Sandqvist Jones Doctor Bag – $327

Even here at Bestleather, a bastion for great design and the best products in the leather world, I seldom have as much to say about a good product as I do about Swedish company Sandqvist’s Jones Doctor Bag. Run by brothers Anton and Daniel Sandqvist and their friend Sebastian, the company creates a wide range of design-forward backpacks, totes, messenger bags and the like while drawing inspiration from the sparse and ruggedly beautiful backdrop of their home country. We had the opportunity to review their interpretation of the rare doctor’s bag. Without getting ahead of myself the verdict, at least aesthetically, is very good.

CONSTRUCTION

Half canvas and half full-grained leather, the Jones is a sturdy, metropolitan bag. The buckles are riveted and important seams are double stitched, but most of the bag is single stitched satisfactorily. The canvas is too thin to recommend outdoor recreational use, but city going and day to day affairs will go off just fine. The nickel plated brass hardware is all heavy and functional.

FUNCTION

Though it works better carried as a briefcase the Jones is also easy to use as a backpack, though it has some small issues when being used as such. The shoulder pads move around every time the bag comes off your shoulders, making constant re-adjustment necessary. In addition the straps have little adjustability for broader or narrower shoulders, so what you see is what you get. Again, the briefcase method goes off without a hitch if that is how you prefer to carry the bag. The canvas can tend to attract lint, which is a minor bother at worst. The canvas lining on the inside is helpful with small items which has various accessory pouches, and the 15” laptop sleeve is great to have. The buttons to adjust the bag’s mouth width tend to pop open which may be an individual quirk although it can tend to irritate.

AESTHETIC

The Jones has a very strong visual style which is what makes it such a talking point for me. With so many products flooding the market for leather bags something striking is difficult to find anymore. You can find that in the Sandqvist Jones Doctor Bag. From the beautiful black leather, subtle nickel plated hardware, or the excellently placed minimalist logo, this is a stand out in almost any crowd.

CONCLUSION

It might seem a little pricey for the amount leather used on the bag but what carries the Sandqvist Jones Doctor Bag up to its price point is the quality of the leather used and the undeniably great visual it provides. With a few small issues in terms of functionality comes a good looking bag with a lot of character and storage space.

For more from Sandqvist take a look at their website here: www.sandqvist.net

July 6, 2015December 19, 2017

Craft & Lore Launches Kickstarter for The Port Wallet

Craft and Lore, located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is an independent design and build workshop, focusing on leather goods that are simple in form and function. Craft and Lore recently launched a Kickstarter for their Port Wallet, a minimal handmade wallet made to carry your indispensable cards plus some cash. We recently reviewed the Port Wallet, and here’s what our reviewer Ben had to say about it:

“The Port Wallet is a simple, no-fold, four pocket workhorse designed to carry 7-8 cards in the central pocket, as well as a few bills and a drivers license. With 4-5oz hand tanned leather and saddle stitched waxed polyester thread, this wallet is absolutely built to last — most importantly, it is able to withstand the abuse of day-to-day goings. From trips to the coffee shop on my bike to long commutes in the car, this wallet hasn’t appeared to even begin to wear in any way after three weeks of being in my back pocket. The Port Wallet is built to last. Period.

This wallet can be described in just one word: clean. The color of my vegetable-tanned leather Port Wallet reminds me of a fine 15 year single malt scotch: a rich, mesmerizing amber. The stitching accents the clean simplicity of the wallet. The leather is smooth and extremely soft to the touch; it’s an pleasant experience each time you reach in your front pocket.”

Craft and Lore Port Wallet 1 — Not pictured: $39 Black Wickett & Craig Harness Leather

Here’s some of the features of the Port Wallet:

Cut and saddle stitched by hand in North Idaho
4oz weight full grain vegetable tanned leather
W 2.75″ x H 4″ x D .75 ” (full)
6.9cm x 10.1cm x 1.9cm (full)

For $39, you can get the Port Wallet in a natural veg-tan leather from the Masure Tannery in Belgium, or in Wickett & Craig Harness Leather in medium brown, dark brown, mahogany, or black. For $59, you can have your Port Wallet crafted from soft and supple Horween Dublin leather.

$39 is a great deal for a handcrafted, saddle-stitched wallet, so be sure to check out their Kickstarter page and their website for more of Craft & Lore’s heritage goods.

July 3, 2015December 19, 2017

Fourth of July Sales Guide

America, land of the free, and the birthplace of some awesome homegrown leather companies. Check out these great 4th of July deals!

J. Peterman – Free shipping, and new items put on sale! Use code: BOOM

Grifter Company – Get 15% off your order using the code “4th”

Iron & Resin – 20% off everything! Use code “America”

Timberland – Get 30% off all sales styles!

Marlondo Leather – Buy a bag, get a free luggage tag, get 5% back when you purchase 2 or more products, and all purchases are entered to win a one-of-a kind front pocket briefcase!

Buffalo Jackson – Buy a bow tie, all proceeds go to purchasing a used car for families in need!

July 3, 2015December 19, 2017

Fjallraven Rucksack #21 Large Review – $225

I don’t think I have ever met anyone who didn’t enjoy a few days away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It truly is a natural thing that we all require to keep functioning. As you know I really do enjoy the luxury life, so completely abandoning everything is very difficult for me. But, when I do get the opportunity to sneak away, I love to have some of the finest, high quality gear to bring on my travels. The Fjallraven No. 21 Rucksack is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for quality, do-it-all gear.

About

Like many of the leather companies we have reviewed, Fjallraven began because of a distinct lack in quality, specialized goods. Fjallraven was founded by Åke Nordin in Northern Sweden. Åke was an adventurous boy when he realized the world needed better, long-lasting framed packs. His designs were the first of its kind, and once it caught the attention of other adventurers, by 1960 Fjallraven was officially born. With the base principles, of functionality, durability, and dependability, Fjallraven has grown into an enormous, world-wide adventure-seeking company. Adeptly named after the Arctic Fox, each and every Fjallraven bag resembles the traits of this tough, steadfast predator and the Fjallraven base principles.

