Full-Grain Leather Tote

Details

A structured tote cut from a single 2 mm full-grain vegetable-tanned panel, so the body has one seam instead of four. Full-grain keeps the outer surface of the hide, the layer with the tightest fibre, which is why it can be this thin and still stand up. Bonded leather, sold under names like genuine leather or leatherette, is ground scrap glued onto a backing and it delaminates at the fold within a year. We do not use it anywhere. The handles are saddle-stitched by hand with waxed linen thread. A saddle stitch uses two needles passing opposite ways through the same hole, so if one thread is cut the seam does not unzip the way a machine lockstitch does. Solid brass feet keep the base off wet ground and the removable base board keeps it square when it is half full. The hide arrives pale and matt. In six months it turns amber where the light and your hands reach it, and darker at the handles.

• Single-panel 2 mm full-grain vegetable-tanned body
• Hand saddle-stitched handles, waxed linen thread
• Solid brass feet, magnetic-free tuck closure, no plated fittings
• Removable 3 mm base board, cotton canvas lining
• Handles are riveted as well as stitched at both anchors
• No bonded, PU or corrected-grain leather, no glued edges