Buying a Leather Bag? Look for These 3 Things

[@robertosmmjlist]

As someone getting into leather goods reviews myself this is the gold standard! Thank you Modest Man!

[@nickremen1963]

The name “genuine leather “ is misleading. I’ve been leather crafting for years, never heard this term from any craftsmen... It might be a marketing thing and this is how they’re calling the bonded leather🤷🏼‍♂️... I would say that besides the grades the main thing to know for a consumer is the difference between veg tan leather and chrome tan leather. Sure there’re many different kinds of each type and each grade. BTW there’re not only two grades that were mentioned in the video

[@SuperBigBallzzz]

I like how you keep sponsor info minimum and always provide useful tips in your videos. Thank you for the quality contents

[@neiritanuki2072]

Agreed. 1. The made-in Japan YKK zippers are example of high quality and are used in luxury brand bags and small leather goods including Hermes, Louis Vuitton, etc. 2. Avoid genuine leather because those are the worst type of leather you can find in cow. ;)

[@nickremen1963]

Neiri Tanuki Hermès is using Riri. I do work with hardware suppliers and most of them say that YKK quality is actually a bit better then Riri, but Riri does better marketing so they got the reputation of the best quality zippers

[@tsukitohateru]

When I heard about the the YKK brand in the video, I was happy to know that my leather jacket has zippers with that logo. Is it safe to assume that my jackets are made out of real leather? I don't care if it's made from genuine leather, so long as it's not faux leather, as I've paid quite the high price for it. Isn't it a no brainer just to put YKK manufactured zippers on the said leather product just to deceive people so as to make them think it's real?

[@kathci5]

You probably won't see this comment but another vital thing I want to add is to LOOK OUT FOR THE GLUING or the way the handle is constructed. A lot of brands will cut corners by applying a low-quality glue which will eventually fall apart in no time, as shown in your own example. Better yet, if the handles on the bags have the leather tucked under each other and stitched so that there's no glue needed. Thank you so much for the informative tips!

[@Snail_Nailz]

Actual advice starts @ 2:13 (for anyone interested in getting right to it...)

[@18.1Productions]

honestly the jfold messenger is a great choice if you're on a budget. 30 bucks is a damn steal for that bag. I've had mine for years and it still holds up

[@RollModel724]

Full grain is best, but genuine leather is leather. It is just a different layer. Sometimes it is better to get a small company and have them make you your bag than spend $500 for a messenger bag. There are some great bags out there in the $100 range.

[@jaredtandle2596]

Full grain leather is the whole thickness of the hide. Top grain is the hide shaved down and the best part is what's used, they will take the left over and emboss it and call it genuine leather. From what I understand so far. I'm sure I'll hear about it if I'm wrong

[@wilsjane]

You are generally correct, except that full grain leather is not always the full thickness of the hide, particularly in clothing. If it was, your leather jacket would be as thick and stiff as a pair of DM boots. However, both full and top grain leather is the outer surface of the animal, which like human skin is where all the strength is. While it breathes, it does not soak water up like a sponge. Full grain has the original texture, which varies across the skin, so needs to be matched up on adjoining panels. Top grain is lightly sanded, then may be embossed evenly if required. This makes it the first choice for clothing, which with full grain could end up looking like a patchwork quilt. Needless to say, the quality of the tanning and finishing also makes a huge difference. The health and age of the animal is another important factor. Dairy leather, where the animal is older and carefully fed to produce the milk, is one of the better qualities. You also need to consider what you need a bag for. If you use it when you go on holiday once a year, it is stupid to pay £500 plus, but if you are an airline pilot or flight crew member, it is a different story.

[@Mantelligence]

Awesome video Brock. GREAT point about genuine leather

[@BrockMcGoff]

+Mantelligence thanks! Been loving the new vids, keep it up 👏

[@cutepoke1995]

Don’t forget women also like leather bags like these ones. I’m in the market for a good solid leather backpack right now :) one that will last me a lifetime. The 2 I’m interested in particular or either pull up the roots Granville backpack (the roots student pack and central pack are also wonderful) or a saddleback the ones of them that interested me are the squared or front pocket. I recommend checking them out both brands are amazing. Roots will run you 280 and saddle back will run you 500.