Construction

The No. 21 Large Rucksack is constructed using natural vegetable tanned leather, YKK hardware, and Fjallraven’s signature heavy-duty G-1000 fabric. The rucksack is extremely durable and spacious. Standing at 52cm high by 29cm wide by 15cm deep, the rucksack is capable of 30 L of space. The thick leather straps attach securely to the metal posts and then are held in place by the metal loops, which covers the main compartment opening sheltered by a snow lock. The inside of the bag is very simple with only the large main compartment, padded laptop sleeve, and small items zippered case. The most durable, and most important part of this rucksack’s construction are the padded shoulder straps attached to sturdy leather strips with metal rivets. These straps are some of the more secure feeling shoulder straps I have pleasured my back with. The No. 21 Large Rucksack is constructed extremely well, and will definitely last for many, many adventures.

Function

I recently took the No. 21 Rucksack on a trip to Banff National Park. I was happy to be wearing the Fjallraven bag on my way to the Lake Agnes Tea House. In the bag I had an extra outfit, hoodie sweatshirt, Olympus camera, GoPro Hero 4, knife and flashlight, two bottles of water, portable power pack and phone charger, a glasses case, my tobacco pipe, and a Kammok camping hammock with straps. I actually still had room left over to put more things had I needed them. The No. 21 Rucksack functioned flawlessly. While I did receive a little irritation on my lower back from the leather rubbing my shirt, I realized later it was only because I had accidentally offset the adjustable shoulder straps when I was putting the bag on. The rucksack is a fantastic adventure bag with more than enough space for essential adventure items.

Aesthetic

The natural vegetable tanned leather is extremely soft and has already developed a lovely patina from consistent use. I have actually had this bag since February, so I have definitely used it often and taken it with me on several trips and motorcycle rides around central Oregon. The G-1000 material is pleasantly pliable, but still has that sturdy, well-made feel. The No. 21 Rucksack has been treated with Greenland wax, giving it an eco-friendly weather-resistant exterior. The rucksack comes in three sizes and several different colors. Each one contrasts perfectly with the natural leather and will definitely make a stylish adventure bag.

Conclusion

I have been very pleased by the Fjallraven No. 21 Large Rucksack. Fjallraven has done an excellent job combining the high-quality materials, adept functionality, and durability to make a great adventure backpack. If you are looking for a bag that can truly function in all conditions and settings, head over to the Fjallraven website and pick out a size and color. At only $225, the No. 21 Large Rucksack is a wise investment for the adventure-seeking traveller.

http://www.fjallraven.us/

July 2, 2015December 19, 2017

Barber Shop Introduces New Line of Bags & Accessories

There’s a new name in the leather world, an Italian company by the name of Barber Shop. Barber Shop is a collection of 11 styles, entirely designed and made in Italy, which includes 5 bags, 1 hand and 1 wrist-strap, a single and a double bridle and 2 different sizes of leather organizers. Quality, Italian style and functionality are the hallmarks of Barber Shop. Each piece is handcrafted in Bassano del Grappa (Vicenza) by skilled artisans.

ABOUT THE BARBER SHOP LINE

From the choice of the leathers, coming from the finest tanneries in Vicenza, to the design and manufacture of every single metal detail, the whole Barber Shop collection was conceived in the beautiful landscapes of Veneto. This soul makes the brand unique in the world of photography: 100% Italian. Barber Shop bags and accessories have been conceived and styled in Bassano del Grappa, a small jewel of a town set in northeast Italy, in the province of Vicenza.

The Barber Shop line was founded in Italy, the homeland of the classic barber: men with a passion for detail and a flawless craftsmanship. They take care of the face and style of a person: what best expresses their personality. The barber is the man you entrust with your own skin. The name Barber Shop recalls materials such as leather, the idea of an artisan workshop and urban style. Barber scissors and a razor are stylized in the logo. The ‘barber pole’ becomes a distinctive striped red white and blue tape sewn in all Barber Shop products, as well as in the elegant packaging boxes.

Barber Shop bags and accessories are made using selected Italian leathers and fabrics and offers top quality technical features. The unique style and versatility of Barber Shop bags make them perfect, despite the masculine name, both for men and women, and enjoyable also for daily life: just take out the camera satchel and you have a stylish bag for your everyday needs. And when you are shooting, the Barber Shop bags don’t advertise that you are carrying photographic equipment, which makes them safer for traveling. Whether photography is your job or passion, enjoy your special, inspiring moment without any compromise or concern. You need protection, comfort, speed, handiness and transportability for your gear. Barber Shop will take care of everything, so you just need to think about your next shoot.

Details are the hallmark of Barber Shop collection: details that are not just a matter of style, but they allow to live a greater experience, working with a functional, performing product, designed with the photographers’ needs in mind. The Barber Shop team capitalized on the knowledge gained working closely with photographers for years. Every detail of Barber Shop products is designed and tailored to fit the needs of photographers, without giving up style, elegance and the uniqueness of a hand-crafted product.

Barber Shop wants to give time its proper value. The same time that is necessary both to handcraft the highest quality and to give oneself the chance to fully enjoy a product. To handcraft a Barber Shop bag an average of 3 hours of passionate work are needed.

Keep an eye out for Barber Shop products coming this summer! We hope to produce some reviews in the next couple months. In the meantime, check out a few of the preview photos, and take a look at their website: www.barbershopbags.com

July 1, 2015December 19, 2017

Hammitt Roxbury Fringe Crossbody Bag Review – $585

I often talk about timelessness and minimalism in my posts, but I swear I’m not always boring. Sometimes it’s fun to go all-out with a fun, trendy piece, too. The Roxbury Fringe Crossbody Bag from Hammitt is just that. Immediately upon opening, I was impressed. Let’s take a look at some of the details that make this bag great.

ABOUT HAMMITT

Hammitt is a luxury accessories brand based in Los Angeles, California. Founded by Stephenie Hammitt, the company focuses on exceptional craftmanship and high-end design. Hammitt has developed a following of loyal customers, and can be found in dozens of boutiques across the United States. They also recently opened their very first flagship store located in Las Vegas, NV.

THE LEATHER

Hammitt’s South American leather is some of the softest and most supple I have ever felt, to be honest. Top-notch stuff, including the soft suede lining. The cognac color is bright and classic. The Roxbury Fringe Crossbody also comes in black, pewter, and a tan color they call Shirtless. Because of the high quality of the leather, the fringe stays flat and doesn’t tangle. I was worried that the fringe would break with use, but it’s not delicate or easily breakable at all.

