Reviews of the world's best Leather Satchels, Mail bags, Messenger bags, Briefcases, Shoulder bags, Weekender Duffel bags, wallets, cases and various small leather goods.
Hello Cameron, the owner, Drew just moved his family to Hawaii and so he's taking a short break until he can get his shop set up again. Thanks for watching and asking your question.
I have an entirely subjective question regarding two kinds of potential regret if you don’t mind 1. One could pay this kind of money for the stonewashed version and then later regret that you are walking around with what looks like beaten up leather that you picked up from a dumpster (I’m exaggerating) OR 2. One could buy the unwashed version and walk around with what feels like wooden boards carpentered together with a decade to go before break in Which one would be prominent, do you think?
You did address this tangentially in the video, but I wanted to highlight the choices more clearly and perhaps nudge you into expanding on the reasons for your preference (looks like you did purchase the unwashed version :-) )
I'm not certain, but I think Coronado has adjusted how they stone wash their pieces now. In my opinion they are not distressing them as much as they did when they first introduced the Stone Washed items. To be completely upfront, I prefer the virgin products and prefer to break them in myself.
6:06 The side panels seem to be done “wrong”. The lower panel should come under the upper panel before being sewn so water drips OFF rather than collecting at the seam and making its way into the bag. Is that assessment correct?
Thank you for the observation. My preference is the top panel over the bottom, for the reason you reference. To me it only makes sense. Of all the mailbag makers I'm familiar with, only two use the bottom panel over the top panel method. Coronado is one of them.
Interesting bag, it certainly has some quirky details like the canvas and and rolled edges in most areas but not all. Do you have any experience with the weatherproof duffel? wondering if it is the same thickness of leather.
James as always, thank you for the level of detailed information and quality of video coverage. How has the bag held up for your friend? Have a wonderful weekend.
Bag looks amazing! I know this is an old video as I type this, but I'm considering this bag, but having a difficult time choosing between this and the heirloom messenger 2. I think the cinched straps in front look amazing, but I wonder how frustrated I would be on a daily basis compared with the quick release buckles. I do have the heirloom backpack btw, and really love that. I just read in one of the comments that you gave the bag away. Gosh, I wish I had you in my circle of family and friends, May I ask what you carry nowadays in its place?
Thank you, I know what you mean. I didn't mind a double buckle satchel because I would usually get to the clinic and open my bag and leave it open in my office all day. Yet if I had to open and close a bag many times throughout the day, I'd regret purchasing a double buckle bag after awhile. As you can imagine, I have a few bags to choose from, yet I still enjoy carrying my Heirloom Messenger and trade off to other bags every month or so. My Go-To's tend to be the Heirloom Messenger, Norman Cahn's Mailbags, Cravar, Bexar Goods Hudson and Trapper, Gfeller Diamond Creek Satchel and my Coronado Leather Bags. The Leather Shop Bags are definitely favorites as they are so well designed and made!
I’m calling bullshit. You say ‘I’m hard on my bags’ and you have used this a lot over 8 years lol… - The handle has no darkening simply from oils on you hands - The shoulder strap no discoloration to suede- BS - You said you just put the bag down anywhere and there’s absolutely no way that the bottom of that bag after four years of heavy use looks like that more BS So, thanks for the completely dishonest review.
Thanks, you're certainly entitled to your opinion. Being in the medical field working with patients all day, I wash my hands about 50 times each day, so my hands aren't oily or dirty, but actually rather dry. The last thing I do before I leave the clinic each day, is wash my hands, then I pick up my bag and head for the car. Which is why most of the handles on my bags are not blackened. I usually wear a leather jacket or I have my lab coat on, and they are always clean and well taken care of, so the shoulder straps on my bags don't collect oils or discolor very much although they get quite soft and broken in, and I don't carry my bags on my bear shoulders ever. As for the bottom of the bag, there are lots of scratches and dings, but I do condition the bottom of this bag on a regular basis. The leather used on this bag is very tight grained and does not lend itself to deep scratches, and the conditioner I use camouflages the scratches very well. If you watch some of my other long term updates, you'll see the bags made from softer leather,s such as Horween Leather, you'll see the bottoms, despite my conditioning, are very well scratched almost to a velvety look and feel. It really depends on the hardness of the top grain that determines how much scratching you will get. I certainly wouldn't doubt if I were in construction or a cowboy, or a traveling sales rep. my bags probably wouldn't look as good as they do.
