Range Leather Announces Kickstarter

Range Leather, from Spokane, Washington, recently launched their Kickstarter campaign on October 7th to introduce their newest offering, the Range Mug. Their campaign runs through November 6th, and while it has already exceeded its original goal, they’re looking to their “stretch goals” to be able to offer additional enhancements and features customers have been asking for. Kyle Koster, owner and creator of the company, put it best with this direct quote from their campaign:

“Our latest endeavor at Range Leather Co. was to design the most versatile drinking container to accompany any adventure. Our goal was to combine an everyday product with the timeless look and vintage feel of genuine leather. The Range Mug is built from the finest 10 oz Horween leather, secured with Chicago screws and is hand stitched to fit around a wide mouth Mason Jar. “

Range Leather Co. believes that working with your hands is a respectable trade, so that’s what they do. Range is dedicated to creating timeless products, guaranteed to wear in and not out.

The Range Mug insulates against both hot and cold liquids allowing you to enjoy a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, sweet tea and beer. From camping to business meetings, you’re sure to find that the Range Mug is the ideal beverage container.

The Range Mug is offered until November 6th on Kickstarter for 30% OFF the retail price to any backer willing to help this project off the ground. That means acquiring a Range Mug for just $22 on their campaign site. Having nearly reached their first stretch goal, the project will soon release both brown and black leather to go with their natural color.

You can find out more about everything Range Leather offers on their web site or by visiting their Instagram page.

October 15, 2015December 19, 2017

Iron & Resin Elk Bobber Gloves Review – $72

Riding motorcycles is definitely one of my favorite things in this world. There is nothing like hopping on my bike and cruising in to town or hitting some twisties. Every motorcyclist knows that he/she needs several things before they are truly prepared to ride. A helmet, protective jacket, and a solid pair of gloves are the three items, in my opinion, that are essential to every rider. Today we are going to check out the Iron & Resin Elk Bobber Gloves.

About

“Born in a small, Southern California, blue-collar beach town, graced with world class point breaks and seaside racetracks, where ghosts of a once towering oil industry still linger in the shadows. Iron & Resin is the brainchild of several friends who, after decades of collective experience building successful clothing brands, decided to turn back the clock and start anew. The result is a small, hand built collection of goods that draws heavily upon the founder’s own lifestyles and experiences.

Forged in California… In a mass produced, disposable world, Iron & Resin is a product of “one-off” culture. Where men still build, by their own hands, the craft they ride, be it water or land. Our goods are carefully hand crafted and printed one at a time in California.”

Construction

My motorcycle is all black. Both of my riding jackets are all black. My helmet is all black. It only makes sense that I ride with black leather gloves. The stylish Elk Bobber gloves are constructed from black 100% Premium Grain Elk Hide leather. With only three main components: the leather, stitching, and metal anchor piston rivet; the Elk Bobber gloves are very simple. Their simple design, rolled cuff, and no-nonsense feel are my favorite things about them. Iron & Resin has done an excellent job combining performance, comfort, and durability into this attractive leather glove.

Function

The Elk Bobber gloves have been my primary riding gloves for several months now. The comfort level is far above any other riding gloves I have worn. The seams do not bug my fingers or rub them raw, I have adequate squeezing range of motion, and the length is suitable for wearing under a jacket and also comfortably without one. I have encountered one small issue with these stunning gloves. After longer periods of use, the black dye in the leather rubs off into your hands, and is frequently difficult to remove. To many this may seem petty, but if I’m going to show up to meetings or work, I cannot have black all over my hands. Over time the severity has significantly decreased, but know that it is something you will have to adjust to/prepare for during the beginning of the Elk Bobber’s life.

Aesthetic

As I said before, the Elk leather is some of the softest, most comfortable leather I have worn. The gloves have already formed to my hands and started to develop the worn, masculine look. I have several riding friends who have tried these gloves out, and even purchased some themselves. They are truly an attractive, solid addition to any motorcyclist’s riding gear, whether they ride a street bike like myself, or a classic Harley.

Conclusion

It is obvious that passion, time, and superior materials went in to the making of the Iron & Resin Elk Bobber gloves. Even though the gloves do leave a few black marks during the “new” stage, it is a small price to pay for such, comfortable, attractive, and capable leather gloves. At $72.00, the Elk Bobber is a reasonable investment that will absolutely last a lifetime of riding. Head over to Iron & Resin’s website to check out their other leather gloves, and even some other hand built lifestyle goods.

July 22, 2015December 19, 2017

Thrux Lawrence Black Leather Coasters (Square – Set of 4) Review – $25

Thrux Lawrence is one of the first companies BestLeather has had the pleasure of working with, and also the first company to pique my interest in leather. Because my barber is connected to the Thrux Lawrence flagship store, I repeatedly find myself perusing their leather goods, the outstanding collection of antiques, and generally longing to buy one of everything. Thrux Lawrence is a solid company who “builds them like they used to.” Even when it comes to coasters.

About Thrux Lawrence

I discovered Thrux Lawrence one day casually strolling the streets of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho with my sister. She had apparently heard about this awesome store that just opened downtown, and being the hip teenagers we were, we had to check it out. My first experience with Thrux Lawrence was very exciting. Tanden greeted us at the door and began explaining how his company was built around the principles of functional yet stylish design, limited supply, and Made in the USA. From that point on I was very interested in leather and its durability, longevity, and style, especially the products Thrux Lawrence has to offer.

Construction

Coasters may perhaps be the easiest leather accessories anyone could construct. But even with something so simple, it is still difficult to get the perfect result. Made from black 10-12oz bridle leather, these coasters are as indestructible as any of the other Thrux products. Occupying the standard coaster size of 4 x 4 in, this coaster provides adequate space for even the largest of drinks. The burnished edges and Thrux Lawrence logo add just enough flair to the coaster.

Function

I have yet to come across a drink that will not fit on these coasters. And even if I had, I should never be drinking that much anyway. The coasters function extremely well. The leather is thick enough to prevent moisture underneath, but not too thick so drinks tip over if they are not placed all the way on the coaster. I have been pleased with them so far, and they will most definitely outlast any non-leather coaster.

Aesthetic

Black is one of my favorite colors. It is simple, goes with almost anything, and in the case of coasters, prevents any discoloration. The Thrux Lawrence coasters are very rigid. Their strength reflects the principles this company was founded on, and even though coasters are very simple, they’ve continued to abide strictly to those principles.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a simple set of quality leather coasters, check out the shapes and colors Thrux Lawrence has to offer. Whether you choose squares or circles, black or brown, the coasters will be the same quality. Coming in at $25, the Thrux Lawrence Leather Coasters are an excellent choice for simple, effective leather accessory.

July 21, 2015December 19, 2017

Maxwell Scott – The Sabina Coin Purse Review – $100

Women’s wallets can be kinda goofy. I’m not a huge fan of giant checkbook-sized wallets, but pockets on women’s jeans and pants are never big enough to fit a pocket sized wallet. It’s a lose-lose. So I am always on the lookout for interesting women’s wallet idea. Maxwell Scott offers up a cute alternative with their ball clasp coin wallet, dubbed The Sabina.

ABOUT MAXWELL SCOTT

“Family owned and run, Maxwell Scott Bags is founded on a shared love of Italy, a passion for design, and a firm belief in the importance of excellent customer service.” Currently based out of York, England, Maxwell Scott Bags was founded in 2002 with one goal: to become the most loved British bag company in the world. With a company revamp in 2013, the founders began a new vision. “The new brand identity comes from a blend of elements considered sacred to the company founders: craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a passion for creating individual style.” Be sure to read up about the company and its history, as well as keep up with the Maxwell Scott Journal. We recently reviewed their pen case, known as La Pienza. You can read the review here.