CONSTRUCTION & FUNCTION

The Roxbury Fringe is medium sized, at 9.5 ” x 10.5″ x 1″. There are three zippered pouches, none of which are very large, but can easily hold a wallet, phone, keys, and other essentials. It’s constructed a bit like an envelope, with the thin upper zippered pocket folding over the main pocket. To get to the main pocket, you flip up the top part. Surprisingly enough, this doesn’t get annoying at all because of my favorite feature: an ingenious hidden slot for your cell phone on the back of the bag. I absolutely LOVE this feature, and it’s something I wish all my purses had. The cell phone pocket is very subtle and goes just deep enough to keep your phone secure without having to fish around for it. The little details like this are what makes the Roxbury Fringe feel so nice.

The hardware on this bag is also a standout feature. All the gold colored hardware is heavy, shiny, and just exudes quality. The zippers and zipper pulls are phenomenal. The strap is decorated with round flat studs and connects to the body of the bag with a hefty oval self-closing clasp. The strap is adjustable via two built-in rings that can be connected to the clasp to shorten the length of the strap, although the length is appropriate for cross-body use and I’ve never had to adjust anything.

AESTHETIC

The Roxbury Fringe Crossbody manages to strike the right balance between bohemian and classy. You can immediately tell that this purse didn’t come from Forever 21, but it still has a fun, festival look. I had never owned a fringe bag before, so I wasn’t entirely sure if I would like it, but I’ve found that it goes easily with any outfit, especially in the summer.

If you’re not totally into fringe, or just want to invest in a more timeless look, Hammitt makes the Roxbury without any fringe, as well as several similar styles such as the Roxbury Embossed and the Little Santa Monica.

CONCLUSION

All in all, I am very impressed by the Roxbury Fringe Crossbody. This bag isn’t cheap at $585, but its exceptional construction, hardware, and beautiful leather feel extremely luxe for the price. This isn’t a bag you’ll use everyday, but if you have the money for a niche item like this, I highly recommend Hammitt. Its fun, bohemian style is trendy and of-the-moment. Coachella may be over, but there’s plenty more summer festivals that this would be perfect for.

June 29, 2015December 19, 2017

Mario Latorre Bottini Review – $565

I have always been one to appreciate the finer things in life. I enjoy expensive clothes, shoes, food, products, and cars. A life of luxury and quality will forever be one of my ambitions. This desire of mine has been satiated for the time being by the Mario Latorre Bottini briefcase. This luxurious bag will change the way you carry yourself when it’s worn, change your opinion on expensive leather goods, and open your eyes to the world of technologically advanced and tested leather.

About Mario Latorre

I know we have mentioned Las Vegas and Fashion Week several times. But it really was a fantastic event for BestLeather. We met so many new companies and made so many new contacts. Mario Latorre was one of the companies who invited us in to their booth to talk and show off a beautiful line of leather products. Right from their “About Us” tab: “At Mario Latorre, we strive to bring classy and trendy designs to the modern man, with superb materials gathered from various countries. Elegance, quality and attention to detail is our mission, and we provide our customers with a unique experience and total satisfaction.” This company is dedicated to the fashionable man, and the Bottini Briefcase is an immaculate demonstrative piece.

Construction

The Bottini is constructed using some of the finest materials I have seen all in one bag. The premium black leather, quality Italian hardware, and red suede lining all come together in a classy, fashionable bag. The Bottini bag boasts nano-technology treated leather– the same leather used in BMW and McLaren automobile interiors. It undergoes numerous tests for quality and is absolutely long-lasting. The outside has one large zipper pocket, with a medium-sized zipper pocket on the same side within the bag. The other side of the inner lining consists of three pen or pencil slots, a phone or accessory sleeve, and three business card sleeves. My favorite part about this bag is how much space there is to put a computer, documents, and notepads. Built 15.5” long by 11.5” high and 4.5” wide, it will fit several notepads and documents alongside my MacBook Air.

Function

I have used this bag steadily for the last few weeks. It comes with me to college, coffee shops, and BestLeather meetings. The Bottini consistently functions flawlessly, and I am always pleased to be wearing the bag. It exudes class and elegance yet also functions in a way many other leather bags do not. The nanoparticles reinforced in the leather allow it to function in all climates and seasons. The water-resistant coating gives this leather briefcase one more advantage over other natural bags. I have used the Bottini in the rain once, on accident, and each raindrop seamlessly ran off. The Bottini does everything I need a leather briefcase to do and more. Overall, the Bottini is a consistently modern functioning bag that I love to use as often as I can.

Aesthetic

The elegant aesthetic is this bag’s most dominant asset. The clean black leather, contrasted with the soft, red suede lining gives the Bottini a professional attitude. The metal hardware is consistently flashy, but gives the Bottini the desired fashionable appearance. The only aspect of this bag that functions differently are the soft leather handles. The model I have is the older edition, and this issue of a too soft handle has been addressed in the newest model, which is available on the Mario Latorre website. It is obvious that much time, skill, and craftsmanship went in to making the Bottini perfect.

Conclusion

If luxury and elegance is as important to you as it is to me, the Mario Latorre Bottini briefcase is an appropriate choice. At $565, the Bottini is an investment, but one that will make a statement everywhere you go and last for quite a long time. It definitely qualifies as a Buy It for Life item. My experience with Mario Latorre has been a relished one, and their products reflects the type of leather company that BestLeather enjoys working with and suggesting to our readers. Head over to their website now to check out all of their fashionable leather bags and accessories.

June 26, 2015December 19, 2017

Waltzing Matilda NICA Sandals – $148

Summer is officially here, so it’s time to make sure you’ve got all your supplies together for a relaxing day at the beach. If you’re like me, you’ll pack a nice picnic, obsessively slather on 70+ SPF sunscreen, and grab your favorite shorts and sandals. The sandals part, however, is a little complicated. I’ve been checking out a few sandal options, so stay tuned for a couple of upcoming sandal reviews.

Today I’ll be looking at the Waltzing Matilda NICA Sandals, in Men’s Brown and Women’s Moc.

