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Moore & Giles Bray Sportsman Duffel Review – $1200

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.

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About Moore & Giles

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.

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Construction

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.

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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.”

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Function

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.

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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.

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Aesthetic

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!

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Conclusion

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.

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Cravar F.C. 15 Bag Review – $395

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.

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About Cravar

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.

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Construction

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.

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Function

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Aesthetic

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.

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Conclusion

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.

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Stock & Barrel No. 32 Minimalist Satchel Review – $345

It seems that almost everything these days is jammed packed with multiple features. If a widget doesn’t perform umpteen different functions, it just isn’t good enough. Personally, I find that tiresome at times. So, it’s really refreshing to find a product that keeps it simple and does a job well. And, if it looks good while doing it…well, that’s icing on the cake.

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About Stock & Barrel

Stock & Barrel is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Parker and Whitney Lichfield. With all of their products handmade in Ogden, Utah this duo hopes to revitalize a sense of adventure with each of the products they create. They work hard to reinforce their own “Carry Well” mantra. According to Whitney, “The idea of carry well is to surround yourself with things and people that are important to you. We believe that carrying quality products enables a more quality life.” And, from what we can tell, they’re doing a great job of providing those quality carry products.

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Construction

The Stock & Barrel No. 32 Minimalist Satchel is a thing of beauty. The leather is sourced within the United States and is fully struck through (dye permeates through the entire hide). In speaking with Whitney about Stock & Barrel’s construction process, she had this to say, “We roll out the hide, trace the pattern, cut out the pattern, rivet, punch, etc., and then hand-stitch everything. At this time we don’t have any heavy machinery, we love the look of the hand-stitched, rugged, simple look. We aren’t opposed to machinery though and if demand continues to grow like it is machinery will be our next step!”

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The leather is thick and has a nice pull up affect to it. It should develop an awesome patina with time and usage. Along with the great leather and exposed hand stitched seams, they utilize brushed stainless steel hardware, which I appreciate. It’s not flashy and allows you to focus attention on the bag as a whole.

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Function

In keeping with its minimalist name, the satchel has just one compartment. It will easily hold a 15” laptop, your iPad, charging cords, and various accessories with ease. Its 15.5″ x 10.5″x 3″ footprint is deceptive…it will hold a lot! One thing that I really appreciate is the “rain flaps” it has on the sides. Living in an area where it rains and snows frequently, it’s important to have a satchel that keeps your precious, expensive electronics dry. And the Stock & Barrel No. 32 Minimalist Satchel definitely does that thanks to this nice design feature.

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The main flap uses a tuck-in closure to stay shut. It’s simple and is just another feature that adheres to the minimalist approach. No zippers, straps, buckles…just leather – really nice leather.

The shoulder strap is the only component of the bag that requires the use of hardware. It attaches to the satchel with D rings and lobster clasps. The strap is adjustable and wide enough that you don’t need a shoulder strap (keep it simple…remember?).

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Aesthetic

The thick, exposed thread and brushed stainless steel hardware when combined with the heavy leather create a visual feast for the eyes. With no pockets or hardware in the way, you’re immediately drawn to just the leather, which looks fantastic. The simplicity of the design definitely catches people’s attention. In carrying this bag on a few trips to a couple of my favorite coffeehouses and to church, it always elicited questions and comments. The vintage brown color is great too. It’s not as light as a natural vegetable tan finish, but it’s not a dark brown color either. “Vintage” is definitely an accurate descriptor because the leather appears to be old…”pre-patina’d” so to speak. But, what’s great is that you’ll definitely be able to develop your own unique patina with time and use on this satchel.

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Conclusion

The Lichfield’s are definitely creating high quality leather carry goods. By using top quality leather, handmade attention to detail, and minimalist design features the No. 32 Minimalist Satchel is a stellar choice. At $345, it is reasonably priced – especially considering the fact that it will allow you to “carry well” for many, many years and then you can give the bag to one of your kids or grandkids so they can continue to use it.

*Be looking for another review coming soon for some of Stock & Barrels accessories (yes, the same ones seen in some of these pictures).

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Basader Handmade Classic Messenger Bag with Gusset Review – $400

Since BestLeather.org began reviewing products a few years ago, we have watched Basader grow from an Etsy store into one of the mainstays of the leather goods market. Based in Brooklyn, founders Philip and Elin Antonelli come from a fashion background, which is evident in their stylish products. All of their products are dyed, cut, and assembled by hand in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. In 2013, we reviewed their Messer Leather Briefcase, and posted an interview with Philip. Since then, they’ve sold quite a few messenger bags to customers who have broken them in and given them feedback. Thus was born the Handmade Classic Messenger Bag with Gusset, a customizable combination of everyone’s favorite Basader features.

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THE LEATHER

Crafted from 7 oz bridle leather, the Classic Messenger Bag is durable yet soft. It hasn’t lost its shape after daily usage, nor will it ever. The inside of the bag is smooth and supple, and the divider is made with raw leather. This medium brown color option is a rich reddish-brown, with a subtle luster that looks very sophisticated. The bag comes in three different color options: medium brown, dark brown, and black. Even the edge color is customizable in four colors: dark brown, medium brown, black, and natural. To get a better feel for the color options, check out the color guide on the Basader blog.

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CONSTRUCTION & FUNCTION

The construction of the Handmade Classic Messenger Bag is immaculate, with clean double-stitching and sturdy brass hardware to hold it together. The bag has minimal seams on the front and back, giving it a very sleek, understated look. The standout feature on this bag is the gusset. A gusset is a reinforced seam that provides structural strength or reinforcement. In this case, it does both, while simultaneously adding a divider that runs through the middle of the bag and provides two pockets and pen holders. The thick divider is a great feature for laptop users to keep their computer safe and scratch-free. This 16-inch, 4.5-pound bag keeps a 15″ laptop nice and snug without killing your shoulders. The size is functional for every day use without being clunky or in the way.

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The top handle has an extra leather covering for additional comfort. The removable shoulder strap is attached with D-rings and lobster-style clasps. Of course, the metal hardware is customizable as well, in three finishes: brass, nickel-plated brass, and nickel-plated matte.

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There is the option to add an adjustable backpack strap, which attaches to three O-rings that are added onto the back of the bag if you select this option. You also have a choice when it comes to the two front buckles. You can stick with the classic buckle or upgrade to faux buckles with hidden tuck locks for quick and easy access, a feature that is great for the less dextrous.

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CONCLUSION

The Handmade Classic Messenger Bag with Gusset ranges from $400-450, depending on what features you choose. It’s $20 to size up from 14.5″ to 16″, $20 to add a backpack strap (and necessary hardware), and $10 to upgrade to the hidden tuck locks on the front buckles. This is a very, very nice bag that will last you a lifetime due to its high quality materials and superior construction. It’s worth every penny; possibly more. It’s American-made from high-quality leather and handmade exactly to your specifications. The simple and timeless style will never go out of fashion, and the leather will get even more beautiful the longer you carry it. What more can you ask for?

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Colonel Littleton No. 40 Campaign Bag Review – $809

Leather – it’s been part of daily life for so many people for thousands of years. You’d think by now that creative uses and designs that implement leather would be tapped out. Well, my friend…it seems that we’re not even close to reaching the creative limits of how leather is used to complement life. We’ve had our eyes on one particular company for a couple of years now that is combining the rich heritage of quality leather goods production and innovation. Now, we have the privilege of reviewing several of their leading products and we’re very excited about it.

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About Colonel Littleton

Colonel Littleton was founded in 1987 in Lynnville, Tennessee. Since its inception the Colonel’s leather products have been sought after and are considered heirloom quality. The Colonel himself designs all of the products. To me, it seems that they all combine a bit of history, nostalgia, and a little bit of a twist on regular, conventional thinking…all of which combine to create unique, signature pieces.

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Construction

Each Colonel Littleton piece is a combination of two great things: expert craftsmanship and high quality materials. And, as a bonus they’re 100% made in the USA.