THE LEATHER

Maxwell Scott uses full-grain vegetable tanned cowhide, raised and tanned in Tuscany. You can read a bit about the heritage of their Italian tannery and veg-tan process on their website. The waxy, full-grain leather has an interesting, almost marbled look to it. I wasn’t entirely sold on this when I first saw it, but I’ve come to appreciate the patina it has acquired. It also protects it from looking scratched or dirty after being carried around in a purse.

The inside is lined with light pigskin that is durable and contrasts the leather nicely. The Sabina comes in three colors – classic tan, dark chocolate, and night black. My night black color is very versatile — it can look fancy but it’s also not too over-the-top for everyday use. For an extra $25, you can have up to six letters embossed on the purse, in blind, gold or silver.

CONSTRUCTION & FUNCTION

The Sabina Coin Purse is rather small, at 5.7″ x 2″ x 4.5″. It’s small enough that I can grab it and my phone in one hand, which for some reason feels very convenient to me. In my opinion, it’s not quite big enough to be used solely as a clutch purse, but that really comes down to personal preference as I’m not the type to use a clutch. However, I find it to be the perfect size to throw into a crossbody purse or handbag. It’s also be great for trips to the bathroom if you use it to hold lipstick or other cosmetics.

The Sabina’s leather is expertly gathered up at the top by beautiful brass edging and fastened with a sturdy ball clasp. It has two separate internal pockets separated by a middle divider. The divider is hinged so that you can access either pocket easily. I like the shape and size of this coin purse because the coins sink to the bottom and leave plenty of space for cards and a few folded bills. I wouldn’t put more than four or five plastic cards in there, or else it would be difficult to access the coins at the bottom. I’ve found that I like to keep chapstick and a few sticks of gum on one side, and coins, a bit of cash, my ID and two other cards in the other. The hinge still functions perfectly, even with all those things in there. It’s become a great catch-all for all those little things that roll around on the bottom of my purse. Of course, it doesn’t have to be used as a wallet, either. There’s plenty of space for lipsticks, powder, or even a mini mascara if you’d prefer to use it as a fancy travel cosmetics case.

CONCLUSION

I’ve come to really like The Sabina Coin Purse from Maxwell Scott and its vintage, feminine aesthetic. It’s become my everyday carry wallet and it has encouraged me to pare down on the amount of cards I carry (I haven’t missed them one bit). $100 is a bit steep, but this purse is crafted from gorgeous leather and constructed beautifully. It also comes with a 25 year warranty should anything go wrong, which I highly doubt would.

July 16, 2015December 19, 2017

Westward Leather Double-Tray Dopp Kit Review – $180

Every once in a while here at BestLeather, we see a product that makes us think “Why didn’t I think of that?” The Westward Leather Double Tray Dopp Kit is one of those products. It’s both a great idea and a great execution. Let’s take a look at what makes this dopp kit so exceptional.

About Westward Leather Company

Based in Spokane, Washington in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Westward Leather Company handcrafts bags, belts, wallets, and more – all with American heritage style in mind. From their website:

“Westward Leather Company has been a long time in the making. In reality, it’s less of a company, and more of a creative perspective. WLC’s beginnings are scattered and gathered from a multitude of life experiences and travels, and from a personal search for quality and craftsmanship in all fields, throughout history. Such a search so often has led us into the archives of vintage and antique, where we have always been most impressed by the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancestor’s generations. And yet, at the same time, history is riddled with terrible actions and decisions as well. Somewhere in the middle of these two opposites is where Westward Leather Company was born.”

We had the chance to meet with Ben, the founder of Westward Leather, at one of our favorite coffeehouses in downtown Spokane (Rocket Bakery). “Basically, I make containers for people to use for their stuff…”, is how Ben explained his company. This might be true – but, his containers look fantastic and are built to endure years of use.

Construction & Function

Handcrafted from beautiful 8-ounce heavily oiled bridle leather, this kit features overlapping double hand-laced waxed nylon seams, and solid copper hand-set rivets. This dopp kit won’t be falling apart any time soon. The two-finger carry handle is interlaced with the seam and stays fairly flush against the side for easy packing and carrying.

At 8” x 6” 2.75”, the Double-Tray Dopp Kit is the absolute perfect size. A lot of dopp kits on the market are simply enormous and end up hogging half of your carry-on suitcase or duffle. This one is the perfect size to fit all the essentials—toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, pomade, etc., without overwhelming your weekender bag.

The greatest feature this dopp kit is its genius lid design. The lid is designed to be entirely removable to act as a valet tray on the go. Simply unfasten the wrap around strap with solid brass snap, and you immediately have a valet tray to set on your hotel nightstand. It’s a great catch-all for your keys, change, wallet, and hotel keys, and you don’t even have to think about packing it because it’s attached.

Aesthetic

The 8-oz bridle leather comes only in this attractive chestnut shade. The valet tray and the bottom of the dopp kit fit together very smoothly and compactly. The buffalo stamp in the bottom right corner is a subtle reminder of Westward Leather’s heritage theme. This dopp kit looks like nothing else on the market and is sure to be a standout product for Westward Leather.

Conclusion

The Westward Leather Double-Tray Dopp Kit is a very unique, standout product. It’s handmade in the USA, features double-stitched seams, copper rivets, and a genius design. For $180, you’re getting a great dopp kit as well as a valet tray. This is a product that I plan on carrying on every trip for the foreseeable future. And, it definitely qualifies as a Buy It for Life product. Be sure to check out Ben’s other great products on the Westward Leather website.

July 10, 2015December 19, 2017

Moore & Giles No. 33 Luxury Leather Conditioner & Restorer Review – $40

Whether you’ve spent $100 or $1000 on your leather bag, it’s going to need conditioning. There are quite a few products on the market, with ingredients that range from almond oil to beeswax to unicorn tears. We recently received Moore & Giles No. 33 Luxury Leather Conditioner & Restorer.

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.

No. 33 Luxury Leather Conditioner & Restorer

To formulate their brand of leather conditioner, Moore & Giles partnered with Tad Coffin Performance Saddles, an equestrian outfitter based in Ruckersville, Virginia. The all-natural formula comes in a rather large plastic container. It has an odd consistency that I haven’t seen in a lot of other leather conditioners– an almost grainy feel. I’d recommend patch-testing this cleaner in an inconspicuous spot, and don’t use it on suede.

Make sure your bag/purse/shoe/other item is clean, then use a damp cloth or sponge to apply a small amount of the cream to the leather. Rub it in vigorously and you’ll immediately see results. Some of the little grains don’t rub in immediately, so don’t be too gentle. If your leather is really dry, you can do this step twice. After two or three minutes, use a paper towel or dry cloth to remove any excess conditioner that didn’t soak in.

I used a Marlondo Leather desk pad as my guinea pig for this conditioner. As you can see in the pictures, the leather darkened up considerably and the color became even richer. The conditioner leaves a waxy feel that keeps the desk pad feeling conditioned and protected.

