A friend of mine had one of their satchels and I liked the look of it but hated the feel and the stitching. So I made a similar one from veg tan lined with pig and hand stitched it. Also used traditional copper rivets and cast brass. Took alot of hours. But I love it.
Totally agree with your assessment. There leather is not bad initially, but instead of becoming a little more malleable like vegetable tanned leather, it simply loses ALL rigidity. Mine wouldn't even stand when open, which is odd considering how wide it is. I had the classic briefcase in dark coffee brown and it did feel a little like plastic, but it being my first experience with a semi-decent bag, I was none the wiser. Now the Norm Cahn I have coming will surely be a different experience!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts...
Thanks so much! I like your opinions and your thoughts on this bag been researching this bag for many months and your way of explaining things kinda wrapped up all of my doubts and am finally able to decide!! Can you do an update please if you still own this bag?! That would be awesome!!
FYI... the Saddleback Old Bull Belt description says it uses vegetable tanned leather. I don't know if any other their products use that or if it's the only one, but the new Mountainback line says it uses Old Bull leather for the leather parts components (though it doesn't mention the type of tanning).
I think this was the most honest and fair review of criticism on a SBL bag. Much more honest and fair. Love the maturity you displayed here. Can’t express enough how rare and nice this is.
Wow, this is so interesting! I completely disagree about the artificial feel or the rigidity issues. I’m curious if that is an artifact of a specific time period of their product, but I’ve owned 5 bags and have not experienced this. I think the poster does a great job of ensuring that he communicates this is a very subjective topic. I don’t like caressing bags, I like not having to think about them at all, then take them on a flight and get tons of compliments. I don’t think any commenter or this poster would disagree that saddleback is great for not having to think about a bag and it still looks unique, indestructible, and lesser processed than other bags with paint, burnishing, and other tricks to make you think the leather is nicer than it real is.
Ironically the sort of "rough" feel of the leather (which James and you are alluding to) is what attracted me to SBP, as opposed to the other (sometimes cheaper) competitors. Most, even high quality leather products including full grain end up having the soft smooth feel and I hate that, it reminds me of cheap plasticy faux leather, or cheaper leathers with overt amount of finishing etc. Somehow because I've encountered so much well done cheap leather the smooth more "exquisite feeling" (Supposedly) leather in my mind ends up being associated with cheapness rather than quality...OTOH the finish you see especially on the tobacco brown products from SBP is reminiscent of those really tough workboots, that you KNOW are made from hardy long lasting materials, and there's just something satisfying about that.
I just bought this satchel and I have an issue with the metal prong on the buckle sticking out when the bag is not full. The only other time it doesn’t stick out is when I happen to be holding the bag from the top handle and the weight of the bag pulls it down or when I happen to use the highest hole to notch the strap. Is this an issue that will go away with use? I hope so.
Great review, I remember a few years ago scanning google images for mens leather bags and seeing a picture of the classic briefcase, for me it just stood out from the rest with its use anywhere styling and dave the owner is such a funny and likable chap. I too prefer vegetable tan leather but as a maker find the price difficult to sell. It takes time to appreciate and understand the subtle differences in leathers although sites like yours will I'm sure inform people. many thanks
Thank you Paul. You are right, there are good things and not so good things about every kind of leather. I'm happy to point out some of these differences in hopes that people can choose what's right for them, without spending a fortune to find out.
thanks for mentioning that. There's a lot of negatives abound on the internet about saddlebag, and mind you they are legit negatives. The leather isn't as good as it used to be, especially given the price for example. But the one thing I will say is, the design of the bags are top notch. A lot of the bags use as little pieces of leather as possible, rather than stitching a bunch of smaller pieces together. The materials: yes the leather isn't top notch but there's no cheap plastics or nylon or anything of the sort, it's all leather. The closures: no magnets, no plastic buckles or those press buckle things, no zippers...it's all old school buckle or go home. YES they're a pain to open and close but there is simply NO equal in terms of longevity. It is a bit of a personal preference tbh, i just dislike zippers so much. And i cannot tell you how many bags around, those made with really good leather and otherwise good construction i've overlooked due to use of magnets or zippers. The first time i encountered this it changed how i shop for bags...it's always been something i've wanted but saddleback bags made me realize that it **is** something i can demand and expect.
