Filson Bag Thread: With Pictures - Page 10

Download a 50% off coupon from Michaels and buy a punch there. I just bought one for the same purpose. $5!

thanks for also answering my planned follow-up question

Figured this thread is probably the most appropriate.

I need some help. I think a pen leaked in my filson bag causing a stain in the corner.

It's pretty much dry. Just wondering if there's anyway of removing or at least reducing the stain?

Thanks for your help!

Rather than punching more adjustment holes, I took a more laborious route and physically shortened the strap on my Filson bag. It turned out really well...



It is quite simple if you have the tools and a brass "Chicago screw," which essentially is a rivot that is held with a screw rather than permanently pressed in with a tool. You can get them on eBay.

1) Cut the strap piece shown in the pic to the estimated length desired. I cut off around 5 inches from the end that attaches to the bag (again see pic). I used a razor blade to make a clean cut and a black Sharpie to recolor the cut end.
2) Drill two holes using a conventional drill and bit. I used a drill bit which was slightly smaller in diameter than the Chicago screw. I then used a Dremel tool to enlarge the holes until the screw just fits through.
3) Fold the strap end over and secured it with a Chicago screw. I used epoxy inside the screw to make sure it never comes unscrewed.

The result is a shorter strap that doesn't have a foot of "excess" strap flapping around as you would have if you just poked more adjustment holes. Just looks cleaner and looks almost completely stock, IMO. I was even anal enough to repeat the process on the other end just for visual symmetry.

I guess I could have punched more adjustment holes and simply just cut off the excess strap. However, I think it will be hard to replicate the original rounded end.

Anyways, just an alternative way to shorten the strap for those brave enough to try, have the necessary tools, and don't ever plan on reselling their bag.

I just love my 232 medium field bag. It is the perfect bag for me. Here is a pic (before the strap shortening, showing all the excess strap)...

GREAT color on that bag.

found a stashed away dremel and some drill bits in the house last night. it did the job

3rd world - tut tut. That description is way old and non-pc. Why not just mention the country's name or refer it as developing world (still not right). Not trying to insult anyone but I used this same phrase not so long ago and was given a good verbal dress down.

The Filson look and style is growing on me now that I see darker colors of canvas. I think the classic light tan/khaki just showed too much dirt for my taste. The darker colors seem to be more forgiving and appeal to me.

I remember when my bag looked like that back in 1993.

whoa there PC police

... and still haven't thought of a witty retort to your down-dresser yet, apparently.

I'm still on the fence with this, sometimes too much choice is a bad thing. Green's definitely out of my lineup (just not for me). I like tan the most for visual appeal, but I want something that's really versatile and I can carry into a boardroom and on vacation. Is tan going to look a little "unprofessional" with a suit as opposed to brown? Would you be caught dead carrying any of these colors this to meet clients or go to an interview?

These are fantastic bags for casual use, but frankly if I am going to drop nearly $200 for a bag/briefcase, I wouldn't want to have to get another one to go to the office with to replace my Targus

I did notice a lawyer posting earlier on how he uses it to carry documents... would be nice if he could post a pic.

Tan was my last choice when I was deciding which bag to get, but I fell in love w/ it when I saw one in person! It's a very classy looking bag, and I have had no reservations about carrying it into meetings with me. It's a versatile color and the leather contrasts nicely w/ the tan. I also think it works very well with a suit. That being said, you can't go wrong with any color! For me, tan was the best choice!

I don't think they made a brown 232 in 1993. If they did, I would love to see pics of it