Leather Briefcase/Messenger Bag from White Buffalo Republic of Afton Wyoming
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- Опубліковано 17 чер 2016
- A review of the natural vegetable tanned leather double-buckle satchel designed by White Buffalo Republic in beautiful Afton Wyoming. www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteBuffal...
Quality of material and craftsmanship is just reflecting from it. No word requires.
Bought it, thanks for the review, James!
This is a great bag! James - your review helped me make my decision. I appreciate your thorough review! I bought the 15" Thayne Briefcase/Messenger bag in August 2016. It is the same one as shown in the video, but in Antique Saddle Brown. This is a beautiful bag and the Antique Saddle Brown shade gives it great character. The veg tanned leather has a great finish to it. I have a leather portfolio by Saddleback (chrome tanned). My portfolio feels and looks unfinished. This bag is about 1/3 the cost of a Saddleback and looks more upscale in my opinion.
As for quality - I've read the comments about fewer pieces of leather. I get it, but this bag is high quality - I don't need the ultimate quality. This bag met all my requirements - two front pockets, real buckles (not magnets that look like buckles), leather interior (not cloth lined) and a leather shoulder strap.
I actually bought the 17" originally. This bag is two inches wider (obviously!), but it's also 3" taller. I'm 6'2" and it still seemed too large for my needs. The 15" is large enough for both my laptop and my leather portfolio. I returned the 17" and dealt directly with the owner(!). Great customer service!! If you're at all thinking of buying this bag, you can buy with confidence.
BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for the review!
After watching your review on Saddleback Satchel, you changed my mind about buying a vegetable tanned bag over the chrome tanned. Next year I'm going to University as a student so I'll be needing a beautiful messenger bag. I love the old west rugged look myself so this is going the be the chosen one. Thank you, Mr. Crane, for doing these reviews and showcasing us these unknown jewels of leather artistry.
Thank you for watching Al Thi'b
Your review is much appreciated. I pulled the trigger on one of WBR's bags last night after watching this. Seeing how I'm in Japan, I'm hoping the quality is everything I think it'll be. I've also recently gotten in to the SBL craze. Need to stop spending money on bags for a while! Cheers
I just graduated from college and as a graduation gift my wonderful in-laws told me I could pick a leather bag to use when I start teaching school. I have been doing as much research and shopping around before I made my decision. I saw this bag and knew I had to have it. I just moved my family from Afton, WY to Central Washington to start my career as a middle school teacher. I had to have this bag to help maintain my connection to Star Valley! Thank you so much for this review. Without it I probably wouldn't have found this amazing company!!! Needless to say my bag is on its way!!
What a great story, best wishes on your new career! This handsome satchel should serve you well for many years to come, and what a durable reminder of a truly beautiful part of the country!
Just ordered this bag. Looking forward to the experience.
MR Crane thank you so much for the info
I love their bags! Im a lucky owner of one of their earlier bags. unfortunately they don't sell a lot of their products anymore.
I would love to see you make a list of you’re favorite makers.
Jim, Thanks for your reviews. Besides Saddleback Leather can you give me some recommendations of makers of bags/backpacks that are in the same or better category than Saddleback. I am looking for a good warranty and durability along with the classic/vintage feel.
Thank you so much for the review. I've been looking for a good leather briefcase/messenger bag for a while now, and this one has certainly caught my eye. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot of information out there on White Buffalo Republic yet, so it's hard to get an idea on what the durability/longevity is on the brand. I was wondering how long you've owned the bag for and how it's holding up so far.
Also, would you mind letting me know what fb group you mentioned that you are a part of? It sounds like a wealth of information that I would find extremely helpful. Thanks again!
-Mike
I enjoy all of your bag reviews. I’ve been building mailbags in my off season and would love to send you some pictures, if interested. I’ll be making some on a limited basis after my retirement.
Thanks
Hi James, love the review. Thank you for this, I don't like buying briefcases unless they are high quality and handmade. Unfortunately, the only way to accomplish this is to pay $500 at the very least, but more likely a $700-$1,000 price tag is what is to be expected. This is a great alternative until I get to a place career wise where I can pay those prices, while not sacrificing my standards in the interim. I never knew about the "postman" attachments in the back and what it means in terms of function. This bag combines the comfort of the postal style while keeping the formal look of a briefcase. What's your Facebook handle and Instagram if you have one? Thanks again.