Overall, I was impressed with the performance of Moore & Giles No. 33 Luxury Leather Conditioner & Restorer. The $40 price is a little steep, but the huge container will last you forever. I’ve been conditioning pretty much every leather item I own (which is a lot now), and have barely put a dent in it. Be sure to check out the little instructional video Moore & Giles put together:

July 7, 2015December 19, 2017

Thrux Lawrence Brown Leather Coasters (Round – Set of 4) Review – $25

I’ll be honest and say I hadn’t thought much about coffee coasters in quite some time before I got my hands on the Thrux Lawrence Brown Leather Coasters. In this case, what you see is what you get: a set of four dark brown leather coasters with the Thrux Lawrence logo embossed on the edge. No frills – just quality, attractive leather to protect your furniture from the unwanted ablutions of a mint julep in the summertime. As is always the case with Thrux Lawrence products, the leather is well-made and beautifully grained.

About Thrux Lawrence

Tanden Launder founded Thrux Lawrence in 2012 with the idea of crafting high-quality, limited release clothing and accessory lines that are made in America. As a collector of vintage goods, Tanden has integrated his love of these items into how he creates the products they put out. By examining the qualities responsible for giving these products their beauty and longevity, he has been able to integrate these qualities into the lines of products he is offering today.

Construction

Construction is fairly simple with these coasters. The four pieces are made of a single piece of leather that averaged about 3.5 millimeters in thickness. The leather is thick, tough, and nicely grained. You’ll find the Thrux Lawrence logo embossed on one edge of each coaster.

Function

The Thrux Lawrence Brown Coasters measure 4 inches across and are large enough to hold all but the biggest super-size drinks. The thickness of the leather ensures no condensation is going to form underneath the coaster and ruin that solid oak coffee table your grandfather hand-carved with a pocket knife. Any liquid spilled on the coaster cleans up easily with a paper towel due to the lacquer on the coaster surface. As with any leather product, avoid getting them completely soaked. A damp cloth is the most these coasters should see to wipe up any spills or clean them off.

Aesthetic

The dark brown leather of the coasters is attractive, if simple. There are a few additions I thought would enhance the beauty of these coasters: the option to have the coasters embossed with custom lettering; and a stitching or embossing inset from the edge of the coaster. Embossing would look good as well as serve a purpose: it could trap any liquid running off a cup before it spills over the edge of the coaster. Stitching, while purely aesthetic, would set off the embossed lettering. The last addition that I’d enjoy for the coasters is a customized holder, leather or wood being my first two choices. They are currently packaged with a single rawhide lace that looks great, but could be misplaced. On a final note, because of the simplicity in the design and the dark color of the leather, these coasters would look at home out on the trail as much as they would on your dining table.

Conclusion

At the current price point of $25.00 for a set of four coasters, the Thrux Lawrence Brown Leather Coasters represent a good value based on what I’ve seen of other leather coaster sets on the market. They would also make a great addition as part of a larger gift set. Based on the product lines Thrux Lawrence already has out, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them offering additional options for this product in the future.

June 24, 2015December 19, 2017

Colonel Littleton No. 60 Leather Phone Holster – $93

I don’t think I have ever been as excited as I was the moment I opened up my package from Colonel Littleton. The No. 60 iPhone 6 Holster’s luscious black leather may be spectacular and the ball stud closure may be impeccable. But the Moonpie is really what sold me. All jokes aside, I am pleased to be able to review another product from this unique leather company. The Colonel Littleton No. 60 Phone Holster is a one-of-a-kind creation.

About

Colonel Littleton has been a BestLeather favorite for quite some time now. With a story and history as rich and distinct as their’s it is hard not to like them as much as we do. Colonel Littleton is based out of Lynnville, Tennessee, a town with a population of 327. The real Colonel Littleton himself got his start selling vintage cufflinks in 1987, which sparked an interest in creating high quality, leather gift items. Now, 28 years later, Colonel Littleton makes bags, belts, hats, wallets, knives, cologne, and more, all with their unique Tennessee flair. And if you were wondering, every package they send out contains a Moonpie.

Construction

The No. 60 iPhone 6 Holster is constructed from Colonel Littleton’s specially tanned American full-grain leather. The black leather is some of the softest I have felt, and its expertly stitched seams really pull the piece together. There is not one single stitch misplaced, broken, or defective. The focal point of the phone holster is the ball stud closure. This high-quality metal ball stud is flashy but not overboard. The closure is extremely durable and easy to open and close. The vertical belt loop on the back is stiff and confident, really giving the impression of great protection and security. Famous for expert craftsmanship and their quality, unique materials, the No. 60 iPhone 6 Holster meets the typical Colonel Littleton standard of excellence.

Function

The No. 60 iPhone Holster comes in two sizes: iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The iPhone 6 holster is crafted specifically for the iPhone 6 with a small case or no case at all. If you have large case on your phone, Colonel Littleton recommends buying the iPhone 6 Plus case because of the adequate storage. Because I use my iPhone 6 without a case, I only saw briefly how well the iPhone 6 Plus worked for phones with large cases. Sliding the iPhone in and out of the case is relatively easy but shielded. Every time I have used this case I am pleased with its ease of use. It functions exactly how it is supposed to and that is something I always look forward to in my leather products.

Aesthetic

Colonel Littleton’s leather is consistently beautiful. Because they do not use “condominium cows” for their leather, each piece is unique – full of exclusive nicks, scars, and stretch marks. Although there are no beauty marks on my iPhone holsters, the rich black color is truly gorgeous. The holster does come in two colors; black and brown. Each color is equally high quality. Every time I use this phone holster I get remarks and questions. This phone case definitely makes a statement.

Conclusion

The Colonel Littleton No. 60 iPhone 6 Holster is truly a remarkable leather accessory. The deep black leather, classy metal hardware, and expert craftsmanship all seamlessly come together to make a great phone case. If you are in the market for an unobtrusive phone holster that still adds enough protection, this case is for you. The iPhone 6 version is $93 and the iPhone 6 Plus size is $105.50, making these cases an affordable quality leather accessory.

June 23, 2015December 19, 2017

Loyal Stricklin Aviator Mug Review – $30

When people are out and about I tend to observe what types of items they are carrying. For the majority of the population I have noticed that mugs are a requirement. Michael Stricklin, of Alabama based company Loyal Stricklin, has taken the idea of what a mug has always been and introduced a design that is simple, versatile, and downright clever. I have been completely impressed by the Loyal Stricklin Aviator Mug and use it for all my drinkin’ needs.

ABOUT LOYAL STRICKLIN

Michael Stricklin and his small team of makers built Loyal Stricklin from nothing. Michael and a few other people got together and decided that they were tired of purchasing low quality goods. To fix this problem they started making their own wallets, bags, and accessories.

With the attention to detail Michael and his team give to each and every one of their products, it would be rare to spot a fault in the work that they do. All of Loyal Stricklin’s materials are sourced right here in the United States and all goods are completely handcrafted from start to finish by the talented Loyal Stricklin team.

CONSTRUCTION

When it comes to how the Loyal Stricklin Aviator Mug is crafted, it would be difficult to think of something more beautifully simple. Crafted by hand from start to finish, the Aviator Mugs are made up of a 16 ounce Mason jar (with lid), gorgeous Horween leather, waxed thread, and solid brass rivets. All of these materials have been sourced and made right here in the U.S. with extreme attention to quality.

FUNCTION

As the name might imply, the Aviator Mugs are incredibly useful as mugs. Whether it is coffee ¬– my most common excuse to take my mug with me wherever I go – or simply an ice-cold cup of water it never ceases to do its job beautifully. I’ve even used mine to eat ice cream out of during this scorching summer. There is no wrong way to use these mugs, which I think is what makes them so uniquely functional.

