Looking for a leather messenger bag

Nice65 · Mar 11, 2023

Any help appreciated. Madam has requested a need for a leather messenger bag, and I’ve no idea where to look. All my knowledge is in 5.11 and Maxpedition nylon, but she’s after similar organisation in a softish leather. Her carry will be books, A4 journal, notepad, Kindle, pens, iPad mini or 11” iPad, not sure yet but the old mini is looking a bit beat up and can’t be upgraded.

No doubt other stuff will get chucked in so easy compartments (not too many, she ‘lost’ her passport after a few drinks in Benidorm and we couldn’t check into the hotel until she found it in her Maxpedition Versipack.)

She’s not too interested in canvas and doesn’t want the nylon.

As it‘s a family birthday present, budget is around £300.

MaC · Mar 11, 2023

At that price why not ask for a custom piece ?

I have one of Jim Smith's......old now, but has lasted beautifully well. It's not on the site now, but they do custom work.

Caledonian Creations.

Leather Bags > BS5 - Caledonian Creations

www.leathersporran.co.uk

I don't know of other companies to suggest.
For a lady's bag though, does she have a favourite company ? I like Tula, what does Madam like ?

noddy · Mar 11, 2023

Try Bree vintage on ebay … their veg tan stuff is a delight from 80s and 90s and frequently in good shape. Coach, Amberg etc too. I had a ton in my ebay account until I found one I wanted. But deleted the links only recently. Really helpful, I know.

Saint-Just · Mar 11, 2023

Timbuk2

Not leather but possibly the best messenger bag in the world. You used to be able to design your own, too.

noddy · Mar 12, 2023

Also add ‘shrink leather’ to your terms. There’s a nice Yohji Yamamoto on the bay now

BorderReiver · Mar 12, 2023

The folk on ETSY do some nice stuff.

Nice65 · Mar 12, 2023

Thanks all. Apologies, I’ve been pretty much on no signal for the last couple of days, just about able to have a look in but replying or browsing has been too much of a PITA.

I’m looking at the Etsy stuff, some of it‘s pretty good. Thinking of maybe contacting Geoff or Dougster and looking into custom stuff.

Im thinking this sort of thing. But what I’m thinking and what she’s thinking are often worlds apart

Heathbold Lancastrian Handmade Leather Satchel Bag. Free - Etsy UK

This Messenger Bags item by HeathboldBags has 2274 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from United Kingdom. Listed on 12 Mar, 2023

www.etsy.com

I got sidetracked already and have a genuine Mk V11 gas mask bag with leather strap Indiana Jones bag on the way ffs!

MaC · Mar 12, 2023

Crikey those bags are cheap !
I followed the link and there's a huge range of really nice looking bags for half the price I pay for a wee handbag :confused:

Nice65 · Mar 12, 2023

MaC said:
Crikey those bags are cheap !
I followed the link and there's a huge range of really nice looking bags for half the price I pay for a wee handbag

They are fairly cheap. I reckon a lot of them are mass produced abroad and being sold on as handmade, bespoke, vintage etc. Mind you, that’s not to say your handbags aren’t. For the amount of use it’s going to get if it’s anything like her other bags, it’s not going to get worn out very quickly. On the other hand, she deserves something a bit nice, it’s a big birthday. I’d like a leather journal made, I might have to go to a maker for that.

These old gas mask bags aren’t cheap. I must be mad, I haven’t bought much other than some 5.11 boots recently, but how I’ve convinced myself I need an 80yr old canvas bag for £40 I’ve no idea.

MK7 Original Indiana Jones MKVII Indy shoulder Bag with Leather Strap

MK7 Original Indiana Jones shoulder Bag with Leather Strap These are last of the original WW2 unissued MKVII gas mask bag made in England 1941-1942 you will ever see as most now offered by other Retailers are reproducuions made in China. This is the same model of bag used by Indiana Jones in the...

www.sofmilitary.co.uk

Quarterstaff · Mar 12, 2023

Those Mk VII’s are good bags, I’ve got a Mk VI I’ve put a leather strap on.

Regards your gift, have you looked at Saddleback leather? Not sure what the prices are like now but I have one their wallets, brilliant quality, must be 10years old now and still going strong. US company so of course there’s the dreaded extra!

Nice65 · Mar 12, 2023

Thanks mate, I needed a little reassuring pat on the back. :rofl:

noddy · Mar 13, 2023

Take care with the cheaper stuff on etsy. Its a bit like the things you see in little ethnic craft shops or Greek tourist markets. Try and see it ahead of time. Affordable, yes. But the finishes arent consistent and it may well pong.