First off, I don't have USD $380 for a tool bag, but I did get a great eBay deal on one that I could afford. Certainly one would have to want more than just a tool bag to pay full price for one. One would need to respect the handcraft and want to be able to admire the sheer beauty every time they picked it up. The leather is a rich brown with reddish tones that all leather dreams of being. The leather is a full 3/8" thick, tanned on one side, and raw on the inside. The whole thing is hand sewn with thick waxed thread that really should be called string or even rope. All stitches are sewn into a groove so they are protected.
The hefty strap provides ample support, and I do love the button at the top to keep the handle together. I do wish the button were piened rather than pop riveted, but that is a tiny gripe and only aesthetic. I also find it odd that the handle, although riveted to the body, is tied together at the bottom. It appears flimsy, although on closer inspection it is very strongly tied, and the rivets do all the work.
The leather all around is 3/8" thick. The bag has room for a No. 7 and plenty of other tools. I put a few in just to illustrate the room. Obviously one would properly protect any tools he put in here.
This will replace my wooden tote for carrying tools to my Saturday boatbuilding class. I shall carry it with pride. Perhaps I'll stroll to the yacht harbor and get envious looks from the yachtie ladies with their Louis Vuitton handbags. Haha. I have to admit I would never spend $380 on a tool tote, but since I paid less than half that, I am well pleased. Knowing the price of leather of this quality and the time it would take to make one bag (5 hours or more according to the maker) the retail price is actually very fair. I can't stop looking at it, and am well pleased with the purchase.
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