Custom Hand-Sewn Bag from Simon Baker and Full Review

[jburch]

I've been using Sedgwick's leather care with really good results. http://www.je-sedgwick.co.uk/products/leather-preparation-care/original-leathercare/

It makes sense that Sedgwick would understand what is best for their fine bridle leather. I got my tub of Sedgwick's leather care from Simon Baker.

 

[jburch]

I've been using Sedgwick's Leathercare. http://www.je-sedgwick.co.uk/products/leather-preparation-care/original-leathercare/

I purchased some from Simon Baker when I bought my briefcase.

 

[antonw]



Partition board and gusset:

That's it for now. More to come.

Beautiful bag!
What kind of material are the partition boards made from? Is it some kind of stiffer leather or is it not leather at all?

/Anton

 

[casemaker]

Hi Anton,

I use either an industrial fibre board, that is then covered with a lining leather, generally a glazed pigskin, or increasingly, I have been using the Sedgwick's bridle butt for the partition. I have not had any problems over the past 30 years with either.

best regards, simon

 

[antonw]

Thanks for your reply Simon!

Do you use bridle butt for the visible parts of the bag as well or do you use something like bridle shoulder? How thick leather do you use for the different parts?

Best,
Anton

 

[casemaker]

Hi Anton,

I use the bridle butt for the front, back, all strapping and chapes, and the shoulder strap, the gusset, and any pockets are made with the thinner bridle 'lacing hide', also from Sedgwick. Shoulder is available at about a third of the cost of the butt, but is a much looser fibre, and weaker, and will tend to show stretch marks. Because these cases are 30 - 40 hours work, the extra cost of the bridle butt is worth it, in my opinion. This leather is the best quality that I have had the pleasure of working with in 30 years, and i have worked with leather from most of the tannery's in the UK, past and present.



This was to show a client the difference in colour between the London colour butt, top, and the Light Havana butt, a light havana lacing hide bottom. The Butt is 4mm, the lacing hide is 1.6 - 1.8mm.

The client chose the light havana, with a cream thread and chrome plated brass lock and fittings.



the partitions were the bridle butt, with a pocket grouping taken from my underarm folio's.









best regards, simon

 

[antonw]

Thank you Simon, very impressive bag and I really appreciate the information you share!

I'm actually thinking of sewing my own briefcase (something a bit simpler than your bags though=)). I'm wondering if anyone knows if the height measurements found online for say a Swaine Adeney Brigg Westminster 3 (18 x 13.5 x 6" (46 x 34 x 15cm)) are for the full bag with the lid closed or the height of the front piece alone, making the full bag somewhat higher than the stated dimensions.

Also, when using a multi-compartment construction with partition boards, is it common to make the partition boards the same size as the front piece or do you make them somewhat smaller?

Best,
Anton

 

[JubeiSpiegel]

I want to give a shout out to Simon. He has been very patient and generous with his time regarding questions.

Originally, I planned to get a SAB that was close enough to what my dream briefcase would be, but I promised myself to stop compromising this year on. So I plan to commission Simon later this month...

 

[mbkoissy]

Is Simon Baker legitimate? I am starting to worry. I placed an order last April, and paid half the cost of the case. We are at the beginning of July, and I have not heard anything from him, nor did I receive any news on the progress of my case.

 

[mbkoissy]

I finally got my case from Simon after a long delay. However, I have to admit that the quality of the leather and the craftsmanship make up for all of this. The case is simply gorgeous, and I am glad that I ordered from him. This case will last for a lifetime and beyond. I took it with me in the plane when I was traveling. I cannot count the amount of time I was complimented for its beauty. I will post pictures later.

 

[teddieriley]

^^Looking forward to the pics. From a customer service stand point, did he address the delay to your satisfaction?

 

[blackbowtie]

Any recent customers of Simon Baker?

I finally got my case from Simon after a long delay. However, I have to admit that the quality of the leather and the craftsmanship make up for all of this. The case is simply gorgeous, and I am glad that I ordered from him. This case will last for a lifetime and beyond. I took it with me in the plane when I was traveling. I cannot count the amount of time I was complimented for its beauty. I will post pictures later.

 

[brax]



Any recent customers of Simon Baker?

I received my case about a month ago. I'll post pictures in the next couple of days.

 

[q-uk]

Has anyone heard from Simon Baker?
I've been waiting 10months for my case now and he's not responding to any of my emails.

 

[Gurp Johal]

Sorry to revive an old thread! Has anyone commissioned a bag from Simon recently? Wondering on the rough turn around to expect?