I don’t blame you one bit. I am not a fan of chromium tanned leather either. Its great when you first get it, but like marriage, the honeymoon doesn’t last long and it all falls apart, lol.
Kevin lamel I've owned several Marlondo bags in the past. The briefcase I purchased a few years ago and owned until just recently was very well made and used high quality American leather. They are made in China. When I purchased mine they were still handmade by Ma Londo himself, so it would take awhile to get one. Today I believe they are made in a shop by a group of workers as they now seem to be plentiful, but I don't know the exact specifics of production. The leather I thought was much nicer than Saddleback at the time, better surface, better feel, and more supple. I haven't examined their new vegetable tanned leather yet, but I'm really curious!
James Crane thank you for replying back to me. I'm thinking next time Marlondo has a sale for 15% off I'm going to try to get the tobacco winged briefcase in vegetable tanned tobacco I'm hoping this will be a good investment. that gets better with age and can last decades and to be passed down to family
Hey James! Have you heard about Marlondo Leather? I bought one of their double space briefcases and they are absolutely beautiful!! Not to mention they are built like a tank! You should definately check them out if you havent so already.
Yes I have heard of Marlondo leather, I was one of Ma's first customers years ago. I own his small briefcase which is a carbon copy of Saddleback's now retired Small Briefcase. I have not made a video review of it because they no longer make it and have since changed to their own look and design and don't copy exactly stitch for stitch, the Saddleback design any longer, and I dont have a current need to purchase one of their newer designs. Thanks for asking!
I don't understand why some people are criticizing the soft worn leather. That's why most people choose a SBL bag, they become better with age. My SBL briefcase is soft, floppy and worn from traveling around the world. And the more use they get the better they become.
While I agree with most of your assessment of Saddleback, I think your approach to explaining the issues with the leather is misleading. I have no doubt you are aware that one of the advantages of chrome-tanned leather is the POTENTIAL for being softer; veg-tanned leather is great because of its durability and patina time. Still, chrome-tanned leather is potentially better at being softer to the touch when it first arrives. Yes, Saddleback does not get soft chrome-tanned leather, but that does not mean chrome-tanned leather does not have the potential for being super soft. As I said, I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of the leather used by saddleback, and I will not be getting saddleback for that reason, but since many will look to you as an expert on leather, I think some might misinterpret your assessment of chrome-tanned leather. This could lead them to assume all soft leather is veg-tanned and make a decision from that or assume all veg-tanned leather is soft, which it certainly is not (case in point, saddles are veg-tanned and hard as any leather while wallets are often chrome-tanned for the suppleness). As stated earlier, I agree with your love of veg-tanned leather; I just hope people are not confused by the explanation. Anyway, another great and informative video. Keep up the good work. Oh, The funniest part of the video was people thinking you had not heard of Saddleback! Really people? LOL
If you're looking for a vegetable tanned product that is built with incredible workmanship check out my quick review of the Gfeller Diamond Creek Satchel. czcams.com/video/CwOVQcW6qV0/video.html
Excellent video! I am in the market for a new wallet and wanted to know if chrome tanned would last as long as vegetable tanned as far as durability is concerned? Same question as it relates to quality machine stitched versus hand saddle stitched? I don't expect the wallet to last for 50 years, but I also don't want to replace in 12 months. Your thoughts?