AESTHETIC

When I look at the mug I see simplicity, quality, and a ton of character. It makes me feel good when I go to take a sip. For many people out there, they cannot say that about what they drink their coffee from on a daily basis. I can assure that anyone picking up one of these mugs will be quite pleased with their purchase and will have an item that can be passed down for generations. That is something to get excited about.

CONCLUSION

The Loyal Stricklin Aviator Mugs come in a variety of color options and is certainly an heirloom item that excels in quality and craftsmanship. These mugs make a great gateway into owning additional quality leather goods, and at $30 they are a wonderful value when taking this into consideration. So out of all those people walking around with mugs, make it stand out by getting the Aviator Mug by Loyal Stricklin.

June 18, 2015December 19, 2017

The Best Made Gfeller Document Case Review – $325

The Best Made Company was brought to my attention by Steve Derricot, the Owner of Gfeller Casemakers. I was visiting his shop discussing some other projects, and I noticed a very unique looking case that was under production. My inquisitive nature took over and Steve happily showed me the case they were making for a New York company called Best Made. When I say case, I mean a large brief that is capable of holding a number of documents, an Ipad, small laptop, or similar, and that is molded so as to add structure and security for its contents.

Like all of Steve’s work, I was impressed by the craftsmanship and beauty of this simple case. I reached out to Best Made to gauge their interest in having us review their Gfeller Document Case and lo and behold here we are with the review. Before jumping into the review though, let’s look a bit at the Best Made Company.

Best Made Company

The Best Made Company was formed by Peter Buchanann-Smith in 2009 out of a desire to create a better axe. He not only wanted a better axe, but wanted to connect people back to wilderness and nature, and to encourage exploration of the great outdoors. Best Made partnered with one of America’s oldest and esteemed axe makers and designed their first proprietary axe, made to compete with the best axes on the market.

Designing and manufacturing the very best axe possible became the blueprint for the design and manufacture of many outdoors related products – knives, maps, tools, clothing, camp supplies, bags and cases. Personally, I have purchased a number of products from Best Made and find that the products I purchased live up to the name of the company. The Gfeller Document Case is no exception.

Construction

The Gfeller Document case is built with sturdiness and rigor in mind. It is built from just three pieces of premium leather – the back and top flap, the inner pocket, and the molded front. The inner pocket is designed to allow for snug protection of documents or a thin tablet. The front of the case is molded, something that Gfeller specializes in, and something that gives this case its unique feature and function. It allows for an inner compartment that is roughly 1 ⅛” deep, which is ample space for a number of documents, maps, or thin electronics.

The Gfeller Case is stitched together with Gfeller’s thread of choice – linen. The stitching on the case is not perfectly straight, which could bother some that are used to machine made products. This does not affect the durability of the case in any way, and is more of an indication of a hand made, artisanal product, which it is. The choice of linen is contrary to what many other leather bag manufacturers are using today – polyester and nylon. Gfeller has been using linen since it’s inception in 1946. One look at a wall in Gfellers studio that displays bags and accessories that are many decades old makes the point clearly, linen can hold up to the test of time. These goods are still held perfectly together and though beaten up, could still perform their intended function today.

The upper corners of the case are each riveted with a nickel plated brass rivet, to add strength and durability to the case. The case is finished off with a brass button snap made specifically for Best Made.

The Leather

The leather used for the contstruction of the Gfeller case is the same used for most of Gfeller’s products – Hermann Oak’s russet skirting leather. This is full grain leather, the toughest and in my opinion most beautiful, and is eight and a half ounces thick (approximately ⅛ of an inch). It is tanned through and is a natural color, which is beautiful in its own right, but will naturally darken and take on a patina with time and use.

The edges of the case are finished by hand using wax and a whole lot of friction. The beauty of vegetable tanned leather is that it can be burnished to a tighter, slightly darker grain, giving the leather a more finished look and also adds to the durability. Gfeller has fine tuned this process and the result is beautifully finished edges that practically shine. According to Steve, if you apply too much friction you can actually burn the edges, making them weaker. Too little friction and you still have edges that can fray. It takes an expert touch to burnish in such a way as to leave a beautiful shine with a tight grain. Gfeller nails that here.

Function

The Gfeller Document Case is meant to transport essential documents or maps securely from one place to another. Many a plastic cases could be purchased for the same price as one Gfeller Document Case to accomplish this use, but none have the same panache and none will last as long as this case. The Gfeller case does not have a shoulder strap, so it is not meant to be carried like a traditional leather bag. I could see a college professor using the case to transport papers from office to class, I could see a national park ranger carrying his or her maps in this case, and I can see a lawyer carrying important briefs to a case or meeting.

This is not a laptop case, though it can carry a small laptop (my 13″ Macbook Air fit snugly), and it is not meant to replace a messenger bag or satchel. It has a fairly specific use, but within that use, the Gfeller Document Case can be used in a variety of ways.

Best Leather Conclusion

The Gfeller Document Case by Best Made is a hand made tool for keeping secure and transporting important documents and electronics in an elegant way. It is made by expert hands in a small studio in Meridian, Idaho with some of the best vegetable tanned leather that can be purchased. The look and feel of the Gfeller Document Case screams artisan, and will surely be a tool that can be used for decades.

June 5, 2015December 19, 2017

Maxwell Scott Bags “The Pienza” Review – $59

Every person who has ever had a bag without a penholder knows the pains that come with its absence. I have gone through numerous penholders in my 20 years of life, and I don’t think I have ever been as excited about a penholder until I received the Maxwell Scott Pienza. The practicality, quality leather, and deep black color were enough to make me want to buy some pens and pencils worthy of occupying its sleeve.

About

“Family owned and run, Maxwell Scott Bags is founded on a shared love of Italy, a passion for design, and a firm belief in the importance of excellent customer service.” Currently based out of North England, Maxwell Scott Bags was founded in 2002 with one goal: to become the most loved British bag company in the world. With a company revamp in 2013, the founders began a new vision. “The new brand identity comes from a blend of elements considered sacred to the company founders: craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a passion for creating individual style.” Be sure to read up about the company and its history, as well as keeping up with the Maxwell Scott Journal.

Construction

The Pienza is constructed using full-grain, black Italian leather. The inside is a durable, wipe-clean lining, which allows for smooth pen and pencil removal. The beautiful black leather is stitched with same color, heavy duty thread, giving the penholder a luxuriously sturdy feel. In the hand, the Pienza feels expertly constucted. It is sturdy, yet flexible. Durable, yet supple. The leather flap is easily opened and closed and provides adequate space for longer writing tools. At 2.1 inches wide, .7 inches deep, and 6 inches long, there is plenty of space for 3 to 4 pens and pencils. This penholder is gorgeously durable, which is important if you will be using it often like I have.

Function and Aesthetic

Penholders have one function: to hold pens and pencils. Everyone who has asked and criticized me on why I have a luxury leather penholder to hold a few pens quickly changed their mind after touching, using, and admiring The Pienza. Because of its small size, the penholder is easily pocketed or thrown in to a messenger bag. I used my penholder to store a metal mechanical pencil, a pen/stylus hybrid, and a highlighter. I have used The Pienza for several weeks now and nothing has turned me off from this piece. The rich, elegant, black leather, sturdy construction, and supple touch seamlessly come together to form a perfect accessory to any leather connoisseur with other leather pieces.

