Norman Cahn Leatherworks Archives

September 10, 2015December 19, 2017

Norman Cahn Leatherworks Cabrio Wallet Review – $99.99

It’s always a pleasure to get a second or third piece of stellar leather from a brand we’ve reviewed in the past. It’s an even greater pleasure when you’re receiving a piece from someone who is widely regarded as a true artisan in the leather craft world. I’m pleased to introduce you to the cleverly designed Cabrio Wallet from Norman Cahn Leatherworks.

About Norman Cahn Leatherworks

Norman Cahn is a self-taught leather artisan. He started designing and crafting leather products in 1976. And since that time, he’s refined his skills and continues to strive for perfection in his craft. His expert skills and dedication to creating high quality products is evident in every piece…large or small. We suggest that you visit Norm’s Etsy store in order to take a look at all of the fine leather products he creates. This is the third piece of Norm’s that we’ve had the pleasure to receive for review. Be sure to read our reviews on his Passport Case and Field Notes Cover. This time around, we’re checking out his Cabrio Wallet.

Construction

The Horween Leather features a deep, rich burgundy color complimented with chestnut nylon stitching, which is impeccable. It also includes Norm’s signature polished and finished edges that look fantastic. The snap on my model has an antique brass finish. You can choose other snap finishes and thread colors when ordering from Norman Cahn Leatherworks.

Functionality

This has been a fun wallet to use. It has a non-traditional orientation that seems to instantly get noticed. Just about every time I use it, the clerk, barista, or server comments on it. It’s a noticeably different design…and I like it.

The inspiration behind the Cabrio wallet can be found in your favorite drop top automobile – taking cues from the way convertible top vehicles (aka Cabriolets) operate. When you open the Cabrio Wallet, you’ll notice that the functionality is similar to the way the convertible top on an automobile opens and tucks away back into itself.

This ingenious vertically oriented design only measures 3″W x 4 1/8″H when closed. Even when I have it loaded up with my license, debit card, three or 4 other cards and cash, it maintains a slim profile (less than ¾”). I’ve found it to be a great front pocket wallet option too. The slim nature of the wallet is perfect.

Aesthetic

The design, the leather quality, the artisanal build quality all combine to create a very pleasing product. Norm’s logo is tastefully placed on the back of the wallet and, for those of you who are major Horween fans, their stamp is emblazoned prominently on the inside.

The Cabrio Wallet is simple yet sophisticated, minimal yet capable of satisfying most traditional bifold wallet carrying folks demands. I can’t decide whether I want to reserve this wallet as my “professional, dressier occasions wallet” or just use it all of the time. That is still to be determined (although it seems to be in my pocket most of the time now)…even when I’m in casual mode.

Conclusion

The Norman Cahn Leatherworks Cabrio Wallet definitely maintains the superior quality of the pieces I’ve reviewed in the past. To that end, at $99.99, it definitely qualifies as a Buy It for Life item. Be sure to visit the Norman Cahn Leatherworks website – we’re confident you’ll find several must have items there!

November 24, 2014December 19, 2017

Norman Cahn Leatherworks Field Notes Cover Review – $42.99

I’m definitely one of those guys who always needs to have pen and paper handy at all times. As a business owner, family man, and generally busy guy, I am frequently in need of writing things down for later use – whether it’s an idea, a task that needs to be done, or contact information for future follow up. Field Notes Notebooks or similar products are a great way to keep those notes, thoughts, and information contained in a somewhat organized fashion. The problem with most of these notebooks is they are made with a thin cardboard cover. They tear and wear out quickly. But, if you cradle them in thick, gorgeous leather, they will stay crisp and clean for much longer periods of time. And, the leather cover can be used over and over again.

About Norman Cahn Leatherworks

This is the second great piece I’ve reviewed for Norman Cahn Leatherworks (actually, it’s the 3rd product…but the first two products were both passport cases). As mentioned before, Norman Cahn is a self-taught leather artisan. He started designing and crafting leather products in 1976. And since that time, he’s refined his skills and continues to strive for perfection in his craft. His expert skills and dedication to creating high quality products is evident in every piece…large or small. We suggest that you visit Norm’s Etsy store in order to take a look at all of the fine leather products he creates: http://www.etsy.com/shop/NormCahnLeatherworks. This time around, we’re discussing the Norman Cahn Leatherworks Field Notes Cover.

Construction

In typical “Norm” fashion, construction of this cover is near perfect. It’s precision cut, perfectly sewn with a dark chocolate colored, bonded, nylon thread, and finished to an extremely high standard, which includes Norm’s signature waxed, polished, and finished edges.