A good quality chrome tanned wallet that is machine stitched using nylon or polyester thread and made from full grain leather should give you many years of use, and easily last long enough for you to get tired of using it. ;)
Chrome tanned leather is not bad and it has it's purpose. But bags and luggage should be made from vegetable tanned leather. The other problem is that these are way overpriced. These cost as if they are made in America of Horween or Wickett & Craig veg tanned leather; however, they are not, they are made in Mexico of some chrome tanned leather from a tannery down there. I am not a personal fan of the design: I do not like how in most of them, the strap is so long that it goes under the bag when it is standing, but that being said, I would own something of theirs if they were American made and using American leather.
Dave has specifically said that he likes how chrome goes soft and has designed certain items around that. So if you don't like that don't buy saddleback, it's not hard.
Saddleback may have been competitive once upon a time, but not anymore. For the price of their briefcase, you can find dozens of craftsmen on Etsy who will make a similar product with veg-tanned American leather with American hands, all promising a lifetime or 100 year warranty just like Saddleback.
chrome tanned leather with an outdated design. I just don't understand why Saddleback deserve such high praises. With all due respects, but these are junks.
Think sbl is a complete and utter waste of money. Considering where it’s made, the price, the quality of the leather it’s not worth it. Plus Dave the owner is a wack a doodle.
A friend of mine had one of their satchels and I liked the look of it but hated the feel and the stitching. So I made a similar one from veg tan lined with pig and hand stitched it. Also used traditional copper rivets and cast brass. Took alot of hours. But I love it.
Totally agree with your assessment. There leather is not bad initially, but instead of becoming a little more malleable like vegetable tanned leather, it simply loses ALL rigidity. Mine wouldn't even stand when open, which is odd considering how wide it is. I had the classic briefcase in dark coffee brown and it did feel a little like plastic, but it being my first experience with a semi-decent bag, I was none the wiser. Now the Norm Cahn I have coming will surely be a different experience!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts...
Calvin Green I
Thanks so much! I like your opinions and your thoughts on this bag been researching this bag for many months and your way of explaining things kinda wrapped up all of my doubts and am finally able to decide!! Can you do an update please if you still own this bag?! That would be awesome!!
FYI... the Saddleback Old Bull Belt description says it uses vegetable tanned leather. I don't know if any other their products use that or if it's the only one, but the new Mountainback line says it uses Old Bull leather for the leather parts components (though it doesn't mention the type of tanning).
thanks for sharing. very very informative
I'm enjoying your thorough and very honest reviews, thanks!
Thank you, my pleasure to share the pieces that have merit.
I think this was the most honest and fair review of criticism on a SBL bag. Much more honest and fair. Love the maturity you displayed here. Can’t express enough how rare and nice this is.
Thank you Toni, I'm happy you liked it!
Wow, this is so interesting! I completely disagree about the artificial feel or the rigidity issues. I’m curious if that is an artifact of a specific time period of their product, but I’ve owned 5 bags and have not experienced this. I think the poster does a great job of ensuring that he communicates this is a very subjective topic. I don’t like caressing bags, I like not having to think about them at all, then take them on a flight and get tons of compliments. I don’t think any commenter or this poster would disagree that saddleback is great for not having to think about a bag and it still looks unique, indestructible, and lesser processed than other bags with paint, burnishing, and other tricks to make you think the leather is nicer than it real is.
Ironically the sort of "rough" feel of the leather (which James and you are alluding to) is what attracted me to SBP, as opposed to the other (sometimes cheaper) competitors. Most, even high quality leather products including full grain end up having the soft smooth feel and I hate that, it reminds me of cheap plasticy faux leather, or cheaper leathers with overt amount of finishing etc. Somehow because I've encountered so much well done cheap leather the smooth more "exquisite feeling" (Supposedly) leather in my mind ends up being associated with cheapness rather than quality...OTOH the finish you see especially on the tobacco brown products from SBP is reminiscent of those really tough workboots, that you KNOW are made from hardy long lasting materials, and there's just something satisfying about that.