“The leather from which most of our products are made is from full-grain American hides hand-tanned especially for us at a small, local tannery. They know I don’t want to see leather from what I call “condominium” cows . . . leather that is almost antiseptic in its perfection . . . citified and devoid of character. I want leather from rugged, Americana, John Wayne kind of cows – cows that have rolled in the dirt and kicked up their heels in the herd. Give me scrapes and nicks and insect bites and barbed-wire scratches. Show me some spirit.” The only leather not American-sourced is that which is used in their belts, which is Italian Bridle Leather.

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Many of the pieces of hardware are manufactured right on site too. Check out this short little video where the Colonel discusses how he makes the signature latch you see on the featured No. 40 Campaign Bag. The video here is for another bag, but he shows how he uses an antique kick press to make part of the latch…pretty cool!

The construction of the No. 40 Campaign Bag is impeccable. This bag is designed and built to last forever.

Function

The Colonel Littleton No. 40 Campaign Bag is essentially a vertical messenger bag. In spite of its vertical design, it will hold quite a bit. The inside dimensions of the bag are 14.5” high, 12.5” wide, and 3” deep. When opened you’ll find one very large leather organizer/divider that hangs down about 6” and has one large slot, a business card slot, and what appears to be a couple of pen slots. This piece snaps in and out of place. It provides a little separation, which is nice. I have a 13” MacBook Air and it will actually slide in behind the divider. That leaves plenty of room to slip in a charger, cables, my planner, and other assorted items.

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If I had a larger computer, I’d just slip it in front of that organizer without issue. There is one slot pocket on the back of the bag too which works well for a magazine, notepad, or a book. At 4.2 pounds when empty, it’s not heavy at all – allowing you to load it up with your items and still transport it with ease.

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There are 3 ways to open and keep the bag secured. You can use the single stud latch, unsnap the two straps, or unbuckle the straps – it’s your choice. I’ve found myself just using the latch on those occasions when I am off to multiple meetings and I need to be in and out of the bag several times in a short period. Not having to unbuckle the straps every time is a nice feature. The brass snaps (and all of the hardware) feels very sturdy and should last a long time.

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The copper tube that anchors the strap and handle provides a nice, stable, sturdy carry platform. The handle itself is thick and comfortable. The shoulder strap is beautiful and easily adjustable however, it’s just a little too short. I’m a tall guy and will easily acknowledge that without issue. I have the strap on its longest setting and it’s just fine. However, folks shorter than me will find it impossible to adjust it to be long enough to carry the bag cross body. It would be great to see the strap have a few more inches of adjustability.

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Aesthetic

This is a beautiful bag. The leather is supple and the vintage brown color is great. When you combine this great looking leather with brass and copper hardware, it creates a stunning bag that people everywhere notice every time you carry it. Seriously – every time I have had this bag out with me it has generated questions and interest.

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The brass monogrammed shield on the front and the pommel shield on the back with the serial number speak to the dedication Colonel Littleton has to creating heirloom quality pieces that can be handed down for generations to come.

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Conclusion

I can see myself carrying the Colonel Littleton No. 40 Campaign Bag for several decades to come. And, my three sons are already vying for who is going to get it when I decide to stop carrying it. Hopefully I get to choose when that date comes – but, even if I don’t and my Maker chooses for me, the bag will still be looking good and fully capable of performing its job for one of my boys and probably one of their kids as well.

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The No. 40 Campaign Bag isn’t cheap. At $809, it is an investment. But, rest assured, this is a Buy It for Life item. As the Colonel says, “There are only two things that determine what things are worth – the time it takes to build them and the materials from which they’re made. So, if you want to make it cheaper, all you have to do is put less time and cheaper materials into it and quality suffers. We don’t cut corners to make it for less . . . that’s not what our customers expect from us. They are looking for something of value that is genuine and long-lasting. Many years down the road when someone comes across a product that says “Col. Littleton – Made in Lynnville, Tennessee USA” my goal is that it retain the character and beauty it had the day it was made, and my hope is that people will know that a lot of heart and soul went into it.”

So, buy with confidence from Colonel Littleton. You’ll enjoy your investment and so will the folks who inherit it from you later on down the road.

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LederMann Extra Large 18″ Vintage Chestnut Belting Leather Briefcase – $445

There are those occasions when you need a big bag – a really big bag. Now, you could certainly just go out and buy a nylon or cotton behemoth, which will easily get the job done. But, what if you plan on carrying this big bag for a long time and want to do it in style? Well, you stumble onto the vast array of leather bags. And, when you do you find that there are a myriad of bag makers and bags that come in every size, shape, and style. But, if you’re looking for a large briefcase, it narrows the options down quickly. One of those large briefcase/messenger bag manufacturers is LederMann.

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About LederMann

Since 2002 LederMann has been making high quality products using full grain leather, old world craftsmanship, and strict quality control. The result are bags, briefcases, travel bags, and backpacks designed to be durable, serve you well, and stand the test of time.

Construction

The LederMann Extra Large 18” Vintage Chestnut Belting Leather Briefcase is a beast – both in name and stature. It definitely lives up to its ‘extra large’ name. The body of this chestnut colored bag (also available in black) is made from 4-5 oz. full grain leather while the flaps and shoulder strap are 7-8 oz. in thickness. There are a lot of big pieces of leather sewn up in this bag. The precision stitching is comprised of heavy duty nylon thread while the interior of the bag is swathed in suede. Hardware is all brass and the stress points are reinforced with machine pressed heavy duty rivets.

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Function

Everything about this bag is big. And, if you’re looking for a big that then you’ll be happy about that for sure. Spacious is the most accurate description of this bag, which is 18″W X 13″H X 7″D and has two inner compartments measured at 3.5″ each compartment. It affords plenty of room for a laptop (or two) of any size, your Xbox, games, and controllers (know this one by experience from my son), books, accessories, and clothes.

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There is a large slip pocket that runs the length of the back, suitable for a newspaper, magazine, or notepad (even a legal sized pad). The handle is thick and sturdy. The shoulder strap is wide and easy to adjust. It features two large, well-padded shoulder pads which is excellent for carrying heavy loads in traditional briefcase form or in backpack form.

 

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That’s right – this thing converts into a backpack using a traditional three point connection system. The strap easily comes apart and allows quick transition into shoulder straps. Again, the shoulder pads work very well in this arrangement. As an 18” bag, when loaded having the ability to carry this bag in backpack mode is a very nice feature.

If you are looking for a bag to carry a fully equipped office with you – this is it. Need a bag to carry your basic office needs and your needs for a night or two? This is it. It’s big, but it’s versatile.

It will test you though. Empty this bag weighs in at around approximately 8 pounds. When you load it up, it’s going to require some effort to transport it. But, its size also lends itself to staying in proportion with people of larger stature too. At 6’5” tall, this bag fits my middle son and me well. As a backpack or a messenger it doesn’t look out of place. As a combination office and overnight bag, it’s ideal because it will easily accommodate our larger clothes.

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Aesthetic

The classic lines of this bag make it very attractive. The gussets, fine leather, heavy duty hardware all combine to create an elegant, classic look. It’s just bigger than most of the other bags in this style that you’ve seen in the past.

The leather has a high gloss, waxy finish to it and looks very attractive. It certainly garners attention when you set it down at a meeting. It can’t help but be noticed.

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Conclusion

I recently read an article about a gentleman who spent one year traveling the world with everything he needed safely tucked into a 26 liter backpack. If you’re thinking of doing the same thing, this backpack is slightly larger than that and fully capable of serving you in the same capacity…and it will look much better than a nylon bag! I look forward to seeing how this bag ages and performs as time goes on. It was a little rigid right out of the box, but with limited use over the past six weeks or so it has already softened up. It’s a well made bag and should withstand the rigors of daily use without issue for decades. The $445 price tag for the LederMann Extra Large 18” Vintage Chestnut Belting Leather Briefcase is substantial – but so is the bag. And, it’s a multipurpose bag that you’ll be able to use and enjoy the rest of your life.

