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Need some advice on getting a leather messenger bag...

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Solemn_In_Berlin

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So I've decided to go for a leather bag that'll be with me forever. Any recommendations?

As of right now. here's my shortlist:

White Buffalo Republic - Thayne

il_570xN.799071936_1372.jpg


White Buffalo Republic - Fairview

il_570xN.820305749_i83w.jpg


Bleu de Chauffe - Scott, the Writer's Bag

scott-the-writer-s-bag-pain-brule.jpg


Basader - Handmade Classic Messenger Bag With Divided Gusset

handmade-small-messenger-bag-with-gusset.jpg


Satchel & Page - Pilot's Bag

SATCHEL-PAGE-022wood_94f8a1ca-2410-4922-8800-d957f1db7926_large.jpg


Satchel & Page - Slim Mailbag

SATCHEL-PAGE-036wood_2d12024f-02a4-4f03-9238-83b400d8cbdd_large.jpg


Bags by Rubbertree - Bike Bag

tumblr_n4vltlLI4F1s60e8uo2_500.jpg


EDIT: Yeah, the title does say "messenger bag" but the non-messengers here have definitely caught my eye.
 
HUELEN10 said:
Will you cross it, or wear it hanging on your shoulder without crossing it?

This is relevant.
Click to expand...

Both, I guess, but the latter most of the time.

Mikeside said:
It took me ages to pick something I liked that didn't cost the earth when I was looking in December

I ended up ordering from Scaramanga and am very happy with what I got

wZ0i7VP.png
Click to expand...

I actually bought my girlfriend a Scaramanga and she loves it, but there's just something about the style that doesn't do it for me. While I do appreciate them and would even recommend them, they're just not for me.
 
Solemn_In_Berlin said:
Both, I guess, but the latter most of the time.



I actually bought my girlfriend a Scaramanga and she loves it. As for me, there's just something about the style that doesn't do it for me. While I do appreciate them and would even recommend, but just not for me.
Click to expand...

It's a pretty personal thing tbh.
Good luck finding the one that's for you, though. It's effort and takes a lot of searching, but well worth it in the end.
 
Leather is heavy.

It looks the best but for something I am carrying around all the time I always prefer something lighter.

I got a canvas bag from http://www.brenthaven.com.

Extremely light and to me at least they look pretty good if you are walking around with your laptop all day.
 
If you want the absolute best, I'd take a hard look at Swaine Addeny. I'll buy one someday, just can't justify it right now.

In the interim, I use a Filson messenger that cost ~$300. It's tin cloth so very light and can take an absolute beating and still look nice and hold everything I could want.

I'd also take a look at Lotuff, Mitchell Leatherworks, and Frank Clegg.

Not saying none of yours look nice, but Leatherworks are very much a "you get what you pay for" (up to a point of course). At the very least, make sure you understand the different tanning processes, where the leather is sourced and how, and the difference beetween "genuine," full grain, top grain, and bridle leather.
 
Personally I like them simple so 1 latch at most, 2 or 3 compartments inside.

Love messenger bags have been using a leather one for the last couple years. They can hold surprisingly much.
 
Fine Ham Abounds said:
It's a satchel



"They'll fight over it when you're dead" is an interesting jingle
Click to expand...


Unless I surf on concrete behind a truck using it... the bag will be here long after I am gone.

I have been through a few of the designer, soft, non-full grain bags. Never again... I own a couple of things from Saddleback Leather, and I plan to own more.

It is heavy though. I would recommend going with the smaller sizes if it is a choice up in the air. It is like walking around with leather body armor on your shoulder. Or half a cow on your shoulder...
 
After some deliberation and research, I've narrowed down my choices to two:

White Buffalo Republic - Thayne

il_570xN.799071936_1372.jpg


- 100% full-grain, vegetable tanned leather locally sourced in Guatemala.
- Also comes in natural (treated but not dyed) and black finishes.
- US-sourced nickel hardware
- Handcrafted: each hide personally inspected, cleaned, and cut, double-stitched by hand, hand-dyed using natural oils and waxes
- Burnished and dyed edges
- White Buffalo Republic was created to help Guatemalan craftsmen obtain access to world markets.
- 15 x 10.5 x 4.5 inches
- $299.99 USD. Apparently, the quality is easily comparable (perhaps even superior) to $400+ bags.

If it means anything, they're beloved by the Etsy community, with over 1434 sales and an average review score of 5 stars.

