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!
James I just bought this bag largely on your great review. I was wondering do you have a video showing the process you used to jumpstart the aging process to this bag and getting that nice color?
Great review the color is looking great now. That natural color it came with was not attractive. I am glad to hear that they can customize the size. Thanks for the great review again. It would be great to see an one year update.
Great info; thanksJim. My 14.5" bag is supposed to arrive this Wednesday. I want to use the alcohol and the Obenouf's. I'll let you know how it goes and will post some pictures.
Please give an update on the finish, I’d like to know the process to remove the sealer and oil application. That sealer seems to be pretty durable. Having a time getting it off!!
@@JamesCrane I just got the Heirloom 2, it wasn’t what I expected (color wise). I gave it a good rub down with alcohol, but it doesn’t seem to look like it’s removing much. Most leathers would appear to soak in water if I rubbed someone. It still doesn’t show darkness if I put water on it. I ordered the oil today and I tend to let it sunbathe for the next 2 days.
Rodney Clemmer the bag has held up wonderfully and looked beautiful but I have just recently sold it to make way for new products to review. Thanks for asking Rodney, it’s one of the best out there!
Hi Jim! I love your videos and just noticed this update. I bought the Heirloom Messenger in an XS and natural veg tan, slightly darkened. I love everything about it except the sealant/glaze because it kind of looks cracked in any spots that have bent. Did you have to dilute the alcohol before applying? I want to remove it, but just wanna make sure I do it correctly.
Suzy Marnell hi Suzy, the coating will wear off with use. If you want to remove it more quickly use rubbing alcohol full strength. It will take some effort to dissolve it and wipe it away. You will then want to condition it with oil. You might rub some color off o you’ll want to try it first in an inconspicuous place first.
Great review! I noticed that you stopped updating on this bag. Are you still using it? When you expand the bag, does each compartment expand into 4’’? Asking because I have a mirrorless camera that’s about 4’’ in depth, wonder if it’ll fit. Thanks.
No Gene, the bags compartments do not expand out to 4 inches each. They do expand out if you adjust the cinch straps, but a 4" camera would be a tight fit.
@@genegao6988 Maybe at the bottom of the bag it could expand, but the top cinch strap will not expand out that much unless you leave them unbuckled which would look strange.
@@genegao6988 It's not too heavy for me, as far as taking it on a 5 mile hike, I doubt I would carry a briefcase that far. I always use a small nylon backpack on long hikes. I don't like having to cross body a briefcase that long, they are always flopping from one side to the other...drives me crazy.
James Crane I got reply from them saying my 4’’ wide camera won’t fit, but they can customize it for me for some fee. Thought this info is useful for people who are in the same position with me.
It's quite remarkable how you transform the look, color, and feel of leather Jim. Question, Ken at the leather shop offers a Russet color that seems a shade darker than the one you created, why didn't you get that darker color to begin with? Great follow up review Jim.
RiskMgr thank you for the question. I didn't order the Russet color because I wanted the bag to develop a natural patina, with all the natural characteristics that develop with it from actual use.
May I ask why you no longer felt this bag has a place in your collection? You mentioned in a recent video that you no longer have this bag…. Really curious as I want to buy this and really enjoyed your review of this bag
Hi! Are you still using this bag? How has it been holding up? I'm wondering if the new MacBook Pro 16" (which is about 14" across) would fit in that rear gusset? Hope to have another updates on the bag if you could!
Hey James, in terms of roominess (depth), how would you say your Business Briefcase 2 compares to your Heirloom Messenger? I'm considering one for myself assuming I'd get a bit more space with the Brief. I have the Heirloom with 1/2" additional depth (6.5"), but I think I'm needing another 1" or 2" for carry with larger loads and this Briefcase may or may not do it for me. I like that it has adjustable straps on the outsides for lighter loads.
athletejmv I have a standard Business Briefcase II which is designed to expand out to 8” if you let out the straps. It has much more room than my Heirloom Messenger, which is also a standard size. My Heirloom is not adjustable for depth like the Business Briefcase II is.
Thanks for the reply! Also...i'm not in anyway affiliated with this company...not even a customer (yet) but they look like they create a hybrid of this and the k & h bag. Local company (to me) in Indianapolis. Howl & Hyde. Just thought you would be interested...thanks for your reviews! www.howlandhidesupply.com/
Hi Jim I was just curious if you intend to knead the leather on this bag to soften it, similar to the treatment you gave the RJL Ltd bag. I've really enjoyed the extra flexibility I've gotten out of my Filson original leather briefcase once I kneaded it, and this bag is double-gusseted as well. Just curious is all.
Hi John, no I don’t plan to knead the leather on this bag. It’s a gusseted bag but it is not so stiff as to be unfriendly to use as is. I’m just going to let it age naturally at this point. Like you, I really enjoy the flexibility of the RJL bag now, makes a big difference!
Hi Jim, from your experience handling the heirloom messenger 2 vs the business briefcase 2, which one do you prefer? I like both but can only afford one.
They are not your typical double cap rivets, they are very heavy duty thick rivets. These are not the kind of rivets you can get at Tandy Leather or other online leather craft suppliers... I'm not sure where they get these, but they are pretty nice looking industrial grade rivets.
@@JamesCrane Thanks for your replies. I've contacted TheLeatherShop.com and will offer to buy the Heirloom Messenger Bag if they will also turn me on to their rivet supplier. It is very difficult to find industrial-strength double-capped brass rivets that can be trusted. Because of this, I usually opt for solid-brass Chicago screws, which are nice but for the slotted back.
@@pequodexpress I agree, the strongest bond is the Chicago screw, but they are not very pretty. I also like the Copper burr rivets too, but they are very rustic and not always appropriate.
