet sitting on a countertop that looks all swelled up and overstuffed. The natural tendency of the Madison wallet’s design keeps it closed and maintains a natural profile – even when you have it at maximum capacity.

Aesthetic

When you feast your eyes upon this slim little wallet, it becomes immediately apparent that it has been crafted with passion. It’s expertly cut, trimmed and sewn. Attention to detail is a priority and it is apparent from every angle when viewing this wallet.

When you pick it up, the feel and texture of the full grain leather adds tactile confirmation of Waskerd’s dedication to quality.

This little wallet catches people’s eyes too. My son has received multiple comments on the look and design of the Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet. When cashiers or wait staff notice a wallet (they see dozens upon dozens of them everyday) and they comment on it – that speaks volumes about it.

Waskerd’s stitched logo is also nice, eye-catching component that gets commented upon frequently. The stitched logo is a nice touch and is certainly a unique hallmark for the brand.

Conclusion

The Waskerd Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a wallet that can be carried in casual or semi-formal situations where you want the option of carrying it in a front or rear pocket. It’s solidly crafted, by hand, using top quality materials, and will endure for decades while maintaining a great look and feel. At $75, it’s a great purchase. Along with the Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet, Derek also has several other wallet designs. Be sure to check them all out on the Waskerd website.

October 29, 2014December 19, 2017

Koch Leather – Shipping Kickstarter Rewards While Maintaining Superior Quality

Koch Leather finished up a successful Kickstarter campaign back in the middle of August. Since that time, they’ve been working feverishly to hand craft and ship out the many assorted Kickstarter rewards. After reviewing two great Koch Leather pieces (their small Horween tote and a guitar strap) prior to their Kickstarter campaign, I decided to embark upon my own Kickstarter journey. I decided to back their campaign (my first Kickstarter campaign as a backer). I chose to back at the $50 level…wish it could have been more…but, oh well, which gave me the ability to receive one of their Field Notes Sleeves in Horween leather.

Recently I received my reward piece and it is stunning. It is just like their other products – attention to detail is over the top, stitching is immaculate, and the Horween leather is fantastic. I am very pleased with my decision to back Koch Leather. I look forward to watching this company continue to grow, refine their skills, expand their product line, and flourish.

The Koch Leather website is open and they are geared up to take orders. So, check ’em out and get a few things ordered…the holidays are approaching quickly!

October 28, 2014December 19, 2017

The Strap Smith’s Italian Vintage Style Watch Strap Review – $189

So you got yourself that fancy watch you have always wanted. As time goes on, you wonder what could you do to make it just a little more special. Unfortunately, the majority of wristwatches that do not come on metal bracelets are accompanied by leather straps that don’t speak to the quality of the watch they are securing. Getting a custom band can quickly remedy this problem by making that watch look like a million.

There are many custom strap makers online, but few have as good a reputation among watch lovers as The Strap Smith. Robert Farrington, better known as Rob Montana is the man behind the operation. Each of his straps are hand cut, stitched, and finished, creating a truly unique strap that is worthy for a priceless timepiece.

Construction

Right from the start I could tell the difference between Rob’s strap and the mass produced strap that was already on my watch. The leather is extremely thick Italian leather with the straight and even stitching and high quality, brushed hardware.

There is only one area where the stitching varied, but it is such a small amount that I realized it only after a close inspection. I was most surprised by the superior quality edge finishing compared to the old strap. Clearly, Rob takes a lot of time getting these straps perfect.

Function

Without much trouble, I was able to quickly get The Strap Smith’s band on. What I’ve found with a lot of thick straps is that they are a bit cumbersome and never really break in. This wasn’t the case with Rob’s watchband. After a week of wear, the strap comfortably conformed and my watch rested neatly on my wrist. Unlike most bands, Rob’s hasn’t shown any sign of breaking down after repeated buckling and unbuckling giving me a feeling that this strap will be in my arsenal for many years to come.

Aesthetic

Getting a well-made custom band makes any watch shine. Rob’s does this exceptionally well. I went for the Italian Vintage style because of the unique, but subtle texture. It works perfectly on my Omega Seamaster.

The robust size of the strap compliment the tool watch and the subtle texture and fine finish work bring out the classy, more refined side of the watch. Even the large buckle and holes, which at first struck me as too big, give the watch more character than any of my previous straps.

BestLeather Conclusion

The Strap Smith makes one amazing strap. Not many makers provide the leather selection, the craftsmanship or the care that Rob puts into each one of his straps.

Although the price may seem steep to most outside of the watch enthusiast world, the quality of the product and the aesthetic value that it adds to any watch makes it more than worth it. On top of it all, Rob provides great customer service and will answer any question you have.

If you are looking to upgrade the look of your watch or give it more security on your wrist, check out The Strap Smith here.

October 27, 2014November 17, 2022

Satch & Fable 13″ Leather Satchel W/Pocket Review – $139

Twelve years ago in India, Fabrizio Giuliani, an Italian teaching English to Tibetan monks, found a guy making “cheap” leather bags to tourists. Falling in love with unique qualities of the leather, he decided to use that leather to create his own bags with enhanced durability and construction techniques. Satch & Fable bags are created using the Buddhist concept of Wabi-sabi which finds natural beauty in imperfection and impermanence.

CONSTRUCTION

The most unique aspect of this satchel is the full-grain goat leather. Goat leather is naturally lighter and more water-resistant than cowhide. Fabrizio describes this leather as Moroccan leather. Although this leather is actually from India, it is tanned using traditional Moroccan techniques. “Traditional” Moroccan leather tanning is not nearly as pleasant nor easy compared to mechanized Western techniques. In a nutshell, the leather is arduously hand-washed at least five times. At the fourth wash, the leather is “shampooed” to remove odors (from what I’ve learned, this is the ESSENTIAL step). The leather is then gently dried in the sun for 2 hours, re-wet, and then hand-rubbed. Goatskins are smaller than cowhide so up to two goatskins are used to make a single bag. Because of the sourcing and traditional tanning methods, no two bags will ever be alike.

The goats are raised and sourced locally from Rajasthan, and the tanned skins are brought to the village workshop for construction. There are only 3-5 local workers who produce these bags by hand. The brass buckles and rivets are also from India. Vintage sewing machines are used to place the cotton stitching.

