Hi Carl, a new subscriber here. Thanks for a really good review. As an owner of a Cravar FC 13, I can see that you really pay attention to all the details in the bag. Prior to purchasing this, I have been using a Saddleback Leather medium satchel and a classic briefcase, both in chestnut, for over 3 years. Happy with SBL, but I was looking for something light and more versatile. Finally pulled the trigger on FC 13 a couple of months ago, and couldn't be happier. I live in Jakarta, Indonesia, and I was able to reach out to Cravar and met one of the founders in person to discuss leather goods, before purchasing. I'm now a happy customer. The fact that the brand is local, backed by passionate people, is a bonus for me. Cheers from Indonesia.
I like the fact that unlike a lot of American UA-camrs you like to buy made in America stuff but that you're not so insular that you think everything made in America is great and stuff made elsewhere is inferior. I like to buy British if I can and the more locally made the better. However like yourself I'm aware that although we make great stuff here we also make crap stuff too. Same as every other country in the world. I really appreciate your more balanced view. I don't know your politics and don't want to know either ( in the nicest possible way ) but you seem to want to make America great again. However not in the way in which you upset your neighbours and alienate the rest of the world.
Hahaha very well put! I like to buy local when possible too, at least I know the workers are getting paid a fair wage and have decent working conditions. It just seems silly to discount all of the talented artisans around the world who are making stuff like this!
To be honest with you I don’t think Made in America is bought because “the quality is great” but rather than the quality is typically 1. “above a certain threshold” and 2. Supporting local is good for ANY country. So buying American is less risky than random manufacturer, which isn’t the same as saying American is the best (which is for some stuff, but for other stuff....? lol, probably not!)
Oh, wow. I was shocked when I saw this video! I own 2 Cravar products; Rana 7 (smallest camera bag, but I use it for everyday use) and Alpha 13 (mid-size briefcase). You know what? All you mention are spot-on, Carl! Great review. Proud to be the owner of these quality bags! Cravar is one of many quality goods producers here in Indonesia :)
So great to hear from someone who owns Cravar products! I’m really impressed, and this is one of the few bags I’ve continued to use after testing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I'll keep it short, this is the best leather purchase I have bought yet. Yoki is a hellavu dude. Buy your leather from him. He deserves all the support
Hi Carl...another great video!! I want to update you on a purchase I made from Satchel and Page. I was unfamiliar with Satchel and Page until I watched your recent review. I did some additional research and decided to buy a leather bag from S & P as a Christmas present for my son. Thanks to you I was able to find a very nice leather bag, made with high quality construction and attention to detail and at a price point which was quite reasonable. There was a minor issue with delivery of the bag, as somehow the bag was sent to a “bad address”. To make a long story short, Satchel and Page resolved the issue immediately and I was extremely pleased with S & P’s customer service. While this comment doesn’t pertain to this review of Cravar, it ties in with your comment about your desire to identify small start up type companies which procure great products. Well my friend you have certainly done so, at least based on my experience with Satchel and Page. Keep up the good work!. PS: S & P uses your review as an intro on its website.
I’m so glad to hear that! S&P really hold customer service to a high standard, and I’m not surprised they came through for you! Your son will enjoy that bag for a lifetime.
Hi Carl, I love your review, it's very thorough. Glad to know you appreciate their bags. I own one (an FC 11), I think Cravar bags are wise spendings, will last for generations, and I'm thinking on getting my second one. Cheers from Jakarta Indonesia
Nice review Carl, thank you. I wish the bag had pocket covers for the front pockets as I can see too many items I place in the bag will shift around. While the curved top will help, I like protection when I have the top of a bag open. Still beautiful well-designed bag.
I can see the benefit of that, I haven’t had any issues but it hasn’t spent too much time upside down with the exception of sliding off my passenger seat.
Seems like a really good bag. Especially considering it was made in a country that nobody would assume would make something of quality: Usually you outsource to Southeast Asia to utilize cheaper, sweatshop labor for low quality goods. It's nice to see that they are not only capable of, but actively producing much more.
Nice bag and nice video. I did buy a bag from one of the major leather stores. Not sure who even makes it but I was commenting just last week to my wife how this bag “150 buck” has held up over the first 5 years I had it. I fact it looks like new still. I sort of expected it to last 3 years. It is warring like iron. Sorry I can’t think of the name but I am surprised in a good way. Has finished edges and real brass hardware. Will look into this bag you talked about for my son
Sounds like you got a great deal! Often the extra cost is in the leather and finishing. A full hide from Horween Tannery is close to $200 which is what you’d need to make a full bag like this. Either way, as long as it works!