[@BrockMcGoff]

Here's what to look for when buying a leather bag (hint: check the zippers first). Thanks again to LeDaveed for the awesome bag! You can get $25 off using this link - ledaveed.com/discount/MODESTMAN

[@lakendallmadlock8645]

The Modest Man great video. I really enjoyed it. I have two questions however. What book do you recommend or like that is about style but a modern style? And also when buying sunglasses is it necessary for them to match your outfit?

[@euphoria156]

thats ALL they sell?? 4 bags?!

[@adrianmark613]

Another word of Genuine is Authentic.. The term 'genuine leather' is just a fancy or 'nice to hear' word to represent a layer or part of the leather that doesnt come with full grain layer or top grain layer... If a crafter or seller selling a leather product that made from the lower layer or not so good layer, it would be better to say it is made from genuine leathee., instead of its made from the lower quality leather.. People that doesnt know about this would just buy a genuine leather because genuine is authentic.

[@AdviceWithErin]

Love a good leather bag 💼 ❤️

[@bitonkhan5848]

I have lader bag factory

[@thegamerbard]

this was very helpful I plan on moving and downsizing soon and will need a bag to store some important things as I go I had no clue the differences in leather thank you all

[@PhillipDrumz]

What’s your thought on satchel and page leather back pack?

[@josephs3973]

Comparing Genuine Leather to particle board is misleading. Genuine Leather would be more akin to maybe plywood, while Bonded Leather would be more like particle board.

[@nadimsiddiqui2722]

Hi Thank you so much for your insightful feedback on leather bags. That's actually helpful! I just wanted your advice on one kind of bag and that is frilled or bag with frills. Everywhere I could see it's been recommended for ladies, is that so? Not unisex at all? I had a picture of a frilled one but can't post it here.

[@brucewillisvonhinten1417]

The Frank clegg signature duffle bag is the best money can buy - just ordered one

[@BlueJazzBoyNZ]

Why don't leather courier/ messenger bags have a replaceable bottom wear strip ?

[@Mradrianodeco]

Great video, I loved the explanation on the leather grade...

[@slavsquench7693]

I paid 115$ for a full grain weekenden bag on etsy, sergiuo rogetti or something. I'm super pleased with it.

[@Ikari777]

BROCK You killed it brother. I thought this was a great and very well done and simple but informative video! I try and educate people on the crap that is 'Genuine leather' also and explain it in detail as you have done here. Good stuff man!

[@BrockMcGoff]

Thank you, sir! Yeah, what a misleading term. Whoever came up with it is an evil genius...

[@Ikari777]

The Modest Man I did have one of those rare moments though of amazing leather and construction but low quality metals. Very outside the norm but while adopting my children in Ethiopia I bought a bag from a local company. I noted the softer brass used but the fullgrain leather was stunning and stitching immaculate! It was a steal at $200 and also had the added benefit of helping support women with HIV and AIDS and help them earn for their families!

[@BrockMcGoff]

Sounds like an amazing purchase and a great cause!

[@Ikari777]

The Modest Man Agreed!

[@Aksamadaw]

What about cowhide leather bags Is it good or not??

[@andrewclark6822]

I like this video because it's different than a lot of Style videos I have seen recently. Unique info is always appreciated.

[@jasonmormando2570]

I like rugged/rustic gear - recently got a Buffalo Jackson Roosevelt duffle - most incredible leather and hearty construction of all makers.

[@deepdiver849]

Awesome ! Do you have any video about various men’s wallet styles?

[@reverendbluejeans1748]

At least with Genuine Leather they make it easy by advertising it.

[@Year-tk9ii]

Thanks Brook! I learned a lot. I have a Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club leather bag. Now i know it's not made of full grain leather, it' just a genuine leather bag. Ur explanation helped me a lot in choosing the leather bag am gonna buy soon. Id prefer a full grain. Thanks much!