I just bought this satchel and I have an issue with the metal prong on the buckle sticking out when the bag is not full. The only other time it doesn’t stick out is when I happen to be holding the bag from the top handle and the weight of the bag pulls it down or when I happen to use the highest hole to notch the strap. Is this an issue that will go away with use? I hope so.
Great review, I remember a few years ago scanning google images for mens leather bags and seeing a picture of the classic briefcase, for me it just stood out from the rest with its use anywhere styling and dave the owner is such a funny and likable chap. I too prefer vegetable tan leather but as a maker find the price difficult to sell. It takes time to appreciate and understand the subtle differences in leathers although sites like yours will I'm sure inform people. many thanks
Thank you Paul. You are right, there are good things and not so good things about every kind of leather. I'm happy to point out some of these differences in hopes that people can choose what's right for them, without spending a fortune to find out.
thanks for mentioning that. There's a lot of negatives abound on the internet about saddlebag, and mind you they are legit negatives. The leather isn't as good as it used to be, especially given the price for example. But the one thing I will say is, the design of the bags are top notch. A lot of the bags use as little pieces of leather as possible, rather than stitching a bunch of smaller pieces together. The materials: yes the leather isn't top notch but there's no cheap plastics or nylon or anything of the sort, it's all leather. The closures: no magnets, no plastic buckles or those press buckle things, no zippers...it's all old school buckle or go home. YES they're a pain to open and close but there is simply NO equal in terms of longevity. It is a bit of a personal preference tbh, i just dislike zippers so much. And i cannot tell you how many bags around, those made with really good leather and otherwise good construction i've overlooked due to use of magnets or zippers. The first time i encountered this it changed how i shop for bags...it's always been something i've wanted but saddleback bags made me realize that it **is** something i can demand and expect.
Excellent video
I don’t blame you one bit. I am not a fan of chromium tanned leather either. Its great when you first get it, but like marriage, the honeymoon doesn’t last long and it all falls apart, lol.
James do you have any opinion about Marlando now here's a vegetable tanned option and they are similar style to Saddleback
Kevin lamel I've owned several Marlondo bags in the past. The briefcase I purchased a few years ago and owned until just recently was very well made and used high quality American leather. They are made in China. When I purchased mine they were still handmade by Ma Londo himself, so it would take awhile to get one. Today I believe they are made in a shop by a group of workers as they now seem to be plentiful, but I don't know the exact specifics of production. The leather I thought was much nicer than Saddleback at the time, better surface, better feel, and more supple. I haven't examined their new vegetable tanned leather yet, but I'm really curious!
James Crane thank you for replying back to me. I'm thinking next time Marlondo has a sale for 15% off I'm going to try to get the tobacco winged briefcase in vegetable tanned tobacco I'm hoping this will be a good investment. that gets better with age and can last decades and to be passed down to family
They're having a sale right now until June 20th for Father's Day. Code DAD15 for 15% off.
What do you think of the Nut Sac bag?
"It’s not something I would like to be seen carrying.”
they are selling veg tann briefcase now. toda should be the last day. get it quicky
How hard was it to install that eyelet? I thought about doing the same on my classic briefcase.
It is very easy to install, simply get and use an inexpensive eyelet setting tool.
Do you happen to know what size eyelet you used?
It's a 1/4 inch eyelet, it won't work if you use anything smaller.
+James Crane Thanks for the info! Did you have to enlarge the existing hole to make the eyelet fit, or were you able to push it through?
You have to enlarge the hole a bit, then push it through, you want it to be a snug fit.
Hey James!
Have you heard about Marlondo Leather? I bought one of their double space briefcases and they are absolutely beautiful!! Not to mention they are built like a tank! You should definately check them out if you havent so already.
Yes I have heard of Marlondo leather, I was one of Ma's first customers years ago. I own his small briefcase which is a carbon copy of Saddleback's now retired Small Briefcase. I have not made a video review of it because they no longer make it and have since changed to their own look and design and don't copy exactly stitch for stitch, the Saddleback design any longer, and I dont have a current need to purchase one of their newer designs. Thanks for asking!
