Filson Bag Thread: With Pictures

[singjai]

Welcome.
Talon leather generally ages to a redder hue. Some of the YKK era may also. I have both Talon and YKK and current era and the YKK and Talon are a little redder. But I’m not sure it’s a certainty in all cases.

Padlocks were included on 256/257/258 in talon times - not sure about YKK.

Ah gotcha, makes sense! Thanks!

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Hi all, I had a couple questions on vintage bags-

Do all of the talon era and early YKK era bags typically age into that chestnut type leather or is it generally a hit/miss? I just purchased what appears to be a gently used talon era briefcase and from the pics, the leather is still pretty dark. I think i've seen some like-new talon era/YKK era bags that aged into a reddish type leather just through time so now I'm curious.

Also, did Filson used to give out those little padlocks/keys with their older briefcases? If so, generally whats years were these included?

Thanks for the help!

Thanks for the interest in this topic. Filson has offered many different types of leather from the Wickett & Craig tannery. It is true that some of it will age and lighten and some will not. Most of that chestnut leather shades were brand new and without aging when it was featured on a portion of the Talon Era and a very short run on the YKK Era.

Filson did give out the padlock and keys on I believe most but not all of the Talon Era and didn’t discriminate on what particular bag it was offered as standard. (but I could be mistaken). For example my Talon #257 came with one, and it has little use for a lock and key. I certainly haven’t had a use for it, but that hasn’t stopped me from admiring it from time to time. Even that has some nice oxidation (Hulk Matter) forming.

Like I said above the Talon Era used a number of different leather shades for their luggage. My #257, #260 & #246 couldn’t be further apart, and each was built within only 5 years of each other (arguably). What makes my point is that each bag was and still is in like-new well preserved condition

Hope my reply helps you in some kind of way.

 

[Winston2]

Welcome.
Talon leather generally ages to a redder hue. Some of the YKK era may also. I have both Talon and YKK and current era and the YKK and Talon are a little redder. But I’m not sure it’s a certainty in all cases.

Padlocks were included on 256/257/258 in talon times - not sure about YKK.

Regarding locks, I have a #258, 09/03 build that came with 2 locks (1 for the main compartment, 1 for the outside compartment)/2 keys for each lock.

 

[singjai]

Thanks for the interest in this topic. Filson has offered many different types of leather from the Wickett & Craig tannery. It is true that some of it will age and lighten and some will not. Most of that chestnut leather shades were brand new and without aging when it was featured on a portion of the Talon Era and a very short run on the YKK Era.

Filson did give out the padlock and keys on I believe most but not all of the Talon Era and didn’t discriminate on what particular bag it was offered as standard. (but I could be mistaken). For example my Talon #257 came with one, and it has little use for a lock and key. I certainly haven’t had a use for it, but that hasn’t stopped me from admiring it from time to time. Even that has some nice oxidation (Hulk Matter) forming.

Like I said above the Talon Era used a number of different leather shades for their luggage. My #257, #260 & #246 couldn’t be further apart, and each was built within only 5 years of each other (arguably). What makes my point is that each bag was and still is in like-new well preserved condition

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Hope my reply helps you in some kind of way.

Awesome super helpful! The first and third are otter green? Looks insane!

 

[singjai]

Regarding locks, I have a #258, 09/03 build that came with 2 locks (1 for the main compartment, 1 for the outside compartment)/2 keys for each lock.

Hm interesting. I wonder if the all three briefcases came with two locks/keys or just the 258..? The one I purchased shows one lock but two keys, so perhaps one was lost.

 

[TinMan3]

No - one I’m wondering about buying and getting “fixed”

This is VERY hit or miss. I’ve had one fixed that’s in worse shape but it’s all up to rep! Very hard to know what they will say.

 

[singjai]

Images from the bag I purchased - will update as soon as it arrives. Some of you may have possibly seen it before it was purchased.

 

[Winston2]

Hm interesting. I wonder if the all three briefcases came with two locks/keys or just the 258..? The one I purchased shows one lock but two keys, so perhaps one was lost.

I’m not as knowledgeable as others, but my speculation is that the 258 came with a second lock because it has a second zipper compartment on the outside/front. Since the 256 and 257 have only one zipper compartment, it would make sense for them to come with one lock. I would like to find a Talon or early YKK 257.

 

[TinMan3]

Poor quality reflection photo for today. Remembering those who served with a bbq feels weak. I’m so thankful for my country and my freedom and somehow Filson seems to fit well in the mix. Enjoying good beer, Filson, and bbq today because of the sacrifice of so many.

Btw, I demoed an old plaster wall and that is the lathe. What an incredible process to break down and dispose of a 125 year old wall! Also shout out to my mother in law who bought me a new Filson logger cap

 

[Winston2]

Poor quality reflection photo for today. Remembering those who served with a bbq feels weak. I’m so thankful for my country and my freedom and somehow Filson seems to fit well in the mix. Enjoying good beer, Filson, and bbq today because of the sacrifice of so many.

Btw, I demoed an old plaster wall and that is the lathe. What an incredible process to break down and dispose of a 125 year old wall! Also shout out to my mother in law who bought me a new Filson logger cap

View attachment 1395185

Cool mother-in-law.

 

[TinMan3]

Cool mother-in-law.

She is quite cool. She has a passion for USA made stuff just like me. Specifically socks, but many other things as well.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

She is quite cool. She has a passion for USA made stuff just like me. Specifically socks, but many other things as well.

Socks you say....future gift idea?

NATIONAL PARK STRIPE CREW SOCKS

NATIONAL PARK STRIPE CREW SOCKS

www.pendleton-usa.com

 

[singjai]

Folks - reckon Filson would fix this? It’s a battered 257 I have my eye on, dated 01/12. Or would they just try and replace / give a credit...?


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I was looking through some pretty old posts and this bag, although not as battered, looks similar to another bag that Filson decided not to restore. Might help with your decision.

It is a sad day.

 

[Cbfox]

I was looking through some pretty old posts and this bag, although not as battered, looks similar to another bag that Filson decided not to restore. Might help with your decision.

Yeah - that was my bag. They offered 25% off a single item. I still love Filson, but I now have lower expectations of them standing behind their products.

The benefit is that I now carry my self-repaired Franken-Filson with pride.

I have difficulty throwing things out that I can “fix” (I know . . . I have issues).

 

[audog]

Yeah - that was my bag. They offered 25% off a single item. I still love Filson, but I now have lower expectations of them standing behind their products.

The benefit is that I now carry my self-repaired Franken-Filson with pride.

I have difficulty throwing things out that I can “fix” (I know . . . I have issues).

that's not "Issues", its being smart. I spent the entire afternoon fixing a vacuum cleaner as it was less expensive than buying new, and I wanted to see if I could do it. Worst case, couldn't fix it and have to buy a new one anyway. Oh, Fixed It!