Looking through their website, I like their Rana model bags, can fit a laptop and has the padding dividers for a camera and a few lenses. I have a Billingham camera bag with that sort of stud and slot closure, I really like it, faster than buckles, quieter than velcro or snaps.
I am currently not in the market for buying but I still watch your video for enjoyment. I love your videos and your thoughts on the items. I am just wondering if it is possible to show how the bag looks when you put stuff in them. Since some bags do not look too good when you put a bit of stuff, some bags can't seem to put a lot of stuff. It is just a thought when I watched this video. Thank you sir for another great video.
Great review. I've been a Cravar fan for a while. Have an FC 10 and 13 from different years. Both are still rocking. Great company with great customer service. The FC 10 is my most used daily carry in the spring and fall (don't really like how the bag looks when paired with casual shorts and sneakers)
I have a Comfyable laptop sleeve for my Macbook Pro 15 inch. It is water resistant and has an interior flap to protect the laptop from rubbing against the zipper.
While I understand the stud and leather closure won’t rip off now, I wonder if the leather will get too pliable after years of use to hold onto the stud. It makes me more likely to buy the marlondo businessman’s briefcase with more secure buckles
i watched Stridewise reviewing Indonesian boots. i hope you'll also do that one day. ah, and theres many good denim company too! you should check them out
I know who to watch when it's time to purchase a leather bag. How well does it stand on it's own on a flat surface, maybe I missed the studs on the bottom
It’s going to take some balancing to get it to stand on its bottom. Mostly due to the way it’s sewn and not having feet or full edges to give the support.
I really like the folks at Tecovas and my boots have been awesome. I’m not sure that I can justify buying another weekender, but I’ll reach out to see if they can send me a loaner for review.
How long are the straps on these Cravar shoulder straps? I'm 6'4" and i'd hate for this to hang under my armpit like a purse. I'd prefer it to hang at belt level or lower. I love the reviews you've done on Cravar and seriously considering ordering one. I'm "THIS CLOSE" to pulling the trigger. I'm loving the Olive Waxed Twill
I think to gain a better perspective on how the bag hangs around you, you'd might wanna check out Stridewise's video on this bag, alongside with other snapshots of the bag in use. Sorry for being a year late, but I'm also pulling the trigger for an FC 15" since I'm giving up on wearing backpack for work in the office
@@TheMedicalEngineer & Carl. Hi, Yoki from Cravar here. First thanks for getting the Rana :) . We use the same fabric on all our bags, but we do differentiate by using the red one on Alphas & F.C.s and the cream one on Ranas.
6:45 dont put your mechanical watch ANY where near those powerful magnets. Clearly they have new management. So time ago, I wrote them about adding a grab handle and they answered, its too technical.....!:)
Hi Carl, a new subscriber here. Thanks for a really good review. As an owner of a Cravar FC 13, I can see that you really pay attention to all the details in the bag. Prior to purchasing this, I have been using a Saddleback Leather medium satchel and a classic briefcase, both in chestnut, for over 3 years. Happy with SBL, but I was looking for something light and more versatile. Finally pulled the trigger on FC 13 a couple of months ago, and couldn't be happier. I live in Jakarta, Indonesia, and I was able to reach out to Cravar and met one of the founders in person to discuss leather goods, before purchasing. I'm now a happy customer. The fact that the brand is local, backed by passionate people, is a bonus for me. Cheers from Indonesia.
The customer service is amazing
@@michaelreed649 Yes! I live in Jakarta, so I can reach out to the owner and visit their store. I own three Cravar bags now 😄
I like the fact that unlike a lot of American UA-camrs you like to buy made in America stuff but that you're not so insular that you think everything made in America is great and stuff made elsewhere is inferior. I like to buy British if I can and the more locally made the better. However like yourself I'm aware that although we make great stuff here we also make crap stuff too. Same as every other country in the world. I really appreciate your more balanced view. I don't know your politics and don't want to know either ( in the nicest possible way ) but you seem to want to make America great again. However not in the way in which you upset your neighbours and alienate the rest of the world.
Hahaha very well put! I like to buy local when possible too, at least I know the workers are getting paid a fair wage and have decent working conditions. It just seems silly to discount all of the talented artisans around the world who are making stuff like this!