Hello James, thanks for all your videos! Regarding this piece, I like the craftsmanship and ok with the price. The 2 buckles though is what stopping me from purchase. I'd prefer magnets or studs. Could you recommend something like that?
Mr. Crane. This is the first time I’ve submitted a comment on one of your reviews. That bag is absolutely beautiful. I’m trying to decide between Beran or Norm Cahn for a mailbag. Guess I have to flip a coin.😉
Thank you for taking the time to comment! I know what you mean, but seriously you can't go wrong with either maker, both are passionate perfectionists!
The best thing about this bag is the design followed by a close second-the detail work. It takes creativity and skill to pull off the origami design and then holding it all together with the straps used as lace. Stohlman said in one of his books that tucking the strap keeper inside for attachments was cleaner, more professional, and stronger than riveting it to the outside of the bag. Most makers seldomly do this, but it has me second guessing how I’ve been doing my bags after seeing how great this one looks. Thanks for the great review!!
@@davidwilliams6588 Hi David, I certainly agree with your observations. Tucking those straps certainly makes a cleaner looking product and is also a testament to the designer’s/makers commitment to quality and desire to stand a bit above the rest. I love details like that and I’m always looking for these details. Thanks for your observations and your comment David.
The best thing about this bag is the design followed by a close second-the detail work. It takes creativity and skill to pull off the origami design and then holding it all together with the straps used as lace. Stohlman said in one of his books that tucking the strap keeper inside for attachments was cleaner, more professional, and stronger than riveting it to the outside of the bag. Most makers seldomly do this, but it has me second guessing how I’ve been doing my bags after seeing how great this one looks. Thanks for the great review!!
Wickett & Craig was actually founded in 1867 in Toronto, Canada. It's only in 1901 that the moved to their current location in Curwensville, Pennsylvania, USA. I have a Filson Leather Field Satchel. The leather is dry and cracked, perhaps beyond repair, especially the straps. Not sure what to do with it. Maybe a craftsman could bring it back to life! I would hate to throw it away.
I love the leather bags you review, but I can’t afford them with law enforcement pension. If you ever decide to sell maybe a used one I’m down here in San Diego. Blessing.😊
Horace Kephart, he wrote “Camping” and “Woodcraft” and both books are available in one volume. I purchased a vintage volume on EBay, but his books are available from most booksellers.
Yes, thank you Teik, with the leathers that are not "hot-stuffed" with oils and greases, I will condition those pieces prior to the wet season. On bags that are hot-stuffed such as most Horween Leathers, and others, there is really little need to condition them, unless of course one is compulsive about it. Conditioning premium leathers won't really hurt them, but if it is to be done, it should be done sparingly. Footwear I would think one would want to treat, especially to keep them clean and dry, but you would know more about that then I Sir. Love your channel! www.youtube.com/@Bootlosophy
Great video! I commissioned Beran to make my son a gorgeous dopp kit when I lived in Ankara, Türkiye. FYI, Sepici is pronounced, "SEP-i-jee": ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4dPDvJDa4XQ.html Thanks for all you do to promote awesome products!
Hello James, thank you for a very detail review of the Beran leather goods. I like the unbreakable wallet but in your video one of the wallets seem to be longer or larger than the other. Is there two versions of the wallet and would you be able to confirm which version is presently in production? Cheers!
From what I understand, Beran has taken inspiration from several of his favorite bag makers. I wouldn’t be surprised if Norm was one of them. Thanks for the question!
This tote looks beautiful, and ticks all the right boxes, except I'm not too clear on the dimensions. I'm looking for a tote that's large enough to carry my laptop. Can you tell me if the length that you provided is across the bottom or the top?
Hi James, Thanks for your reviews on this bag. I've been following your videos closely and am close to making a final decision although its quite a big decision. As you have many years of experience with both of the bags that I'm looking at (this one by Beran Leather) and the Heirloom Messenger 1. If given the choice to keep only one. which would you keep/pick? I've tried looking deeper into the Heirloom Messenger 1 information but there wasn't much in terms of where they source their leather from, the stitching etc. Thanks for making all these reviews it has been extremely helpful.