About Waltzing Matilda

“Everything we make is handcrafted in the USA in small micro-factories and meant to last forever. We make a strong effort to use repurposed and recycled materials found during our travels. We don’t compromise. We are creative, adventurous, and humble, and sincerely want to stimulate the senses with our pieces. Every hide is handpicked and has unique features and marks that add to the character and beauty of each product. We hope you love your new piece of art, and that it travels with you for a long time. Please let it age gracefully.” – Waltzing Matilda website

Waltzing Matilda actually got its start making this very sandal, born out of necessity during a surf trip in Nicaragua. After Mike, the founder, lost his shoes in a torrential rain storm, he crafted a pair of sandals out of an extra travel bag, and thus, the NICA sandal was born. Now, Waltzing Matilda is a full-fledged leather outfitter, making everything from shoes to bags to laptop cases to wine carriers.

CONSTRUCTION

Like all Waltzing Matilda products, the NICA sandal is made by hand in Maine. Featuring Horween leather, the body of the sandal is hand-tacked to a rubber Birkenstock EVA sole. The straps are anchored into the leather at the top and bottom with tacks and the two sections of strap are joined with polyester thread. I’m not entirely sure that this is the best decision when it comes to construction, but it does give the NICA sandal that stitched-together bohemian look that Waltzing Matilda has become famous for. After several months of use, however, I haven’t noticed any give or weakness in that area of the sandal, so take that with a grain of salt.

AESTHETIC

I love the way these sandals look. With the hand-tacked nails and unburnished edges, the NICA sandals have a unique look that sets them apart from other leather sandals. They aren’t pretentious or overdone, but definitely look like they are a quality item.

I wasn’t completely sold on the white Birkenstock sole on the Women’s Mocs, but after quite a bit of use, they don’t look as dirty as I expected, and they match well with the lighter leather. The Men’s Brown sandals are a beautiful, rich brown that goes well with any outfit.

FUNCTION

These take some breaking in before they get comfortable. When you first try them on, it feels a bit like wearing a two-by-four on your feet. The piece that goes between your toes is thicker than most sandals and takes some getting used to. But after a couple of wears, the leather breaks in and forms to your feet, making them extremely comfortable for daily wear. These are by far the most comfortable leather flip flops I’ve owned. My husband regularly steals them even though they’re not his size. I think I’ll have to get him his own pair!

The Men’s Brown pair has a leather sole, which can be somewhat slippery if you’re not used to leather soles. It’s probably a good idea to avoid a wipeout by scuffing the soles up a bit before you head outside.

CONCLUSION

At $148, the NICA sandals aren’t cheap, but you will get a LOT of use out of them. They’re perfect for a day at the beach, and look nice enough to wear for a casual dinner. They’re light and pack flat so you can take them anywhere. Waltzing Matilda also has several other sandal designs that I’d recommend taking a look at if simple flip flops don’t cut it. There are Roman sandals, Greek Sandals, and a third design they call “My Sandals.” Check ’em out!

June 25, 2015December 19, 2017

Alpha Industries MA-1 Flight Jacket Review – $365

Leather jackets are unquestionably some of the finest leather products you can buy. With so many different leathers, colors, fits, and styles, leather jackets singularly bring the most to the table in terms of personal fashion. When BestLeather heard about Alpha Industries and visited their wild booth at Fashion Week, we were beyond excited. At their booth we were given the chance to explain our reviewing process, and on the spot, Alpha Industries chose to set up a review of their MA-1 Flight jacket.

About

Alpha Industries is a company surrounded by heritage and tradition. Founded by Samuel Gelber to provide quality clothing to U.S. Armed Forces, Alpha Industries began as a small, 35-employee government contractor. Each product they make has an equally fascinating story to go along with it, so when you buy an Alpha Industries product, you really are getting a quality heirloom product. Today, this iconic company is a globally recognized leather and flight jacket forerunner. Because I could write for pages about Alpha Industries rich history, I’ll let you go ahead and play around with this famous company’s interactive timeline. Check it out here.

Construction

The MA-1 Flight Jacket is constructed using 100% real full-grain leather. It is immediately obvious that the leather on this military aviator jacket is high quality. The beautiful YKK antique brass hardware and zipper provide a refreshing contrast to its all black military attitude and the inside is lined with a diamond patterned polyester quilted lining. The diamond patterned lining is comfortable enough to wear in most temperatures.

On the outside, Alpha Industries has added a personal flair with their signature utility pocket, giving ample storage for several EDC items you want with you. The waistband and cuffs are made from heavy-duty 100% wool. Each seam on this jacket is expertly united, providing an extremely durable, comfortable impression. The skillful construction of the MA-1 Flight Jacket is one of my favorite features because it demonstrates that this jacket will last a very long time.

Function

I have taken this jacket everywhere. I take it on long motorcycle rides, to college classes, skydiving, weekend getaways, and I have even used it to go flying. Each time, without a doubt, someone has commented on the quality of my jacket. Every place I took the MA-1 Flight Jacket, especially flying, I realized just how well it functions. I am never too hot or cold because of the quilted lining, and I always feel pleased with this piece upon taking it off. I have begun to entertain a reputation of “the guy with all the leather” simply because my typical get-up is a leather jacket, leather briefcase or messenger, leather wallet, and leather shoes. It is quite a fun fashion statement to entertain. The MA-1 Flight Jacket is a classic aviator jacket with a refreshing, modern touch.

Aesthetic

The MA-1 Flight jacket comes in two colors, brown and black. Each color changes the whole statement of the jacket. Brown offers you the classic, vintage aviation jacket, while black causes an edgier and more modern look. Both colors are definitely a solid choice depending on your style.

As I said earlier, the MA-1 is a great jacket in most temperatures. I can wear it all day riding my motorcycle, and continue to wear it for the cooler afternoons. The softness of the leather allows adequate flexibility and motion enough for me to safely fly planes and ride motorcycles. Overall I have been extremely pleased with how this jacket has performed, and am eager to see how it ages.

Conclusion

Every fashionable man needs a good leather jacket in his wardrobe. If you are looking to make a statement and harken back to the leather loving armed forces of the day, the Alpha Industries MA-1 Leather Flight Jacket is an appropriate choice. In terms of leather jackets, the wise investment of $365 for this leather jacket will be a perfect addition to your style. Head over to Alpha Industries great website and see all the different styles they offer. We will be reviewing their G-1 Leather jacket shortly, so stay tuned.