To be honest with you I don’t think Made in America is bought because “the quality is great” but rather than the quality is typically 1. “above a certain threshold” and 2. Supporting local is good for ANY country.
So buying American is less risky than random manufacturer, which isn’t the same as saying American is the best (which is for some stuff, but for other stuff....? lol, probably not!)
Excellent looking bag. Great work as always Carl!
Thank you Jon!
Oh, wow. I was shocked when I saw this video! I own 2 Cravar products; Rana 7 (smallest camera bag, but I use it for everyday use) and Alpha 13 (mid-size briefcase). You know what? All you mention are spot-on, Carl! Great review. Proud to be the owner of these quality bags! Cravar is one of many quality goods producers here in Indonesia :)
So great to hear from someone who owns Cravar products! I’m really impressed, and this is one of the few bags I’ve continued to use after testing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I'll keep it short, this is the best leather purchase I have bought yet. Yoki is a hellavu dude. Buy your leather from him. He deserves all the support
I love that you cover brands like this who are making such nice things. You'll never see this on any other channel
Hi Carl...another great video!! I want to update you on a purchase I made from Satchel and Page. I was unfamiliar with Satchel and Page until I watched your recent review. I did some additional research and decided to buy a leather bag from S & P as a Christmas present for my son. Thanks to you I was able to find a very nice leather bag, made with high quality construction and attention to detail and at a price point which was quite reasonable. There was a minor issue with delivery of the bag, as somehow the bag was sent to a “bad address”. To make a long story short, Satchel and Page resolved the issue immediately and I was extremely pleased with S & P’s customer service. While this comment doesn’t pertain to this review of Cravar, it ties in with your comment about your desire to identify small start up type companies which procure great products. Well my friend you have certainly done so, at least based on my experience with Satchel and Page. Keep up the good work!. PS: S & P uses your review as an intro on its website.
I’m so glad to hear that! S&P really hold customer service to a high standard, and I’m not surprised they came through for you! Your son will enjoy that bag for a lifetime.
Hi Carl, I love your review, it's very thorough. Glad to know you appreciate their bags. I own one (an FC 11), I think Cravar bags are wise spendings, will last for generations, and I'm thinking on getting my second one. Cheers from Jakarta Indonesia
Well, you just sold that bag to me! Great review. Didn’t expect your review was so detail and make sense in many ways. Thanks
Thank you! This is still my daily carry bag, it’s gotten softer and even nicer to use. 👍🏼
I'm sold! very in-depth review.
Thank you, I hope you enjoyed it!
Nice review Carl, thank you. I wish the bag had pocket covers for the front pockets as I can see too many items I place in the bag will shift around. While the curved top will help, I like protection when I have the top of a bag open. Still beautiful well-designed bag.
I can see the benefit of that, I haven’t had any issues but it hasn’t spent too much time upside down with the exception of sliding off my passenger seat.
I'm an Indonesian, I live nearby Cravar's shop near Pondok Indah Hospital 🤣. Well I bought Cravar after saw this Video 😆😆
Seems like a really good bag. Especially considering it was made in a country that nobody would assume would make something of quality: Usually you outsource to Southeast Asia to utilize cheaper, sweatshop labor for low quality goods. It's nice to see that they are not only capable of, but actively producing much more.
Absolutely, I was very impressed with the thoughtful design and execution.
Nice bag and nice video. I did buy a bag from one of the major leather stores. Not sure who even makes it but I was commenting just last week to my wife how this bag “150 buck” has held up over the first 5 years I had it. I fact it looks like new still. I sort of expected it to last 3 years. It is warring like iron. Sorry I can’t think of the name but I am surprised in a good way. Has finished edges and real brass hardware. Will look into this bag you talked about for my son
Sounds like you got a great deal! Often the extra cost is in the leather and finishing. A full hide from Horween Tannery is close to $200 which is what you’d need to make a full bag like this. Either way, as long as it works!
Looking through their website, I like their Rana model bags, can fit a laptop and has the padding dividers for a camera and a few lenses. I have a Billingham camera bag with that sort of stud and slot closure, I really like it, faster than buckles, quieter than velcro or snaps.
I am currently not in the market for buying but I still watch your video for enjoyment. I love your videos and your thoughts on the items. I am just wondering if it is possible to show how the bag looks when you put stuff in them. Since some bags do not look too good when you put a bit of stuff, some bags can't seem to put a lot of stuff. It is just a thought when I watched this video. Thank you sir for another great video.