Satch&FableSatchel10 — Satch & Fable 13” Satchel with Front Pocket (on bottom) and Satch & Fable Pouch ( on top)

FUNCTION

This satchel breaks all the rules. It does not have a 100-year warranty. It is not made from military grade materials or imported fabrics from Italy or France. It will not stop a bullet for you. This bag is not 10 lbs. This bag is a lightweight, casual alternative to the rugged beast bags out there. My particular satchel is 13’’x10’’x5’’ although various size options are available. It comes with three internal compartments with a padded one just for your laptop, two zippered pockets, and an external front pocket. This featherweight entry to the satchel arena is a welcome reprieve to the pounding that my shoulder has taken from my full-grain cowhide briefcase that I use for work.

AESTHETIC

Who knew imperfect could be so beautiful? You can see every blemish on these tanned goatskins but they are subtle and gorgeous. This bag is not pretentious nor does it try to be something it’s not. This is one of those kids you hated in college – someone who doesn’t have to try, but always looks good and grabs all the attention. Out of the bag, it seems like a bag that has been loved for many years but there’s still years worth of aging and patina left for you to do on your own. There are darkened shadows and creases at just the right spots. The leather is so soft and light yet tough. According to the Wabi-sabi concept on the website, there may be an imperfect stitch here or there, but I can’t find a single one.

Here’s my favorite part – you really have no idea exactly what your bag will look like before you get it. Because of the traditional hand-tanning method, your bag’s leather may look COMPLETELY different than the next one. Opening up the bag is like opening up a Christmas gift or pulling a fish out of water.

Satch&FableSatchel09 — Yes, these are the exact same bags made of the same type of leather.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Satch & Fable 13’’ Leather Satchel with Pocket at $139 is a welcome alternative to the heavy full-grain cowhide bags flooding the new-entry market. It won’t break your back and it won’t break your bank. This bag is perfectly imperfect. If you’re looking for a beautiful broke-in bag that can save you several years worth of patina this is it. Consider PaydayMint if you’re in a financial bind and want Satch & Fable bags.

October 24, 2014December 19, 2017

Neo Nouveau by Andrew Diba Sharkskin Belt Review – $450

As previously featured in the Neo Nouveau by Andrew Diba Geometric Wallet Review, Andrew Diba is a Canadian leather designer who prides himself on meticulous quality construction using the highest grade of materials. When an individual leathermaker is showcased along reputable companies such as Rolex, BMW, and LG in Sharp Magazine’s (the Canadian GQ) spring and summer fashion guide, he must be doing something right. This sharkskin belt is a fine example of an unexpected exotic leather put to good use. Continue reading “Neo Nouveau by Andrew Diba Sharkskin Belt Review – $450”

October 23, 2014December 19, 2017

Portel’s Innovative, Adjustable Belt – $149 each

A belt is another one of those items that is consistently under-appreciated. It serves such a mundane function that it is often overlooked. People notice your shoes or boots. They notice your briefcase, messenger bag, or backpack. And, they’re quick to notice your choice of smartphone case too. But, how often does someone notice your belt? Chances are not very often. Whether you choose to wear a belt made of fabric or leather, it’s just there…doing its thing…serving its purpose, going unnoticed.

So, when you find a belt that is truly a unique standout, you jump on it. And, it changes things (unless you always wear your shirts un-tucked). These two belts from Portel shed new light on belts. They’re unique and people notice.

About Portel

I originally took notice of Portel on Etsy. When I’m looking at Etsy-based companies, I tend to gauge them by longevity (how long their store has been open), number of admirers, and number of sales. All of Portel’s numbers show that they’re a solid brand producing items that people are enjoying. And, they have a solid, five star review status that seems to confirm their dedication to quality creations.

Portel defines itself as a “retro-modern collection” of leather goods. Their products are designed for “those who love superior comfort, refinement, style, and individualism, without compromising strength and durability.”

Portel is based in Tallinn, Estonia on the shores of the Baltic Sea. They started their workshop in 2009 and continue to produce goods with the core idea of elegant simplicity – “for those who like to walk their own way.”

Their business card contains the phrase, “300% Pure: 100% Handmade, 100% Natural, 100% Love”. This does a great job of encapsulating everything that makes up Portel.

Construction

I received two belts from Portel: light brown buffalo leather and aged light brown leather. Both belts arrived at the same time in nice, compact packages. There are 3 pieces to each belt: a nice, aged-looking gunmetal gray roller buckle and two pieces for the belt.

Once you have one of these belts in your hands, you can feel the quality. There is an investment not only in materials, but in build time too. Portel uses Italian-sourced, vegetable tanned, high quality leather for all of its products. Each of these belts is 1.5” wide (they’re working on narrower widths right now) and adjust to 30” – 46” in length with their unique, attractive connection system. The edges of the belts are hand burnished. There is a lot of attention to detail on these belts. On the back of the belt, you’ll find four things stamped in it: the Portel logo, “Patent Pending” (not sure where they are filing for patent protection), the phrase “Handmade PortelBelt”, and “For those who like to walk their own way”.

Function

It takes a few minutes to insert the buckle and size the belt appropriately. The unique snap together system is easy to use though and creates a stylish look. Once you have it sized, you’re ready to go.

One thing that I did initially find to be a minor annoyance is that due to the raised snap/stud system, it takes a little more time to insert the belt through the belt loops on your pants or shorts. But, I also attribute this to a little bit of a learning curve. It’s not a smooth belt, so you have to take that into consideration when putting it on. After a few times of putting it on and taking it off, it no longer was a complicated, frustrating issue.

Each belt performs admirably. To date, I have not lost my pants or shorts, so success has been achieved! Seriously though, each belt functions just as it should.

Aesthetic

The roller buckle is nice and the belt, stiff at first, softens up quickly with use. The leather on both of these belts looks and feels fantastic. The aged, light brown version has a nice rugged appearance while the buffalo leather’s texture and feel exudes a little bit more luxury. I’ve been wearing both versions of the belt for the past 8-9 weeks. It’s difficult to choose a favorite. I seem to use the light brown buffalo leather version for those times when I’m “dressing up more” (I’m a pretty casual guy, so dressing up might be nice jeans or khakis). The light brown cow leather belt is now my all around go to belt: shorts or jeans.