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Saddleback Leather Hobo Mini Crossbody Purse – $159

In a world of big bags, big sunglasses, and oversized sweaters, sometimes a tiny bag is refreshing. At 8″ x 7.5″ x 3″, the Saddleback Leather Mini Hobo Crossbody Purse is definitely tiny. It’s a miniature version of their Hobo Crossbody Purse, a bag that I also happen to own in the Carbon color. I have been a big fan of that bag over the ten-ish months that I’ve owned it, so I was excited to check out Saddleback’s smaller version when they sent it in for review last month.

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THE LEATHER

Made of full-grain leather and double-stitched with polyester cord, this bag is not going to fall apart any time this decade, or probably this century.  The dark coffee brown leather is lined on the inside with light pigskin, which is easy to clean. The leather itself has a lovely matte, dark brown color and is nice and stiff, which is better for such a small bag so that the sides don’t fall in on themselves. The Hobo Mini Crossbody Purse comes in four colors: tobacco, dark coffee brown, chestnut, and carbon. My dark coffee brown bag is a very versatile and rich color.

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CONSTRUCTION

Three rivets fasten the top half of the latch to the body of the bag, which is a hefty nickel-plated lobster claw clasp. The adjustable strap is held on by D-rings and lobster claw clasps on either side. There is a slim pocket on the back which spans the width of the bag. There’s another similar pocket on the inside, for quick access to your cell phone or cards.

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The leather is extremely strong and sturdy, as are the seams. There have been a few flyaway threads, which is not uncommon with Saddleback Leather products. The company recently posted a video of a fun way of getting rid of pesky threads, which you can view here on their Vine account.

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FUNCTION

The Hobo Mini Crossbody Purse is the perfect size for all your essentials, and you can dress it up or keep it casual.  It only weighs a pound, and it’s nice to take on a night out when you don’t need anything more than your phone, keys, and cards. The strap is nice and long, and it’s adjustable, which is nice if you’re on the taller side. You can wear this over the shoulder or crossbody, and adjust the strap to your liking. You could even detach the strap altogether if you wanted to use it as a clutch.

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Now, while I think this purse is very cute and well-built, I have a bit of a beef with the functionality. The gigantic clasp is total overkill. On the original, bigger version of the Hobo Crossbody Purse, the clasp is cumbersome, but still openable with one hand due to more surface area. This miniature one is virtually impossible to open one-handed, and even with two hands, it’s not fast or easy. Which is fine if you don’t really plan on taking your stuff out or are worried about pickpockets. You can slide your phone in the back pocket if you need to access it in a pinch. So, if you plan on purchasing this bag, just think about whether or not quick, one-handed access to the main pouch is important to you.

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CONCLUSION

The Saddleback Leather Mini Hobo Crossbody Purse is adorable, and very sturdily crafted from high-quality leather. Its simple and straightforward design won’t go out of style and will last you a lifetime. If you don’t mind fiddling around a bit with a clasp, then this is a great, handcrafted purse, at the fair price of $159.

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Rustic Leather Medium Briefcase Review – $349

When I went looking for a briefcase a few years ago, I had a few criteria. First, it had to be quality leather. When I first started looking I didn’t know very much about leather, but I did know I didn’t want something that would feel flimsy and cheap. Second, it had to be within my price range. That is, my combined Christmas money from that year! Third, it had to fit a 13″ MacBook—since that’s the size I have tended to gravitate toward in my last few computer purchases. Fourth, it had to be able to convert to a backpack, if needed.

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I scoured dozens of websites looking for just the right bag. Some were too expensive for my budget. Others felt too cheap. Some were the wrong dimensions or size. Many of them had some of the qualities, but not all.

Then I found Rustic Leather. Their Medium Briefcase in “rich chocolate” color fit exactly what I was looking for. And two years later, it’s still serving me well. Rustic Leather’s products are made right here in the good ol’ US of A. Texas, to be more precise. Being American-made wasn’t on my list of top four must-haves, but that’s certainly a plus.

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Function

I mainly use the briefcase for—you guessed it—carrying books and papers back and forth from work. Its depth is just right: 6 inches (minus an inch because of double-stitching)—meaning I can carry my MacBook alongside a thick book several hundred pages in length. And there is still room in the front where the interior pockets and pen loops are for another book or two, if you choose.

Since two shoulder pad sleeves are included, and I only use one for my shoulder, I just scrunch the extra strap up inside the one I’m not using at the bottom. I removed the two front straps, since rarely do I need to strap extra items to the front. But if you like the look and/or functionality, they won’t add much weight to your shoulder. Speaking of weight, at 4 lbs, 11 oz, it’s just the right weight.

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Construction

The leather itself is 100% full grain 4-5 ounce boot leather. After 2 years of using it nearly every day, I still love its rustic (no pun intended) look. The lining is suede and still feels as soft as when it first arrived in the mail. I have experienced some threads coming loose along where the shoulder strap rubs against the bag’s flap, but that’s nothing a seamstress can’t fix. The shoulder strap is quite long, perhaps helpful for a taller person.

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Conclusion

Not only do I get compliments nearly every time I take it into public, I find it infinitely valuable to my day’s work (and play). My Rustic Leather Medium Briefcase is both beautiful and useful. And, at $349 it’s a fairly viable purchase – especially considering it’s made in the USA and is a durable choice that will look great for many years to come.

~ Dustin Battles, Guest Contributor

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74Street Bags Lucky Double 15″ Vertical Messenger Bag Review – $485

One of the things I enjoy most about the leather industry is that you always seem to find someone doing something really well that you haven’t found out about just yet. Such is the case with a husband and wife team from Transylvania, Romania.

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About 74Street Bags

Mircea & Daciana Bule are the powerhouse couple behind 74Street Bags. Mircea is a licensed fashion designer and he has been handcrafting with leather for more than 20 years. In my conversations with Daciana, she enjoyed referring to him as “the brains of design and handwork for 74Street”. Daciana, a manager by profession, is also a fashion design student, and “the brains of the business along with being Mircea’s apprentice in learning more and more everyday about the vast skills needed for handcrafting leather”. Together from their studio in Romania this duo designs and creates some unique bags – which seem to be very popular through their Etsy storefront, which shows a 5 star rating and healthy sales. For our initial review for 74Street Bags, we received their Lucky Double 15” Vertical Messenger Bag.

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Construction

This particular bag features full grain Crazy Horse leather, which they source from a tannery in Italy, in a color they refer to as Dakar Café – a nice dark brown. Crazy Horse leather (also referred to as cowboy or saddleback leather at times) is a type of pull up leather. It is heavily infused with oils under pressure at high heat during the tanning process. This gives the leather a very rugged finish that is well suited to moist or dry environments. It will remain soft and pliable forever and offers high durability. 74Street Bags does not exclude using leather that has natural markings from the cow’s life such as stretch marks, scars, and brands.

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The thread is heavy gauge and the sewing is done by hand with a 19th century Singer manual machine – one that is manipulated by hand, not foot.

When asked about their construction process, Daciana sent me the following info:

“We work with patterns created by us. My husband Mircea is a very good specialist in patterns. He draws the bag first and then turns it into a pattern. In the next step we take the pattern and transfer it onto the leather and cut the pieces with our hand cutter. We enjoy this “old school technique” because we also use old tools. We apply all the metal hardware and after that we glue the smaller pieces where necessary with special leather glue. Then we stitch the bag.”

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Function

There is a lot of leather in this bag, yet it’s not too heavy or bulky. The overall dimensions are 38cm x 30cm x 10cm (15 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches). It will easily fit a 15” MacBook Pro, charger cords, and more in either of the two main pockets. The center divider has two large pockets sewn on it that are capable of holding Field Notes, a smartphone, or any other similarly sized items. The extra pocket on the front is large enough to house an iPad or a class sized Moleskine and other accessories. Finally, there are a couple of pen/pencil loops and a small pocket on the very front that is large enough for a small cell phone, your iPod, or a healthy stack of business cards. The antique brass hardware all functions well and feels sturdy.