Basader - Handmade Classic Messenger Bag With Divided Gusset

handmade-small-messenger-bag-with-gusset.jpg


- 7-8 oz. bridle leather
- Also comes in natural (treated but not dyed), light brown (British Tan), reddish brown, and black finishes
- Hardware: brass, nickel-plated brass, or nickel-plated matte
- "Favorite features:" divided gusset creating two large compartments, faux buckles for easy access, dyed edges, and a svelt handle covering.
- The owners describe the Basader brand as "Scandinavian minimalism coupled with a coarse Brooklyn aesthetic."
- 14.5 x 10.5 x 3.5 inches
- Starts at $410 USD.

Aside: Saddleback Leather, long-regarded as a giant in the world of leather bags, is apparently no longer Buy It For Life. This is why I didn't consider them as an option. Now, I don't know if it's true or not, but their style is too rustic for my taste. So even if they're still the giant they are, these are still my two choices.

So, any opinions on what I should get?
 
Some of these bags have wildly different sizes. Personally I like the "Pilot's Bag" but then I'm not a fan of flappy messenger bags. An issue might be the size, looks more like an overnight bag?
 
Basander looks better. The other one looks like you just put actual pants belts on it.

Maybe if you were a Kingdom Hearts character.
 
tfur said:
Saddleback Leather. The most durable and best full grain leather.

http://www.saddlebackleather.com/
Click to expand...

I was coming here to plug Saddleback Leather and am pleased to see folks were way ahead of me. I received one of their bags as a gift and it is absolutely top notch. And, when a grommet popped off (much to the company's surprise), their warranty system was simple to deal with: email and say, "hey, here's proof of purchase and the problem" - and they were totally on top of it, with free shipping both ways, fast turn around, and some extra TLC leather care given to my bag before it was returned to me. I don't know how often I'm likely to be buying leather bags or luggage, but the next time it comes up I would absolutely go with Saddleback.

FnordChan
 
I advise you to actually hold one before you buy it. They all look nice, but remember that you need to carry them. Most of them are too heavy to be comfortable, even when they're empty.
 
Skel1ingt0n said:
...I use a Filson messenger that cost ~$300. It's tin cloth so very light and can take an absolute beating and still look nice and hold everything I could want.
Click to expand...
I have a Filson as well and like it very much but it's very much a different look from what the OP seems to be after.
 
KaiserBecks said:
I advise you to actually hold one before you buy it. They all look nice, but remember that you need to carry them. Most of them are too heavy to be comfortable, even when they're empty.
Click to expand...
IAWTP

For me the only leather bags that were not uncomfortably heavy where a grand and up. And the light ones were beautiful but I wondered how durable they would be in the long term.
 
KaiserBecks said:
I advise you to actually hold one before you buy it. They all look nice, but remember that you need to carry them. Most of them are too heavy to be comfortable, even when they're empty.
Click to expand...

Most (if not all) of these are about 4 lbs. at the most on their own which is very manageable for me. I'm fine with that. :)

Ah, seems like I'd have to give Satchel & Page another look. I'm backing off a bit from them because I got one of their belts and while it's good quality per se, it's underwhelming, especially since there's better choices at that price point, I feel.

I thought I'd get the Thayne because I feel like the extra space wouldn't hurt but after more research, WBR's bags aren't that roomy compared to the others, which can stretch a bit without compromising their shape (so might as well get from others for that reason Of course, their aesthetic still leaves them a spot in my shortlist).

Thanks for all the input, guys, but I'm afraid it's not over yet. Here are non-promotional shots of some bags in case that helps.

Basader - 2nd pic isn't exactly the same bag because it doesn't have the gusset but that's it in terms of difference. 3rd shows the optional backpack option.

Basader-Gusseted-Briefcase-Review02.jpg


EhPsfdu-EJ_UDZ-xkqPWMNWqkpjJU6tiNE-RIjFRGvXYvbuSdLOQvGn-vPOeLNnEP6zLeZL4PjvFEoz37fTPCf7rlb0xnau9sJBVHKnL5NL2jXk7EkjcGLe3


backpack_slider_option.jpg


Satchel & Page

s-l1600.jpg


s-l1600.jpg
 
Mikeside said:
It took me ages to pick something I liked that didn't cost the earth when I was looking in December