Either one of these belts would be a great choice for casual or semi-casual use. Portel also features their belt in other colors too: black, red (looks more like a chestnut color), dark brown, and more. Visit their Etsy store to view their current, available colors in both aged leather and buffalo leather.

Conclusion

At $149, the Portel Belt, whether in aged leather or buffalo leather, is a bit more expensive than many of the other belts we’ve reviewed on BestLeather. However, given their unique design along with the high quality components, and hand crafted detail work, they are a solid buy.

Just like Portel says, “superior comfort, refinement, and individualism, without compromising on strength and durability”…these two belts will just get better with age and will last for many decades, which makes them well worth the initial price point.

October 22, 2014December 19, 2017

Tagsmith Leather Bifold Wallet – $54

At BestLeather, we see a great deal of wallets. Do we tire of seeing and using them? Well…no. It’s amazing how many variations of a wallet or billfold there are out there. They range from simple to exotic and everything in-between. I’m still on a quest to find “the one” that truly fits the bill for me. And, I’m getting close…really close. As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, I like simplicity. The Tagsmith Leather Bifold Wallet is an excellent example of simplicity in the crowded wallet market. Continue reading “Tagsmith Leather Bifold Wallet – $54”

October 21, 2014December 19, 2017

Nicks Boots 6″ Robert Boot Review – $439

The Pacific Northwest is a gorgeous place to live, work, and play. But, it’s a tough place too. Harsh weather, tough terrain, and rigorous duties require goods that can match those challenges. A good pair of boots is a must if you are going to hang out in this region of the world for any length of time. Continue reading “Nicks Boots 6″ Robert Boot Review – $439”

October 18, 2014December 19, 2017

Christensen Bags No. 7 Platypus Satchel Review – $225

The lowly platypus just doesn’t get enough recognition in this world with the likes of lions, tigers and bears roaming around. That’s a shame because the platypus is a fascinating creature. Endemic to Australia, including Tasmania, the platypus is one of just a few venomous mammals with seemingly more in common with a Tasmanian devil than with a duck. The days of the platypus staying in obscurity are soon to vanish though with the Platypus series of satchels by Christensen Bags. A waxed canvas and leather goods company based in San Francisco, California, Christensen Bags makes high quality goods with a focus on minimalism inspired by Danish mid-century Modern aesthetics. BestLeather was able to review one of their minimalistic satchels, the No. 7 Platypus.

MATERIALS

A bag is only as good as what it is made out of. Christensen understands this and chooses to work with some of the best materials available. They source their leather exclusively from the Horween Tannery in Chicago, which was established in 1905. They obtain their waxed canvas from Martin Dyeing and Finishing, which was established in 1838. The No. 7 is a combination waxed canvas and leather bag. The outside of the bag is made from a natural, khaki colored waxed canvas, while the interior is a black waxed canvas. The black interior is a smart move as the interior of a bag tends to attract marks, smudges, and stains. If you are unfamiliar with waxed canvas, it is smooth material where the wax is not readily apparent. The wax is impregnated into the canvas as a means of waterproofing the material.

It has become a popular material to use in the higher end bag market, where cost is a factor. Combining waxed canvas with high quality leather produces a super durable and classy combination. If you’re not into that combination and prefer all leather bags, then Christensen has you covered and you can get their No. 3, which is an all Dublin leather satchel with the same design.

I have to say that the leather used for the flap of this bag is impressive. Named Dublin by the Horween Tannery, character comes built into this leather. The leather has a similar pull up affect as Horween’s famous Chromexcel leather, but is all vegetable tanned, which means it will develop a beautiful patina with use. The leather is also thicker than most high quality leather bags and definitely thicker than boot leather. The underside of the leather is unlined, which I think is beautiful, and is also very smooth, an indication of a high quality leather. The same Dublin leather is used for accents as well, namely for the D-rings on either end of the bag, for the flap closure on the front of the bag and for the interior pen holders.

METAL AND THREAD

Keeping to their minimalist vision, there is not a lot of hardware on the bag. The D-rings and the lobster clasps on the strap are all solid brass with an antique finish, which marries well with the look of the bag. The materials are all sewn together with strong and durable no 128 bonded nylon. The perimeter of the flap of the bag is sewn with a dark brown nylon. Technically the thread is not necessary as it doesn’t combine two materials and is purely aesthetic. Personally, I like the look and think that provides a nice finish, but some might prefer the stitch less look.

DESIGN

Minimalism is an important focus for Christensen and the No. 7 is no exception. The bag is an appropriate size for a satchel, but is not a large bag. Measuring 14.5″ wide by 10″ high, by 2 1/4″ deep, the bag is meant to carry the essentials and not much else. Large enough for a 13″ laptop (my 13″ Macbook Air with case fit snugly), a notebook cover, an IPad or other electronic device, and some accessories, and you’re good to go.

The most noticeable feature of the bag is the obvious play off of our lowly platypus with a wide 3″ “bill” that inserts snugly into the front loop and is secured with a single button rivet. The look is surprisingly reminiscent of a platypus, but is still classy and sophisticated. There is something satisfying with not having to tangle with any buckles and clasps when opening or closing your bag. Unbuttoning and sliding out the flap is quick and easy and refastening it is the same. In using this bag, I never felt that the contents of the bag were unsafe with this closure. The bill fits snugly into the loop and stays there. The size of the bag helps with this as you’re not lugging around a significant amount of goods.

Neil, co-founder of Christensen Bags, takes prototyping very seriously. He tests and tweaks their designs, and uses the prototype until he feels it is perfect. He developed their No. 1 satchel to shuttle his necessities from work to home and wanted to sell something that he would love and use. He has currently been carrying a wallet prototype around for the past year, making notes along the way to ensure the perfect product. This fastidious focus on design is apparent in the goods they sell.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The No 7. platypus satchel from Christensen Bags is minimalists dream. It is lightweight, has one main compartment to carry your essentials and opens and closes with ease. It is made from high quality materials made by companies with long histories, and is designed to carry your goods in style. The price of $225 is right for a smaller bag made of premium materials and is designed well. Perhaps best of all, No Platyplus’ were harmed in the making of this review, or the making of this bag. We recommend the No. 7 from Christensen.