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The strap is easily adjustable allowing you to carry the bag either on your shoulder or cross body. The handle is nicely padded and large. The bag lays nicely on your hip in shoulder or cross-body carry mode. Vertical messenger bags are a nice alternative to traditional messengers. Having a thinner profile can be useful in certain situations (crowded commuter trains come to mind).

Aesthetic

Upon arrival the Lucky Double Messenger Bag had a strong chemical smell to it. In spite of the smell, the bag’s visual appearance is very appealing. I actually just set it next to my desk with the main flap open and let it air out for a little more than a week. It’s now fine and there is no residual chemical odor. I’m not sure what caused the odor – the tanning process, the glue used in construction, or a combination of both.

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The Dakar Café leather is very attractive and the symmetrical lighter colored stitching creates a nice contrast. The symmetry of the stitching is intentionally broken up in just a few spots…according to Daciana this is a stylistic signature that is incorporated into every one of their bags. It is very subtle and only occurs on the shoulder strap of this particular bag.

In carrying the bag, it does get noticed quite often. People ask and comment on it frequently. Its pleasant color and design have traditional leanings, but also indicate that it’s a custom designed piece, which I think is why it stands out to most people.

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Conclusion

The 74Street Bags Lucky Double 15” Vertical Messenger Bag is definitely a standout since it’s uniquely designed, constructed of quality materials, and hand made. At $485 it’s definitely an investment…but, you definitely get your money’s worth since the quality of this bag will allow it to serve you well, in a stylish fashion, for decades to come. 74Street Bags has a multitude of bag designs, cases, and accessories – be sure to visit and peruse their collection.

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Everlane Suede Weekender Bag Review – $135

San Francisco is the place to be for any energetic start up looking to cash in on a fresh demographic. From app companies to new age sandwich shops, its sloped hills house thousands of young-blood ventures that desire to shake things up. Everlane was founded by some such folks, with the intent to cut out the middle-man in clothing manufacturing. Directly linking customers with information about which factories produce their goods and all of the costs associated, they make it possible to buy designer basics knowing exactly how much any item has been marked up. From knitwear to basic leather goods, Everlane represents an affordable alternative to normally expensive clothing or trappings. I got my hands on their Suede Weekender Bag, a $135 duffel meant for short excursions or weekends out.

FUNCTION

There are two small straps which allow the duffel to be carried like a tote. After just a short while though, carrying it like this is uncomfortable. Since there is no shoulder strap option, the only other methods of holding the bag are to sling it onto your back or carry it over your arm like a purse. Neither are highly suitable for long term movement. This is a bag that is meant to be taken from taxi to airport or car to home, not lugged around for extended periods of time; but the spacious design is suitable for short or long term use, since it’s essentially one open compartment with a small, zippered area sewn into the interior. This area and a pocket on the exterior make it possible to keep a few small items from being swallowed up in the bulk of the bag, without disrupting the appeal of the amorphous design. Since it is relatively formless, larger and more cumbersome objects can fit into this weekender than the traditional rucksack. As long as you pack with some level of organization, this is a convenient place to store a large amount of items.

CONSTRUCTION

The suede is nice enough to keep the bag both soft and sturdy, while retaining a sleek high-fashion appeal. It’s also noticeably soft to the touch, as is the interior canvas lining. The leather that comprises the straps, zipper pulls, and piping is thick and attractive. The portion of the zipper that is leather-lined is double stitched, along with a couple of the other leather details. This is a solid bag, but only in the context in which it is intended to be used. You might not bring this weekender with you on a trip out to the slopes; but it would be very well suited to being paired with…well, a suit. It would last much longer as a stylistic accoutrement than if much abuse were to distress the supple exterior. Given a tame environment and gentle owner, it could last a decade.

AESTHETIC

With a company focused on making designer goods available to the public straight from the factory, much of the appeal revolves around the elegance and simplicity of attractively designed products. This weekender is no exception to that rule. A hot ticket item in the designer market right now, this style of bag has a classic silhouette. This combined with the minimalist detailing and beautiful suede exterior of the offering give it a fantastic look. You could just as easily take it on a weekend trip to the coast as you could bring it to Milan during fashion week. That’s really the purpose of this bag; it’s high fashion made affordable.

CONCLUSION

Everlane makes it easy to find out how much it cost to produce your item, the markup, and what a traditional retailer might have sold it for. Listed directly under the product description and factory information is a chart showing the cost of materials, hardware, labor, duties, and transport associated with whatever item you are viewing. With a production cost of $82, the traditional retail value projected at $400, and the Everlane price rests satisfactorily on $135, this Suede Weekender is a good buy. That is to say, its a good for anyone who wants what they’re offering: a stylistically based design with good materials and great functionality. You might not be able to take this duffel into the forest on your dirt bike, but with the kind of looks it draws in the city, you may never want to.

 

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Ruitertassen Heritage Professor 13″ Laptop Satchel Review – $425

Ruitertassen is a company born from the fruits of Jacob de Ruiter, a Belgian craftsmen that started with nothing in 1925. His philosophy to craft durable and affordable bags for the hard worker together with his technical abilities brought him success in a period of worldwide economic crisis and war. Today, Ruitertassen bags are designed to be timeless in look and endurance. The company continues to respect Jacob’s heritage and philosophy by creating work bags worth every hard-earned penny. It’s latest venture is to open its online US store with offerings from its most popular and classic line in early 2015.

Each satchel comes with a leather keychain

CONSTRUCTION

All Ruitertassen bags are handcrafted from full grain leather with practicality and durability in mind. The leather is sourced from a Belgium tannery and is shared by another well known company, Louis Vuitton. This tannery is located a few kilometers from the workshop and is the original one used by Jacob de Ruiter eighty years ago. The satchel leather is 100% vegetable tanned with natural extracts in a process that lasts for four weeks before being oiled. All the classic satchel designs have hidden German tuck locks which make unlatching the front flap a cinch. Each tuck lock feels sturdy and deep enough to prevent the latch from accidentally opening. For the diehard classics fan, there is still the option of opening each buckle manually and using the buckle just as a way to modify the height of the main flap. For strength, Ruitertassen uses the strongest nylon threads and double stitched corners of the outer pockets. The entire back and front flap is made from a single piece of leather and held to the side panels with automotive grade rivets as is the handle. Inside the bag, the dividers are made with flat rigid Texon strengthened with a layer of nylon lining. All the labor necessary to construct these bags is done in the Ruitertassen workshop using high-precision mechanized tools in Germany to keep quality control high and prices low. Ruitertassen is confident in their attention to construction and durability and will take any bag back from an unsatisfied customer for. Any repairs necessary in the first two years are done complimentary in the workshop after which repairs are done at an affordable price. For customers based in the USA, they will employ local craftsmen for repairs to avoid the hassle of returning the bag internationally for repairs.

FUNCTION

There are three things you will notice about this bag. It is BIG. It is LIGHT. It is SPACIOUS. The bag is 12″ x 16″ x 6.” This is one of the smallest satchel designs but is still quite large on smaller framed individuals. One of the limiting factors for the size is that this is designed to hold 13’’ laptops. The showcase feature of this particular satchel is the padded laptop compartment which hugs my 13’’ Macbook Pro comfortably. The dividers stretch enough to add an additional laptop sleeve or case if desired. The satchel is also extremely lightweight at 4.85 lbs and is a welcome alternative for those with shoulders tired from carrying other leather behemoths to work. This is a good thing since shoulder pads are not included but can be purchased as an accessory. The compartments and pockets are designed to maximize carrying capacity. There are no space-occupying interior pockets whatsoever except for a side of stretch fabric for holding pens and other small objects. The exterior pockets are deep – deep enough to fit an iPad Air by itself. Oh and don’t forget, those tuck locks really do make a difference.

