Have this duffel, a Hampton backpack, and the messenger. Incredible pieces. He barely posts many pictures of the interiors or anything like that. Frank’s just like, “Yeah. This is the best backpack you’ll ever own.” He’s right.
Have this one in chocolate brown and it’s beautiful and great quality. It’s made to last forever. One just need to know that the leather is very thick and the weight is on the heavy side.
Copped a cognac Signature Duffle in Python (and the sunbrella lining, of course!) a few years back. I love it and it is, without doubt, the single best handmade item I own - wherever I go I get compliments on it. It also still smells like 'money' ie expensive leather to this day... Ths only thing I'll say is these bags are heavy just by themselves so be prepared to give your shoulders and back a workout!
Nice Video Carl! Here is the story of a guy who loves his Frank Clegg Duffel a liiiitle too much. So I invested in the Signature Duffel in black Harness Leather about 2 years ago. I do a decent amount of traveling for work and I wanted something that would last me for years to come. Something that was professional enough for a work trip but also not too pretentious to bring on a casual over night trip; and finally I wanted something that would work as a carry on (pro tip: multiple times I have used this bag as my "personal item" on flights. This allows you to carry on this duffel AND a standard carry on size suit case). I landed on this duffel and like you I realized that I would want some type of outside pocket for items that I would frequently need to have handy while traveling ie phone, wallet, passport, headphones. I called in and spoke to Ian and we decided to add an exterior pocket for an additional $30-50 can't remember exact price). It was a great decision. It perfectly fits my wallet, passport and phone at the same time and IMO also adds a nice aesthetic to the bag. Long story short, for someone who appreciates high quality, made in America leather goods, you can't go wrong. This thing will last the rest of your life. Literally. If you were to ask me this bag was well worth the investment and like yourself I look for excuses to use it...it sounds funny but it sincerely brings me joy. It's aged amazing over the time that i've owned it and I can't wait to hand this down to one of my future children someday. Anyone considering investing in an item from Frank Clegg, do it! You will not be disappointed.
My Durolite Bags handles do the same, its from the 1950s, You can certainly appreciate that fold carrying one handed, walking longer distances makes it a pleasure.
Love the video especially the spouse pitch. I bought this exact same bag for myself a few years ago so I have a few comments. I love the bag. I love quality. This bag is the best bag I've ever owned and that includes a lot of early Marc Cross Leather products! The leather, the stitching the design, etc! And I always receive compliments which while nice, is not why I carry it. I carry it because I love quality. It is the Patek Phillipe of leather bags! Great video.
This video finally pushed me over the edge and I purchased the Frank Clegg Signature Duffle Bag in Chocolate Chevre leather! STUNNING!!! No buyers remorse at, the price tag justifies every cm of this bag. And to think I almost purchased and inferior Luis Vuitton duffle.
A beautiful duffle bag, Carl. The quality is also reflected in the $925 price. I bought an Allen Edmonds duffle about a year ago ($750) and a matching briefcase (~$600). I like both but don't know how they compare to the Frank Clegg Signature Duffle leather and design. I am happy with my purchase, but if I were in the market for a new duffle, I would definitely give the Frank Clegg Signature Duffle a close look. Great review!
Thank you! I was just so impressed when I went to Franks workshop and their attention to detail borders on obsession. I just can't get enough of the elegant look, the simplicity, and that gorgeous leather.
You brought up a good point on the side pocket. I would also add that I am surprised a bag of this quality and price point has no feet at the bottom of the bag..Exposing this wonderful leather you mention to whatever it happens to be placed on like a airport floor... #nonstarter
This is a great video and if I am not mistaken, the only real in depth review of Frank Clegg on youtube. This bag is only going to get better with time and develop a beautiful patina. What color did you get your duffle bag in? Also, I have been looking forward to this video for a long time!
Thank you for the kind words! This is the chestnut color, and while I’m usually a sucker for tan leather I’m glad I went with something a shade darker. You’re right, as far as I can tell this is the only real Frank Clegg review which is a shame. I think a big part of it is Frank doesn’t play the “influencer” game. He lets the product do the talking for him.