[@LiveOmkar]

Hey wats up brock ✋ here at my place same way we greet ppl by lifting hand just like u did in the start of the video & Very informative video by mr brock he seems to have very good knowledge about leather and stuff

[@deziderziga1484]

What about top grain leather?

[@BrockMcGoff]

Better than genuine, not as good as full grain, but perfect for some use cases.

[@deziderziga1484]

@@BrockMcGoff it's a shoulder bag, I read top grain can last from 10 to 15 years. Also what leather would you use for a wallet?

[@BrockMcGoff]

@@deziderziga1484 well not all top grain is created equal. It's like asking "is red wine good?" Depends where it's from, who made it, how much it cost to produce, etc. I'd prefer full grain for any leather goods.

[@deziderziga1484]

@@BrockMcGoff it's hard to find, do you know any good leather companies for bags or wallets etc.?

[@deziderziga1484]

@@BrockMcGoff BTW the bag I want to buy is from Delton Bags. Do you know this company?

[@BG-lo1vi]

What kind of leather is Vince Camuto "layla leather hobo handbag"???

[@raj-sidhu]

Are you wearing the SKX 007 from Seiko

[@BrockMcGoff]

013 👌🏼

[@chocolatepinkfins]

How about polished pebble leather is that good?

[@JinKee]

6:26 is that different from the pebbled leather in the bag under review?

[@tsukitohateru]

When I heard about the the YKK brand in the video, I was happy to know that my leather jacket has zippers with that logo. Is it safe to assume that my jackets are made out of real leather? I don't care if it's made from genuine leather, so long as it's not faux leather, as I've paid quite the high price for it. Isn't it a no brainer just to put YKK manufactured zippers on the said leather product just to deceive people so as to make them think it's real?

[@timsmotorcyclediary]

When you buy quality you never regret it afterwards. There's no buyer's remorse. You still have to do your homework though unless you can afford to buy your mistakes.

[@sixpackyoung9698]

The linked website shows the bag looks very common, your video shows it better, it looks more soft, more stylish, one more stripe at the front. I want to buy it but not anymore after seeing the linked site. They must have changed the style.

[@andrewdaveeddale9066]

Nope! We didn't change our style, but sometimes, video is able to show the texture a bit better than photography!

[@ABUTARI70]

Thanks for the heads up on 'genuine leather'

[@jasonm129]

I so needed this video, I'm in the process of buying luggage and was totally unsure of it all lol

[@BrockMcGoff]

+Jason M. nice, get a good one!

[@mr.informal3669]

It is actually common to see low grade leather with high quality zippers. Not only that talon and YKK both have high quality zipper quality, just depends on the grade. Shinola has the carryall that has such a supple full grain leather but expensive. The color of that duffel in your video is chocolate like but I would like to see it in bourbon or brown.

[@andrewdaveeddale9066]

Hi there - we now have it in Chestnut! ledaveed.com/products/the-travel-duffle?variant=7429869862971

[@Binhsu_]

Hello, would you recommend buying a Shinola Detroit leather bag? I'd like to buy the "LARGE CARRYALL", but I can't research online how good their leather are. thanks for a reply in advance.

[@BrockMcGoff]

Wouldn’t be my first choice since that brand doesn’t specialize in leather goods or bags.

[@MahlonWhite]

wow.. I heard the term "genuine leather" and started running with that in my searching because, well.. it made sense! lol. how shitty is that from marketers?! thank you for educating me about needing full grain leather! i've been in the market for a black leather backpack that will be my EDC and be able to hold a 15" laptop. wanting to elevate my style and buy something that will last me a long while, if not my whole life. i'm currently looking at the leatherology parker backpack. simple and sleek just found your channel off this video! great content. i will definitely be tapping in for more videos man

[@The_Zilli]

the genuine leather comment that he made is incorrect - genuine leather can also include full grain as well. I suggest you look up some more videos about the topic. It sounds like he is talking about Bonded Leather rather than genuine.