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 22, 2015May 23, 2020

Mohinders Men’s City Slippers Review – $145

With spring here and summer on the way, finding the right casual footwear can be a pretty challenging task. I’ve never been a “flips flops” kind of guy but wanted something light and easy to slip on. After quite a prodigious search, I came across the Mohinders Men’s City Slippers and had to give them a go.

ABOUT

Mohinders was born when founder Michael Paratore came across a pair of hand woven leather shoes in the markets of Mumbai. It was back in the states when he decided to quit his corporate job and start a shoe company. What followed was a journey back to India to locate the artisans behind the shoes he first encountered. Once he finally tracked down the craftsmen, Mohinders was born. Taking the original design and tweaking the style, comfort and durability, the CIty Slippers aims to be a wear all shoe you can sport anytime, anywhere. Skeptical? Well, if a man quits a successful career and opens a company essentially based on one shoe, it must be worth a second look!

CONSTRUCTION

The City Slippers arrived in a very cool sackcloth pouch with a patterned lining. The shoes themselves are handwoven from vegetable tanned buffalo leather. The smell of the slippers conjured up memories of petting zoos but this was only noticeable when deliberately held up to my nose. Mohinders credits this unique aroma to the dyeing process that uses babul tree and the myrobalan nut. The sole of the City Slippers are natural crepe rubber. If you noticing a pattern, the Mohinder’s are about as natural as it gets. The environmental impact from production is about equal to playing a round of croquet on the neighbor’s lawn.

FUNCTION

If there’s one thing we like to stress about high quality leather products, it that there is usually a break in process to let the leather stretch and become pliable. That rule definitely applies to the City Slippers. At first they were a bit snug and I experienced a little abrasion on my pinky toe, but in the words of the great George Michael, you gotta have faith. As expected, the leather conformed to my foot perfectly. Not too tight where they felt constricted and loose enough to allow easy on and off. The crepe soles really impressed, very flexible and after several week of continuous use, show little wear and a promise of prolonged life.

AESTHETIC

The City Slippers are a welcome alternative to flip flops, Jesus Cruisers, mandals, and all other sorts of exposed footwear for men. I have pretty hairy feet (think Frodo Baggins) and don’t usually feel comfortable wearing traditional sandals. The City Slippers on the other hand look great and allow for that laid back vibe. The styling is very adaptive and I can wear these around the house just as easily as I can at the farmer’s market. Served with chino shorts and an Oxford with rolled sleeves and you’re good to go.

CONCLUSION

The Mohinders City Slippers are a solid option for men who aren’t into the whole sandals thing, or who simply want a new, casual good looking summer footwear option. The $145 price tag is a little steep, but you’re supporting artisans in rural communities, and wearing an environmentally conscious shoe. Oh, and you’ll look good every step of the way.

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 17, 2015December 19, 2017

Kendal & Hyde Medium Classic Leather Satchel – First Impressions

The team at BestLeather has the privilege of seeing lots and lots of leather products. Since we’re leather aficionados (aka leather nerds), we think of it as a major perk for being part of this team. But, even for us there are those times when we see a leather bag or another product and remark to anyone who’s willing to listen, “oh…they really got that one right.” Those are the words I uttered when I opened the email from Kendal & Hyde regarding their newest bag, the Classic Leather Satchel.

About Kendal & Hyde

Kendal & Hyde is located in Salt Lake City, UT and San Francisco, CA. They have a great eye for design and details. This is evident when you look at the list of successful Kickstarters (now on their 4th) they’ve created since 2014. Their products are functional, appealing, and built to stand the rigors of daily use and time.

Construction

The Medium Classic Leather Satchel we received here is a working prototype of what’s to come in their production run. Said production run is guaranteed to happen now that they’ve eclipsed their Kickstarter goal of $50k (they are now well on their way to doubling that number).

If you’re a veg tan fan…you’re in luck here. The Classic Leather Satchel is 100% vegetable tanned leather. It’s being featured in natural, black, and medium brown colors. The leather is thick and only slightly stiff. This is a bag that will definitely develop a gorgeous patina over time.

It also comes in three sizes:

Large – 17.75″W x 13″H x 9″D
Medium –15.75″W x 12″H x 9″D
Small – 14.25″W x 11″H x 6″D

All three sizes contain the same features and design elements. This Kickstarter has generated some very interesting conversations in some of the leather groups we follow on Facebook. The overwhelming majority of those discussions have been very positive and supportive. However, there are always those who like to make comparisons or make unsupported claims of duplicating another design. I’m never a fan of those comparisons and complaints. I often find them unfounded and usually untrue. The cold hard truth is that there are only so many ways to create a satchel-styled bag. This version is in fact, very unique in several ways:

the Buffalo nickel on the handle wrap
full vegetable tanned leather
the thickness of shoulder pad is amazing
it features a single piece side and bottom—no seam in the center
hardware that is unrivaled in quality (solid brass)
the center pocket is for a laptop and is designed to keep it from being bumped from any direction…a very unique and effective strategy.
includes a dedicated iPad pocket that also keeps it from being knocked around as well
the unique, modular aspect, which allows for additional pockets, straps, and accessories to be added to the satchel for personal customization. The line of accessories will continue to be developed and works on all of the satchels in this line (and will work with future designs too)

So, as you can see there are many elements here that differentiate the Kendal & Hyde Satchel. Personally, I’m thrilled to see the modular design aspect incorporated. It’s brilliant. As a fan of vintage Swiss Army leather goods, I really like the design of the single and triple pouches…which definitely hearken back to the ammunition pouches from the Swiss Army.

Function

Since this is a prototype, we haven’t had the luxury of using this as rigorously or as long as we usually do when putting together our reviews. However, the feel of this bag, the quality of construction, and the design elements included lead us to believe that this bag will perform its role for you in high style and perfection.

We look forward to being able to report on regular usage once we receive the production models. We’ll be featuring full reviews of those in just a couple of months.