Conclusion

I can honestly say I was hesitant at the idea of using such a nice penholder. Before I had Maxwell Scott Bags The Pienza, I would keep my pens and pencils thrown together in a random pocket or used a cheap nylon zipper bag penholder. Now, I’m unusually conscious and dismayed by those who throw their writing tools in a pocket as I once did. When I show them The Pienza penholder, they always appear confused, wondering how something so small and elegant could have such an impact on daily life. If you are tired of bag disorganization and inefficiency, I highly recommend buying a penholder. Maxwell Scott Bags has developed a splendidly ideal penholder standard. The $59 price tag is absolutely worth converting to this luxurious pen holding lifestyle.

Please be sure to visit Maxwell Scott Bags’ website and view all of their beautiful leather products: http://www.maxwellscottbags.com/

May 25, 2015December 19, 2017

Artumie Orange Spice Leather Candle Review – $22

Artumie is a small-batch candle company based in Chicago, IL and run by Lauren Hernandez. Like her father, who opened up his own small-batch distillery, Lauren grew her business from her favorite hobby – making her own scented candles. Named after the Etruscan goddess of night, moon, and nature, Artumie strives to produce candles with earthy and natural scents. Today we are reviewing the Orange Spice Leather Candle.

How it’s made

The Artumie candle is all about simplicity and environmental consciousness. First, the candle is hand mixed with phthalate-free, environmentally friendly oils and scents prior to being hand poured into small 6-8 jar batches at a time. Because every candle is made using 100% soy wax, they burn twice as long as paraffin wax candles and can push out approximately 50 hours of burn time. The design is reminiscent of an apothecary’s jar and was chosen for its multipurpose re-usability (I hope that’s a real word). This particular 11.5 oz candle has a clear wide mouthed jar and fits my Yankee Candle Illuma-Lid perfectly. For those searching for a darker look, the same candle can be found in a 9 oz amber jar with a brass twist lid. The label is equally environmentally friendly and made from 100% recycled paper. When you’re done with the jar, a quick wash with warm soapy water will quickly remove the label if desired.

Scent

The Orange Spice Leather candle was designed to be attractive to both men and women with a gender-neutral smell. The base smell is a rough classic leather with earthy tones. This is balanced with a sweet hint of citrus to give the candle throw an added dimension. What I particularly like in this candle is the consistency of the smell when lit or unlit. The throw is quite strong, possibly due to the wide mouth of the jar but that is something I look for in a candle. No one likes forking over their money to buy a candle that smells good in the store, only to realize that you can’t smell anything when it’s burning! On top of that, it’s one of those background smells that you never get tired of and won’t give you a headache.

Bestleather Conclusion

The Artumie Orange Spice Leather Candle is an attractive blend of styling and smell all in one small jar but don’t judge it based on its size. At $22, this hardworking candle will produce over 50 hours of burn time and a superior throw that will fill any room with a well-balanced soothing scent that will please any true leather lover.

May 22, 2015December 19, 2017

The Goods LA – The Hit & The Clique Review – $80 & $25

We always mention that we see a lot of wallets here at BestLeather.org, but it’s true. We see A LOT of wallets. So it’s always fun to see one that stands out a little bit or has a slightly different look. The Goods, based in LA, definitely has a unique offering with The Hit. Let’s take a look at it.

The Goods The Hit The Clique 8 — Top notch packaging

ABOUT THE GOODS

The Goods is a Los Angeles-based lifestyle brand that creates essentials for the modern man. Their product line is full of simple, sophisticated products for stylish people on the go. Founded in 2013, The Goods keeps things minimalist, selling only a few products on their website, all of which will be reviewed here on Best Leather. I recently reviewed The Loop, an awesome Macbook cord keeper that I adore, and The Crew, an earbud holder. Today I’ll be reviewing The Hit, their wallet, and The Clique, a key ring.

CONSTRUCTION & FUNCTION

The wallet, known as The Hit, is made in the USA, of 5 oz. black veg-tanned leather. The dimensions of the wallet are 4″ x 2.75″ x 0.375″. This is a very very thin wallet, less than half an inch thick, holding up to four credit cards/IDs and a few bills.

There are three distinct pouches, one of which is divided all the way across the top and the other with a little tab for quick access to your cards without looking. Each divider is a piece of cowhide leather lined on one side with black dyed snakeskin. This gives a very cool offset texture, but the snakeskin has started to peel off a little bit at the top. The rest of the wallet has held up quite well, but you have to be pretty careful with your cards so as not to peel off the snakeskin.

The keyring, the Clique, is also constructed in the USA, of 6 oz black veg-tanned leather. It’s a small stainless steel jailer-style keyring attached to a leather case with an elastic loop. You attach your keys to the ring and The Clique holds your keys straight so they don’t create a bulge in your pocket.

I liked The Clique at first because of the way it held my keys snug, but I ended up taking it off after a while. I found that the jailer-style ring kept coming undone with pressure from my heavy front door and all my keys would fall off. If it had a split ring or some kind of locking mechanism, I think it would stay much more secure. If you have fairly lightweight doors or use a remote control, I think this particular keyring would be a lot more functional. Just keep in mind that the weight of a heavy door might pop open the ring if you’re not careful. I noticed that The Goods recently added a new product, The Clip, which features a 1-inch CLASH hook and looks quite a bit sturdier than The Clique.

CONCLUSION

The Hit is a really sleek wallet. The snakeskin lining makes for a unique texture that I haven’t seen on any other wallet. If you rarely use cash and only carry around a few cards, this wallet is the perfect size because it keeps a low profile in your pocket and holds everything snug. The front pouch holds a few folded bills easily. The Clique definitely looks cool on your keys with the matte black leather, and when you pair it with the wallet and headphone wrap, you feel pretty fancy. These two products, though, The Hit & The Clique, are a bit more style than substance, especially compared to the other products, The Loop and The Crew. They look fantastic, but I think a bit of refining is in order. Looking forward to seeing what The Goods do next, because they have a great aesthetic.

May 20, 2015December 19, 2017

Leather Built’s The Franklin Kit Review – $99

**Update June 17, 2015 – So, I’m appreciating this kit more and more as time goes on. Recently my daughter and son-in-law had college graduations that occurred on the same day, just at different times. Both of these events were held outside in a large stadium. Needless to say, it was a bright sunny day…perfect weather for graduations. But, that sunshine started baking my ginger haired crew’s fair skin. Did anyone have sunscreen? Nope. Oh wait…I DID because it’s in my Franklin Kit!! Since the graduations were a few hours a part, we decided to have a picnic lunch on the university’s campus too. Did anyone bring sanitary wipes? Nope. Oh wait…there are Wet Ones packets in my Franklin Kit! So, the Franklin Kit came through twice big time for us in the same day. I’m now sold on this thing never leaving my backpack when I’m out and about!

Benjamin Franklin, a hallmark of American history was a very interesting guy. In addition to being one of the founding fathers of our great United States of America, he was also a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. And, I’m sure I may have missed one or two things in there. One of my favorite things about him was his list of 13 Virtues: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity, and Humility. Oh that those were exercised in full force daily among the masses… Anyhow, in keeping with Ben’s 13 Virtues, we present you with the Franklin Kit – full of 13 very useful items when you’re in a “tight spot” (yes, that was a no-so-subtle reference to the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?).

About Leather Built

The Franklin Kit has been graciously supplied to us for review from Leather Built. “Leather Built was founded upon the principle of showcasing the highest quality leather goods built in the U.S.A. From our location in Meridian, Idaho, we have scoured America in search of only the best leather goods and have found some amazing companies and products that are sure to surprise and delight. Everything is backed with our Made for Life Guarantee so you can be completely confident in your purchase.”