October 17, 2014December 19, 2017

Matoirs Vintage Style Tooled Women’s Bag Review – $197

Here’s a review of a beautiful piece that caught my eye from a designer and leatherworker on etsy from Australia. Melanie Hudson of Matoirs Leather Products has been selling handmade and hand tooled leather bags for about 2 years now but working with leather since she was very young, assisting her father binding leather books. Her etsy shop features vintage style handbags that are hand tooled or hand painted with detail and rich beautiful colors. Continue reading “Matoirs Vintage Style Tooled Women’s Bag Review – $197”

October 16, 2014December 19, 2017

Horween Leather Company and Thrux Lawrence All Leather Thrux Pack – $990

In the not too distant past, BestLeather received a hide of the Horween Leather Company’s latigo leather, in a chestnut color. Thinking of one of the best places we could take the hide to and develop it into something beautiful and functional, we immediately thought of Thrux Lawrence of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We asked them to craft something fine from the leather so that we can showcase Horween’s latigo leather and something fine they indeed crafted.

Tanden Launder, the proprietor of Thrux Lawrence, took the project a step further and crafted something new for them, an ALL leather Thrux Pack. They craft many of their thick 24 ounce canvas and latigo leather Thrux Packs, which are beautiful and extremely rugged, and which they sell online and at their brick and mortar store in Coeur d’Alene, but they had yet to make an all leather Thrux Pack. This was a serendipitous opportunity to try something a little new.

HORWEEN LEATHER COMPANY

The Horween Leather Company was founded in 1905 by Isadore Horween. The company has remained in family hands (currently run by Arnold “Skip” Horween, Isadore’s great grandson) ever since and is now the last remaining tannery in the Chicago area, and one of the few remaining industrial tanneries in the United States. Horween’s first product was shell cordovan for razor strops.

After the invention of the electric razor and the subsequent reduced demand for razor strops, Horween recognized the need to diversify it’s leather portfolio. The result has been some fine leathers, and some tanning recipes that are still being used today, decades later (think Chromexcel).

Avid readers of BestLeather will be very familiar with the name Horween. The simple reason for this is that many, many of the leather companies whose products we review use Horween’s leather. And the simple reason for that is because Horween produces some of the finest (if not the finest) leather for consumer goods. Their Chromexcel and Shell Cordovan probably get the most attention in the realm of high quality leather goods, but one line of leather that needs a little more recognition is their Latigo line of leather.

ABOUT THE LATIGO LINE OF LEATHER

Tanden with Thrux swears by latigo leather. In my conversations with him he has repeated that latigo is the time tested leather, and of course he is correct. Latigo is a form or method of tanning leather. Traditionally tanned from cowhide, latigo is normally combination tanned, usually chrome tanned and then vegetable tanned, which is how Horween still does it. Latigo has traditionally been used for horse tack, namely for saddle cinches. The reason for this is the durable nature of latigo. It is tanned in a way that makes it more stiff than many of your luxury leathers, with less stretch, and as a result is more durable. This is the main reason that Thrux Lawrence prefers latigo, its durable nature.

Another benefit in using Horween’s latigo is that their leather is struck through. This means that after tanning the hide, the hide is then dyed with the color of choice, and they allow the dye to penetrate through the entire hide. Many tanneries simply dye the exterior of the leather, but when cut into you see either a blue strip running through the middle of the leather (in the case of chrome tanned leathers), or a light brown strip (in the case of vegetable tanned leather). For the purposes of luxury consumers goods, this is unacceptable. Striking the leather through is more time consuming and expensive, but Horween doesn’t take any shortcuts and that shows in their leather.

ABOUT THE ALL LEATHER THRUX PACK

Like all of Thrux Lawrence goods, the All Leather Thrux Pack is ridiculously tough and overbuilt, which is just the way I like it. This particular Thrux Pack uses two different colors and weights of latigo. Horween provided BestLeather a chestnut hide that is four to five ounces in weight. This hide was used in the construction of the main body of the Thrux Pack, as well as the internal computer sleeve and pocket. Thrux used a darker brown latigo leather from Horween that is eight to nine ounces in weight for the shoulder straps, the top flap and straps, the handle, and their signature bucket tray, or bottom of the bag. Eight to nine ounce latigo leather in an of itself is thick and extremely rugged. Thrux takes that thick leather and doubles it for the shoulder straps and handle. The result is one hardy backpack that is bound to last generations.

To combine all of this beautiful and sturdy leather, Thrux uses very durable bonded nylon thread. For this Thrux Pack, they used a white thread which contrasts nicely against the chestnut colored leather. Note the double stitching for increased durability on the shoulder straps as well as the bottom tray, another indication of attention to detail. The hardware used for the buckles is solid brass. The zippers used are oversized, solid brass, YKK Zippers. And the rivets used to further secure the leather are solid brass rivets and burrs.

I stated in a previous article written for BestLeather that solid copper rivets are the toughest rivets you can use for leather, but I was mistaken. As brass is a combination of tin and copper, which results in a much harder metal than copper, solid brass rivets are much tougher than copper. The use of solid brass over solid copper rivets is indicative of Thrux Lawrence’s approach to leather crafting. They use only the very best materials in the making of their bags and goods.

With a lot of thick, sturdy latigo leather, the All Leather Thrux Pack is going to take some time to break in and be comfortable. On the flip side, after you use the bag for work or travel, you know your kid will be able to use it for college and work, and their kid will be able to do the same. The bag is that well made and the Horween leather that durable.

BEST LEATHER CONCLUSION

The All Leather Thrux Pack from Thrux Lawrence is a ridiculously well made bag. The choice of using latigo leather from the Horween Leather Company is the best choice. Latigo is time tested, is very durable, and Horween’s latigo is struck through and beautiful. $990 may seem like a lot to put down for a backpack and it is. But this really is not any ordinary bag. The attention to detail, the use of the best possible and most durable materials, and the quality craftsmanship means this is an investment in an heirloom quality good. The use of Horween’s latigo means you’re also getting the best quality leather that is used by the best leather companies in the United States and beyond. BestLeather definitely recommends the All Leather Thrux Pack and could not speak more highly of Horween’s latigo leather.

October 14, 2014December 19, 2017

Vicenzo Titan X Leather Briefcase Review – $229

Vicenzo Leather is a leather company based out of Houston, Texas. Desgned in the USA and manufactured in China, Vicenzo fuses together European design with western style, craftsmanship and materials. Besides briefcases, Vicenzo makes messenger bags, wallets, duffel bags, and other handbags.