Aesthetic

Clean lines, exceptional build quality, and top of the line components all blend together for a visually appealing feast. Sounds cheesy but it’s true. The Kendal & Hyde Classic Satchel exudes class and style in my opinion. It appears that it will look great whether it’s carried over the shoulder, cross body, or in backpack mode.

Conclusion

The Kickstarter for the Kendal & Hyde Classic Satchel is still going. Secure one in the size and color you want and you’ll save about $100 off the normal price. Also, all of the modular pieces and other accessories are discounted. We’ve had a total of four reviewers from our team check out this Kendal & Hyde Satchel. The overwhelming consensus is that we highly recommend that you get one ordered for yourself. It’s definitely a Buy It for Life Satchel that you’ll be able to hand down for many generations.

June 17, 2015December 19, 2017

Hidesign Hector Large 17″ Laptop Compatible Leather Backpack Review – $299.99

BestLeather had an absolutely fantastic, successful trip to Las Vegas in February for Fashion Week. Running around meeting new leather artisans and companies, making connections with popular brands, and taking the time to discuss leather with a few companies was enough to make our week fantastic. Hidesign was one of the leather brands we actually had the chance to sit down with and talk. This leather company provides a refreshing fashionable line of leather bags and accessories to BestLeather’s typically rustic product reviews – Hidesign’s product line is very refined and stylish.

About

“Founded in 1978, Hidesign has grown into a global leather accessories brand recognized for its quality, ecological values and personalized service. By keeping its focus on a classic contemporary look, Hidesign caters to the sophisticated urban professional and executive.” This stylish business values diversity, quality, and heritage. Each of these values is evident in their contemporary products. Head over to their website to read more about the brand, their product innovation, ecological mindset, and to check out some quality leather products.

Construction

The Hector Leather Backpack is a quality piece. This stunning bag is constructed using Hidesign’s full-grain vegetable tanned classic leather, heavy-duty contrast stitching, and 100% cotton green striped lining. Each of these elements comes together in a beautiful, chic bag. The bag consists of one large main compartment, and a smaller, slip in pocket. The main compartment was designed large enough to fit a 17” laptop in the padded sleeve. In this main partition there is also one zip pocket for pens and pencils, and two slip in pockets for other accessories. The press button closure is easy to use, yet durable, and the metal closure square is heavy duty and attention-grabbing. The leather shoulder straps are padded perfectly, and the modern metal hardware gives the bag an extremely durable impression. This bag is built with exquisite detail and materials, and will last for a very long time.

Function

Every man needs a good backpack. They are extremely practical, provide adequate storage, and give you the option of carry additional bags. My go-to travel set-up is a backpack, messenger or duffel, and my beautiful self. This backpack has performed exceedingly well in every situation I have put it through, whether that was going to college classes, a coffee at a local café, or travelling to various places. Measuring 11.2” by 14.4” by 5.5,” the Hector backpack is spacious. Each time I used this bag, I would take my MacBook Air with leather sleeve, charging cable, notebook, textbooks, The Pienza Penholder, a headphone case, and other assorted daily use items. I have even used this bag to pack my Olympus camera and a few lenses, all while functioning perfectly as a multi-use bag.

Aesthetic

The Hector backpack is gorgeous. Its elegant construction, handsome materials, and graceful feel make this backpack perfect for the modern gentlemen who appreciates purpose. The contrast stitching gives the bag an inviting look. The leather is tanned perfectly to a deep brown, and the inner green lining gives the bag just the right amount of individuality. This bag was not designed to get thrown around and abused, although it will withstand it. Like all quality leather items, attentive care and responsibility are key to this bags long-lasting lifetime. Like most of the leather items I have reviewed, I always receive compliments on this bag. It only makes sense for a backpack like this to receive praise, so people stopping and inquiring about the bag is always a good sign that my impressions are accurate.

Conclusion

Hidesign is a company that appreciates modern design, practicality, and quality. The Hector Large 17″ Laptop Compatible Leather Backpack is a great example of Hidesign’s core values. You may be surprised at Hidesign’s relatively low price-points, but they absolutely do not sacrifice quality to achieve this. With a new men’s line for this spring, any of Hidesign’s products will make excellent Father’s day presents. But if you are looking for a bag that will really make an impression, the Hector backpack is the perfect bag for you. Priced at $299.99, it also won’t hurt your budget. Head over to the Hidesign America website to check out their excellent product offerings and pick up a quality Father’s day present this week.

June 16, 2015December 19, 2017

Cravar & BestLeather F.C. 15 Messenger Bag Giveaway – $410 Value

Congratulations to Joshua S of Ohio for being selected as the winner of the Cravar F.C. 15 Messenger Bag!

Joshua, check your email so we can get you set up with your new bag! And thank you to all who entered. Please check your inbox soon too – Cravar will be sending a special “thank you” incentive to everyone who entered.

The fine folks at Cravar are ready to give you a shot at winning one of their great looking F.C. 15 Bags. Back in April, we had the privilege of reviewing this same bag – you can check out the full review here. Since that time, the F.C. 15 has become a daily carry bag for the wife of the reviewer and she absolutely loves it. It continues to garner comments and questions. And, it performs its role for her perfectly.

Now, it’s YOUR turn to get one of these amazing bags! Here’s what the winner gets:

Winner may choose one F.C. 15 bag from the 3 colors Cravar offers: Espresso, Rust, or Fox
Winner may have the bag personalized with a maximum of 3 initials (no numbers or punctuation…just letters). Cravar offers two font choices: Satyr or Telefon (see image below for font examples).

The Giveaway runs from June 17 through July 8th…so, GO FORTH AND ENTER!

Cravar F.C. 15 Giveaway – $410 Value!

In addition to visiting Cravar’s Facebook page within the contest, please consider following them here too:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cravar/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cravarbag
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cravar/

June 16, 2015December 19, 2017

Waskerd Brea Zipper Wallet Review — $115

You know how they say the best chefs don’t just pay attention to taste but also to presentation? When my Waskerd Brea Zipper Wallet arrived in the mail, my mind went straight to those masterful chefs. Right away, the extreme attention to detail impressed me—the personalized note, the way it was wrapped as a gift in a colorful cloth and string, even the business card made of leather. The wallet itself just continued this same impressive theme of detail-oriented precision. In fact, it made me want to meet the person who’d put so much care into the making.