I think it has been pointed out several times already but this really is the only video exclusively on reviewing the Frank Clegg Duffle and it helped me so much! I've been looking for a nice duffle/weekender for so long and the next store with Frank Clegg Leatherwear in stock is sadly a flight away, which is not ideal in the current situation. I've had my eyes set on the Signature Travel Duffle for quite a while now and after watching your review it's settled. Now, excuse me while I show my gf the bit starting at 11:34 ... Wish me luck!
I love leather. I wonder if you could make a vid about different animals skin and the leather products made from those skins. Also it would be great if you'll mention good and reliable leather jackets brands.. not trendy or high fashion brands. Just like leather-heads brands. Thanks, love your channel
I've got a Frank Clegg Compass Duffle (their largest model) in green leather. Fantastic bag! I think I’m going to buy a second one in blue. I do wished that they would create an even larger model; preferably one that’s the default maximum airline carry-on dimensions of 22”X14”X9”. I think they should make this model with the side and end pockets of a traditional duffle bag. That aside, the quality of their product is amazing and that's a compliment that doesn't come easily from me.
@@sherwinarae it’s pretty good sized. Not huge, but not bad. I would like to see them resize it to the maximum carry-on size allowed by airlines as it’s slightly smaller than that. But all said, it does the job well. Since then I have also bought their Lawyer’s Briefcase. It’s a terrific briefcase!
Beautiful bag, outstanding review! I just bought a Satchel and Page Weekender bag primarily off of your review Carl, thank you for taking the time and effort to put reviews like this out, it's much appreciated! Looks like I have to save up for a duffle now?!
This really is an absolutely magnificent bag. The only things which can trade blows with it are Ghurka's #2 Express and the Gladstone and Oxford bags from SAB. (the latter two costing 2-6x as much!) IMO the Express is still the best travel bag ever made, but at this tier, it's hugely subjective. There's no such thing as a bad choice. I've got too many damn bags for myself already, but I'll know I've found one special girl if I can buy her one of these and she flips her shit 😍
One final post (I separated this deliberately because I want to be sure you see it!) I might suggest contacting Ghurka and asking them for a review copy of the Express. Besides wanting to hear your take on a clash-of-titans, Ghurka could use the press. They've been struggling since Marley Hodgson sold the company in the early 2000s. The first buyers were idiots and tried to outsource everything. The damage was quite thorough-despite the best efforts of the new owners, not all manufacturing has come back. Show them some love? :)
@@CarlMurawski oh HELL YES! By the way, I actually purchased a Clegg tote based on your review. Preowned, but still. You should send Frank et al some of these comments, so they can see how many people actually purchased one of their products from this! Besides making them happy, you may very well get sent more things :D
Well you could also get the Articles of Style version which includes an external pocket! The choice is yours, but either way this remains the finest bag I’ve ever reviewed.
Really helpful video. One company I hope at some time you review is J.W. Hulme. If you are interested in reviewing products of this price/quality, I would love to see a review on a company over a hundred years old with similar price points. FYI, I am from Minnesota so I prefer to buy Minnesota products when possible, hence my suggestion.
Carl I am on the fence with this bag and the Satchel-Paige bag you reviewed. Same size. I think I would love the soft leather of the Clegg bag, but I like the Satchi-Paige side pocket for laptop. Can you help break this tie in my brain?
Well the big difference here is the cost to value ratio. The Satchel and Page is a fantastic bag with almost anything you'd ever need. The Frank Clegg is a bit more of a status symbol, and has slightly less capacity overall. I think they're both excellent but if you're looking for the better value go for the Satchel and Page.
You should look at some of Colonel Littleton's bags. Rhey are in a similar price range to Frank Clegg's products, but have a more rustic or antique look. Colonel Littleton's bags look really nice, and i'd be very interested in hearing what you think about them.
@@CarlMurawski No, unfortunately not. I've been looking at their No. 83 Book Bag for some time, and have been thinking about getting one. I live about an hour away form their store and will probably drive up and take a look at some of their products sometime in the near future.