I don't understand why some people are criticizing the soft worn leather. That's why most people choose a SBL bag, they become better with age. My SBL briefcase is soft, floppy and worn from traveling around the world. And the more use they get the better they become.
Because this channel is pretentious and a bit arrogant
they just had a limited sale veg tan bags. today is the last day
While I agree with most of your assessment of Saddleback, I think your approach to explaining the issues with the leather is misleading. I have no doubt you are aware that one of the advantages of chrome-tanned leather is the POTENTIAL for being softer; veg-tanned leather is great because of its durability and patina time. Still, chrome-tanned leather is potentially better at being softer to the touch when it first arrives. Yes, Saddleback does not get soft chrome-tanned leather, but that does not mean chrome-tanned leather does not have the potential for being super soft.
As I said, I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of the leather used by saddleback, and I will not be getting saddleback for that reason, but since many will look to you as an expert on leather, I think some might misinterpret your assessment of chrome-tanned leather. This could lead them to assume all soft leather is veg-tanned and make a decision from that or assume all veg-tanned leather is soft, which it certainly is not (case in point, saddles are veg-tanned and hard as any leather while wallets are often chrome-tanned for the suppleness).
As stated earlier, I agree with your love of veg-tanned leather; I just hope people are not confused by the explanation.
Anyway, another great and informative video. Keep up the good work.
Oh, The funniest part of the video was people thinking you had not heard of Saddleback! Really people? LOL
Have you ever heard of The Bridge (thebridge.it/)? I was wondering your thoughts on them.
If you're looking for a vegetable tanned product that is built with incredible workmanship check out my quick review of the Gfeller Diamond Creek Satchel. czcams.com/video/CwOVQcW6qV0/video.html
Excellent video! I am in the market for a new wallet and wanted to know if chrome tanned would last as long as vegetable tanned as far as durability is concerned? Same question as it relates to quality machine stitched versus hand saddle stitched? I don't expect the wallet to last for 50 years, but I also don't want to replace in 12 months. Your thoughts?
A good quality chrome tanned wallet that is machine stitched using nylon or polyester thread and made from full grain leather should give you many years of use, and easily last long enough for you to get tired of using it. ;)
Thank you!
Chrome tanned leather is not bad and it has it's purpose. But bags and luggage should be made from vegetable tanned leather. The other problem is that these are way overpriced. These cost as if they are made in America of Horween or Wickett & Craig veg tanned leather; however, they are not, they are made in Mexico of some chrome tanned leather from a tannery down there. I am not a personal fan of the design: I do not like how in most of them, the strap is so long that it goes under the bag when it is standing, but that being said, I would own something of theirs if they were American made and using American leather.
Wait, is Saddleback Chrome tanned? They claim on their website that their products are vegetable tanned.
To my knowledge Saddleback has never claimed that their leather is vegetable tanned.
James Crane You are right. I probably misread that somewhere. I just watched their leather tanning process, they use chrome.
Dave has specifically said that he likes how chrome goes soft and has designed certain items around that. So if you don't like that don't buy saddleback, it's not hard.
I think Dave appreciates feedback as well rather than just not buying his products.
Veg tanned 100%.
Saddleback is the equivalent of purchasing a men's suit from Sears...I love James' reviews...
Saddleback may have been competitive once upon a time, but not anymore. For the price of their briefcase, you can find dozens of craftsmen on Etsy who will make a similar product with veg-tanned American leather with American hands, all promising a lifetime or 100 year warranty just like Saddleback.
"It’s not something I would like to be seen carrying.” Classic!
Talk about taking things out of context
chrome tanned leather with an outdated design. I just don't understand why Saddleback deserve such high praises. With all due respects, but these are junks.
I think Saddleback is way overrated.
Think sbl is a complete and utter waste of money. Considering where it’s made, the price, the quality of the leather it’s not worth it. Plus Dave the owner is a wack a doodle.