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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Thank you Jim for another great video. Nice watch by the way.
What a stunning bag, thanks much!
Really good to see you uploading lately James, welcome back, always looked forward to your videos!
Thank you Teik, I search the world to find the right pieces for this niche. As you know it's not always easy or expedient.
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!
@@JamesCrane Thanks for the info. Looking forward to more leather bag reviews.
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.
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?
By next year, If you are going to board a plane to travel within the United States you will need either a new Real ID or a passport.
@@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.