Can anyone recommend some good leather bag brands that use full grain leather for their products? I want something that can last a lifetime. My budget is at max RM2,000. I would prefer an underrated brand rather than the typical popular brands that are overpriced. The metal hardware is also important, like whether they use YYK or Riri zippers. I want to get a leather duffle bag as a weekender bag and a carry-on for flights. Thanks

Perhaps it's better to let us know what kind of aesthetic are you after? Because there is good full grain leather, and there is bad full grain leather.


https://nstarleather.wordpress.com/2018/05/...bout-is-a-myth/

https://mahileather.com/

Thanks for enlightening me on the myth of leather grades and how to actually gauge leather quality . I've heard of chromexcel leather and shell cordovan but didn't look at it in depth.

I'm looking for a matte black kind of finish or a pebble grain sort of finish. I don't want the kind of shiny look that u get from some leathers. My budget is around RM2000. Is there any brands that have duffle bags in this price range? Any brand stores in malaysia that source their leather from top leather tanneries? Something that can last a lifetime (my Toscano leather folder is 20 years old now, passed down from my parents).

Here are two versions of bags that I am interested in. This is the exact design that I want, but I want a brand that is lesser known but also high quality. There are many underrated brands im sure. Any suggestions?

https://www.coach.com/coach-explorer-bag/59...r_color=QB%2FBK

https://www.coach.com/coach-explorer-bag-52...r_color=QB%2FBK

If 2k isn't realistic, maybe I can increase it to 3k.

Thanks for the recommendation. They have a lot of variety. I will consider this. But I would rather have a physical store or something I can try out locally. If I can't find anything in malaysia, then I'll try to order it online.

dunnue if i can help but try search for filson bag. its not cheap but i think its in ur price range.

as for chromexcel and shell cordovan... prepare to fork out a lot more especially the shell cordovan.

You generally won't find that style of bag in shell. Shells are too small. Chromexcel is a product line developed by Horween. There is the original chromexcel, and a few variants like their Cavalier.
Some background reading:
https://www.horween.com/blog/2010/03/23/chr...2?rq=chromexcel

Here you can see how many Horween leathers are NOT full grain. Yet I can tell you that ALL their leathers are high quality.
https://www.horween.com/tannages

You can check out Pesakraf. He's one of the few local craftsmen that I know that makes bags that big. It will have to be bespoke though.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU8fNtUjeiS/?ut...id=edt9n1vadtwd

Yeah, I think I've set my expectations too high, I want something rather basic for now. Pesakraf's products look damn good!! But for now, since I don't know what are the specifics that I want yet, like pocket placements, size etc, I don't think I'll get a custom piece first. Can u recommended any brands that are more readily available? Like some brand that I can find in a shopping mall?

Btw, thanks again for your input. Your knowledge is greatly appreciated. I'm just a newbie with leather goods and stuff. Hopefully I can gain more knowledge and become an enthusiast of sorts. Haha

Nice brand, they sell a lot of outdoor gear as well. I love fishing and camping, so I'll look into their other products. But their duffle bags aren't my taste.

You could always let the crafter decide on details.

Readily available in malls...never seen any.

Maybe Dunhill KLCC? Overpriced though IMO.
https://www.dunhill.com/my/men/holdalls-totes

I use a Filson canvas briefcase to work and I love it. If their style is not to your taste, in my mind their main competitors are Brady and Chapman. Check these out:
https://www.bradybags.co.uk/bags/captains-h...her.html#SID=14
https://www.chapmanbags.com/eu/men/leather-...ht-holdall.html

Holy! Both the Brady and Chapman bags are perfect for me! But the price is slightly over what I'm willing to pay for it right now. I will get either of these in a few months time. Thanks a lot. Have u ordered from these 2 brands before? If so, how was the experience? How was the delivery?

You're welcome. Sadly no, I have not. I wish I could but I can't really justify multiple bags the way I have dress shoes. I'd love to have an Ariel Trout.

Just remembered this thread.
http://thekerbau.com/topic/265-a-rekindled...of-canvas-bags/

Granted it's about canvas bags and not leather, but no doubt you'll find more than a few of the makers listed do both.

Pesakraf have ready made designs but everything is made to order, you should email them to see.They will guide you through all the steps.If i had your budget i would go custom as honestly a lot of leather bags sold here are crap quality except for the really high end stuff

Since you mentioned shoes, any suggestions on loafers or moccasins? Heheh

Yeah, sadly stuff nowadays are not built to last. I'm the kind of person who buys something once and uses it for life. Like mechanical watches, vintage stuff etc.