Great review James. Thank you. Unfortunately they say the custom shoulder strap is only for US delivery (I'm in Oz...)
Ant3739 I ran in to that same problem. However, if you send them an email they will accommodate you if they have them in stock.
I received my bag yesterday and I am extremely happy with my purchase. Cost performance seems to be over the top on this one. Well done WBR!
We do ship the belt upgrade to any country who can legally trade with the US - We are not website developers so sometimes we have trouble fixing the preferences.
good product but how about costs?
are the front pockets fit maxpedition mini organizer / maxpedition edc
The Mini Pocket Organizer will fit easily, the EDC Pocket Organizer will fit more snugly.
Looking for a bag for college, I have a backpack but I am looking for a bag that would compliment my more preppy fashion sense. Would you recommend this bag? Also have you heard of Mahi Leather? They are also Etsy based and are alot cheaper but not sure about the quality. Thanks :)
There simply is no comparison between this maker and Mahi Leather. White Buffalo Republic uses natural vegetable tanned cowhide to make their bags, which are completely handmade and hand-stitched using a super strong saddle stitch. The stuff that Mahi sells looks suspiciously like that very cheaply made goat leather stuff from India,, although they say it's cowhide. Those bags are mass-produced, machine sewn using thinner low quality thread which is all that holds the bag together and are lined with a very cheap fabric. I can't say for sure, but they have all the hallmarks of those cheaply made, low quality, goat bags. You can go on EBay and see thousands of these bags starting at $25., no thank you!
I like the inner compartment which is made of leather. This is a good back. The only drawback is that it is a little thin. This should be a perfect bag if it is thicker, say 6 inch
Do they use the saddle stitch technique when hand sewing the bags?
Yes Roger, they use the saddle stitch technique on these bags as they are all hand stitched and assembled using very basic hand tools.
Thanks you. Any idea what the thread is made from?
@james crane: Looks like the discount is over. Do you have a review of the front pocket with the darker color?
No I'm sorry I don't have a review of the darker color briefcase. I've owned the darker color one before, it has a hand rubbed brown stain applied, but the inside remains the lighter color of the raw vegetable tanned leather. It makes a beautiful contrast. The dark brown is like a coffee color.
James Crane thank you.
with that color how long did it take to start darkening and developing a patina?
Within a few weeks the patina began to develop Ryan, and as you mentioned, with this leather, it develops rapidly.
Hi, if the bag was 12 inches instead, would the placement of the d-rings rub against your hips and eventually be painful or bothersome?
sardeansammich I really don't think so, I've carried bags of all sizes with the D rings on the back and have never had any issues with discomfort.
James Crane Awesome! Thanks. I have asked them.if they'll do a custom size for me. Hope they do! Love this design.
Jim, I am also a member of your FB group. Thank you for the review. How does veg black leather age? I understand that veg leather go through color changes as it ages.
Hello, black veg wears beautifully. Instead of darkening like natural veg, it will lighten at all the touch spots, handle, straps etc. the brown leather will start to show thru at those places giving the bag a beautiful patina and a lot of character.
Hmm, I have a black SBL med BC and the black color is very sharp and unchanged. I like black briefs though so perhaps I should stay away from veg color. Would you be so kind and post a couple of photos of aged black on our group FB? Thanks, Kyle
The Black SBL is made from chrome tanned leather, and does not age like veg tanned leather. Chrome tanned leather doesn't change colors like veg. does, although it does get oil and dirt stains on it and will darken where it is oily or dirty. Your black SBL will pretty much remain that color for years.
do you have a photo of aged veg tanned black leather?
+kbdab posted in the FB group.
What is price of this bag sir ?
What FB group is this for? Would like to join and learn. Thanks.
Brandon Bowers facebook.com/groups/1464655523748519/
Where do I go to order this bag? Item Number???
How heavy is that bag?
The bag and shoulder strap combined weigh about 4.5 lbs.
I work out at the gym regularly, so when you say 4.5lbs, for me it feels like 2lbs, I just love it the bag! Please check my comment when you can.
I think the weight is a bit misleading, it really doesn't feel like 4.5lbs at all. XD
Where do I go to orthis bag
www.etsy.com/listing/713395955/leather-messenger-bag-leather-briefcase?ref=shop_home_active_6&frs=1
Hi there James, thanks for recommending me Mascon leather, unfortunately the detailed work that I required was too intricate and Artie refferred me to Zach @ Zeebee Leathers. I spoke to him and he is more than up for the challenge. I must say, seeing his gallery of leatherwork made my eyes almost burst!!