2 years on, what are your thoughts on this vs the competition? Do you still own and use it? Also, how about the best (similar) duffle at or around $600?
I do still use this as my go-to duffel and its been around the US with me. Overall it's held up to the high expectations I had, but there are times where I wish it had a bit more capacity. The way the top folds in to zip can reduce the interior volume, but its not enough to make me switch to anything else. For a good option under $600 I'd go with Satchel & Page.
You’re right, they are both very well made and you’d be happy with either. The benefit of Frank Clegg is their leather selection, the fact that they’re made in the USA by a family owned shop, and their long history in leathermaking. Satchel and Page is excellent if you like their leather and design.
I don’t actually. I know their leather is French, but I’m not sure where the final assembly takes place. I’m assuming it’s not in the US because they’d surely mention it.
I just received my bag. Was wondering why the bag in your review has a more textured look. It almost seems like they used harness belting leather for my bag however my order says smooth tumbled leather. Any info would be great thanks.
The Frank Clegg is a nicer bag overall, but it’s also much more expensive than the S&P. So if you’re looking for the nicest leather bag money can buy it’s going to be the Frank Clegg, if you’re looking to get an excellent bag which is high value: Satchel and Page won’t disappoint.
Have this duffel, a Hampton backpack, and the messenger. Incredible pieces. He barely posts many pictures of the interiors or anything like that. Frank’s just like, “Yeah. This is the best backpack you’ll ever own.”
He’s right.
Couldn't agree more!
What do you think of the Frank Clegg Signature Duffel? Let me know in the comments!
Do the whole range!
Hey Carl murawski is this real cow hide leather or something cheap and ugly that you buy in walmart please tell me I really want to know?
Have this one in chocolate brown and it’s beautiful and great quality. It’s made to last forever. One just need to know that the leather is very thick and the weight is on the heavy side.
Haha oh man, I’ll need to re-mortgage the house!
C’mon, of course it’s cow hide.
Copped a cognac Signature Duffle in Python (and the sunbrella lining, of course!) a few years back. I love it and it is, without doubt, the single best handmade item I own - wherever I go I get compliments on it. It also still smells like 'money' ie expensive leather to this day...
Ths only thing I'll say is these bags are heavy just by themselves so be prepared to give your shoulders and back a workout!
Nice Video Carl! Here is the story of a guy who loves his Frank Clegg Duffel a liiiitle too much. So I invested in the Signature Duffel in black Harness Leather about 2 years ago. I do a decent amount of traveling for work and I wanted something that would last me for years to come. Something that was professional enough for a work trip but also not too pretentious to bring on a casual over night trip; and finally I wanted something that would work as a carry on (pro tip: multiple times I have used this bag as my "personal item" on flights. This allows you to carry on this duffel AND a standard carry on size suit case). I landed on this duffel and like you I realized that I would want some type of outside pocket for items that I would frequently need to have handy while traveling ie phone, wallet, passport, headphones. I called in and spoke to Ian and we decided to add an exterior pocket for an additional $30-50 can't remember exact price). It was a great decision. It perfectly fits my wallet, passport and phone at the same time and IMO also adds a nice aesthetic to the bag. Long story short, for someone who appreciates high quality, made in America leather goods, you can't go wrong. This thing will last the rest of your life. Literally. If you were to ask me this bag was well worth the investment and like yourself I look for excuses to use it...it sounds funny but it sincerely brings me joy. It's aged amazing over the time that i've owned it and I can't wait to hand this down to one of my future children someday. Anyone considering investing in an item from Frank Clegg, do it! You will not be disappointed.
Michael Lu snapped a few quick pictures for you, man. Let me know if this helps! imgur.com/a/090lLLj
Reading this comment helped me make up my mind. The small bag issue was the only thing holding me back...Thanks Joey. This really helped me.
@@joes11 Thank you for adding these pics, really helped me to decide on what to get.
