The answer to this question depends on the quality of the satchel and the use for which it is put. A quality satchel will be constructed using full-grain leather, sturdy fittings and robust stitching. Traditionally, satchels have been used to carry books and if you are using a satchel for this purpose you are likely to be carrying heavy loads, which put a strain on straps and fittings. Full-grain leather will ‘last a lifetime’ without ripping or tearing but if your satchel is to last it will also need strong stitching and fittings which will not break.
The second part of this answer concerns how the satchel will be treated. Satchels are often bought for school students. I had one as a teenager and I used it as one might use a medieval weapon of war, swung around my head and used to clobber other students. Assuming normal use and that you are not carrying unduly heavy loads, like tools, for example, the leather satchel that you buy should be the only one you’ll ever need.
Are leather satchels comfortable?
Satchels can be worn in a variety of ways. The most common ways of wearing a satchel are, suspended from one shoulder or worn cross-body from shoulder to hip. A well-made quality satchel will be designed with your comfort in mind but a heavy satchel, worn in either of the two ways described above is going to put a lot of pressure on your shoulder. A very heavy satchel, worn in this way over a long period of time, will cause discomfort, however, some satchels come equipped with handles, enabling you to switch carrying position and alleviate discomfort. Some satchel designs employ two should straps, rather like a backpack. This design spreads the weight, meaning that heavier loads can be carried without discomfort, although as a consequence the bag is more difficult to access.
Are leather satchels durable?
Leather satchels made from full grain leather, with high-quality fittings and strong stitching should ‘last a lifetime. Premium quality leather will not tear or rip and it will not stretch with the weight of laptops or books.
Are leather satchels waterproof?
Leather is an organic material, it will not repel water in the way that a non-biodegradable substance such as PVC will do, however, a leather satchel can certainly cope with exposure to rain and it will keep your possession from getting wet. Only after long periods of exposure to heavy rain will moisture fully penetrate full-grain leather. Having said that, you should avoid getting your satchel wet as much as possible. Should your satchel become wet, allow it to dry naturally and replenish the oils using a commercially available leather cream.
How do I clean a leather satchel?
Full-grain leather naturally repels dirt and grease and therefore with normal use, your satchel will need very little cleaning. Marks can be removed using a damp cloth and then wiping over with a dry cloth. From time to time you may wish to use a commercially available leather-cleaning product.
Stylish Satchels for Men and Women
Our unisex range of leather satchels are a stylish way to transport your essentials day to day. Choose from our flagship vintage brown or ebony black leather and finish it off with your embroidered initials in black, grey, white or brown thread. Each style in the collection comes with it’s own individual features such as front pockets, internal pockets and top handles but all are finished with brass fittings including sturdy buckles and clips.
A Timeless Classic
You might associate the leather satchel with action man Indiana Jones but the leather satchel actually dates back to Roman times, where it was used to store personal belongings and food rations during transit. They called it a Loculus, meaning ‘little place’. Today the leather satchel is used much in the same way. It’s a little place to store essentials and keep them secure during transit, but it’s also frequently still used as a book bag – a role which the leather satchel took on between 300-900AD when missionaries and monks would use them to carry religious texts safely. In the 17th century, the leather satchel started to be seen as a fashion accessory and soon became the go-to bag for school and university. Shakespeare even refers to a ‘whining school-boy, with his satchel’ in his play ‘As You Like It’ but it wasn’t until the 50’s and 60’s that the leather satchel became a staple for British students. The vintage satchel continues to inspire our collection today as we aim to encapsulate quintessential British style with the traditional leather-making processes deep-rooted in Indian culture.
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