[@Dave-jv3th]

Perhaps you would know how this bag compares to the Korchmar "Twain"?

[@chadwelty]

I just bought a Mahi bag I had to come back here and let everyone know they are awesome!!!!! Don't waste your money on anything else

[@errlski]

Interesting review as I am in the market for a great quality duffel bag. Personal comments: - having feet installed at the bottom to provide better stability - for the asking price for this product I would appreciate a lifetime warranty from the company that would like to specialise on this leather bag.

[@Severityni]

Hi I'm just wondering that what kind of leather bag should I buy for high school? Do you guys have any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[@ChopTheViking]

Genuine Leather is the "military grade" of leather 😂

[@drock6335]

knowledgeable explaining the difference of leather thank you appreciate it. I just started leather work for myself. And there is a lot to learn.. but this will help

[@J_Dukes]

What's your opinion on tiding leather backpacks/briefcases I know they're made in China but look like they're pretty high quality I just bought one I got a deal on and hoping I didn't buy junk

[@yourwisecousinjoe8841]

I use my Adidas bags...absolutely love it. Its under $30. 😏😏😏

[@BrockMcGoff]

I have an Adidas gym bag, love it. Wouldn’t take it to the airport though.

[@marlon.iraheta]

Thank you very much for this informative video. 😀

[@daovu6539]

Can anyone answer me what kind of leather are Fossil's leather products made of ? Top-grain or full-grain ?

[@nathanjames8722]

The modest man how long should a field jacket be. I'm 5ft 7.

[@BrockMcGoff]

+Nathan James shouldn't go past the bottom of your butt.

[@nathanjames8722]

Thanks Themodestman

[@jorgerosas5138]

Just saw this video. Great job. What is your opinion on MAHI Leather bags? It’s what I can afford at the moment

[@Skabet88]

@the modest man What colour is the bag in the video?

[@kennethboehnen271]

wood

[@p430257]

What is a 100% leather?

[@AverageNiceGuy]

Thank you 👍

[@liapastohrias697]

I wish I knew the quality of Rag and Bone leather, they don't specify where it's from. I have to assume it's decent quality.

[@Dave-jv3th]

interesting but I thought you would showcase more than one bag. Any other brands similar in craftsmanship but a bit larger in terms of capacity?

[@CIAG4PNP]

is Texbo high quality ? Hard to find the truth these days. Thank you

[@roberto2238]

Thanks.

[@aikidragonpiper71]

Any opinions on expensive non leather back packs and bags like Trakke ?

[@timsummers870]

Cool. I didn't know about this zipper company, Riri. I visited their website after watching this video and their stuff does look high quality. They're Swiss as well, which means they automatically earn my trust.

[@01pigoso]

Always look at the handle. The Best artisan leather bags have a leather strip sewn in, connecting two edges of the handle. Avoid horrible plastic strips glued into the edges of the handle and other parts of the bag where two leather details meet. The plastic will break in no time, leaving the bag looking horrible.

[@Nico8847]

As a leather smith, I can say it means nothing if you have the best hardware with the best leather, if the stitching is of poor quality. Hand stitched items will all ways be superior to machine stitching. Where machine stitches will run if a stitch brakes, it will not happen if the item is hand stitched using saddle stitching.

[@H.M_Khan]

Any recommendations for a messenger bag?

[@lydiagrace178]

The Messenger by MAHI Leather is pretty good, has a 15" laptop capacity. Made with full grain leather, not just 'genuine' lol

[@reverendbluejeans1748]

This could help me buy women handbags too.

[@calideeholmes6822]

Awesome video... very informative and to the point... thx. ...new subscriber... soooo sharing this

[@BrockMcGoff]

+CALIDEE HOLMES thank you!

[@moonlightstripess]

What if it is called bridle leather?

[@BrockMcGoff]

Never heard of that...

[@moonlightstripess]

@@BrockMcGoff Oh one bag from roots stated that it used bridle leather. But I did noticed that most of the leather bags they have use full-grain italian leather.

