Ghurka Owners- What Do You Like or Dislike?

I became a big fan of Ghurka with their classic canvas and leather briefcase with the two outside pockets and shoulder strap. I bought it in 1982 and still have it today. Later my wife bought me a beautiful chestnut colored all leather carry-on in 2003. It is well-made, looks great and I like the style. Unfortunately, there have been less than positive changes at Ghurka, including many "made in China" products that do not match the materials or quality of the originals.

I have a friend who is considering launching a canvas and leather luggage, briefcase line and in addition to talking about Filson, Jack Spade, etc., we talked a lot about what we liked and disliked about Ghurka. I thought I would get some feedback here since I know there are some long time fans of Ghurka products on SF.

What do you like best about your Ghurka products? What dodn't you like? What would you like to see in a new line of high quality canvas and leather luggage/bags?


I really liked:
-Overall quality of leather and fabric twill
-The leather tab closures with brass stud closures look
-practical, retro, traditional Anglo-look
-casual but tailored look
-it didn't look like regular luggage, it was special


Didn't like:
-The khaki cotton twill would get dirty
-The all leather pieces are very heavy
-The made in China line
-The line that was black canvas and leather

Any suggestions for a a new company making high quality canvas and leather bags, cases and luggage?

I'm thinking that a darker color would be more practical
More computer bags
A gym bag
great hardware is important
Subtle logos,names


What do you think??

Could you post pics of what you already have? I'd be interested in seeing....

Originally Posted by triniboy27

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Could you post pics of what you already have? I'd be interested in seeing....

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

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Any suggestions for a a new company making high quality canvas and leather bags, cases and luggage?

Value for dollar. Tumi was the gold standard here and they've been busily cashing in while trashing their reputation. They're going to be like samsonite in just another year or two.

Make sure you can beat the stuffing out of your bags two or three times over.

High quality will be a slow growth strategy unless you make multiple lines (fashion and profesional), but I think there's an opportunity as tumi vacates that space.

Originally Posted by countdemoney

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Value for dollar. Tumi was the gold standard here and they've been busily cashing in while trashing their reputation. .

I remember going into meetings in the 90's and a black leather Tumi case looked smart and modern. But once everyone has it then it looks ordinary. Plus, up and coming management types want their own look don't you think?

What do you think the up and coming look is for a smart, sharp guy?

What is your favorite Ghurka bag? Briefcase, accessory or piece of luggage?

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

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I really liked: -Overall quality of leather and fabric twill -The leather tab closures with brass stud closures look -practical, retro, traditional Anglo-look -casual but tailored look -it didn't look like regular luggage, it was special Didn't like: -The khaki cotton twill would get dirty -The all leather pieces are very heavy -The made in China line -The line that was black canvas and leather Any suggestions for a a new company making high quality canvas and leather bags, cases and luggage? I'm thinking that a darker color would be more practical More computer bags A gym bag great hardware is important Subtle logos,names What do you think??
I don't mind the extra weight and enjoy the full grain leather and solid brass fittings. I believe there was a dark brown leather version of some Ghurka bags offered in addtion to black and traditional chestnut. It's good to have a choice though. Some people are only comfortable with black, while most people here would rather get some shade of brown. I also like the distinctively colored cloth liners and mine have not gotten dirty yet. Ghurka does make some models, like the Cavalier, with waterproof plastic lining fused to their traditional checkered cloth. I have the Small Express like your bag, the Cavalier II and the Safari, all in chestnut leather. I'll try to take some pictures.

Originally Posted by Dmax

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I don't mind the extra weight and enjoy the full grain leather and solid brass fittings. I believe there was a dark brown leather version of some Ghurka bags offered in addtion to black and traditional chestnut. It's good to have a choice though. Some people are only comfortable with black, while most people here would rather get some shade of brown.
I also like the distinctively colored cloth liners and mine have not gotten dirty yet. Ghurka does make some models, like the Cavalier, with waterproof plastic lining fused to their traditional checkered cloth.

I have the Small Express like your bag, the Cavalier II and the Safari, all in chestnut leather. I'll try to take some pictures.

I would like to see pics when you have a chance. The chestnut leather is a very attractive color IMO.

in terms of inspiration, consider the old(early 80's) men's coach products. it seems many men's bags have gotten needlessly humongous. i often carry an old Coach document case which won't hold a laptop but hold work papers and a book or two without crowding my neighbors on the subway. i do have a brief of similar vintage that will hold my laptop but isn't much bigger than the document brief. speaking for your up and comer demo(like the bags, i'm an early 80's vintage), we want quality and discretion. city-dwellers also enjoy things that aren't unneccesarily big or cumbersome that age well and can stand up to being rained on, sat upon, dropped etc without fear being destroyed.

Originally Posted by uwsmuseumguy

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speaking for your up and comer demo(like the bags, i'm an early 80's vintage), we want quality and discretion. city-dwellers also enjoy things that aren't unneccesarily big or cumbersome that age well and can stand up to being rained on, sat upon, dropped etc without fear being destroyed.

Good feedback, thanks!

Anyone else have a favorite Ghurka bag? If so which one?

I have a Ghurka all leather "convoy" bag that I have used as my primary briefcase for two years -- beat the hell out of it and it still looks great.

Originally Posted by emmett

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I have a Ghurka all leather "convoy" bag that I have used as my primary briefcase for two years -- beat the hell out of it and it still looks great.

Post a pic if you get a chance

Ghurka's quality hasn't always been good. I remember they used some cheesy hardware on some of their older stuff, and for that reason I feel they are overpriced and I never really felt a strong desire for their larger products like bags and luggage. I do think they wallets and smaller goods are great.

Ghurka's quality is really low end. I bought a bag sold through Nordstrom that I returned because the leather was average. For the same price, you can get a Canali or Zegna bag which is much better than Ghurka. I also recently bought two portfolios from Ghurka that came damaged/with scratches.

I like the style on a couple of their briefcases. Hate hate hate the brass hardware. Silver/palladium/chrome/[insert marketing word of choice here] hardware is so much more versatile for a modern-***-classic look. I'd consider buying Ghurka's navy briefcase with silver hardware at full price.