About Waskerd

These days most products come from factories and assembly lines, which removes the human touch and personal connection from the process and the purchase. Waskerd’s mission is to re-form the human connection that has gone missing. They run a small, family business and make each of their products by hand, including the sweet wallet I’ve been carrying in my pocket for the last while.

Construction

The Brea Zipper Wallet is made from a high-quality 100% full-grain leather. Full-grain means the leather was taken from the outside surface of the hide, which means more character because of beautiful imperfections. It also has the highest durability—it’s the same skin that protects against the elements and barbed wire.

The surface of my Brea is smooth and initially had a slight gloss to it. As I broke it in, the surface got rougher, which made the wallet even more aesthetically pleasing than before. The zipper has a rugged, heavy-duty feel, and I don’t doubt that it’ll last a lifetime.

Waskerd also has a satisfaction guarantee: If you don’t like something about your wallet, they’ll make it right or give you your money back. That’s a promise that’s hard to beat. It makes me trust their quality, and it makes the purchase low-risk for you as well.

Function

While most people like the idea of minimalism, sometimes it can be hard to carry out—too hard getting rid of things. If this sounds like something you’d say, then the Brea Zipper Wallet is for you. It’s small compared to most wallets, but it’s bigger than the ultra minimalist ones, meaning there’s plenty of room for as many cards, bills, checks, coupons, and photos as you might need. I personally like to go as minimal as possible, and this wallet is just slightly large for my taste—that’s really my only critique. If you find yourself in the same boat, Waskerd has an amazing lineup of other wallets, and you’re certain to find one that fits—and all with the same high quality.

One thing I love about this wallet is the zipper, a feature I didn’t realize I’d love till I tried it. The zipper seals up tight, so you can throw it around as you’re traveling and you don’t have to worry about your coin collection or guitar picks slipping out—they’ll be very secure. That’s a bonus you don’t see in most wallets, and something I’ve grown to love the longer I’ve had it.

The Brea also has an interesting design. On the outside, it’s simply one large pocket with a zipper. But inside it contains what they call an “inverted gusset.” As you can see in the pictures, one of the walls of the main pocket is taken inward, spanning the center in an extra fold. This gives you room for additional organization. In short, it turns one large pocket into three, and it does this cleverly, without adding much extra thickness.

Aesthetic

The Brea Zipper’s unique design has a lot of style—a certain panache that’s sure to raise eyebrows. The stitching is precise, and yet it has just enough subtle variation to prove that it isn’t some product crunched out by a machine. Again, you’ll notice the human touch, and so will your friends and associates if they have an eye for that sort of thing.

You can get it in a variety of colors too, so you’re certain to find one that matches your taste. I went with the “limousin brown” with white stitching, and I really like it. Has a lot of class.

BestLeather Conclusion

If you’re looking for a minimal wallet that has plenty of room, I highly recommend the Waskerd Brea Zipper Wallet. It’s tough, sleek, spacious, and the highest quality, all backed by a promise that guarantees you won’t regret your choice.

June 15, 2015December 19, 2017

Wilsons Leather Black Rivet Distressed Leather Duffel Review – $350

You travel the world, making your mark wherever you go. You look good. Is that enough, or do you want to look damn good? As I wrapped my hands around the handle of the Wilson Black Rivet Distressed Leather Duffel, I had answered my own question. The genuine leather exterior with contrast stitching, accented by distressed metal hardware had me looking for an excuse to plan my next overnight business trip.

About Wilsons Leather

Wilsons Leather came about in 1986 as the merger of Berman’s Buckskin, founded in 1899 when fringed buckskin shirts and jackets were de rigueur, and Wilsons House of Suede and Leather, made famous in the 1940s for its suede and leather apparel. The Melville Corporation merged the two companies into Wilson’s Leather in 1986. Today, after a series of acquisitions and brand name changes, Wilsons Leather products can still be found online and in its outlet stores across the United States.

Construction

The Wilsons Leather Black Rivet Distressed Leather Duffel is crafted with cow leather weighing a mere 1 pound, 11 ounces and uses a semi-chrome tanning process, giving the leather a soft, supple feel. The dark brown leather is complemented by contrast stitching and antiqued brass hardware on the padded leather handles and removable nylon carrying strap.

Turn the bag over, and you’ll encounter the same antiqued brass on the protective metal feet riveted to the structured base. At 21” W x 11” H x 10” D, there is plenty of space for two to three days of travel in this carry-on bag. It is just under the FAA guidelines of being less than 45 inches in total dimensions for carry-ons, so its sizing is perfect.

The interior is constructed of a black rip-stop nylon featuring a zip-across pocket and organizer panel with a cell phone holder and four slots for bank cards. The cell phone sleeve held my wife’s Galaxy S3 phone, but will not fit phones much larger. The zip-across pocket neatly holds any extras you’ll need for a two or three-day trip.

Function and Aesthetic

The Black Rivet Distressed Leather Duffel is sans doubt your go bag. If you need more space than this bag provides, it means you’ll be checking a bag at the airport. Sling the bag over your shoulder, and you won’t get uncomfortable with the leather-padded carrying strap. The two leather carrying handles are well-stitched, and afford another way to carry the bag. The hardware is heavy duty, so you won’t have to worry about the bag coming apart. The darker brown leather goes well paired with most any color, and stands outs by its looks alone.

I didn’t use the cell phone pouch or credit card pouch much, as I keep those items in my wallet or in my pocket. They might have been better replaced by another zippered pouch, but you may still find them useful when you’re in a hurry.

Conclusion

Distressed leather is very popular for a reason – it is beautiful when crafted well. The Black Rivet Distressed Leather Duffel exemplifies this beauty in its masculine appeal. Unsolicited compliments are common when I’m carrying this bag to and from my downtown office. It retails for $350 and is worth every penny, but you won’t be paying that much for it. It is $169.99 through Wilson’s Leather online, and if you happen to live close to a Wilson’s Leather Outlet store, you may find it for even more of a steal than that.