I ended up ordering from Scaramanga and am very happy with what I got

wZ0i7VP.png
Click to expand...
I have the exact same model,well two to be honest..
One was bought from a manifacturer, was (is) beautiful, but usage is compromising the leather looks..
Hence i ordered a custom made One as i wanted to be made entirely with full grain leather (if wallet allows i think this is the best choices.. Second best go for top grain leather)..
This One is large enough to hold 9" device (ipad, chrome book, small ultrabook) or can anyway serve me as an accessory to carry stuff i would otherwise carry on me (documents, wallet, etc)
 
hydrophilic attack said:
These look like handbags to me. Why are you calling them messenger bags?
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1. That's how most of the bags are marketed (e.g. Basader - Handmade Classic Messenger Bag With Divided Gusset; Rustic Distressed Leather Messenger Bag Briefcase Laptop Satchel (from WBR's Etsy shop); "A truly stylish writerÂ’s bag, this Bleu de Chauffe Scott messenger would make a truly gorgeous gift for a man of utter style" (from KJ Beckett)
2. I have a little Edit note under my OP shortlist.
3.
Usually I have a third to say (simply because it feels right) but in this case, I don't.
 
Solemn_In_Berlin said:
1. That's how most of the bags are marketed (e.g. Basader - Handmade Classic Messenger Bag With Divided Gusset; Rustic Distressed Leather Messenger Bag Briefcase Laptop Satchel (from WBR's Etsy shop); "A truly stylish writerÂ’s bag, this Bleu de Chauffe Scott messenger would make a truly gorgeous gift for a man of utter style" (from KJ Beckett)
Click to expand...

Why though? Why introduce such term confusion through marketing. If I wanted to buy a nice handbag, I'd put "handbag" into the search bar. Not "messenger bag". So them choosing, for whatever reason, to market their handbags as something else, would make me miss their product. How is that a good marketing decision?
 
hydrophilic attack said:
Why though? Why introduce such term confusion through marketing. If I wanted to buy a nice handbag, I'd put "handbag" into the search bar. Not "messenger bag". So them choosing, for whatever reason, to market their handbags as something else, would make me miss their product. How is that a good marketing decision?
Click to expand...

Because 'handbag' is still a term that's majorly associated with women's bags.
A lot of brands refer to them as workbags, messengers or business bags and the sort. Every brand names them somewhat differently.
 
hydrophilic attack said:
Why though? Why introduce such term confusion through marketing. If I wanted to buy a nice handbag, I'd put "handbag" into the search bar. Not "messenger bag". So them choosing, for whatever reason, to market their handbags as something else, would make me miss their product. How is that a good marketing decision?
Click to expand...

Hand bag also sounds more feminine than messenger bag. a lot of people may do the reverse of you and skip anything named handbag assuming it's another name for a purse

Edit: Do a search in Amazon for hand bag and then messenger bag to prove this point
 
Hoo-doo said:
Because 'handbag' is still a term that's majorly associated with women's bags.
A lot of brands refer to them as workbags, messengers or business bags and the sort. Every brand names them somewhat differently.
Click to expand...

Future said:
Hand bag also sounds more feminine than messenger bag. a lot of people may do the reverse of you and skip anything named handbag assuming it's another name for a purse

Edit: Do a search in Amazon for hand bag and then messenger bag to prove this point
Click to expand...

So they call them messenger bags because they're afraid that people would be ashamed of buying something called a handbag? But a handbag is a handbag is a handbag. And the rest of the world can see that that's a handbag. Why would you be ashamed of buying something which the shop calls a handbag, when you're not actually ashamed of walking around with an actual handbag? Is the power of self-delusion really that strong.

Transhuman said:
Men don't wear perfume they wear cologne.
Click to expand...

That's dumb too.
 
bionic77 said:
Leather is heavy.

It looks the best but for something I am carrying around all the time I always prefer something lighter.

I got a canvas bag from http://www.brenthaven.com.

Extremely light and to me at least they look pretty good if you are walking around with your laptop all day.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I don't quite understand why people like some of these leather bags - they look heavier than the contents that will go in them. The one posted up thread, in a reply, seems like it might be light enough.
 
Transhuman said:
Men don't wear perfume they wear cologne.
Click to expand...
Yeah because my Aqua di gio, blue de channel, and my One million are cologne right?
I hope you know the difference between perfume, eau de perfume, eau de toilette and cologne since you Speak like that?
And so that you know, some brand even carry the different level..
E.g. Aqua di gio carriera both EDP and EDT with a price difference of course..
Now, just because you DON'T know the difference or can't appreciate it, don't go assuming..
I mean look at jeans..
You can rock a pair of diesel, a pair of levi's, a pair of samurai or a pair of iron heart and to someone who does not give it two thoughts they are the same, just jeans..
But they are not the same jeans..