Construction

The Franklin Kit is housed in fine leathery goodness courtesy of Gfeller Casemakers of Meridian, Idaho. We have featured Gfeller on a couple of occasions in the past – feel free to check out those reviews. The case itself is crafted 8-9 ounce vegetable tanned leather from Hermann Oak Leather. It’s super durable and will age well, developing a patina over time that will darken the case.

Function

The folks at Leather Built have this to say about The Franklin Kit: “The idea of the Franklin Kit came from a small pouch that my wife put together with a few things that would come in handy for her on the go. A mother of small children, she wanted items that could handle small medical incidences (think bandages and aquaphor), as well as everyday needs (think tweezers and anti-septic wipes). Not a first aid kit, the pouch was really an all purpose kit. This is the aim of the Franklin Kit, to provide some essential, everyday items while on the go. To boot, every one of the thirteen items are all made in the U.S.A.”

This little case, chock full of amazingness that you’ll definitely find useful in day to day travels and activities:

(7) NexCare Soft n’ Flex Bandages
(1) Uncle Bill’s Tweezers – Made in West Hartford, Connecticut
(6) Pac-Kit Triple Antibiotic Ointment Sachets – Made in Norwalk, Connecticut
(3) Sunx30 Sunscreen Packets – Made in Bakersfield, California
(6) WetOnes Antibacterial Wipes
(1) 12 pack of Diamond matches – Made in Cloquet, Minnesota
(1) Photon LED Unbreakable Microlight II – nearly unbreakable and Made in Eugene, Oregon
(1) Leatherman Brewzer Multi-tool – Made in Portland, Oregon
(2) 2 Packet of Tylenol Extra Strength
(2) Tender Ben’s Insect Wipes – Made in Littleton, New Hampshire
(1) American Unbreakable 5” Pocket Comb – Made in Paterson, New Jersey
(7) Sachets of Floss from POH – Made in Tulsa, Oklahoma
(1) Aquaphor 1.35 oz – Made in Mainland, Pennsylvania

Its compact size (5 ¾” x 4 ½” x 2”) allows you to easily toss it into your messenger bag, backpack, or tote bag and know that you’re in pretty good shape. There is a little room left in the kit…so feel free to add a lighter or firestarter and a small knife. It’s a great kit for those of you interested in EDC (Every Day Carry) items.

Aesthetic

The Gfeller case is awesome. Thick, natural vegetable tanned leather is hard to beat. The heavy-duty snap is easy to close and open with one hand. And again, due to its size, you can easily add a few things into the case and then toss the case into a larger bag.

Conclusion

If Ben Franklin were around these days, I think he’d be a bit like MacGyver…able to come up with a clever problem solving solution to just about any situation. And, my guess is that he’d be sporting an awesome leather bag, backpack, or satchel of some type. And yes, within that bag, he’d have a kit chock full of items very similar to The Franklin Kit. At $99 from Leather Built, it’s a great purchase and you’ll be able to utilize the kit and easily refill its contents for many years for the many adventures ahead of you.

May 19, 2015December 19, 2017

Spencer Collection by Design Unsanctioned $25-$40

Style comes and goes, but class is timeless. That’s how I feel when it comes to brass, and even more so when combined with timeless materials like wood and leather. In a high tech world of poly plastics, carbon fiber, and titanium trinkets, there is something sacred in hearkening back to the materials our great grandfathers knew and used in their everyday carry. Just as well worn leather is a beauty to behold, brass achieving it’s own patina over time makes it a favorite for anyone who appreciates a good vintage vibe with their EDC.

Design Unsanctioned is a Brooklyn based design studio that jump started their brand with a successful Kickstarter campaign introducing their Spencer Collection. This small collection is a blend of classic materials with a modern design. Precision milled solid brass bottle openers and key hooks, with beautiful walnut inlays and top-grain leather straps.

Solid and beautifully simple were my first impressions when holding a piece of the collection. At first I considered this a fairly modern design, but I’ve found myself thinking this has a early 60’s feel and I can imagine Don Draper from the show Mad Men using one of these brass bottle openers. Brass, wood and leather truly are timeless and these pieces echo that in their form.

When it comes to function, these pieces perform exactly as you’d expect them to. I find the mini bottle opener to be much more direct in function as compared to the larger model. With the larger bottle opener you may find yourself having to find the correct side to apply to the bottle cap. And that may become more difficult depending on how many bottle tops were popped previously, if you take my meaning. They’re both enjoyable bottle openers, and I love handing them to people and seeing their amazed expressions while they closely examine the piece and inquire where to get one.

The keyhook looks great on raw denim, and does great at holding your keys in a classy manner. I’ve found that it’s better to wear it without a belt, or you may find that the sharper edges of the key hook maybe possibly mar the outer finish of your belt. If you put the kind of money into a leather belt that I do, then that’s not something you’ll want to find out the hard way so be wary of how you carry with it. What I really like the idea of quickly hooking up your keys to your satchel.

The leather is full grain with a quality finish. The pieces are perfectly cut with laser precision, so you’ll never find a flaw in the shape. Some folks will prefer their leather goods to be die cut, but these leather pieces are small and it produces a fine end result in my opinion. The sturdy key fob makes for a great accent on most belts, and a comfortable way to carry your keys about. Unfortunately for me the key fob won’t quite fit on my 1.75″ wide Mountain Belt from Craft and Lore. But I’m in a very small minority of folks who wear such a wide belt, and just about any belt would fit this piece of the collection.

All in all this is a great collection from Design Unsanctioned, and I look forward to their future collections. Be sure to check out their Look Book and if you own any pieces from their collection be sure to let us know what you think.

April 1, 2015December 19, 2017

West Coast East Leather Tool Roll Review – $60

When I’m looking to organize my tools or gear I want something that’s going to be built tough, catch the eye, and be versatile. Just as I have curated a fine selection of tools of my trade over many years, I want to find a great case to protect and show them off. After a bit of hunting, I found these elegant leather tool rolls handmade by Gail Carrigan and her shop West Coast East.

Gail started building these tool rolls about 2 years ago when she needed a small, retro style tool roll to fit in the small trunk of her 1960’s sports car. Having worked with leather earlier to recreate the vintage bags of her parents, she self taught herself to make these tool rolls with a main objective: to produce a useful utilitarian product with a craftsman approach.

Construction

The leather used for this tool roll is a 4-5 ounce weight black oil-tanned Kodiak leather with a black suede inside. The inside has 12 tool pockets (6 in the back and 6 smaller in the front) as well as a larger pocket to the right, a snap closure pocket and a key fob. The stitching on the seams of the outside and pockets is a 2.5 pound boded polyester black thread. The other hardware include solid nickel rivets, snaps, and key fob and a natural horn button for the closure. Laid flat (unrolled) the bag’s dimensions are 22.5 inches long x 12.5 inches wide. When rolled, the dimensions are 6 inches wide x 12.5 inches long and .5-1 inch thick. The weight of the roll when empty is about 1 pound.

Function

Whether you keep it in the boot of your sports car for wrenches, use it for small chefs knives, brushes for an artist,or any other small tools for a trade or hobby, this tool roll is extremely versatile. In my case I have been using this roll for Oyster knives and other shellfish tools for my catering service. It is small and compact enough to put in a backpack or briefcase and is especially convenient at a job site where space sometimes lacks. Like a fine leather briefcase, this roll tucked under your arm suggests an organized artist or craftsman (if that exists) with a high value for his tool and trade.