Awesome review! Just ordered a black signature duffle regards from Germany xx
My Durolite Bags handles do the same, its from the 1950s, You can certainly appreciate that fold carrying one handed, walking longer distances makes it a pleasure.
Love the pitch sale to the significant other!
Maybe it will work. It’s worth a try! 😁
@@CarlMurawski I have no doubt that it definitely will
Ooooooohhh you had me at 1:32 with those Riri zippers not messing about with any ykks there :D nice, very nice
Love the video especially the spouse pitch. I bought this exact same bag for myself a few years ago so I have a few comments. I love the bag. I love quality. This bag is the best bag I've ever owned and that includes a lot of early Marc Cross Leather products! The leather, the stitching the design, etc! And I always receive compliments which while nice, is not why I carry it. I carry it because I love quality. It is the Patek Phillipe of leather bags! Great video.
Does the bag qualify as carry-on?
This video finally pushed me over the edge and I purchased the Frank Clegg Signature Duffle Bag in Chocolate Chevre leather! STUNNING!!! No buyers remorse at, the price tag justifies every cm of this bag. And to think I almost purchased and inferior Luis Vuitton duffle.
You have a true piece of craftsmanship there
@@CarlMurawski Yes, I humbly concur with you. The Chevre goat skin is simply gorgeous! Best high end purchase in a very long time. Thank you again.
Frank is an amazing individual and a master of his craft. His pieces are one in a million. Pure pride and joy.
A beautiful duffle bag, Carl. The quality is also reflected in the $925 price. I bought an Allen Edmonds duffle about a year ago ($750) and a matching briefcase (~$600). I like both but don't know how they compare to the Frank Clegg Signature Duffle leather and design. I am happy with my purchase, but if I were in the market for a new duffle, I would definitely give the Frank Clegg Signature Duffle a close look. Great review!
Thank you! I was just so impressed when I went to Franks workshop and their attention to detail borders on obsession. I just can't get enough of the elegant look, the simplicity, and that gorgeous leather.
Thank you again for the great video and showing us great product sir.
Thank you for watching!
You brought up a good point on the side pocket. I would also add that I am surprised a bag of this quality and price point has no feet at the bottom of the bag..Exposing this wonderful leather you mention to whatever it happens to be placed on like a airport floor... #nonstarter
I was kind of surprised too, that’s a good point.
This is a great video and if I am not mistaken, the only real in depth review of Frank Clegg on youtube. This bag is only going to get better with time and develop a beautiful patina. What color did you get your duffle bag in? Also, I have been looking forward to this video for a long time!
Thank you for the kind words! This is the chestnut color, and while I’m usually a sucker for tan leather I’m glad I went with something a shade darker.
You’re right, as far as I can tell this is the only real Frank Clegg review which is a shame. I think a big part of it is Frank doesn’t play the “influencer” game. He lets the product do the talking for him.
I think it has been pointed out several times already but this really is the only video exclusively on reviewing the Frank Clegg Duffle and it helped me so much! I've been looking for a nice duffle/weekender for so long and the next store with Frank Clegg Leatherwear in stock is sadly a flight away, which is not ideal in the current situation. I've had my eyes set on the Signature Travel Duffle for quite a while now and after watching your review it's settled.
Now, excuse me while I show my gf the bit starting at 11:34 ... Wish me luck!
Oh my god, what you just said in the “pitch to significant other” really summarizes me. I buy only top quality stuff and keep it for years and years.
Exactly!!
I don't know anything about leather bags but that looks beautiful. Quality matches the price
You’re definitely getting what you pay for in this instance.
I hope they make one with an outside pocket. Pricey but it clearly a quality bag
I love leather. I wonder if you could make a vid about different animals skin and the leather products made from those skins. Also it would be great if you'll mention good and reliable leather jackets brands.. not trendy or high fashion brands. Just like leather-heads brands.
Thanks, love your channel
Interesting idea, I think that would be a great video... but hold on to your wallet!
@@CarlMurawski thanks for the reply. Will do :)
Frank is a great guy, and his bags are legendary, thanks for making this vid brother,
You’re so right, he’s a living legend.