[@nerdio1]

It's interesting that someone reviewing leather products has never heard of bridle leather...? There are many different types of tanning processes, and they produce different types of leather, arguably the best of which is Veg. tan, or vegetable tanning. This uses natural materials such as wood, bark, and other organic matter to tan the leather. Each tannery will have it's own "secret" recipe, but the best ones have been developed over long periods of time. The process does not remove or damage important molecules from the leathers that assist in it's strength and durability (collagen etc.). Veg tanning is a significantly longer process than chrome tanning, and is therefore more costly. Bridle Leather is a type of veg tan that was developed for horse tack (horse bridles) centuries ago and is often "stuffed" with greases and waxes. It is strong and flexible. Some well known/high qualitiy tanneries include Wickett and Craig (USA), Sepici (Turkey), Sedgwick (UK $$$) and many others. If a company doesn't list the leather type and specific tannery it's from, chances are it is not good. There are hundreds of tanneries in Italy...saying it's Italian leather means about as much as saying a wine is French. It could be a cheap house wine, or a bottle of Domaine Romanee Conti. The latter will tell you a lot about the wine, including the region, type of grape etc, where the former may just say red table wine.

[@jenrich111]

Just bought small I Santi Ostrich bag in tan. Enjoyed vid. Hardware is important. Leather bags last decade where faux leather disintegrates within decade. Waste of $

[@ryanlee354]

wants a leather over the shoulder bag but also only owns one dress shirt... priorities...

[@BrockMcGoff]

+Ryan Lee the struggle is real.

[@Ali_Makki]

is luciano leather good

[@jauharbilal4294]

Good work....... Thanks.

[@gr8o2h2o]

OK, I need to go to a bag rehab now!!!

[@dsingh9090]

me too

[@takmaeda7936]

Ive been searching for a good leather bag. Youve read my mind Brock!

[@BrockMcGoff]

+Tak Maeda 👍🏻

[@daveed5878]

We're happy to help you out, Tak. Use MODESTMAN75OFF for $75 off your Adjustable Travel Duffle or Slim Briefcase. - Andrew Dale, Founder, LeDaveed

[@kevintimothy6662]

I can make good quality leather bags. at affordable price just. e mail me at [e-mail]

[@nathanhunt9105]

Have any suggestions or reviews for any specific ones or other manufacturers?

[@BrockMcGoff]

Check out Carl Murawski. He knows more about leather bags than anyone I’ve met - kzbin.info/door/b3fJ09Jw2nUX9TpSiUNBQw

[@KingPharroh]

So what does it mean when a company says its bag is made with cross grain leather ?

[@christopherlagasse5363]

What about Mahi Leather? My bag just came in and the quality is great - full grain leather, brass buckles, cotton interior.

[@christopherlagasse5363]

Don't get me wrong - this was a very informative video. I really liked it! The only thing is the possible controversy in the word "ethical". There just may be some people who view the whole full grain leather as unethical to the animals. But to each his own - so I can totally understand if people choose to buy man-made leather instead. That wouldn't of probably be the only thing I'd add to the video.

[@christopherlagasse5363]

*would

[@BrockMcGoff]

+Christopher Lagasse good point. For vegans, any type of leather would be considered unethical. I guess I assumed that anyone watching this video is interested in buying leather and, therefore, is not vegan.

[@awakeningwolf]

Christopher Lagasse following . I would hope you do a review after a year or 2 years of use, im eyeing on mahi...

[@michaelG2310]

I have a Mahi oil tanned barrel weekend bag and it's great for the price point. Quality material and styling. There are some details that don't compare to more expensive brands such as no burnishing on the edge of the leather or raw edges where some of the seams meet. This is mostly on the inside or just not in plain sight. Overall, it's a quality entry-level leather bag.

[@xaviercobian6]

i just got myslef a POLO FEILUN Men's Messenger Bag Classic Vintage coming in 4 days lol

[@jeromelbbs9592]

I fell for genuine leather because it says 'genuine'. Hahaha!