Hello and thank you for the question. First my personal reasons for choosing one bag over another may not match your reasons. Both of the bags you mention are handmade and hand-stitched from premium full grain vegetable tanned leather. Both makers use UV resistant polyester thread and brass rivets. Both bags use solid cast brass hardware. Both are very well built by master craftsmen who pay close attention to every detail. Both bags feel substantial in the hand and give you the feeling of super high quality. If the house was on fire and I was given the choice to keep only one, it would be the one closest to the front door. Between these two bags, I don't really have a preference. The leather on Bordeaux Mailbag is visually more beautiful and feels better in the hand. The Heirloom Messenger has three more pockets than the Bordeaux Mailbag, plus it has a unique built in luggage tag. The Bordeaux Mailbag weighs about 1/2 pound less than the Heirloom. Both bags are virtually indestructible and will last a lifetime. You can't go wrong with either bag my friend. My best advice to you would be, with all things being equal, choose the bag you think is more visually interesting, or, has the features that best suit your individual needs.
@@JamesCrane Thank you for the prompt and detailed response James. I agree with most of your points. Weight and interior pockets are my current biggest deciding factors. I do like how the heirloom messenger has more pockets/dividers and the unique design elements do speak out. However I am unsure about the heavier weight. On the other hand the Bordeaux mailbag does have beautiful leather, and an open back pocket, and in terms of weight seems lighter. Thank you again James for your help, you've made very good points.
Thank you so much for the review. Also, your collection is mind-blowing. Quick question: Could you please tell me the height of the laptop compartment? My laptop has a width of 1.25 inches and I am wondering whether it would fit.
Hello, yes the laptop sleeve is 15 inches wide, 9.25 tall and a bit less than an inch deep front to back. Your laptop would probably fit in the front compartment though. Thanks for the question.
Is your bag considered the Medium or Large size according to their website? I've been looking at their website and note that most of their bags are listed at "In Stock". Does this mean these are usually ready to ship right away? Was there a wait time when ordering your bag? I like the listed tan color but perhaps it may be too reddish and flashy looking for me. If a custom color is requested I assume this will add an additional wait time to the purchase of the bag? Not sure how long though.
I hope this video inspires other crafters to take the plunge and make a bag like this. The bag I made based on Beran's design is my prized bag and I'm so grateful for both you (Mr. Crane) and Beran for the inspiration.
Not aware of requirements to present your passports crossing state lines. Not everyone have a passport so does this mean, some people are trapped in their home state?
@@JamesCrane It is much easier to renew/upgrade your driver license to Real Id license. For those who don't drive, they have an ID card and can upgrade to Real ID. Much simpler solution than to bring an additional passport.
This is a nice bag. Do you think this is comparable to and as a slightly more affordable option to the Heirloom Messenger bag from The Leather Shop? Also, I'm curious if the 15" version will fit a 15.6" laptop that is 14" wide by about 9.5" tall?
This would be an affordable option to most well known leather bag makers. It's very well built using high quality leathers and premium hardware. The 15" version will accomodate a 14" wide laptop in the main compartment. Thanks for the question!
Occasionally Norm's bags are listed on Ebay but more often you can find them in leather goods buy-sell-trade groups on FB such as; facebook.com/groups/SaddlebackBST/
Hi John, thanks for the question. This leather has a very high fat content, so when the pieces are cut out the knife blade or die will round over the edge that resembles a burnished edge. However some of the edges have been intentionally burnished on this satchel. All of the edges have a dressed look and feel.
Roman's work is so fine. I feel so bad that he and other artisans from that part of the world have to suffer because of their government's aggression. I treasure my Roman Bag. I sure hope he can get back into production. Great video, Jim!!
Hey buddy, that's right you have a beautiful Swiss Packsaddle from Roman if I remember right. Yes I really hope Roman will return soon and delight people with his fantastic pieces once again!
😍 That bag❤️Thank you for a good video❣️ It was not only inspiering and informative but truly a goldmine for a crafter of all ideas and thoughts.😀 Thanks❣️ (The only problem is now that I must find That bag or make it😂)
Congratulations Jim, what an amazing piece! The quality appears to be that of a true Master along with the attention to detail. On a side note, what a stunning watch! Care to share some details? I am having trouble identifying. Keep up the great work!