I've got a Frank Clegg Compass Duffle (their largest model) in green leather. Fantastic bag! I think I’m going to buy a second one in blue. I do wished that they would create an even larger model; preferably one that’s the default maximum airline carry-on dimensions of 22”X14”X9”. I think they should make this model with the side and end pockets of a traditional duffle bag. That aside, the quality of their product is amazing and that's a compliment that doesn't come easily from me.
Does the Compass Duffle meet carry-on dimensions for all airlines? Even international?
@@andrewschreiber4217 I’m pretty sure it does. It’s a little bit smaller than the maximum size allowed with the US domestic carriers.
The compass is their larger size. Do you still find it to be too small?
@@sherwinarae it’s pretty good sized. Not huge, but not bad. I would like to see them resize it to the maximum carry-on size allowed by airlines as it’s slightly smaller than that. But all said, it does the job well. Since then I have also bought their Lawyer’s Briefcase. It’s a terrific briefcase!
Beautiful bag, outstanding review! I just bought a Satchel and Page Weekender bag primarily off of your review Carl, thank you for taking the time and effort to put reviews like this out, it's much appreciated! Looks like I have to save up for a duffle now?!
Exquisite leather work.
This really is an absolutely magnificent bag. The only things which can trade blows with it are Ghurka's #2 Express and the Gladstone and Oxford bags from SAB. (the latter two costing 2-6x as much!)
IMO the Express is still the best travel bag ever made, but at this tier, it's hugely subjective. There's no such thing as a bad choice.
I've got too many damn bags for myself already, but I'll know I've found one special girl if I can buy her one of these and she flips her shit 😍
What a PSA for our loved ones! 🤙
Will need to look at their options for computer briefcases cause I’m also looking at Moose brand as well
Their zip top briefcase would be perfect. The Leather Shop is great too, but definitely more of a busy/branded look. Solid quality though.
Appreciate the reply. Beautiful craftsmanship.
One final post (I separated this deliberately because I want to be sure you see it!)
I might suggest contacting Ghurka and asking them for a review copy of the Express. Besides wanting to hear your take on a clash-of-titans, Ghurka could use the press. They've been struggling since Marley Hodgson sold the company in the early 2000s. The first buyers were idiots and tried to outsource everything. The damage was quite thorough-despite the best efforts of the new owners, not all manufacturing has come back. Show them some love? :)
Well I love this story, and I’ll be contacting them! Thank you!
@@CarlMurawski oh HELL YES!
By the way, I actually purchased a Clegg tote based on your review. Preowned, but still. You should send Frank et al some of these comments, so they can see how many people actually purchased one of their products from this! Besides making them happy, you may very well get sent more things :D
Hell yes. Been looking forward to this.
I’m proposing to my girlfriend next month so maybe a week after that, I’ll show her the 11:35 point of this video 😂
Please do! Congratulations in advance my man!!!
Carl Murawski thanks Carl!
The bag looks very cool! simple in design, but looks very expensive, high-quality! :)
Exactly, it just oozes class!
A pocket on the outside? Just no. No. No. This bag is a masterpiece. I shall own it one day. It's designed just how it's supposed to be
Well you could also get the Articles of Style version which includes an external pocket! The choice is yours, but either way this remains the finest bag I’ve ever reviewed.
Really helpful video. One company I hope at some time you review is J.W. Hulme. If you are interested in reviewing products of this price/quality, I would love to see a review on a company over a hundred years old with similar price points. FYI, I am from Minnesota so I prefer to buy Minnesota products when possible, hence my suggestion.
Another titan in the leather industry! I almost pulled the trigger on some JW/Allen Edmonds pieces a few years back.
What do you think is the better purchase between the signature duffle in harness belting leather versus the tumbled leather?
A bag for when you step out of the train onto the dusty plains somewhere at the end of the line, ready for new adventures.
Damn, count me in!!!
Carl I am on the fence with this bag and the Satchel-Paige bag you reviewed. Same size. I think I would love the soft leather of the Clegg bag, but I like the Satchi-Paige side pocket for laptop. Can you help break this tie in my brain?