The Titan X is the newest addition to Vincenzo’s line and is an updated version of their previous Titan briefcase. The Titan X features more pockets and compartments to help with convenience and organization.

Construction

The Titan X briefcase is constructed of full grain pebbled leather with a durable denim interior, brass buckles, snaps, leather reinforced seams on the inside, nylon thread stitching and zippers. The bag measures 16.5″ length x 12″ high and 5″ deep. Empty the bag weighs about five pounds.

The front of the bag features 6 compartments – two with magnetic snap closures and four with zipper closures. There are two main inner compartments with zipper closures. The front most compartment has a space for a laptop or portfolio with a velcro secured leather tab to secure. The back compartment is one large space with no dividers but has two pockets on the inner side for small items as well as two pen slots. Against the outer wall is another zippered pocket. The back exterior of the bag has one zippered pocket. To carry the bag, there are two snap removable handles on either side as well as one non removable handle directly on top of the bag. Lastly, The bag has a removable and adjustable shoulder strap made of nylon and leather with a leather shoulder pad.

Function

As noted above, this is a larger sized briefcase with a lot of handy pockets, pouches and other features. Any business traveler will agree that all the pockets are handy to keep things such as travel documents, small electronics and chargers, pens, small notebooks, and various other tools. The main compartments can hold several books, laptops, electronics and other tools. The bag can also hold some spare clothes making this a suitable overnight bag as well.

Aesthetic

My initial reaction to receiving the bag was that the color was not at all matching the color on the website. The website has the bag in a lighter and more weathered brown leather where the bag is actually a very solid dark brown. Also the pebble grain on the bag was not noted on the website. I felt slightly disappointed at first and felt the bag and company lacked quality. The bag had an off smell not like that of other nostalgic brand new leather smells I know and love. The denim cloth interior was also not noted on the website.

I’m not a huge fan of the fake snap buckles on the front two pockets but one might see the as a convenience if they need to get in and out of the pockets quickly. A few times already the snap has opened by rubbing up against something or catching on another object.

A great thing about this bag is that it is a lightweight bag (empty). I was able to have two small laptops, a full-sized portfolio, and a spare change of clothes for an overnight business trip without putting too much of a strain on my shoulder.

What seems as a design flaw is the overall imbalance of the bag with the use of the shoulder strap. The d-rings for the detachable shoulder strap are too low causing the bag to be top heavy when carried with the shoulder strap and in result, is very uncomfortable and awkward.

Another complaint that I have is that the shoulder strap seems a little flimsy and is already showing signs of fray around the edges. Having had several nylon shoulder strap bags in the past, I can say I am not a fan of them fraying and falling apart more quickly than most. Also the shoulder pad is a mere thin piece of leather with no real padding or comfort features. This may not be deal breaker for some since the overall lightweight yet spacious and pocket loaded nature of the bag is great. I would see myself buying a stronger and more durable strap to change over down the road.

BestLeather Conclusion

I would not have purchased this bag in person at the price listed. To me it seems a tad high. The pictures and lack of description on the website was misleading to me. However it is a convenient, spacious, and lightweight bag that may suit the needs to a busy traveler. It is also, as previously mentioned, a nice size bag to carry clothes in for an overnight or light weekend trip. Check it out –here-.

October 13, 2014December 19, 2017

Pinegrove Leather Guitar Player’s Wallet – $67

Can you imagine life without music? What a boring, dull place it would be. Having the ability to create music by playing an instrument is even better. It’s fun to get together with friends and spend time creating and enjoying music. It can also get messy. You can unfortunately lose accessories quickly and easily. As a guitar player, I’ve lost countless picks, string winders, and even a few capos over the years. One of the reasons for this is simply because I never have a place to keep those items stored and organized.

I’ve finally found the solution to my woes…courtesy of another musician. Rod Boyes of Pinegrove Leather is doing just that – creating unique, useful pieces for musicians. Best of all, his creative medium is leather…really nice leather.

About Pinegrove Leather Company

Pinegrove Leather, run by Rod Boyes and Lou Comerford Boyes, has a simple, straightforward mission – to bring people beautiful things to enjoy. Pinegrove is based in the beautiful Pennine town of Hebden Bridge, England, well known for its art and creativity. The company name comes from “The Pine Grove Blues”, a famous Cajun song that Rod used to play when with the Cajun Aces dance band from 1993 to 2003.

Construction

Pinegrove selects each piece of the leather it uses in person from a UK warehouse. According to Rod, “we like leather that’s real and natural, though we sometimes offer brighter colors too. Some of the leather we use, like the “distressed” style, has been given its effect artificially, but otherwise it’s the real thing, made to last a lifetime. We do not use any wild animal skins or any products derived from non-sustainable sources.” Pinegrove is proud to acknowledge that they design and make everything right in the north of England.

The leather used on the Pinegrove Leather Guitar Player’s Wallet has a great, waxy feel to it – sturdy, yet nice, soft, and pliable. The heavy duty stitching is uniform. The pick slots, pockets, straight seams, finished edges all speak to the attention to detail and time invested in creating this piece.

Function

The Pinegrove Leather Guitar Player’s Wallet is a cleverly designed, well thought out piece. You can tell that it was created and made by someone who has spent a lot of time with guitar in hand. The pick section of the pouch will hold up to 15 picks (3 per slot). The design lends itself to a “grab and play” method for selecting a pick. It also features two full size pockets on each side, each of which will easily hold a set of strings and a string winder or a capo. In fact, you can carry a set of strings, a string winder, and a capo all at the same time. The storage capacity of this wallet is impressive. You’re certainly not limited to just carrying guitar accessories in this wallet too. It will easily handle all of your cash and cards too. And, it will easily slip into your jeans pocket or a coat pocket.

Aesthetic

Pinegrove Leather describes their style as “modern vintage with art nouveau, western, and 1950s jukebox influences mixed in as well. The Guitar Wallet I received is a very attractive piece featuring dark and light brown leather. The pick shaped inlay on the front of the wallet creates an attractive visual focal point on the front. As mentioned, the leather feels nice and will age really well. It’s certainly tough, sturdy, and well made – but still retains softness to it.

It’s easy to stick in your pocket and go or stick it in your guitar case. Honestly, it’s a great choice because it consolidates so many pieces that are usually scattered about in your guitar case, pockets, or left behind from wherever you played last.