 

AESTHETIC

This understated bag is not meant to be a fashion statement. This particular satchel design is from the Heritage collection due to its closeness to the original Jacob de Ruiter designs from decades ago. It has a slightly rugged appeal but is clean and polished enough for casual business attire. The beauty lies in the pull up leather which easily distresses and can take a good beating while traveling. This bag feels more at place at a meeting in a coffee shop than in the executive board room.

This bag will turn heads.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Ruitertassen Heritage Professor 13’’ Laptop Satchel is a well-priced working man’s bag. What it lacks in edgy styling, it makes up for in leather quality and smart design details. For those who care more about substance and practicality, this is one bag to put on your wishlist. Although the US store isn’t up yet, it can still be purchased from the UK site and delivered straight to your home.

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Lexol & Piel Leather Giveaway – Ends Jan. 5, 2015

Lexol & Piel Leather Giveaway

BestLeather is excited to be able to offer this great giveaway from two well known and trusted brands: Lexol & Piel Leather. The combined value of this great giveaway is over $450! The winner will receive a gift basket chock full of Lexol’s best leather cleaners and conditioners. And, along with that basket, the winner will receive a Piel Leather Vintage Laptop Briefcase.

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BestLeather has long been a fan of Lexol’s products. We featured an article about their conditioner a couple of year’s ago. And, we’re getting ready to feature some of their newer products…look for that soon. Lexol, has been the conditioner and cleaner trusted by professionals for decades. They have been the leader in luxury leather care for over 80 years, developing and crafting innovative leather care solutions that help consumers clean, maintain, and restore their leather goods for a lifetime and beyond of enjoyment. The company retails its line of American-made products and kits at leading specialty and national retailers within North America. There is a Lexol formula for virtually any leather application, from automotive, fashion, furniture, and sporting goods to equine market needs. The company, including its development lab and manufacturing facilities, is headquartered in Marietta, Ga.

The Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner basket contains:

Be sure to visit Lexol’s website to learn more about each of these great products. Lexol’s product contain a UV protectant and a non-darkening formula. They are also alcohol free and silicone free. Each has been specially designed and formulated to help you keep your valuable leather products protected and looking great for many, many years to come.

For over 40 years, Piel Leather has remained the internationally recognized Leader in Naked Leather. Their high standards for quality and workmanship have allowed them to produce leather goods of exceptional distinction and durability. Piel Leather feels that their customers deserve a product that is manufactured to the highest quality standards at a price you can afford. By remaining completely dedicated to their craft, they have survived as the leading manufacturer and distributor of naked leather products. Piel Leather takes pride in their talented employees that for over three decades have dedicated their lives to mastering the art of leather craftsmanship. Their loyalty, commitment, and hard work are reflected in Piel Leather’s exceptional line of genuine handmade leather goods. All of their products are manufactured and handmade in their factory located in Bogota, Colombia, South America. Piel Leather specializes in providing quality leather products for all markets. As the pioneer of some of the finest naked leather goods available, Piel Leather is able to provide a spectrum of leather goods to suit your every need.

About the Vintage Laptop Briefcase

“The Piel Leather Vintage Collection incorporates a timeless style with a rich classic (or waxed or glazed) finish. Made from 100% Genuine Colombian Full-Grain leather and trimmed with our traditional (chocolate) Vaquetta leather. This soft, supple, and smooth leather is accented with silver hardware and nylon lining creating a luxurious look that will stand the test of time. The Vintage Laptop Briefcase has a top zip-opening to spacious main compartment. Zip-down opening to a second compartment featuring a padded laptop pocket, large zip-pocket, full organizer, and a thin pocket, perfect for any size tablet. Additional features include front open pocket, back strap to attach to a telescopic handle, double carry handles, and an adjustable/detachable shoulder strap. The bag is 15 x 11.5 x 4 and can accommodate a laptop up to 15 x 10.5 x 1.25.” To see the complete line of Piel Leather products, visit www.pielleather.com.

Enter to Win!

We hope you’ll enjoy entering this contest. Be sure to follow all of the steps and glean the most entries possible. And, be sure to share the contest for even more entry points! We look forward to announcing the winner on January 5th!

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Floto Imports Ragazza Bag Review – $299

A lot of us here at Best Leather love rugged, hard-wearing pieces—bags you could drive a truck over or laptop cases you could throw off the edge of a cliff. Those pieces are great, but sometimes a sleek, delicate bag is the perfect compliment to your outfit when you aren’t planning on taking your stuff to a BASE-jumping contest or a bear fight.

The Floto Imports Ragazza Bag is just that bag. Made of embossed calf-skin leather, this bag has a chic, modern feel that exudes class. It is beautifully simple—just my style. Made by Floto Imports, this bag is a relatively recent addition to their line of handbags, travel bags, and briefcases. Established in 2003 and based in Brooklyn, NY, Floto imports all their calfskin leather bags from Italy. You can check out two of our reviews of their duffle bags here and here. And, we’ll have a review on their new Messenger Brief coming out soon (don’t miss it…it’s a beautiful bag).

AESTHETIC

This is easily the prettiest bag I have ever owned, with its brass colored zipper and hardware and its minimalist design. The sides gently slope upward and inward to give it a “trapezoidal prism” shape, if you will. Even when I have my wallet, phone, keys, makeup, gloves, notebooks, and other items packed in, there is plenty of room, and the sides don’t bulge out, allowing it to keep its smooth appearance. This bag also comes in black, ivory, yellow, and red. While I love the versatile tan color, I also think this bag would have a wonderfully bold, mod look in yellow or red.

FUNCTION

The Ragazza Bag is definitely on the larger side of the spectrum, but it’s not too big for normal everyday use. I can actually fit my 13” laptop and its charger in there with ease. Even though it’s not necessarily built as a laptop bag, it’s nice to know that in a pinch, I can throw my MacBook in there for a quick meeting or trip to the coffee shop and not have to switch bags.

 

The Ragazza Bag is lined with Floto’s signature striped fabric, which complements the tan leather well. There is a zippered pocket and two small pockets along the sides that can fit my phone and keys so I don’t have to fish around for them. There is also a wide pocket in the middle of the bag to break up the large space. This space is nice for makeup or loose change that you don’t want rolling around the bottom of the bag. It comes with a removable crossbody strap that clips on, but I prefer to just use the handles because I like the way it looks. There are little brass feet at the bottom of the bag to keep the bottom from getting too dirty.

THE LEATHER

The bag is made of embossed Italian calf-skin leather. Tanned in Italy, the hide is tumbled, dried, and sprayed with dye before being compressed in steel molds to create the texture. At first I was worried that the delicate-feeling leather would crease or break easily, but so far that is not the case. Plus, Floto Imports offers a lifetime warranty with its bags should anything go wrong. The only flaw in the leather is a small chip from the edge of the removable shoulder strap.

 

CONCLUSION

I like my accessories to speak for themselves, without “C’s” or “MK’s” or “LV’s” plastered all over the side to make me a tacky walking advertisement. At $299, the Floto Imports Ragazza Bag is priced a bit lower than all those “C’s” “MK’s and “LV’s” but has all the luxury of designer brands and a much more unique look, as well as a lifetime warranty. I would definitely recommend adding the Floto Imports Ragazza Bag to your collection for those days when you need to stand out with a modern, sleek look.

*Use the code “holiday” to get 30% off on the Floto website! That means this bag costs only $211 right now, which is an awesome deal.

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Waskerd Small Tote Bag Review – $195

Tote bags are like the SUVs of the leather bag world. You can haul just about anything imaginable in a tote – and they’re made in every conceivable size, color, and style.

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About Waskerd

If you use the Search feature for Waskerd here on the BestLeather website, you’ll discover that we’ve reviewed quite a few different pieces for Derek Shaw, owner of Waskerd.

This is the second piece from Waskerd that I have received and, just like the Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet, the Small Tote Bag is an excellent example of high quality leather craftsmanship.

