Gfeller Archives - BestLeather.org

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.

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.

February 26, 2014December 19, 2017

Gfeller Casemakers Notebook Cover Review – $73.50

Gfeller Casemaker is an artisan maker of fine leather goods based in Meridian, Idaho. Established in 1946, Gfeller originally was founded to provide highly durable leather cases and tool holders for the geoscience community (click here for an article on our recent visit to the Gfeller shop). Today, Gfeller continues to make goods for this community, but has expanded into goods of equally functional, but more universal applications, like their moleskine notebook covers. I had the opportunity of reviewing their 5” by 8 ¼” notebook cover.

leather

Gfeller’s notebook cover is made of 2 – 3 ounce, vegetable tanned, fine calfskin leather. This is the same type of leather you’ll find on a pair of fine, handmade shoes like Allen Edmond’s The Strand. This leather is known for it’s tighter grain pattern, it’s high ability to resist minor scratches, it’s lightweight but firm feel, and it’s noticeable shine. The feel of this leather was the first thing that really caught my attention. It is a leather than is more fine than what you will see on high quality bags and apparel. It is very thin, but there is a certain heft to it that is pleasurable. The color of their notebook covers are a natural tan, the type that darkens beautifully with use and exposure.

style

Gfeller has certainly made their notebook covers with loads of style. Though the notebook cover appears to be precision made by a machine, it is in fact made by hand. It has clean lines and laser straight stitching. The thread that Gfeller uses is a bonded polyester in Pebble Beige color, which is manufactured by Coats. The color is a nice complement to the natural tan of the leather, and the polyester thread means ultra durable strength and uv resistance for long life.

function

Gfeller’s notebook cover does precisely what it is supposed to, cover your notebook in beautiful leather. Gfeller added a little more function than a simple notebook sheath though and cut a hammerhead slit on the back cover, to allow room for the elastic straps common on moleskine and similar covers to come out. This avoids an unsightly bump, but also allows you to use the band to keep your place in your notebook. It is a smart and functional design.

BestLeather conclusion

If you are looking for a notebook cover with an extra measure of polish and class, look no further than Gfeller Casemakers notebook covers. They have covers in a variety of sizes, so chances are, they will have one that fits your need. The price point of $73.50 is right for a cover of this quality and it will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

February 14, 2014December 19, 2017

With Gfeller Casemakers On A Shop Visit

Gfeller Casemakers is a producer of fine leather goods in Meridian, Idaho, with a long tradition of excellence. I met Steve Derricott, the owner of Gfeller (pronounced with the G) on a chilly winters morning at his shop in Meridian. I had a great visit as Steve game me a history of Gfeller and we discussed his product line and his continuous commitment to quality.

My first impression of his shop was that this is a true leather craftsman’s shop. Upon entering, you are immediately welcomed by the scent of freshly worked leather. You notice that many of the workbenches and shelving are custom made. Many of the tool sheaths were made of fine leather by Steve himself. His polishing and burnishing wheel, for example, needed a custom cover and Steve created a beautifully tooled and formed leather. Why buy when you can make?

history

Gfeller Casemakers was founded by Roy Gfeller in 1946 in Colorado. A saddle maker by trade, Roy’s proximity to the United States Geological Society prompted a request for him to create some custom cases for geologist field gear. It was imperative that these cases could withstand some serious use and abuse and would not break down. Roy became known for using the highest quality materials, and producing the highest quality goods. Upon Roy’s passing in 1985, Gfeller became available for purchase. Steve Derricott heard of this and after some inquiry and time spent at the company, purchased the company and moved it to the Boise, Idaho area. The timing was perfect for Steve. As a geologist himself, and as someone who had used Gfeller products, he was ready for a change and ready to spend less time on the road. Steve made a decision at that time to stay committed to Roy’s standard of quality. Steve was able to expand the business, and branch out into other high quality leather products.

product line

Gfeller Casemakers has three general product lines: geoscience bags and goods, notebooks and small personal items, and custom leather goods. Gfeller has been secured as a maker of fine goods by the likes of Chris Reeves, Tegam, West Point, and others. They make custom knife sheaths, tool carriers, saber belts, cartridge boxes, etc. Steve has made a conscious decision to stay away from horse tack and sporting goods. Steve has provided the opportunity for BestLeather.org to review a couple of his products, a notebook cover and an iPhone 5 case. Reviews for those two products will be posted soon.

commitment to quality

One of the things that I admired the most with Gfeller was their commitment to continuing Roy Gfeller’s tradition of using the highest quality materials and the best processes, in order to produce the best product. It’s the type of thing that we at BestLeather.org love to see. Upon acquiring Gfeller, Steve made the decision to use the Hermann Oak Tannery for all of it’s leather. Hermann Oak has long had a tradition of producing fine finished leather. Many of the goods we have reviewed at Best Leather use Hermann Oak leather as well, in fact.

This fact is no coincidence. Part of the reasoning for this choice was consistency and efficiency. Using the same high quality tannery results in consistently getting high quality leather, which Gfeller customers demand. Also, using leather from the same tannery increases efficiency. Gfeller is able to use pieces from different hides in constructing different bags and products. This efficiency reduces waste and saves money, which allows Gfeller to sell high quality products at reasonable prices.

Another interesting conversation that I had with Steve related to the type of thread they use for their bags. On all of their geoscience bags, Gfeller uses linen thread, like Italian fine leather shoemakers. Many high quality leather goods makers currently use synthetic threads for their bags, mostly polyester and nylon. Like Roy Gfeller before him, Steve has chosen linen thread as a matter of appropriateness. Linen, as it turns out, is a good match for leather, strength for strength. Polyester thread can actually tear through leather stitching, linen is not likely to do so. A look at a wall full of old Gfeller bags, at the Gfeller Casemaker’s shop, shows that this thread can pass the test of time, just like fine leather. I appreciate this attention and thought to detail. It’s this attention to detail and good business practices that has kept Gfeller thriving.

business practices

It goes without saying that a quality leather good doesn’t become that way by chance. Gfeller’s reputation for high quality goods depends on it’s adherence to best practices and efficiencies. For example, Steve pointed out to me, quality assurance is as important as, if not more important that, quality control. Quality assurance demands maintaining quality throughout the production process. If a defect of some sort is discovered during the production process, the defect is fixed or discarded immediately. This ensures that quality control is a breeze.

Steve also devotes considerable attention to utilizing the most appropriate machines in production of Gfeller’s goods. The tool, or machine used, makes all of the difference in the efficiency of one’s operation. At Gfeller’s, you’ll find die presses, industrial sewing machines, polishing wheels, hand tools, etc. These tools were all acquired to increase efficiency, maximize man hours, and allow Gfeller to offer high value in the products they sell.

BestLeather conclusion

My visit to Gfeller’s shop gave me a greater appreciation for the work of fine leather craftsman. Steve Derricott is a man devoted to maintaining a tradition of excellence. This was evident from the hand made tool sheaths, to the perfectly punched hide hung on the wall, to the fine leather cases and goods being made to order.

You can visit Gfeller Casemakers Website by clicking here.

Below is a series of photos documenting the process of completing a Gfeller compass case, from soaking in water to burnishing, cleaning up with a deer antler to forming, riveting, oiling and done.

Steve, thank you very much for your time and open access to your operation! Very enjoyable!