I think that’s a great idea, and something I never considered. Thank you!
Great review. I've been a Cravar fan for a while. Have an FC 10 and 13 from different years. Both are still rocking. Great company with great customer service. The FC 10 is my most used daily carry in the spring and fall (don't really like how the bag looks when paired with casual shorts and sneakers)
I have a Comfyable laptop sleeve for my Macbook Pro 15 inch. It is water resistant and has an interior flap to protect the laptop from rubbing against the zipper.
I’ll look into it, I need something to protect the investment!
Thank you
Thank you for watching!
While I understand the stud and leather closure won’t rip off now, I wonder if the leather will get too pliable after years of use to hold onto the stud. It makes me more likely to buy the marlondo businessman’s briefcase with more secure buckles
Great review, Carl. Thanks :-)
Your beard game is strong, Good Sir.
Lol thanks man!
Very nice and well thought out !
Agreed! It’s a real gem
i watched Stridewise reviewing Indonesian boots. i hope you'll also do that one day. ah, and theres many good denim company too! you should check them out
Please please do a review on the Thursday wingtip color #77. The sizes are the ones that confuse me the most. Please do it!!
Great video, thank you!
I know who to watch when it's time to purchase a leather bag. How well does it stand on it's own on a flat surface, maybe I missed the studs on the bottom
It’s going to take some balancing to get it to stand on its bottom. Mostly due to the way it’s sewn and not having feet or full edges to give the support.
Would you ever consider doing a review on the Tecovas weekender duffle?
I really like the folks at Tecovas and my boots have been awesome. I’m not sure that I can justify buying another weekender, but I’ll reach out to see if they can send me a loaner for review.
Great video as always Carl. That 30k around the corner though 👀
I can’t believe it man! Who ever thought I’d be in the tens of thousands? Not me!
Carl Murawski celebration soon!! 🍾
Wonder how the Sam brown button closures are holding up thus far? I’m def interested in one of these.
How long are the straps on these Cravar shoulder straps? I'm 6'4" and i'd hate for this to hang under my armpit like a purse. I'd prefer it to hang at belt level or lower. I love the reviews you've done on Cravar and seriously considering ordering one. I'm "THIS CLOSE" to pulling the trigger. I'm loving the Olive Waxed Twill
I think to gain a better perspective on how the bag hangs around you, you'd might wanna check out Stridewise's video on this bag, alongside with other snapshots of the bag in use. Sorry for being a year late, but I'm also pulling the trigger for an FC 15" since I'm giving up on wearing backpack for work in the office
Hey mr. Carl I saw your tecovas boot video a while back, do you think you could do a review on their weekender duffle
someday.......someday......
I'm hesitating between one of these and a bleu de chauffe fisherman's musette. Would you buy this over the French product?
I'd say the bleu de chauffe is more refined overall, but the Cravar is more solidly built.
Thanks for your tips. I've gone with the Cravar fc 15 in their lightest colour.
Will this bag handle a change of clothes as well as an
iPad etc.?
I was wondering how i might message you away from UA-cam? I have a small leather business and was wondering if you are interested in a review?
Shoot me an email at: info@newenglandstyleconsulting.com and we’ll see what we can work out.
Can the strap be extended enough for crossbody carry? ( I am 6'4")
Do you know where I get something much like this but a backpack
Hi Carl, is this the 'Terra' or the 'Fox' color variation of this bag?
I believe this is the Fox color.
@@CarlMurawski thanks!
Does anyone know the color for this bag? It looks like Fox
Was this the F.C. 13 or 15?
This was the 15
what fabric did you say the interior was? I got myself a Rana model, but unfortunately it doesnt have the red interior fabric :(
It’s called Sunbrella. I didn’t realize they only used it in some models.
@@CarlMurawski well, I did order the darker espresso color, it comes with beige interior. thanks. great review btw
@@TheMedicalEngineer & Carl. Hi, Yoki from Cravar here. First thanks for getting the Rana :) . We use the same fabric on all our bags, but we do differentiate by using the red one on Alphas & F.C.s and the cream one on Ranas.
6:45 dont put your mechanical watch ANY where near those powerful magnets.
Clearly they have new management.
So time ago, I wrote them about adding a grab handle
and they answered, its too technical.....!:)
멎저요^^*
Use discount code WELCOME to get 10% off when ordering from cravar.