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Construction

The Waskerd Small Tote Bag is made from the same material as Derek’s other products – full grain leather. It’s hand cut and 100% hand-stitched using a durable, heavy gauge, polyester thread. The stitching is perfect (no surprise there) and is reinforced at stress points. The handles are split shank and attached to the bag with stitching and rivets. The Waskerd Small Tote Bag is available in three different leather colors too.

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Function

At 9″ tall x 8″ wide x 4.5″ deep, it’s a petite little bugger. It sat on the corner of my desk for some time while I tried to figure out how to best utilize it. And then, it happened. My wife took it and said, “I have the perfect job for this tote and I’m looking forward to using it.”

As a registered nurse who works in home health, my wife spends a lot of time in her car traveling to various patient’s homes all over Kootenai County. And, she has to carry a lot of things with her. One of her frustrations is having a place to keep her own every day carry items handy and easily accessible. A purse isn’t always a good option. So, now she has the Waskerd Small Tote Bag in her vehicle and keeps her wallet, phone, a few snacks, pens, and a few various items in it. And, she’s very pleased. She can quickly grab what she needs, when she needs it. And, when she’s ready to take off again, everything goes back into the tote.

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One of the things she most appreciates about it is its stable design. It stays put and stands securely whether she places it on the floor or on the passenger seat. For her, it’s just the right size and serves a specific purpose perfectly. And, I suspect this is exactly why it was designed the way it is and at the size it is.

The only drawback she’s noted is that the handles are a bit too short. She’d like for the tote to have longer handles so that it would easily slip over her hand and wrists in order to carry it, at times, on her arm instead of only having to grip the handles.

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Aesthetic

The Waskerd Small Tote Bag looks great. As mentioned earlier, it’s expertly made. The stitching is impeccable. And, with all Waskerd products, it features the signature stitched logo on the front bottom right corner in white thread to match the thread around the trim of the tote. The handles have a matching black thread and if you look closely, each end of the strap is anchored to the bag and stitched with the same Waskerd logo pattern.

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It’s a simple model of a classic tote and sports one, single pocket. On the Waskerd site, it’s described as being perfect for commuters. I think it would also be an awesome lunch bag for anyone who enjoys packing their own lunch. And, you’d never have to worry about lunch sacks for the rest of your working career.

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Conclusion

The Waskerd Small Tote Bag is an ingenious leather bag and definitely serves a niche purpose. Some may think that the $195 price tag is a bit much – considering you can find full size tote bags at the same price. But, it’s purpose built, expertly crafted, features incredible high quality components, made in the USA, and will last your entire life. When you take all of those things into consideration, the Waskerd Small Tote Bag qualifies as a BestLeather Buy It For Life piece.

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Origins Leather Company Utility Tote Bag Review – $199

Over the past few months, BestLeather.org has reviewed several products from Origins Leather Company, including their Simple Wallet and Classic Briefcase, which was also the featured giveaway product in August. The company successfully funded a Kickstarter earlier this year and launched their line of vegetable-tanned leather bags and accessories. So far, we’ve been impressed by their products, so when I talked to Erik from Origins Leather Company, I was excited to check out another product from their line, the Utility Tote Bag.

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Construction and Aesthetic

This tote is constructed with beautiful chestnut colored vegetable-tanned leather, dyed all the way through. The outside of the bag is super soft and smooth, making the handles comfortable to hold. The handles are long enough to carry over the shoulder, and the straps run through a loop at the top of the bag, fastened by rivets at the bottom. I’ll explain why in just a minute!

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The bag is 16” deep and 16” wide, making it easy to hold a laptop, papers, groceries, picnic supplies, or whatever you need to haul around. The seams are stitched with marine-grade polyester thread and feel very sturdy. There is a little pouch stitched to the inside that’s big enough to fit your phone and keys so you don’t have to fish around for them. On the outside of the Utility Tote Bag, the stitching for the pouch is hidden behind the straps, which is a nice touch. A rectangular piece of leather sits at the bottom of the bag to help reinforce it and keep its shape. The top is fastened with a brass snap.

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Function

While the tote looks beautiful, the best part of this bag is its unique design. This tote is designed so you can pull the straps through the loops to hold a blanket or wear it as a backpack. I’m excited for warmer weather, because this bag will be absolutely perfect for picnics, outdoor concerts, and music festivals. I can place my favorite wool blanket through the loops, stick it on my back, and keep my hands free (especially important if you have little ones, like all the founders of Origins Leather Company).

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The bag is breaking in nicely, and is extremely sturdy (plus it’s backed with a 100-year warranty). I’ve been using it almost every day to carry around my 13” laptop and its charger, several notebooks and folders, my wallet, keys, phone, and a hat and gloves, which all fit nicely. I sometimes even stick my jacket through the loops if I need to be hands-free.

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Take a look at the company’s demonstration video to get a feel for just how functional this bag is.

Conclusion

The Origins Leather Company Utility Tote Bag is an awesome bag in every situation. I love how much care went into designing a product that really has the customer in mind. Once summer comes around, I’ll be taking this bag all over the place—to the farmer’s market, to the park, on a picnic, to concerts…and the leather is so pretty that it works in a more professional setting too. At $199, the Utility Tote Bag is very well priced for such high-quality, environmentally friendly leather, and innovative design.

*Origins Leather Company is currently offering a 15% off coupon code to our readers here at BestLeather.org! Use the code BEST15 at checkout.

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Far Horizon Traders Serengeti Satchel Review – $249.99

Far Horizon Traders (FHT) has had some great products reviewed in the past including the Sahara Bag as well as the Ascent Rucksack. Today, we bring to you the Serengeti Satchel Review to complement their wide variety of bags.

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CONSTRUCTION

The other two reviews mentioned it, and I’ll mention it again – the smell of FHT leather is addicting. It’s not overpowering and it’s not chemical. It’s just enough to lure your nose into taking a nice big whiff from the surface. The Serengeti Satchel is made from 4-5 oz full grain vegetable-tanned leather put together in Mexico. The front straps as well as shoulder straps are lined with a dark chocolate suede and the single internal compartment inside is lined with a brown canvas accented by a leather pocket and four slots for writing instruments or AA flashlights. A heavy-duty YKK zipper closes the top and the double straps on the front flap are held down by aged brass buckles. Brass rivets are also used on the straps.

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FUNCTION

The satchel measures 16″w x 10.5″h x 4″d. It is more than big enough to fit a day’s worth of work gear including a computer, laptop, light sweater, notebook, and camera. The single external side pocket has a slit-button cover for easy access and most importantly to keep things from falling out. The YKK zippered top is also a welcome security function that lets me forgo buckling down the front flaps when I’m in a hurry. The shoulder strap feels comfortable and the pad has a unique shape, although it could benefit from a little more “padding” besides the additional layer of suede. The large back panel pocket is surprisingly roomy and, due to the suppleness of the leather, really expands out to be able to fit a good amount. The bag itself is not too heavy given the fact that interior materials are mostly canvas.

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Big enough to hold some books, snacks, phone, keys, wallet, and your sternum.

My favorite part of this bag? This bag is SUPPLE. It’s the perfect balance of soft yet rugged leather. The bag is soft enough to contour to the items you fill it with, but sturdy enough to maintain its shape and stand empty. This is one of those bags you would hold on your lap on a crowded rush-hour subway and end up resting your head on and taking a nap. You really have to hold it to enjoy it. It’s a bear of a bag – tough looking on the outside but cuddly on the inside.

AESTHETIC

This bag follows the trend of the other Far Horizon Trader bags. It is appropriately named the Serengeti because it looks like it has been sun-tanned, aged, weathered, and well travelled, yet close your eyes and it feels like a new, just-conditioned, luxury bag. The patina is beautiful but not too much that you can’t build your own. Unlike some other rugged-type bags, there are almost no rivets on the bag itself and the inverted seems and folded edges add a sense of sophistication to this item. The color tone is subtle kept consistent throughout even down to the aged brass hardware. One other aspect of this bag is the multiple panels used to create it. The flap, side, front, back, and bottom add up to 12 separate pieces from what I can see. Some may argue that more pieces means more weak points but they do not appear to be in any particular load bearing areas and I actually prefer the aesthetic lines these create around the entire bag.