Conclusion

The Pinegrove Leather Guitar Player’s Wallet is a great addition to anyone’s guitar gig bag or case. It’s a problem solver and organizer. At £39 (roughly $67 US), it’s a perfectly acceptable price point given the fact that it’s expertly crafted, features high quality components, and is backed by a lifetime guarantee. As a bonus, you’ll get a really nice, sturdy leather keyring too (thanks Rod). If you’re looking for a way to keep your guitar gear organized in a manner that looks really good (and will get noticed by your buddies) then we encourage you to check out the Pinegrove Leather Guitar Player’s Wallet. The guys at Pinegrove Leather certainly are not limited to creating leather pieces for guitar players. If you visit their site you’ll find pieces specifically designed for harmonica players, drummers, whistle players, and some excellent looking pieces created for travel (along with a really nice looking messenger style bag).

October 12, 2014December 19, 2017

Pinegrove Leather Vintage Style One Inch Guitar Strap – $77

A strap is a strap is a strap…right? Wrong, wrong, wrong. There are so many variations of guitar straps out there and they’re made from everything you can think of too. So, how do you wade through all of the boring, well-intentioned but poorly constructed straps and find a superior strap? You find one that’s built by musicians for musicians.

About Pinegrove Leather

Pinegrove Leather, run by Rod Boyes and his wife, Lou Comerford Boyes, has a simple, straightforward mission – to bring people beautiful things to enjoy. Pinegrove is based in the beautiful Pennine town of Hebden Bridge, England, well known for its art and creativity. The company name comes from “The Pine Grove Blues”, a famous Cajun song that Rod used to play when with the Cajun Aces dance band from 1993 to 2003.

In putting together this review and our other review for Pinegrove Leather’s Guitar Player Wallet, I was able to dialogue a little with Rod about his company and how they operate. So, you’ll find a little question/answer dialogue in a few sections within this review.

Tim at BL: What sets Pinegrove Leather apart? What makes you unique?

Rod: Pinegrove’s focus on music accessories is due to my own interest in making music. I am a singer, guitar player, and harmonica player. Over the past 25 years I have played bluegrass, Cajun, and Western swing in a variety of bands. My current band is called The 309s – named after the last song Johnny Cash ever wrote & recorded. We play a wide range of American music from the 1920s to the 50s, including Western swing, jump blues, honky-tonk, and some rockabilly too. We have recorded two albums, both of which can be heard at our website, www.the309s.com. The history of Pinegrove goes straight back to making music. I had been playing harmonica for a year or so and had built up a collection of blues harps, but had nowhere to put them. I raised the idea with my other half, Lou (an expert seamstress), who found some flimsy scrap leather in the bottom of her sewing box and made me the original roll-up case. Admiring comments from friends at sessions sparked the idea for Pinegrove, and here we are today with a complete range of harmonica cases. That old one has been retired for a while now, but I still use it for storing a set of hole punches in the workshop.

Construction

I received the Pinegrove Leather Vintage Style One Inch Guitar Strap from Rod in light tan leather. This is one fine guitar strap. The “Vintage” name for it is well deserved as this would be an excellent strap to don on an old Rickenbacker, Gretsch, or Gibson hollow-body. I, however, have none of those, so it went on my trusty ol’ BC Rich acoustic (which I hear is becoming somewhat of a collector’s item itself).

The strap and shoulder pad are substantial pieces. And the hardware is heavy duty as well. I can’t imagine what it would take to wear out this strap. I do know this…whatever it would take would certainly jeopardize the integrity of your guitar. So, my advice is just take it easy and let this strap last forever while keeping your guitar in good shape.

Tim from BL: What type(s) of leather you use? Where do you get your leather?

Rod: As I like to be creative with different textures of leather, I use quite a wide range. These are mostly sourced from A&A Crack in Northampton, the traditional home of British shoemaking. Most of the leather is around 5oz (2mm), although our guitar straps use 9oz (4mm) buffalo hide. I use a mixture of top grain, full grain (for a natural grain effect) and nubuck cowhide. I sometimes use full grain pigskin for linings. Recently we have used capeskin glove leather from Pittards for making hatbands for an upmarket milliner. I buy all the leather myself and spend a long time checking it for quality in strength and finish.

Tim at BL: How you perform your construction (machine, all by hand, combination of both)?

Rod: Most pieces are pressed out for perfect results every time. Our cutting “knives” are custom made to our designs and totally unique. Some hand cutting and punching is still required. Stitching is performed using a specialized walking-foot machine, which can take the heavy thread we use. Handling the machine requires a lot of skill as there is no automated control and mistakes cannot be covered up. One you’ve made a hole in a piece of leather it stays there! When you become a leather crafter you become obsessed about neat stitching, way beyond what most people would ever notice! Some pieces, such as our single harmonica pouch, are wet molded by hand. Edges are burnished by hand.

Tim at BL: Tell me about the type of thread and other components you use.

Rod: I use the best quality, synthetic, decay-proof thread from Coates. Our buckles and studs are solid brass, mostly English made by Abbey England’s foundry in Walsall.

Function

The strap, due to its thickness, is a little stiff at first. However, once it’s in place on your strap pegs, it’s perfectly secure. As I took the strap on/off over the course of a few weeks, it has softened up and become much more pliable.

The 2.5” wide shoulder pad is fantastic and very comfortable. Adjusting the strap is something that takes a little time given the nature of the two Chicago style screws/posts that connect the strap together on each end. The screws are tucked away behind leather belt loop sheaths to protect the finish of your guitar, which is a great feature. The strap can be adjusted from 41” to 55” in length.

Aesthetic

The thick buffalo leather, along with the expertly sewn lines of the heavy gauge thread combine to create a very attractive strap. It also has a nice feel to it – while just carrying it and when wearing it. I’ve had multiple comments about this strap. Pinegrove also makes this strap in black and dark brown.

Conclusion

The Pinegrove Leather Vintage Style One Inch Guitar Strap is a great choice. It’s ingeniously designed and expertly crafted in a way that will accentuate your guitar and keep it positioned just where you want and need it while playing. And it will last forever. If for some reason it doesn’t last forever, it has a lifetime guarantee behind it from Pinegrove Leather. At £44.50 ($77 US), it’s a great deal. And, as with all Pinegrove products, you will receive a handy guitar pick keyring too.