[@lydiagrace178]

Please review a MAHI Leather bag!

[@nicolasdikenstein6102]

Even if your tips are good advises it's always a bit tricky to trust someone who have a sponsor from a bag company 😞 but I liked your video

[@SimonaShine]

I was just on the point of buying a "leather" wallet when I looked closer at the details. It did not look like real leather and if it was,it was really low quality (if that exists?)

[@albertom.1777]

Very helpfull thanks! I keep learning lots of interesting things from your videos ;) saluti dall'Italia, ciao!

[@BrockMcGoff]

+Alberto M. Thanks for watching!

[@joemenendez7623]

you got genuine leather confused with bonded leather... what you said would have been 100% right if you meant bonded leather, but they're two completely different things

[@BrockMcGoff]

+Joe Menendez genuine leather is often misused to describe bonded or pressed leather. There aren’t any regulations around these terms. The point is, avoid genuine leather.

[@dekomons]

Came here because I'm planning on investing on good leather bags and I was actually looking at genuine leather. Oh boy am I so wrong. Good thing I come here first 😂😂

[@naeemraza7928]

Deko Mori hi

[@amill1563]

People that see you with this bag will think you are a quality person.

[@spyker603]

I use paper bag, eco friendly, and cheap!!

[@tannerop8220]

I use no bag

[@hwdareu5848]

I use toilet paper

[@Bairdjacob76]

Genuine leather is not cheap leather. Genuine means real. It may be a thin layer glued to cardboard but it’s still genuine leather. You usually get what you pay for. Just be smart.

[@kevingooniah6646]

Great tips!

[@yadai54]

So it’s basically a well made affiliate commercial for ladaveed ;)

[@BrockMcGoff]

Except I’m not an affiliate for LeDaveed. I don’t get paid if you buy a bag.

[@yadai54]

The Modest Man I didn’t mean it as a bad thing. you’re doing a great job!

[@BrockMcGoff]

No worries, just wanted to clarify. There’s a difference between sponsored and affiliate.

[@danielroy8041]

Sorry mate but real YKK Zippers are the most Long lasting trustworthy zippers there is. I mean I’ve got a leather jacket and about two leather bags, A leather duffel bag and a leather backpack, They both have YKK Zippers, and I can assure you they are still going strong and look great after nearly 17 years. I Reiterate what I say ( REAL ) not fake imitation shit From some knockoff Chinese factory.

[@BrockMcGoff]

YKK are great, but Riri are better.

[@sasproductions701]

im sick of zips. they break on my adidas snowboarding jacket that cost me £150 or so and then ive bought 2 nikesb RPM back packs as i skateboard and the flipping zippers went again. so im after a black leather flap over top with magnet buttons or tie or buckle as such. not a fucking stupid invention of a zip when others are better.

[@romarioseaton168]

Make a video about PU bags or imitation leather

[@green823jade]

Alfred Dunhill

[@garnettjohnson5652]

Buying a Genuine Leather is like buying 10K gold. It's not what they're telling you......its not anything in the name.

[@Trollypolly975]

That bag is actually pretty mediocre. All of the metal components aren't really high quality. They can easily be found in the garment district, they are used constantly in samples. And one more thing, riri zippers or YKK zippers are widely used for samples as well. Obtaining customized Riri or Ykk is what screams quality.

[@mistermatsuda]

Why did they go with full grain leather, riri zips and a nylon strap? One corner cut! Frank Clegg is the way to go if you want no corner cutting.

[@BrockMcGoff]

I actually prefer nylon straps. They're comfy and don't transfer color.

[@jasonm129]

What brand would you recommend for a $200-$300 price range?

[@jasonm129]

Weekender bag or duffle

[@BrockMcGoff]

I think this list from Dappered is pretty solid (not all leather, but still many great choices in your price range) - dappered.com/2016/05/best-looking-affordable-weekend-bags-for-men-2016/

[@goude19]

Jason M. I would say check mahi leather!

[@dmitrixallo7072]

Turns out my bag and jacket are from genuine leather