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Just the right size for a 6’3” British Indian man on the phone.

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BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Far Horizon Traders Serengeti Satchel is a soft, smelly, beat-up looking leather bag for $249.99 – all reasons why you should feel, smell, and use this bag as often as possible and not feel guilty.

 

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Rustic Leather Writer’s Bag Review – $139

The Rustic Leather Replica Mailbag Review this past spring introduced readers to Rustic Leather’s uncompromising dedication to full-grain American goodness. The Writer’s Bag is created with the same principles and is the latest addition to the product line found on their Etsy website.

CONSTRUCTION

Out of the box, the first thing that hits you is that fresh leather smell. You can’t really lose this bag because you can just sniff it out. It’ll make whatever room it’s in smell like your favorite leather shoe store or the box to your favorite pair of leather boots. The Writer’s Bag measures 9.5” wide, 11” high, and 2” deep. Made of 2-3mm thick full-grain 4-5 oz. cowhide, this small bag weighs in at 22 ounces. The leather is substantial and rugged – the dark chocolate color is not afraid to show off scratches while taking a beating. Stitching is performed with machine precision using marine grade, UV resistant, polyester thread. Rivets are placed at high tension areas such as edges and corners.  The inside is a single compartment lined with a velvety soft suede lining (I wish my suede jacket was this soft). The suede is perfect for keeping anything you need for your writing scratch-free. Whether you carry a notebook for your drafts or a laptop to do the job for custom essay writing service, they will fit the inside well and stay safe throughout the wear. Your things will also remain dry due to the material.  Like the rest of Rustic Leather’s gear, this bag is hand crafted in Texas.

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FUNCTION

The Writer’s Bag is a deeper version of Rustic Leather’s Shoulder Pouch. The original pouch was created to function as a second pocket on your body for keys, wallet, phone etc. This new bag has a simple, single compartment design with the original function to carry accessories but fills in the niche between a full briefcase or satchel and a thin pouch. In addition to your basic small everyday carry items, it is just tall and wide enough to fit small notebooks, an iPad Air, documents, books, small items of clothing, electronic gear like a Macbook charger, and anything else that you feel like cramming into the 2’’ deep pocket. There are two additional slim pockets on the sides for tall, thin items such as writing utensils, and a large back panel pocket for easy access papers and flat items. The looped flap closure design is also elegant and easy to use – a nice welcome to the endless buckles from all my other bags.

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Perfect fit for an iPad Air with a case.
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Enough room for a 550cc silicone implant…and then some.
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Need a place for your voodoo mask? No problem! Just slip it into the external pocket.
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The Writer’s Bag can be used independently with the carrying strap provided, or it can be attached to other items using the snap-on fasteners in the back. These fasteners are bit more streamlined and sleeker looking than the Shoulder Pouch whose fasteners have a push-down handle. While these fasteners snap easily onto other items, it requires a little bit of practice to get used to quickly detaching them from your briefcase handle D-rings for example. First try took me a few minutes, now it takes me a few seconds. I’m sure once you get used to these handleless snaps it will be …..a snap. On the other hand, this bag would be great for travel or crowded areas, because thieves will not easily swipe it off your briefcase or satchel and it is less likely for an accidental bump to knock the fasteners off.

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AESTHETIC

This bag is a simple, no-frills design created for function and durability. The stitching is impeccable and the rivets and raw unfinished edges definitely give the bag a more masculine and rugged feel. The rounded edges and even the smooth handleless fasteners (though frustrating) do add a bit of clean sophistication to the overall look. This particular bag is considered “Rich Chocolate,” although other color options such as “Buckskin Tan” are available if you contact Dave, the owner, through the website. The leather will start out tough and beautiful but will definitely get scratched, soften, and patina over time depending on how hard it gets thrown around. The Maker’s Mark on the back pocket does slightly break up the nice clean look of this bag, but the bag can be specifically ordered without it.

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BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Rustic Leather Writer’s Bag is a well-constructed durable intermediary between a full-sized satchel/briefcase and a shoulder pouch. Priced at $139 on their Etsy store, this bag would make a great gift for anyone with a taste for American-made leather without breaking the bank or their back.

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Floto Imports Roma Duffle Review – $229

You don’t always need to spend oodles of cash in order to get something that is chock full of quality. Also, the old adage, “you get what you pay for” isn’t always completely true. Sometimes you can get an item that’s made well, made from great materials, backed with a great warranty, and comes from a reputable company at a great price.

The Floto Imports Roma Duffle is one of those items I’m referring to with the above statement.

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About Floto Imports

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”. According to the Floto website, “Our mission is to refine old world craft methods to produce pieces that are superior to mass-produced luggage. Top grade Italian calfskins and natural, vibrant fabrics come together to create timeless and iconic styles.”

The Roma Duffle is the second duffle we’ve reviewed for Floto Imports. You can read about the Parma Edition Duffle here.

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Construction

The Floto Imports Roma Duffle features Roma leather. Roma hides are purchased from a well-known tannery in Tuscany. After the hides are dried workers use sponges to stain them with darker dyes. They also spray the hides after the darker dyes are dried with a light clear coat that stops color transfer and provides some stain protection. The double stitched seams are attractive and even while the golden tan color nicely contrasts and compliments the darker color of the leather.

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The hardware used on this bag all features an antique brass finish. Joe noted that new versions of the Roma Duffle will be sporting a YKK zipper with the same finish in lieu of the current coil zipper on this particular duffle. The strap clasps, rivets, feet, and handle components all seem sturdy and well constructed. While this is certainly a more budget-minded duffle, quality is definitely not compromised.

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Function

The Roma Duffle has a slightly different profile than its sibling, the Parma Edition Duffle. The Roma Duffle is 13” high x 10” wide x 20” long. These dimensions still keep it well within standard carry-on luggage rules for most airlines. It weighs slightly less, at 4.2 pounds.

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This duffle is roomy and you should not have any difficulty packing it with a reasonable amount of clothing or gear. Again, as with the Parma Edition Duffle, it features gussets on each side and a full floor-to-floor zipper, creating a wide opening allowing you to load and unload it with ease.

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You’ll also notice the same eye-pleasing interior cloth and a nice, secure, well-sized zipper pocket on the inside wall of the bag.

Aesthetic

The saddle brown color of the Roma Duffle is very eye catching. It’s definitely darker than the Parma, but it too should age and patina well. It features the same type of strap as the Parma Duffle. And, it should be mentioned that you can easily upgrade to the thicker, heavier, and more adjustable Grande Strap in a matching color by ordering directly from Floto Imports’ website. The Roma Duffle carries well, packs well, and I look forward to using it for many adventures and travels with my wife.

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Conclusion

The Floto Imports Roma Duffle is a solid travel companion. It looks good, it’s well constructed, and it’s not going to kill your budget when you pull the trigger to purchase it. In fact, I believe the Roma Duffle is a great way to get started on the journey of purchasing quality leather products. At $229, the Roma Duffle is what I’d consider a “best buy” based on the quality of construction and Floto’s lifetime guarantee.

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About the Hermann Oak English Bridle Line of Leather

The Hermann Oak Leather Company is one of the premier commercial tanneries remaining in the United States.  Established in 1881 by Louis Charles Hermann to provide harness leather to wagon trains and settlers traveling west, Hermann Oak has maintained a tradition of producing high quality vegetable tanned leather.  Businesses tend to flourish when a high quality product is provided at a fair price and Hermann Oak is no exception.  As the company grew, Fred Hermann Sr. contracted with the US military to provide leather for our soldiers in both world wars.  The company segued into more consumer based products after World War II with the help of Fred Jr. and Hermann Oak today is captained by Shep Hermann, who is one of the most gracious business men I have had the opportunity of speaking to.