I've bought the bag and it looks amazing but I feel as if something is wrong, the hand burnishing is not done so well, there are areas where the burnishing has black lines and even the leather is cracking at major points. I feel as if the bag was in inventory for a long time and wasn't taken care of or that it was not built to the highest quality the way your three bags are. I am quite perplexed at the moment. I never really noticed until I re-watched your video on the bag with my bag alongside me and I noticed several things.
But pictures speak better than words so please check the pictures I'll have linked underneath. I really love the bag but until I noticed the "cracking" of the leather, the horrid condition of the back side of the front two straps, I'm just not sure if I should ask the guy for a replacement or to fix it myself. I would rather fix it myself to be perfectly clear, I always wanted to get started on leathercrafting and a little burnishing should teach me a thing or two. However at the same time I am really worried that the "cracking" of the leather is not fixable. Not to mention my bags front side does not keep form in that if the bag is empty or full, the bag's front side will bend inwards while standing still. I hope the pictures explains it better than I can. Hope you can give me some suggestions, would be really helpful!
imgur.com/a/p074o
As you can see, even some parts of the leather look discolored and the worst part is, I don't know if you can see but the areas where the two front pockets are sewn, they both look as if something was "painted" or pasted over the leather. It is very easy to tell just take a look at the bottom left corner of the front pocket (left one especially!)
I'm not sure what to think of all this, and since you have 3 of their bags, I'm sure you can tell me if this is normal and if so, what I should do to fix some of these things. Thanks!
BTW thanks so much for recommending me this bag, I LOVE it (despite these issues) and for referring to me to Mascon was amazing as well, I am really grateful. Once I get the GoT themed A5 journal I'm sure Zachary will post some amazing pictures =) Artie also told me he is one of the best crafters out there =D
Jafar Uddin I agree, the back side of the straps are not what I've ever seen from WBR. The dark line on the edge is glue used to hold the leather together before stitching is a little sloppy but something I wouldn't worry about as it will blend out with time. The condition of the straps would probably be enough for me to return it, that part of the bag gets the most use and that needs to be solid leather. I think l would return it and ask Jim to pick out a good one for you. I'm sure he would be happy to do that for you
Jim is absolutely amazing, after reading my email and seeing the pictures he apologized for the bags condition and has no problem sending a replacement even though I'll be sending the bag next month because ATM I'm overseas. Better yet, since he will be overlooking the bag that gets sent, I'll be 100% sure it will be of top quality.
I really didn't expect such amazing customer services! The man replied very quickly as well and despite the 14 days being over, he has no problem at all sending a replacement. My girlfriend is the one who bought the bag for me and wow am I just amazed. She must really know her stuff!
How much extra was the custom strap?
Charles Sadler the upgraded strap is a $50 option.
4
Would you recommend this brand?
My leather beg
Take a hike Love. Your comment makes no sense. These are fantastic bags.
what is colour of your bag ?
The color is natural.
@@JamesCrane Thank you, So can you compare the bag from Saddleback - White Buffalo Republic in beautiful Afton Wyoming
number of company? Thank you.
www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteBuffaloRepublic?ref=ss_profile
cual es el precio de este maletin?
Carlos Serna approximately $300 price range
@@JamesCrane me parece muy bonito y bien hecho. me encantaria tenerlo pero está muy lejos de lo que yo podria pagar. de todas maneras muchas gracias por la informacion. quizás en un futuro.
Thank you for the excellent video, James Crane; it's helped me to choose this bag as my next! I've just received the 16" version of this briefcase in Antique Saddle Brown and uploaded the video of my first impressions here: ua-cam.com/video/tbmRIY8SXm8/v-deo.html
CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS.....HE WAS BURIED..AND ON THE THIRD DAY HE WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD IN THE FLESH AND SEEN OF OVER 500 EYEWITNESSES AT ONCE.........THIS SAME RISEN SAVIOUR COMMANDS EVERYONE EVERYWHERE... TO REPENT AND BE BORN AGAIN TO ESCAPE THE FIRES OF HELL.....MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONE FOREVER IN CHRIST JESUS
я много раз смотрел ваши видео и мне очень нравится само направление.браво.я тоже решил попробовать в этом и вот что у меня получилось.I watched your videos many times and I really like the direction itself. Bravo. I also decided to try it and that's what I did. baraholka.onliner.by/viewtopic.php?t=22761681
I did not understand the question. Please write in more detail.