June 10, 2015May 9, 2020

Steve Madden Nathen Boots Review – $140

I like boots. They’re my preferred footwear for just about any occasion. My wife says I have a problem. Obviously, I disagree. Boots are awesome. Need something casual? Boots. Need to dress up? Boots. Need to go do some work? Boots. Need something waterproof? Boots. Going hunting? Boots. Going hiking? Boots. Get the idea? In my latest boot review episode, we’re going to be taking a look at the Nathen Boots from Steve Madden.

About Steve Madden

Steve Madden has been an iconic footwear name for many years in the women’s fashion line. After such a successful 10 year stint there, Steve Madden Men’s line was launched. Starting as a primarily casual line, Steve Madden Men’s has evolved into a lifestyle brand. The desire is to give guys many options to wear their products for different aspects of his week – day to evening, work to weekend.

Construction

The Nathen Boots are made in Asia will full leather uppers, cemented construction, a split suede lining, and synthetic sole. I’m not sure where the leather is sourced. The leather is soft and supple, stitching is even and nicely done, and the zipper and eyelets feature an antique brass finish.

Function

Upon opening the box, several of my senses were very pleased. Initially, I was greeted by a delicious smell. If you’re a long time reader here, you’ve heard a few of us comment on the awesome aroma associated with certain brands and these boots totally remind me of that same, rich, aromatic leather scent. Upon holding these boots, I was immediately impressed with the leather. It’s very flexible and soft to the touch. Then visually, I was pleased with the build quality and styling of these boots. This is the first pair of boots I’ve had with side zippers and now, they won’t be the last pair I have. They are easy on and easy off. In fact, you can leave them laced up and just “slip, zip, and go”. Awesome.

Sizing (for me) is spot on. I usually wear an 11.5 and these are perfect. The low heel and traditional lug sole are all day long comfortable. And, there is no break in period at all.

Aesthetic

As mentioned earlier, I almost always wear boots. When I get a pair in for review, I tend to get comments at client meetings, at church, and lots of other locations. However, to date these Steve Madden Nathen Boots have generated more comments and questions than any other pair of boots I’ve reviewed. Their eye-catching color, along with the brogue styling combines well to draw people’s eye to them. And, people like them…a lot.

The Nathen Boots do a superb job of allowing you to either dress up or go casual with this boot. They look great with dress pants, yet will also look fantastic with a pair of jeans.

Conclusion

The Steve Madden Nathen Boots are a great deal for the money. Will they last for years and years? Depends on how often you wear them and how well you treat them. They’re certainly not a custom or high-end handmade boot. But, they’re also only $140…a price that most people can afford. And for that price you get a great looking pair of boots that give you lots of options on how you’re going to wear them. These boots are available in tan (color featured here), brown, and black. As a fashion footwear brand, Steve Madden Men’s has hit a ‘homerun’ with the Nathen boots. They incorporate good quality leather in a desirable style at a decent price point. The Nathen Boots are available from many different retailers such as Dillards, Macys, Zappos, and Amazon.

June 9, 2015December 19, 2017

Victory Leather Oak Bark Leather Belt Review – $93

I’ve mentioned before my affinity for products that have a great story behind them. It’s true – whether it’s a new product that arises out of something inspirational or it’s an heirloom piece full of great stories and a little bit of mystery, I seem to enjoy them the most. Such is the case with Victory Leather’s Oak Bark Leather Belt.

About Victory Leather

Peter Sandford, a designer, maker, artist, and entrepreneur founded Victory Leather in Hampshire, UK, which is based on the south coast of England, within sight of Portsmouth’s historic dockyard, home of Nelson’s HMS Victory and the inspiration for his brand.

Peter’s no stranger to creating high quality leather goods – he’s been involved in leatherworking for quite some time, making bespoke watch straps, wallets, and briefcases. And, he also has a successful track record with a previous Kickstarter campaign for his Shuttl minimalist dockable wallet system.

Construction

The leather. It’s one of those very exciting parts of why this belt really grabbed my attention. The leather from this belt comes from a tannery located in the southwestern part of England that has been there, on the river, since Roman legionnaires marched past it. Amazing. The same family has owned it for the past 150 years. Again, amazing.

Here’s some more amazing information. This leather uses a natural tanning process that combines river water and the shredded bark of English Oak trees. It’s a slow, eco-friendly, process that yields simply beautiful leather. It’s strong, flexible, smells amazing, and extremely durable. It’s an 18-month process to utilize this tanning method.

My belt is 1.5 inches wide and is a gorgeous dark oak color with a brass buckle and solid brass Chicago screws. The thick leather edges are beveled, burnished, and dyed. The belt holes are oblong so that your buckle post rests in a flatter, more natural position when secured in the belt. Victory Leather’s logo is tastefully placed on the belt loop and looks great.

Take a few minutes and watch Peter make this stunning belt in his workshop:

Function

The Victory Leather Oak Bark Leather Belt performs its role perfectly. My pants stay up, my shorts stay up…it’s all good. I also appreciate the use of the solid brass Chicago screws versus stitching or rivets. It’s nice to have a belt that I can swap out the buckle easily should the occasion or need arise.

Aesthetic

This belt generates attention. It started generating attention before I ever wore it. I had it on my desk for a couple of weeks and it was interesting to see how many people picked it up, commented on the way it felt…and then, they smelled it…and the comments continued. It feels great and has a unique, very pleasant smell to it.

Wearing it is a pleasure. It feels fantastic and has a rich look to it. It’s perfectly capable of complimenting your favorite jeans or will look excellent when used in semi-formal situations too.

Conclusion

The Victory Leather Oak Bark Leather Belt is definitely what we’d consider a Buy It For Life item. “A belt built to outlast its owner” is how Peter refers to it. At $120 (its post-Kickstarter price) it’s a little more expensive than some of the belts we’ve featured in the past. But, it also has a pedigree that those other belts lack. In addition to the unique leather (and amazing history behind it), it also sports impeccable craftsmanship…something that we appreciate, respect, and highly endorse.

For a limited time (through June 30th) you can secure one of these amazing belts for about $93 USD during the Kickstarter campaign. Can’t decide on what color to purchase? Get two (there’s a package for that) or all 3 (save even more and really be set for life in the belt department).

Be sure to visit Peter’s main website too: http://victoryleathercraft.com/

Finally, we are also hoping to work with Peter to feature more information about the tannery mentioned in this article soon. Thanks!