Well the big difference here is the cost to value ratio. The Satchel and Page is a fantastic bag with almost anything you'd ever need. The Frank Clegg is a bit more of a status symbol, and has slightly less capacity overall. I think they're both excellent but if you're looking for the better value go for the Satchel and Page.
Great video. Which do you recommend more…Frank Clegg or Satchel & Page?
You should look at some of Colonel Littleton's bags. Rhey are in a similar price range to Frank Clegg's products, but have a more rustic or antique look. Colonel Littleton's bags look really nice, and i'd be very interested in hearing what you think about them.
I’ve been looking at them for a while now on several peoples recommendation. Do you have any experience with them?
@@CarlMurawski No, unfortunately not. I've been looking at their No. 83 Book Bag for some time, and have been thinking about getting one. I live about an hour away form their store and will probably drive up and take a look at some of their products sometime in the near future.
Hi there. What color is that? Cognac?
How does this stack next the Carl friedrik Palissy Weekend bag?
Honestly, the Frank Clegg Blows away anything from Carl Friedrick
@@CarlMurawski I just finished watching your Carl Friedrik review and read the comments 👍🏾
Very cool! This is just next level by comparison. The Carl Friedrik is nice but the hardware was kinda strange...
Nice bag. Personally I like the, Frank Clegg Hampton travel duffel better. Have you seen that design?
Sometimes, you need to have a break from rough and tough
Exactly.
If you could do it all over again would you still have gone with the signature duffle or would you gotten the compass which is the larger version?
Hey Carl, do you think a duffel like this have any advantages over a spinner for air travel?
2 years on, what are your thoughts on this vs the competition? Do you still own and use it? Also, how about the best (similar) duffle at or around $600?
I do still use this as my go-to duffel and its been around the US with me. Overall it's held up to the high expectations I had, but there are times where I wish it had a bit more capacity. The way the top folds in to zip can reduce the interior volume, but its not enough to make me switch to anything else. For a good option under $600 I'd go with Satchel & Page.
Seems like the disadvantage of that long zipper is that the bag can never seal shut
How would you say the quality compared to Satchel and Page? I've seen some reviews and they look very well made too!
You’re right, they are both very well made and you’d be happy with either. The benefit of Frank Clegg is their leather selection, the fact that they’re made in the USA by a family owned shop, and their long history in leathermaking. Satchel and Page is excellent if you like their leather and design.
@@CarlMurawski do you know where Satchel and Page makes their bags? Very nice videos by the way!
I don’t actually. I know their leather is French, but I’m not sure where the final assembly takes place. I’m assuming it’s not in the US because they’d surely mention it.
What’s your favorite leather color?
I want one.
You won’t regret it!
Looks Amazing
I want enough space for a laptop and jacket - is the small duffle enough or is the signature duffle better
would have loved to see more hands on with the bag itself considering the price
Yea but how much is it
It better be all those things - its 1300USD.
What happened to that bag you where having made?
I just received my bag. Was wondering why the bag in your review has a more textured look. It almost seems like they used harness belting leather for my bag however my order says smooth tumbled leather. Any info would be great thanks.
It’s possible that you just got a different cut of the hide. Is it still really pliable and soft?
Carl Murawski very! Really Smooth as well
How does this bag compare to the Satchel and Page Weekender?
The Frank Clegg is a nicer bag overall, but it’s also much more expensive than the S&P. So if you’re looking for the nicest leather bag money can buy it’s going to be the Frank Clegg, if you’re looking to get an excellent bag which is high value: Satchel and Page won’t disappoint.
Thank you for the answer. It was hard to find this comparison from people who have experience with both. How is the leather quality between the two?
Not a fan of pebbled leather texture.
Very expensive log carrier
Rather look at the bag instead of you!
what the fuck was that lol
this is how you try to get sponsored:P, its cringy
No. You’re making some foolish assumptions.
So, reviewing a product is an immediate attempt to get sponsored? 🤡