This review would have made sense if it is coming from a 20 year old girl who cares only about look and feel of the leather bag and wants to have something fashionable for 1-2 years. You don't talk about reliability of the bag over the years or ease of carrying the bag. And that is the problem with all your reviews.
To me, this bag is highly uncomfortable to carry, especially given the locations of attachment to straps. The designer tried to use mailman style connections, but mailman bags have round edges at the bottom. This bag, on the other hand, will keep digging into the thigh (like saw cutting through bone) once it has a sizable load in it, after just a short walk with this bag; as it has sharp edges at the bottom.
Also, there are seams in gusset which shows that designer tried to save money on leather pieces in exchange for the reliability of the bag. Further, There are no rivets on the front straps that will take the most load and will wear out quickly.
Not an honest review.
Sorry Love, but with many years of first hand experience with carrying this bag, as mentioned in the review, I can't see any sense in your comments at all. I did talk about the reliability of this bag in the review. I've carried it over my shoulder fully loaded for years proving it's reliability, and never once was I uncomfortable in doing so. It does not, as you say "digging into the thigh (like saw cutting through bone) or I wouldn't carry it period. A Swiss Packsaddle, a version of which is on my channel for you to view, is also constructed with shoulder strap anchor points on the back of the bag and a straight, not curved, bottom edge, and that design has been around for a century, if it wasn't easy and comfortable to carry, it wouldn't have lasted 100 years. If this bag was cutting into my thigh, I certainly would NOT purchase it FOUR times and give them to my closest friends! Also you might want to check out "leather working myth -Rivet vs Thread" here on UA-cam which will address your concerns about having no rivets on the front straps, via a live demonstration. I have never had any issues or concerns whatsoever about the seams in the gusset which are hand stitched using the saddle stitch, the strongest stitching method known, and I have loaded this bag down on many occasions. Lastly Love, I was not paid to review this bag, I purchased it, so of course I am going to give my honest opinion, as I always do, in each of my reviews. This Channel was started as a way for me to show my facebook friends and fellow leather collectors some of my bags, this is not a commercial enterprise Love. Do you have, make or represent a bag you'd like me to review? My only caveat is I do not purchase or use nor encourage the purchase and use of any product made by impoverished and enslaved children, working in filthy toxic sweat shops, under deplorable and intolerant conditions, anywhere in the world.
+James Crane thanks for your reply to my comments. I understand if you think the bag is fine for you and that rivets don't matter or the number of seams doesn't matter or the the type of thread doesn't matter or the double and triple stitching at corners doesn't matter. But for some of us they do. It's a matter of personal preference, I guess. (Seriously, how can you believe that a bag made with multiple pieces of leather in gusset is better than a bag with single piece of leather! Isn't that the first thing bag makers do to save money?). The point is in a review, you should talk about these features that show quality and attention to the details. At least, you should show the bag on all sides so that people can see the seams for themselves. I appreciate that you review so many bags and have introduced me to different companies, but I always find your reviews lacking in discussing core quality metrics. Thanks.
+Love Singhal thank you for your comment and for watching. I'm sorry my reviews haven't been detailed enough to satisfy your needs in understanding the construction, potential longevity and comfort in carrying, I will try to be more detailed in future videos. The purpose of these videos is to show the members of a leather goods enthusiasts FB group I belong to the pieces we have previously discussed in detail on FB. Most if not all of the makers and pieces shown in these videos are already well known to the members of our group, and many simply want to see it in a video show and tell. Also all of the bags in these reviews are very well made with the most durable leather, usually thick vegetable tanned leather, as well as either solid brass or solid stainless steel hardware and copper rivets, as well as either polyester, nylon or highest quality linen thread. I never review pieces I don't like or that are subpar in materials or workmanship or will not appeal to real enthusiasts.
+James Crane thanks James. I really appreciate that you are taking this feedback positively as I intend it to be just that. The bags that you review are indeed beautiful and all have high quality leather. I would love to have some of them. So, if you discuss about the manufacturing quality of them as well, then your reviews will be very useful and informative. Keep them coming!
Love Singhal, how about you go fuck yourself!? You son of a bitch! Leave James Crane Alone!