I hate getting carried away, but when i read people writing stuff like that... Jesus christ..
You don't care what you wear, or you don't care about your perfume? Be my guest, but i dare you to say that Aqua di gio edt and EDP smells the same.. Cmon...
 
hydrophilic attack said:
So they call them messenger bags because they're afraid that people would be ashamed of buying something called a handbag? But a handbag is a handbag is a handbag. And the rest of the world can see that that's a handbag. Why would you be ashamed of buying something which the shop calls a handbag, when you're not actually ashamed of walking around with an actual handbag? Is the power of self-delusion really that strong.

That's dumb too.
Click to expand...

Yes. Thank you, Captain Obvious.

The term 'handbags' is simply not used that widely for male bags, the word has created substantial connotations for describing a woman's bag or purse.

Yes, everyone can see that it is quite silly but it's what it is. Like how a 'blouse' is a term used mostly for women's shirts while historically it has been a unisex piece of loose-fitting garments. Or how men are more likely to buy bodywash that has 'SPORTS' or 'TITANIUM' on it as opposed to luscious flowery scents and nutrients.

Basically, it's marketing. Glad you pierced the veil for all of us.
 
witchedwiz said:
Yeah because my Aqua di gio, blue de channel, and my One million are cologne right?
I hope you know the difference between perfume, eau de perfume, eau de toilette and cologne since you Speak like that?
Click to expand...

What is the general chemical differences between these three? (you seem to be an expert)
 
hydrophilic attack said:
What is the general chemical differences between these three? (you seem to be an expert)
Click to expand...

It signifies the dilution of the perfume you're using. An EDP is generally considered to be less diluted and more oily. Eau de parfum is more 'core' perfume compared to EDT or EDC, which are more water/alcohol based and evaporate quickly.

Eau de parfum has a more potent scent, should be used only on bare skin, and a small amount will last for dozens of hours. It's more suitable for dates or special occasions. EDT and EDC is more for everyday use, as it won't last as long and is way less overpowering on the scent.

That's all I know of the different types. There might be more to it than this though.
Source: I went shopping for a perfume for my girlfriend and I encountered a walking perfume encyclopedia in one of the stores that schooled my ass on all this.
 
Hoo-doo said:
It signifies the dilution of the perfume you're using. An EDP is generally considered to be less diluted and more oily. Eau de parfum is more 'core' perfume compared to EDT or EDC, which are more water/alcohol based and evaporate quickly.

Eau de parfum has a more potent scent, should be used only on bare skin, and a small amount will last for dozens of hours. It's more suitable for dates or special occasions. EDT and EDC is more for everyday use, as it won't last as long and is way less overpowering on the scent.

That's all I know of the different types. There might be more to it than this though.
Source: I went shopping for a perfume for my girlfriend and I encountered a walking perfume encyclopedia in one of the stores that schooled my ass on all this.
Click to expand...

So the difference between an EDP and an EDC is that the EDP is more concentrated?

Is the same true for "perfume" vs "cologne"?
 
hydrophilic attack said:
So they call them messenger bags because they're afraid that people would be ashamed of buying something called a handbag? But a handbag is a handbag is a handbag. And the rest of the world can see that that's a handbag. Why would you be ashamed of buying something which the shop calls a handbag, when you're not actually ashamed of walking around with an actual handbag? Is the power of self-delusion really that strong.
Click to expand...

I don't even think it's 'man' marketing. Messenger bags have a different enough form and function to warrant it's own naming category. I don't put laptops in a handbag.
 
hydrophilic attack said:
So the difference between an EDP and an EDC is that the EDP is more concentrated?

Is the same true for "perfume" vs "cologne"?
Click to expand...

Basically yes. A perfume or 'eau de perfume' is basically the most concentrated form of the scent that you can buy. This is what makes it so potent. It's also what makes it unsuitable for everyday use as it can be very overpowering and the scent lasts forever.

From what I could find online:

- Perfume / Extract of perfume -> 20-40% fragrance oil
- Eau de perfume -> 10-20% fragrance oil
- Eau de toilette -> 5-15% fragrance oil
- Eau de cologne -> 3-8% fragrance oil

With higher concentrations you magnify the scent, and sometimes it actually is too overpowering to smell good so you should always test them out beforehand and see which one you prefer. Perfume also comes at a premium over a EDT or EDC.
 
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