Ghurka Large Pouch No. 65 Review – $150

Ghurka is a NYC based company focused on producing leather goods with a classic American style. The company factory started in Norwalk, CT in 1975 and its founder, Marley Hodgson, was inspired at an estate sale by campaign gear made for Ghurka regimental officers stationed in India during the early 1900s. The company’s ownership and ideals have shifted over the years but the current company is bringing itself back to its roots in terms of construction and design.

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CONSTRUCTION

Like all Ghurka products, including the Cavalier II No. 97,  the Large Pouch is made with the original secret vegetable tanning formula of the very first designs. The leather is full grain imported calf from Italy or France (depending on which customer rep you talk with) with the signature Ghurka checkered lining. Although Ghurka is slowly bringing back its production back to the United States with some core designs, other items such as the pouches are still assembled in other countries such as China or the Dominican Republic. They then undergo strict quality control evaluations prior to hitting the shelves. Don’t assume the worst though – the second your hand picks up that thick supple leather, you’ll know you are holding a quality piece.

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FUNCTION

The Large Pouch measures 8.75″ x 12″ with a single zipper for easy access and closure. It is the perfect size for an iPad Air or standard documents and is a great alternative to a standard folio or sleeve. The full grain leather and soft lining is substantial and adds a layer of protection to electronics or other fragile items.

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AESTHETIC

The Large Pouch has a simple and classic design with the Ghurka logo subtly debossed onto the front. The pouch has a polished and sophisticated look with rounded edges and inverted hemming. In India Orange, it’s sure to turn heads although if that doesn’t suit your style, there are 11 other color and material options available, depending on the collection.

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A Ghurka Large Pouch makes everything seem more luxurious – even your office skull and orchid.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Ghurka Large Pouch No.65 is… a large leather pouch – with an equally large price tag. Although it serves a basic function, it stands out in quality and classic style. It is a nice investment for those who appreciate luxurious leather even in the simplest of items.

Check it out here.

Ghurka Cavalier II No. 97 Review – $1295

Since the 1970s, Ghurka has produced leather goods with a classic American style. The Cavalier series of duffle bags continues to be a staple of the company’s products and exemplifies the goals of Ghurka.  When Francis Ford Coppola was asked to choose his favorite luggage maker, he stated “Ghurka. Their leather bags don’t wear out, but get more weatherbeaten and lovely with age.”

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CONSTRUCTION

Like the Ghurka Large Pouch No. 65, the Cavalier II is made with full grain European leather and tanned using the secret vegetable tanning formula Marley Hodgson originally acquired. Although designs vary, all Ghurka luggage combines sturdy brass hardware and the signature Ghurka checkered lining. Each bag is then debossed with a unique registration code to verify its authenticity and date of production. In terms of size, the Cavalier II is the middle child of the series and is the smallest duffel that comes with a matching luggage tag.

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 FUNCTION

The duffel is a no-frills piece of luggage with adjustable sides for additional storage and easy zipper access. There is a single zippered internal pocket to hold smaller items. Although a carrying strap is given, the bag’s sturdy handles are soft as butter in the hand and will beg to be carried. The Cavalier II is perhaps the largest size which can pass through airport security as a carry-on and easily fits in overhead bins on most domestic airplanes.  It carries enough for a typical weekend or a week at the beach when clothing necessity is at a minimum.

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The signature checkered lined interior is the perfect size for a weekend.

AESTHETIC

If thrown in a pile of luggage at the airport, the Cavalier II will stick out like a sore thumb–or rather like a well manicured thumb with a gold ring.  It is sleek and modern with its turned down edges and flawless leather, although it still has an air of classic sophistication. This bag looks expensive and well…. it IS expensive. This is one of those of bags that you will keep close to your side so people aren’t tempted to take it away. If walnut isn’t your color, the bag comes in eight other color and material combinations to fit your style.

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BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Ghurka Cavalier II No. 97 is a head-turning and surprisingly roomy duffle perfect for a weekend and adequate for a week. It is priced very high, but will be worth it to those who prefer to carry their luggage proudly in the air instead of dragging it behind them.