October 10, 2014December 19, 2017

Oak Street Bootmakers Black Dainite Trench Boots – $462

The trench boot, sometimes known as the “Pershing boot,” was a combat boot used in World War I by British, American, French, and Belgian forces, made for the cold mud of trench warfare.

The 1917 Trench Boot was an adaptation of the boots American manufacturers were selling to the French and Belgian armies at the beginning of World War I. In American service, it replaced the Russet Marching Shoe. The boot was made of tanned cowhide with a half middle sole covered by a full sole, studded with five rows of hobnails. Iron plates were fixed to the heel. It was a great improvement, however it lacked waterproofing, leading to trench foot.

In January 1918 the Chief Quartermaster for the U.S. Army met with a board of officers at American Expeditionary Force Headquarters to make recommendations in order to improve the footwear of soldiers. The findings of the board were sent to General John Pershing, who approved the proposed changes. Shortly following, the improved 1918 Trench Boot, also called the “Pershing Boot,” was first issued to personnel. It used heavier leather in its construction, and had several minor changes from the 1917 Boot, including a thicker sole and improved waterproofing. – Adapted from Wikipedia

About Oak Street Bootmakers

George Vlagos, founder and designer for Oak Street Bootmakers is the son of a cobbler. By an early age he was apprenticing in his own father’s shop where he learned the craft of shoemaking. Now George passionately seeks to preserve the heritage of fine shoemaking through exquisitely designed, expertly crafted shoes. Their website mantras are “Handcrafted in America – Designed for Longevity”.

Construction

Oak Street makes a wide variety of attractive shoes and boots. In my initial discussions with George, we decided to review the Oak Street Bootmakers Black Dainite Trench Boot. This is one well-built boot! It features:

Black Horween Chromexcel Leather
True Goodyear Welt Construction
Dainite Soles
Stacked Leather Heel with Dainite Toplift
Calfskin Vamp Lining
Full Leather Laces

These boots are fully re-craftable and they’re made in the USA. If you’re a regular here at BestLeather, you already know our thoughts on Horween’s Chromexcel Leather. It’s highly durable and an excellent choice for a boot given its high sheen. This is the first pair of boots or shoes that I’ve worn with Dainite soles or heels.

Here’s a little snippet from Oak Street’s website about their construction: “Built on our Elston Last – a unique last providing exceptional fit and shape. Developed to embody the character of Chicago, the Elston last is engineered specifically for the trench boot providing the comfort yet durability demanded of the every-man.”

Function

There is a bit of a break-in period with a boot constructed with a Goodyear welt and so much leather. So, be sure to plan on wearing these for short periods of time the first few outings you don them on your feet. After a few dates with my wife, church visits, and excursions to client offices, I had these boots right where I wanted them. Now, I can wear them all day without issue. In fact, they are now very, very comfortable.

Another thing to note about the Trench Boot – they have eyelets all the way up. This means that you will need to lace and unlace them each time you take them on or off. It’s a little time consuming, so just plan ahead. I also found that since these boots do not have a heel loop, it’s easier to slip them on using a shoehorn.

Oak Street’s boots seem to run true to size as the fit was spot on for me (I generally wear a size 12 and the boots I received in size 12 fit perfectly). The sole and heel are comfortable and provide excellent traction. After reading a little about the Dainite sole and heel, I took a bit more notice of the fact that they truly don’t pick up dirt or rocks, yet still maintain good contact feel, and are non-marking.

Aesthetic

Have you seen the pictures? (Oh that’s right, you only come here to read the words.) These boots are stunning and look fabulous. This is going to sound like I’m describing a sports car, but here goes: The Oak Street Bootmakers Black Dainite Trench Boots feature clean lines, smooth finishes, carefully crafted curves, and an excellent combination of materials.

The contrast of the deep black Horween leather and brown color of the sole’s components combine to create a very appealing look. Someone inevitably comments on these boots every time I wear them. Every. Single. Time. I’m sure that the other versions of their Trench Boot will garner the same attention. However, I’m partial to this black pair – I think they’re fantastic.

Conclusion

The Oak Street Bootmakers Black Dainite Trench Boots should be considered a Buy It For Life item. Initially that $462 price may sting a bit, but only a bit….because you’ll quickly find that these handcrafted boots are well worth every penny and will truly give you a lifetime of comfort and style. The Oak Street Bootmakers Black Dainite Trench Boot pays tribute to a time tested design that has been around for almost a century and is sure to remain popular for many decades to come.

October 9, 2014May 9, 2020

Saddleback Leather Bucket Backpack & Umuragi Legacy Bag Giveaway – Ends Oct 30th

****The first winner has been selected. Congratulations to Jonathan P! Jonathan P has chosen to receive the Bucket Backpack. Our second winner, Nancy B. will receive the Umuragi Legacy Bag. Congratulations to both of our winners! Thanks to everyone who entered! And, stop by the site frequently…we have another giveaway coming soon!****

Saddleback Leather is partnering with BestLeather to give away not just one, but two of their new products – a Classic Bucket Backpack and an Umuragi Legacy Bag. Both of these are amazing pieces and are sure to be best sellers. And, with all of Saddleback’s expertly crafted leather products, they will most likely outlast you – so, be sure to plan ahead as to who will inherit your new Saddleback gear.

We will be choosing two winners – whoever is chosen first will get their pick of which piece they want to receive while the second winner will receive the other piece by default.

Please continue to read below and learn more about these great pieces being offered by Saddleback Leather for you to win. They are also offering 35% off on select items.

