Leather Satchel, Natural Bridle Question

[imported_Hungry_J0e]

I have a soft sided leather briefcase that needs replacement... It was a graduation gift from high school many years ago, and is made out of some sort of bonded leather that doesn't look so sharp after being scuffed up (unlike a whole grain leather).

I've been thinking about this bag:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/997949183/a-classic-leather-satchel-built-to-last-a-lifetime



The company looks like a small operation, with some experience from previous kickstarter campaigns. I like the fact that they seem to use quality leather.

Opinions on this bag? They offer 3 color choices: black, a sort of chestnut brown, and a light natural bridle that is supposed to darken with age. I know nothing about natural bridle... while I'm intrigued about a bag that will age well over time, I wonder what others experience has been with natural bridle. Will it weather relatively uniformly? I like a 'natural weathered' patina... but I don't want a mottled, shabby, discolored appearance.

Cheers, - HJ

 

[pawineguy]

I have a soft sided leather briefcase that needs replacement... It was a graduation gift from high school many years ago, and is made out of some sort of bonded leather that doesn't look so sharp after being scuffed up (unlike a whole grain leather).

I've been thinking about this bag:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/997949183/a-classic-leather-satchel-built-to-last-a-lifetime



The company looks like a small operation, with some experience from previous kickstarter campaigns. I like the fact that they seem to use quality leather.

Opinions on this bag? They offer 3 color choices: black, a sort of chestnut brown, and a light natural bridle that is supposed to darken with age. I know nothing about natural bridle... while I'm intrigued about a bag that will age well over time, I wonder what others experience has been with natural bridle. Will it weather relatively uniformly? I like a 'natural weathered' patina... but I don't want a mottled, shabby, discolored appearance.

Cheers, - HJ

You have a couple of choices, and choosing option 1 does not preclude you from subsequently choosing option 2.

1. Take your chances and let everyday life and your natural oils slowly darken the leather. The amount of time this will take will depend on how much use it gets, how often it sees bad weather, etc... It should end up fairly uniform, but not in spots that aren't exposed to the elements or other natural oils. I tend to think that "natural" wallets patina much faster as they are always being handled, multiple times a day. You should see slightly quicker patina (uneven) on the handle of a briefcase and on any straps you are touching.

2. Help it along by using some leather conditioner that slightly darkens the leather. You can wait to see how it's going naturally and then hit it with some conditioner later also. I have a natural bridle belt that I wasn't happy with, it was progressing very slowly, so I just pulled out some conditioner and it darkened a few shades immediately.

Edit: $350 for the bag is a pretty good price, although I've never handled this brand. Saddleback bags, which are made in a similar style (I own one in Chestnut) currently run in the $600 range. Again, I can't compare the two in quality, only in price.

 

[imported_Hungry_J0e]

Thanks for the reply! I'll probably go with the bridle option. Unfortunately I got in at the $400 price point, although typically in the last day of the campaign a few backers drop out and you can usually move up to the early backer slots if you're quick.

Brand reputation is unknown as you say, but then again that is why you're getting a good price on kickstarter. They have done a few campaigns that seem well received, and they talk about all the right things from as far as I can tell. Their accessory options are intriguing, and it's obvious that a good deal of thought has gone into developing the bag...

Cheers, - HJ

 

[pawineguy]

Thanks for the reply! I'll probably go with the bridle option. Unfortunately I got in at the $400 price point, although typically in the last day of the campaign a few backers drop out and you can usually move up to the early backer slots if you're quick.

Brand reputation is unknown as you say, but then again that is why you're getting a good price on kickstarter. They have done a few campaigns that seem well received, and they talk about all the right things from as far as I can tell. Their accessory options are intriguing, and it's obvious that a good deal of thought has gone into developing the bag...

Cheers, - HJ

Still a good price on this type of bag.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Slightly off topic - I have to say although these sorts of bags look cool I find they are a pain in the ****. I have a Saddleback large satchel. It weighs a ton even before anything is put in it. It sits uncomfortably on the shoulder like a couple of bricks on a strap and the buckle fastener is painful to negotiate. The leather is hard and square and digs into me as I carry it around. Essentially I use it as a kind of box to carry things to the car but I would be very reluctant use it as an actual shoulder bag. A nylon courier bag, although lacking in cool factor is much more practical.

 

[imported_Hungry_J0e]

I'm definitely not going with the large... I'm fairly familiar with this style. I agree that it's not the end all be all though... I do use a waxed canvas messenger bag most of the time but don't like bringing it to more formal meetings. My softsided briefcase needs replacing though as the bonded leather has not handled aging/scuffs/etc. well...

Cheers, -HJ

 

[imported_Hungry_J0e]

Here's a positive review of the prototype on bestleather.org...

http://bestleather.org/kendal-hide-medium-classic-leather-satchel-first-impressions/

Cheers, - HJ

 

[Rodney]

I went to their website. Looks like they do nice work on their other products too.
I like their boots.
Rodney

 

[jkingrph]

Look at saddlebackleather.com. Their bags are of heavy saddle leather lined with pigskin. Downside is that they are rather pricy, and more of a rustic look than formal dressy.

I have found some of their satchels at very good prices, compared to the retail , and the one I got shows absolutely no wear, looks like new at over $160 off list price.