Here are additional insights about the construction process straight from Norman:

“These covers are available in colors to match my vintage style messenger bags that are inspired by the US mailbags of old. I use Horween chromexcel leather because of its amazing feel, its characteristic rich pull-up and hand rubbed finish. It’s strong and durable while remaining soft to the touch. I love the fact that Horween leather is made in America, and uses tanning processes that are nearly 100 years old. There’s great synchronicity between my old world craftsmanship and Horween’s beautiful leathers. When ordering a cover, you also get the choice of either Ruled Paper or Graph Paper for your Free Field Notes Insert.”

Function

The cover is 6 1/8″ high x 4” wide folded and will hold a classic notebook (it will also easily hold a passport in the cover as well if that’s of interest to you). The left flap contains a nice size pocket that will easily store business cards, receipts, or other materials. The thick, heavy duty Chromexcel leather serves its purpose perfectly…protecting your notebook in style. I do wish there was a pen loop in the cover – however, I suspect that it would create additional unwanted bulk in the cover that probably negates any benefit it would afford. It folds over so nicely and maintains a thin profile – even with receipts, business cards, and a notebook loaded up in it. So, forget I said anything about a pen loop.

Aesthetic

It’s a simple design, yet it exudes a sense of class and sophistication. Its size allows you to slip it easily into a pocket – either in a coat or the rear pocket of your pants. The dark brown color and dark chocolate brown thread combine to imbue a rich, classy image. If you’ve got a favorite, good looking pen, this cover and your pen will create a stunning combination. I’m looking forward to seeing how this cover is going to age with use and time. I’m confident that it will just look better and better.

Conclusion

It’s Horween leather and it’s a Norman Cahn Leatherworks product. In saying that, you’re guaranteed that it’s made well and will outlast you while looking fantastic all the while. The Norman Cahn leather Works Field Notes Cover is a definite BestLeather Buy It For Life product. $42.99 is a fantastic price for a piece of this quality…and, it includes your first Field Notes Notebook at that price. You can also get a Horween Leather version of the cover for $50.99 in Norm’s Etsy store. The holidays are approaching quickly. This is a great gift idea…for yourself or anyone else on your list.

November 11, 2014December 19, 2017

Norman Cahn Leatherworks Passport Case Review – $33.99 each

I honestly think that some of the nicest people in the world are somehow involved in the world of leather. It seems that statement is confirmed every time I get a chance to speak with someone within this industry. Norman Cahn is definitely one of those folks that I’m talking about. Every single conversation I’ve had with him has been a great experience.

About Norman Cahn Leatherworks

Norman, “Norm”, started designing leather products in 1976. He’s self-taught and an amazing, perfectionist of a craftsman. Norm lives in New Jersey and operates his design studio there. His Etsy store is full of beautiful representations of his desire to create expertly made, beautiful, functional, long wearing leather goods. After some discussion on the phone, on Facebook, and via email, we settled upon reviewing two examples of Norman Cahn Leatherworks Passport Cases.

Construction

As already stated, Norm is a very talented craftsman. Both of the passport cases I received are impeccable examples of expert leatherwork.

One case features 5oz. medium brown cowhide and champagne colored, bonded nylon thread. It features a brass stud closure. The other passport case is made from a more rustic, distressed, dark brown 5oz. cowhide, features the same solid brass stud closure, and the same type of thread in a darker, nicely contrasting color. The stitching is impeccable. The edges are polished and finished off perfectly.

Function

These passport cases are amazing to look at and more amazing to feel and use. The stud closures are ideal…making it easy to get into and close securely.

As expected, a single passport slides in and out of each case easily. The thick leather will easily protect your passport, and your next passport, and your next passport…you get the idea (I hope).

I’ve used one (the rustic, distressed version) on a recent flight to California. Instead of just using my driver’s license for ID, I decided to use my passport and carry it in my new case (yes, I claimed the rustic version for myself). I used it and just as expected, it performed its purpose without issue.

Aesthetic

Look at both of them…they’re gorgeous. Attention to detail in selection of components and the construction of both pieces is fantastic. Even while presenting my passport to the classically stoic TSA security officer, he remarked about the passport case…expressing his approval of it.

With living close to the Canadian border and having two international trips coming up in 2015 (Bolivia and hopefully, Rwanda) my wife and I look forward to every opportunity to carry our Norman Cahn Leatherworks Passport Cases.

Conclusion

The Norman Cahn Leatherworks Passport Cases are an excellent purchase…for you and for anyone who may travel internationally. Skip the nylon cases or other mass-produced cases. At $33.99 each, you are getting handcrafted, made in the USA, leather cases that will assuredly last a lifetime and keep getting better looking as they age. Visit Norm’s Etsy store and check out all of the different varieties of Passport Cases he has to offer. In fact, Norm has a premium version of his passport cases available for just a few bucks more ($47.99 each). The premium version features the same beautiful design and construction, but also has two card slots built in that will easily and handily store your license, credit/debit card, business cards, earbuds, etc. And, be sure to look at the awesome bags, electronic cases, and other products he creates.