A few things I would like to point out is that although there are the pockets in front, they are small and will more easily hold flat tools. Tools that are thick or rounded fit awkwardly and therefore the tool roll won’t roll evenly. Although a minor detail, I had hoped to be able to fit business cards in the snap closure pocket but unfortunately, the pocket was not long enough. The pocket is great for small items such as car fuses, matchbooks, coins for parking meters, or pencil erasers.

AESTHETIC

Just as it was designed for, this piece is a real homage to a retro tool roll for a sports car. The jet black oiled leather outer and inner suede is striking and gorgeous. Since the lining is suede it will easily pick up dust and bits of whatever is on your tools. Being black, however, I suspect that it won’t appear dirty if you are to carry your well loved and used tools around in it from day to day. Of course with me, my well loved tools are as clean as they are when I took them out and with a tool roll like this you will be sure to keep your tools as clean as you would like to keep your tool roll.

BestLeather Conclusion

For the price this is a real great value for a handmade piece of such high quality and materials from the USA. The design is simple yet highly useful and versatile. I am sure there are dozens of more applications I will have for this tool roll when I’m not bringing it with me to shuck some shellfish. Check it out -here-.

March 24, 2015December 19, 2017

Leather Scented Candles Review Part 2

In my latest installment of leather scented candle reviews, I bring three new players into the mix – Lord Wallington, A², and Glint. These three candlemakers each carry their own styles and scents for those looking to add some variety to their growing candle collections.

Lord Wallington “Cashmere and Leather” – $15

Lord Wallington is named after Wally, the rescue pup of Immanuel Ontiveros. The rest of Lord Wallington is the product of Immanuel and his wife’s creativity and hard work, which can be seen in everything from his bow tie designs to the hand-poured soy candles. Each candle is made from 100% soybean wax produced from US grown soybeans and poured in San Diego, CA. Tired of the standard vanilla scents used in men’s candles, Immanuel chose a blend of leather and cashmere scents to create a balanced yet masculine scent not easily found elsewhere. Cashmere & Leather comes in a 4 oz. jar.

Lord Wallington’s Cashmere & Leather soy candle arrives in a handsome amber jar perfect for any stylishly designed home. Twist off the screw cap and you find the air filling with a moderately sweet soft smell with a hint of musk. If cashmere has a smell, this must be it. The fragrance reminds me of sugar-coated leather if that makes any sense. Once the candle is lit, a warm glow fills the amber jar and there is a mild throw of fragrance reminiscent of fresh, clean leather on a cool day – like sitting in a leather car on a cold winter morning. This is a great candle for someone looking for a soft balanced candle that’s not overwhelming and works well for both men and women.

Glint Candles “Leather Tobacco + Sandalwood” – $17.99

Lacey Grevious of Glint Candles used to teach candle-making in North Lake Tahoe, California before applying for nursing school. At the last minute, she decided to follow her passion and began selling stylish and refillable eco-friendly candles. Each candle is a specific blend of soy and coconut waxes with a cotton wick specifically chosen for optimum clean burn. All materials are sourced from the US. Lacey and her partner, Chris, plan on traveling the country on a 1994 short bus turned mobile candle factory to showcase her candles across the country. Today’s particular candle is also called the “Shot In The Dark” Candle with a burn time of approximately 50 hours in an 8oz. jar.

The Leather Tobacco + Sandalwood Soy Candle has a hand pressed signature aluminum lid. The jar is glass covered with a strip of tissue paper with a camera print to serve as a reminder to stay in the present with what’s happening in the now. The use of the tissue paper gives the jar a beautiful ground glass texture and appearance while the solid white wax and cotton wick give the candle a clean, sharp look. The scent description on the website is pretty spot-on: there is a fantastically strong masculine fragrance of pepper, sweet tobacco, warm teak and patachouli even before you burn the candle. When burning, there is a good throw of the same smells but with the softer sweeter tobacco and teak toning down the peppery kick of the candle. Overall, a fantastic option for candle lovers looking to get a great scent without always having to light a candle.

A² Handcrafted Candles “Raw Hide” – $14.95

Anthony (A1) & Andrew (A2) began by hand-pouring candles at home for their day spa, Bodhi Massage & Wellness Center, in San Diego. Put these two together and you get A² Handcrafted Candles. Everything from the crops used to create the Non-GMO Soy Wax to the clean burning cotton wicks are 100% American. The fragrance oils used are also skin safe and non-toxic. The “Raw Hide” candle comes in an 8 oz tumbler offering over 40 hours of burn time.

Each candle comes packaged in a Kraft box. Inside, there is a lidless glass tumbler with a heavy sturdy base with a rustic A² sticker. The candle wax is a light brown color with a white wick. An initial whiff of the candle gives a very subtle hint of leather. It also reminds me of the smell in the air when ironing a crisp clean white cotton shirt in the morning. With the coming burn, there is a gentle throw with slight tones of freshly tanned leather with a deep inhale. This is a candle on the quieter side in scent and appearance and would be a great addition for someone who isn’t looking to change the smell of a room but rather to add a tone of masculinity to the air.

March 23, 2015December 19, 2017

Stock & Barrel Accessories Review – $28, $35, & $55

Most often, it’s the little things in life that create the most pleasure. Small items that get used everyday often seem to go unnoticed…they just blend into life. So, it’s refreshing some times to “take stock” of the things you use and see how well they represent you and interact with the ebb and flow of your daily routine.

About Stock & Barrel

This is the second review published for Parker & Whitney Lichfield and their Utah based company, Stock & Barrel. We encourage you to read about their great, No. 32 Minimalist Satchel. Stock & Barrel is very focused on what they call their “Carry Well” philosophy. And, staying true to that mantra, the three accessories we are reviewing here – the No. 38 Cord Keeper, the No. 20 Card Holder, and No. 24 Notebook Cover – all live up perfectly to that ideal.

Construction

All three of these pieces are made from the same type of leather as the No. 32 Minimalist Satchel. These pieces also feature the same heavy gauge, waxed thread. Each piece is hand cut and hand sewn. The No. 20 Card Holder is visibly the most different since it features a cross-stitched pattern on each side of the piece. All three pieces keep to the “keep it simple” concept of Stock & Barrel.

Function

It’s been fun to use all three of these well-made accessories. I’ve actually carried them pretty consistently since receiving them. I like all three pieces and have found them to be useful in my daily endeavors. Here’s a quick breakdown on each of them:

No. 38 Cord Keeper – an ingenious, helpful little piece. I hate having to always untangle my earbuds. I also find it irritating to have to fish around in my bag and attempt to pull them out in hopes of not dragging out other small items with them or causing the wiring to separate from pulling too hard. Once you get the positioning down right on how/where to start wrapping your headphones on the Cord Keeper, they quickly move from a “nice accessory” to a necessity. I’ll never leave home without them again. They’re an essential component to my EDC setup with any messenger bag I choose to carry from this point forward.

No. 20 Card Holder – this piece is extremely well-made and in my opinion, very visually appealing. I like the cross stitching and I like the simple closure. The thickness of the leather makes it somewhat difficult to use at first. And, it’s very limited in the number of cards it will hold. It just takes some time to get it stretched out and then it will accommodate enough cards and cash to make it a practical carry. Or, you can choose to use it as an awesome business card holder – which is how I’ve chosen to use it. It excels in this capacity too…easily holding enough business cards for most situations.