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Shep gladly provided several hides for Best Leather to review and work with.  We posted our first review on their Sierra Latigo line of leather several months ago, and in this review, we’ll look at their English Bridle line of leather.  We will also be looking at their Harness leather in a future review.

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VEGETABLE TANNED PERFECTION

Hermann Oak specializes in vegetable tanned leather.  With the vast majority of leather being chrome tanned, vegetable tanning is almost becoming a lost art form.  Hermann Oak is keeping this tradition of tanning leather using tree barks and other natural ingredients alive and well.  The benefits of a vegetable tanned hide are many and varied.  Vegetable tanned leather takes a patina, whereas chrome tanned leather does not.  Patina is what gives high quality leather its distinctive look and what makes a bag or wallet look better with age.

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Another significant benefit in our more environmentally conscious world is that vegetable tanning is significantly more eco friendly than chrome tanning, and it also results in a product that is moldable, than you can carve and make beautiful patterns in, and that has a slightly stiffer hand.  Vegetable tanned leather also absorbs moisture better which allows the dye color to more fully saturate the leather and form a tighter chemical bond.  Chrome tanned leather is essentially painted or pigmented with color, resulting in a product that has less color saturation.

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For this review, we took the English Bridle hide that Hermann Oak sent us and crafted a large bag (approximately 16″ Wide by 12″ High by 8″ Deep) to show some of the properties and beauties of this leather.  The leather provided was thick, approximately 9 ounces so, and was a pleasure to work with.  Vegetable tanned leather is stiffer than chrome tanned leather, but I found this a benefit when working on this bag.  Adding a slight burnish to some of the edges was a breeze and punching holes by hand and weaving the waxed polyester thread through them was a snap with the firm leather.

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The chestnut color that Hermann Oak uses is beautiful as well.  It has an earthy tone and marries well with the natural brown color on exposed edges of the leather.  You can also get Hermann Oak’s English Bridle leather in black, British brown or havana.  Most of Hermann Oak’s leathers are not struck through, meaning that the dyes are not impregnated to the middle of the leather.  This can be an issue to some consumer good producers, but many bag makers will hand dye or hand paint the edges of the leather to give it a more finished look.  This is a small tradeoff for using a thicker, finer, and more substantial leather that is bound to outlast most people.  I found that this step was unnecessary with the chestnut color for our project, especially when you burnish the edges, with the finished product looking handsome.

ENGLISH BRIDLE

English Bridle leather has a characteristic smooth finish with a hint of a waxy feel.  As the name implies, the leather was originally made for horse bridles and as a result, did not need to contain a significant amount of wax to perform effectively.  Unlike harness leather, which is impregnated with more wax to better withstand the elements, English Bridle has slightly less wax, which still helps it to be weather resistant, but is a little drier.  Their Latigo line is slightly drier still, which is characteristic of Latigo in general.

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The underside of the English Bridle hide is also quite smooth, not nearly as much as the finished outer side of course, but smooth enough that I felt adding a liner to the bag was not necessary.  Unlike certain leathers that fray or have a lot of loose fibers on the underside, this is not the case with Hermann Oaks English Bridle, which made for a nice finish on the interior of this bag.

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SUPPLY

You can order directly through Hermann Oak if you have a large enough order (typically five sides or more), or for smaller orders you can order through one of their distributors, such as Weaver Leather or Tandy.  Their customer service is excellent and they have a high knowledge of their leather and the leather industry in general.  Shep Hermann himself leads the effort of being leathercated, and takes pride in knowing and understanding the history of leather, being current on new technologies and practices, but still maintaining the art and craft of days gone by.

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BESTLEATHER CONCLUSTION

The Hermann Oak Leather Company produces some of the finest vegetable tanned leather in the world.  Period.  Their English Bridle line of leather is smooth, has a slight waxy finish to it, is substantial in feel and is excellent to work with.  And it is beautiful to boot.  A bag was produced from their English Bridle leather that will outlast the bag’s craftsman, but that hopefully his sons will use on many adventures of their own.  If you are in the market for some exceptional veg tanned leather, look no further than Hermann Oak.

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Floto Imports Parma Edition Duffle Review – $549

Italy and leather go together…it always has been that way. Even today some of the best, most sought after leather fashion pieces, accessories, footwear, bags, and briefcases originate in Italy.

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About Floto Imports

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”. According to the Floto website, “Our mission is to refine old world craft methods to produce pieces that are superior to mass-produced luggage. Top grade Italian calfskins and natural, vibrant fabrics come together to create timeless and iconic styles.”

I had the privilege of discussing Floto Imports with Joe Floto and we decided to feature their most popular duffle, the Parma Edition Duffle. You will also be seeing a review of Floto Imports Roma Duffle in coming days.

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Construction

The Floto Imports Parma Edition Duffle features Floto’s Parma leather, which is tumbled in cognac dye for 24 hours and then dried for 30 days and receives no further tanning. The result is a soft, attractive leather that darkens as you use it, much like a baseball glove.

The duffle is 11″ h x 10″ w x 21″ long. It’s ideal for carry-on usage when flying and meets airline standards. The hardware (rivets, feet, handle components, and strap attachments are polished stainless steel. It sports a Riri stainless steel zipper, an adjustable 42” shoulder strap, thickly padded handles, and heavy-duty khaki colored stitching.

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Function

The Floto Imports Parma Edition Leather Duffle is an excellent quick excursion bag. In spite of using heavy leather, Riri zippers, and heavy duty hardware, the bag itself is only 4.5 pounds. It’s nimble, yet surprisingly roomy. As I’ve mentioned in other reviews my clothes are all large in size. During my first test trip to Northern California with this duffle, I was able to easily pack the following:

  • One pair of size 12 boots
  • Two pair of Levi’s
  • Two pair of shorts
  • Three polo shirts
  • Two button down dress shirts
  • One t-shirt
  • Four pairs of socks
  • Four pair of undies
  • An extra belt
  • TSA–sized toiletry bag

The duffle still easily had room for another pair of shorts or a couple more shirts if necessary. It was certainly not jammed packed at all.

The design of the bag and the way it zips open makes it very easy to load and unload. It stays open with ease, which is a nice feature in a duffle thanks to the gusseted design. The zipper feels excellent (it’s a Riri!) and the Floto branded zipper pulls fit well in your fingers and feel nice due to their weight.

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The thickly padded handles are really nice. Carrying this bag was not a chore at all. The shoulder strap is a little lacking given the superior construction and aesthetic of the bag. The strap itself is short – but that may be in part due to my stature. I was able to adjust it to the longest setting possible and comfortably shoulder the bag and cup my arm around it without issue. If the included shoulder strap creates problems for you, then consider upgrading to Floto’s Grande Strap, which looks to be much more robust.

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Aesthetic

The cognac color of the Parma leather is very easy on the eye. Add into that the thick, khaki-colored, contrasting thread, heavy-duty hardware, and Riri zipper and you’ve got a very luxurious looking combination. The interior fabric choice is great and lends itself to keeping the interior light, making it easy to locate items within the bag. The interior side zipper pocket is spacious and nice to have for storing delicate or small items.

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Joe mentioned that this is the bag he routinely carries with him on his trips to Europe. He’s carried the same Parma Duffle for five years now. Below is a picture of his bag in Paris after being treated with R.M. Williams Saddle Oil. You can see that the Parma Edition Duffle will definitely age well, darken, and develop a beautiful patina.

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Another important tidbit to remember stated by Joe is that Lexol and spray on type conditioners do not work well with Parma leather. He definitely recommends using R.M. Williams Saddle Oil or another similar product.

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Conclusion

Overall I’m very pleased with the performance and classy appearance of the Floto Imports Parma Edition Duffle. Its carry-on size, roomy interior, excellent leather, and high-grade components add up to making it a solid choice in the crowded leather luggage/travel bag market. The $549 purchase price shouldn’t scare you off at all as it is a long-term investment that will more than satisfy for your travel needs for decades to come.