Here’s the scoop on the Classic Bucket Backpack:

Simple and strong design for our lightest backpack yet
Leather drawstring closure for a quick in and out
Back panel reinforced with pigskin lining for added strength where needed
Removable top handle can be used for over arm carry
Interior unlined tablet pocket & lined cell phone pocket keeps things organized
Drawstring color may not match your Bucket Backpack color
No breakable parts, e.g. zippers, snaps, buttons, etc.
Because of natural oils shade of leather may vary
Dimensions (approximate size):
- Exterior: 16″H x 10 ½”W x 8 ½”D
- Interior: 15″ H x 10″ W x 8″ D
Empty Weight: 3.4 pounds
Is available in Carbon, Chestnut, Dark Coffee Brown, and Tobacco

The Umuragi Legacy Bag

This is a purse designed by Suzette Munson. Instead of carrying the Saddleback Leather brand, it proudly displays the Love41 moniker. You may not be fully aware of Love41 and its commendable mission. So, we encourage you to visit the Love41 website and learn about how this company is making a positive impact in Rwanda, Africa and beyond. Here are the details about the Umuragi Legacy Bag:

Love 41’s most durable purse
Unique no-stitching, riveted construction
Umuragi means legacy in Kinyarwandan (the language of Rwanda), befitting a bag you can hand down to future generations
Two small interior pockets for keys, cell phone, and other accessories
Fully adjustable shoulder strap and turn-lock closure
Antiqued brass hardware
Made with thick, vegetable tanned full grain leather
Love 41 products are covered by a 41 year warranty
A portion of the proceeds from this item will be donated to Africa New Life Ministries
Dimensions (approximate size):
- Adjustable strap length: 37 ¼” – 52 ¾”
- Exterior: 13“ W x 7 ½“ H x 4” D
- Interior: 12 ½“ W x 7 ½“ H x 2 ¼” D
Empty Weight: 3 pounds
Is available in two colors: Carbon Black or Tobacco Brown

With Holiday shopping already beginning to ramp up, this contest’s timing is excellent. The contest will run for 21 days, starting today, October 9, 2014 and ending on Thursday, October 30, 2014.

Please be sure to follow all of the steps to ensure that you are entered to win. Enjoy! We look forward to seeing who wins. And, please be sure to comment below and let us know what your plans are for these products should you win one.

What do you think?

October 8, 2014May 9, 2020

15% to 35% Off Yearly Sale At Allen Edmonds – Oct 6th to the 21st

It’s sale time at AE and they are clearing the goodies out. Everything is between 15% and 35% off, but you already knew that. You can find good deals on the Allen Edmonds website and in their retail locations in the midwest. There are currently 49 shoes on sale.

If these sale prices are still too steep for your pocketbook than I recommend checking out this post on how to buy high end shoes at a larger discount on Ebay. My best purchase was a $650 pair of Alden Shell Cordovan shoes for $60. I will wear them today and for many days to come. Continue reading “15% to 35% Off Yearly Sale At Allen Edmonds – Oct 6th to the 21st”

October 6, 2014December 19, 2017

Mr. Lentz Traditional Minimal Leather Wallet Review – $64

“Under Pressure” – The classic Queen song should be the theme song for all wallets. Think about it. A wallet spends 98% of its time in your back pocket, squished by your butt…under pressure. So, with all of that pressure its under, you better be sure it’s a well built wallet. Let me introduce you to the Minimal Leather Wallet from Mr. Lentz. Continue reading “Mr. Lentz Traditional Minimal Leather Wallet Review – $64”

October 4, 2014December 19, 2017

Paul Evans Grey Belt Review – $149

Over the past few years, the online market for dress shoes has proliferated, but few companies produce anything that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of Alden, Allen Edmonds, and Crockett and Jones. Paul Evans is one of the few. Frustrated with the limited offering of stylish and affordable shoes from traditional manufactures, Ben Earley and Evan Fript set out to design a well-constructed, stylish shoe for a reasonable price. All of their shoes are hand built in Italy using Italian calfskin and are finished with a sleek Blake construction. But, I’m not here to talk about their shoes. They also provide belts and I have to say, they are pretty slick.

Construction

The belt is handmade from thick, fine Italian leather, uses heavy-duty thread for stitching and is finished with a solid brass buckle. Everything about the construction screams durability and style, but the craziest part is that the belt is cut-to-fit. When I heard this, I immediately had images of the dual sided belts from the discount store come to mind, but once I realized how it worked, I was pleasantly surprised.

What Paul Evans does is very tasteful. The buckle is a separate assembly that connects to the rest of the belt with a hefty Chicago screw. The part that is cut off is hidden between the buckle assembly, which gives the belt a seamless unity. Of course, this means that the owner must cut his new belt and then punch a hole for the screw or take it to a shoe shop to have them fit it for you. Even though the build quality is top notch and the materials are excellent, for the price, I would like the belt to fit me before it comes to my door. The design is ingenious and definitely allows Paul Evans to provide customers with more selection, but having measured or made-to-order belts available instead would definitely increase the value.

Function

The belt from Paul Evans held up my trousers with style. Outside of doing exactly what a belt is supposed to do, its surprising thickness gave me confidence that I will be wearing it for many years to come without much worry of the leather breaking down.

Aesthetic

Paul Evans did a great job with this belt. The color is rich and deep and the look can be dressed up or down with relative ease making it incredibly versatile. On mine, the Chicago screw is exposed and the stitching is very noticeable making it a little bit harder to wear in extremely formal settings, but adds class to an otherwise casual look. The only part of the belt that looks rough is on the backside where some dye has bled through the stitching. Both of these issues are minor and probably have been remedied since their newer offerings have covered the screws and down played the stitching for a sleeker look.

Conclusion

Paul Evans makes one mean belt. By putting together great styling with quality materials, this is one is tempting, but for the price, I would like to have it ready to wear as soon as I got it. If you do not mind the extra work and your are looking for dress belt that stands out, check out the selection on their site. While you are at it, spend some time drooling over their shoes.

About Bold Lead Designs

Construction

Function

Aesthetic

Conclusion

About Waskerd

Construction

Function

Aesthetic

Conclusion

Construction

Function

Aesthetic

BestLeather Conclusion

CONSTRUCTION

FUNCTION

AESTHETIC

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

About Portel

Construction

Function

Aesthetic

Conclusion

MATERIALS

METAL AND THREAD

DESIGN

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

HORWEEN LEATHER COMPANY

ABOUT THE LATIGO LINE OF LEATHER

ABOUT THE ALL LEATHER THRUX PACK

BEST LEATHER CONCLUSION

Construction

Function

Aesthetic

BestLeather Conclusion

About Pinegrove Leather Company

Construction

Function

Aesthetic

Conclusion

About Pinegrove Leather

Construction

Function

Aesthetic

Conclusion

About Oak Street Bootmakers

Construction

Function

Aesthetic

Conclusion

Here’s the scoop on the Classic Bucket Backpack:

The Umuragi Legacy Bag

What do you think?

Construction

Function

Aesthetic

Conclusion

Check out Paul Evans at www.paulevansny.com