No. 24 Notebook Cover – sized perfectly for Field Notes on one side and a storage pocket on the other side, it’s a ruggedly simple piece. At first, it’s a little bulky given the design and thickness of the leather. I actually stuck it in-between two very old, heavy dictionaries I have in my office and let it sit in there for about a week. This compressed the whole piece nicely and since then, it’s been a great carry piece.

Aesthetic

As you can see from the included images, all three pieces are very pleasing to the eye. The color of the leather is wonderful and the white stitching creates a nice contrast. Each piece features Stock & Barrel’s stamp placed tastefully. All three pieces – whether carried together or individually have elicited comments and questions from others.

Conclusion

Whether you’re carrying one of Stock & Barrel’s great looking satchels or looking to outfit yourself with a clever, well-made, very useful set of accessories for your mobile office, you can’t go wrong in purchasing any or all of these three pieces from Stock & Barrel. All 3 are reasonably priced: No. 38 Cord Keeper at $28, No. 20 Card Holder at $35, and No. 24 Notebook Cover at $55. Best of all, they will remain useful and durable for many years to come.

March 11, 2015December 19, 2017

Leather Scented Candle Reviews Part 1

Well, it took me a year but I finally did it. I finally burned through my very first candle – the behemoth 22oz Yankee Candle ‘First Down’. Now that this wonderful leather-scented man-candle is gone, I expected to just go get another one, but alas, the scent was retired so I was stuck with a dilemma. What candle should I get now? After all, scented candles don’t always have the same smell when burnt, and I don’t think you can just go into a candle store and start lighting all the candles to test them. Plus, I didn’t want to buy a bunch of candles that cost upwards of $25 to find ones I liked. This inspired me to review some of the best, handmade, leather scented candles I could find and share them in a multi-part review to help you find the perfect candle to fit your needs.

MAME #9 ‘AMBER, TEAKWOOD, LEATHER’ – $15

What do you get when you have two best friends looking to do something other than the same old happy hour? MAME Soy Candles. MAME (pronounced like fame) specializes in 100% soy wax candles using only materials sourced in the USA and hand poured in Arizona. The #9 candle is an upgraded version of a previously all-leather scented candle. The addition of amber and teakwood was done to make this candle smell like a “good looking man.” The 5.5 ounce container holds enough to burn for approximately 30-40 hours.

The candle jar is clear glass with a white screw on cap. The candle itself is an even milky white contrasted against the black print of the designer labels. Even without a burn, this candle has a strong scent of warm manly cologne. A quick sniff will give more mellow cinnamon and amber tones but a deeper inhale brings out the hint of leather. Once the actual burn takes place, there is an excellent throw of scent and a surprising fresher kick of amber settles in. This cologne fragrance turns more into a cool aftershave, with just a hint of leather making the MAME #9 a great candle for men and women, burn or no burn.

GORILLA CANDLES’ ‘WORK BOOTS’ – $10

Jason Stump from Gorilla Candles is the inventor of a number of scented man candles inspired from his work as a landscaper in college. They are named appropriately from “Work Boots” and “Fresh Cut Grass” to “Dirt” and “Rain Day.” Gorilla Candles became a reality when his grandmother, while waking up from anesthesia, thought his grandfather was a gorilla sitting in the corner of her hospital room. After the first fruit-scented candle, “Gorilla Farts,” was released (pun-intended), Jason has produced a wide variety of candles with “Work Boots” filling the need for a leather-scented candle. Each candle comes in an 8oz. ½ pint paint can which provides a 40hr burn. These soy candles are each hand made, designed, and poured using locally supplied wax and oils in a family garage.

The “Work Boots” candle holder is a wonderfully creative paint can design with a clearly masculine appeal that even the burliest of men won’t be ashamed to be caught with. The wax inside is the same yellow color as the label. When the lid is opened with the included can opener, a subtle scent of a thick polished boot or horse saddle can be sniffed out. With a good burn, there is a subtle throw of saddle leather in the air. While not concentrated enough to fill up a large room, the smell is just enough to make you think of opening a brand new leather shoebox without giving you a headache. Overall, the Gorilla Candles “Work Boots” makes a great gift for any guy who enjoys a scented candle but wants something tougher to put on the table.

WITCH CITY WICKS ‘BLACK LEATHER’ – $19

Liz Frazier is an accidental candle maker. Attempting to find a hobby away from her computer, she has now become a devoted expert, hand pouring every single scented soy candle. The first candles were made in Salem, MA a.k.a. “Witch City” and the name Witch City Wicks naturally followed. These all natural candles are made from phthalate-free fine fragrance oils and all-cotton wicks sourced in the USA. Burn times range from 55-65 hours for this 7 oz candle.

A handsome gift box contains each lidded milky white candle in an actual rocks glass so that you can enjoy your scotch after enjoying your candle. The clean black and white label gives it a neutral sophisticated look. Upon opening the box, there is an immediate hint of leather oils as if you laid your head down on a leather pillow. The burn creates a surprisingly strong flame followed by a decent throw of leather motorcycle jacket and a whisper of new car. Half Black Leather candle + Half scotch glass = All good.

March 9, 2015December 19, 2017

The Goods LA – The Loop & The Crew Review – $75

My MacBook Pro has been my trusty sidekick for over four years now. It comes with me to school, to work, to the coffee shop, on vacation – pretty much everywhere. I love my MacBook. The cord, not so much. It gets wrapped up in my books and forces me to take everything out of my bag just to untangle everything. It’s a major first-world problem, but it does get annoying to have to wrangle a cord five times a day. Thankfully, The Goods felt my pain and sent me a few products to try and ease my suffering.

The Goods is a Los Angeles-based lifestyle brand that creates essentials for the modern man. Their product line is full of simple, sophisticated products for stylish people on the go. Founded in 2013, The Goods keeps things minimalist, selling only four products on their website, all of which will be reviewed here on Best Leather. Today I’ll be reviewing The Loop, a Macbook cord keeper, and The Crew, an earbud holder.

THE LEATHER & CONSTRUCTION

The Loop is made from 7 oz veg-tanned cowhide, dyed a rich black. The Crew is 5 oz. cowhide. Both are very durable and have withstood daily use with no signs of wear. The pouch on the Loop is single-stitched and fits the MacBook adapter nice and snug. Both pieces use sturdy stainless steel snaps to keep your cords fastened.

FUNCTION

I am generally skeptical of organizational gadgets. Most of the time they take up more time than they save and end up becoming a nuisance. So I decided to take The Loop and The Crew down the street to my local bakery for a test run. My interest was instantly piqued by the sleek packaging and the fact that everything was all black.

There is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using The Loop. The Goods put together some instructional images on their website as a guide. First, you wrap up the small part of the cord around the plastic hooks attached to the adapter, and then you slide this part into the square pouch. Then you wrap the rest of the cord up and fasten it into place with the buttons on the strap. It might sound complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it takes no time at all.

The Crew is fairly self-explanatory, but you can also check out some instructional images on their website too. You wrap the earbuds around the center part of The Crew and then close it up with the two snaps. I like this design better than other headphone holders because the cord isn’t exposed as much and there’s really no way for it to come undone.

CONCLUSION

The Crew and The Loop won me over with their unique design and functionality. They definitely don’t fall into the cheesy organizer category. I’ve used them every single day since I received them. They are sleek little accessories that save you both the time and frustration of untangling cords, and save space in your bag because they wrap everything up so compactly. The Loop is only $60, The Crew is $25, and you can get them both for $75, aptly named The Combo. If you’re a MacBook user, these pieces are a must-have accessory. It’s a great price, unique construction, and will last longer than your Macbook does.