Filson Bag Thread: With Pictures

[pnwprice]

I think you nailed it. The strap sure looks like the one on the WLB. Thank You for the info.

It for sure is. I own one as well! Not sure why they don’t sell it as a stand alone. I much prefer it to the normal leather pad It’s so squeaky!

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

So, what do you guys do to condition, protect, or preserve the leather on your bags?

I've recently started using Obenauf's leather protector and rubbing that on the inside and outside of the leather about once a year just to make sure that the leather doesn't dry out and crack. But now I'm thinking this may be unnecessary or overkill.

I use Obenaufs HDLP but only on the top side of the leather, as most stuff will have a tough time soaking through the Talon Era suede underside. Yes it will darken a little (not a lot) but it’s the most recognized in terms of Filson leather conditioning & protecting, so much so that it is sold through Filson.com (or at least was). I’ve used Bickmore Bick 4 with no success, it wrinkles the Bridle leather. You have to take into account that Filson Bridle leather is mostly unlike any other leather on the market, and demands the right product & method. I rarely condition my leathers; maybe once a year and only where needed.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Took a little trip to Sleepy Hollow NY this weekend to see the famous cemetery & Rockefeller Estate (Kykuit). Packed my Talon MTB and it performed masterfully as a one bag carry.

 

[GzStudio]

very nice OMG. MTB’s are nice, especially talon. I have one in tan if anyone is looking, as well as it’s little brother the STB in green and tan.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

very nice OMG. MTB’s are nice, especially talon. I have one in tan if anyone is looking, as well as it’s little brother the STB in green and tan.

Thanks GZ. The MTB is currently my favorite Filson so far & I have you to thank for that

 

[Milksteakboiledhard]

I have a new 48 hour duffel in my cart for $353, is that a decent deal?

 

[TinMan3]

I have a new 48 hour duffel in my cart for $353, is that a decent deal?

Eh, it’s not a bad deal. It is a popular bag so it’s tough to find on deep discount. If I have any advice make sure you can return in case you aren’t happy with it for whatever reason.

 

[Stratkat]

In case anyone still questioned whether Filson has its own zipper making machines...

Permanent Style

Filson bags

www.permanentstyle.com

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

In case anyone still questioned whether Filson has its own zipper making machines...

Permanent Style

Filson bags

www.permanentstyle.com

Gray Madden hasn’t been with Filson for over 2 years. This article was written over a year after the one you provided. As I said previously, YKK stated that they rarely give these zipper machines that they supplied Filson with.

Made in America: C.C. Filson

The story behind one of America's original outfitters.

www.adventure-journal.com

 

[Stratkat]

Gary Madden hasn’t been with Filson for over 2 years. This article was written over a year after the one you provided. As I said previously, YKK stated that they rarely give these zipper machines that they supplied Filson with.

Made in America: C.C. Filson

The story behind one of America's original outfitters.

www.adventure-journal.com

They buy rolls of zipper and cut it at the factory, as opposed to manufacturing them there.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

They buy rolls of zipper and cut it at the factory.

Says an article 18 months before the one I supplied, it also doesn’t mention that YKK supplied them with a rare machine, as seen in the article I provided.

 

[Stratkat]

Says an article 18 months before the one I supplied, it also doesn’t mention that YKK supplied them with a rare machine, as seen in the article I provided.

If you look back to when this was brought up, you will recall that I called customer service and it was verified. This article backed it up by referring to the rolls. Thought it was interesting.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

“Because Filson manufactures more than 70 percent of its product domestically, the zipper company YKK gave Filson its own zipper machine. YKK doesn’t do this very often. Its own brand is as prized as Filson’s. But Filson’s domestic response time to orders is as short as a single week and YKK couldn’t keep up. Instead they told Filson to crank out its own zippers. Which Filson did, and because they’re made of brass Whittaker herself said they should sweep up the floor beneath the machine each night and bring the tiny, chocolate-sprinkle-sized leavings from the zipper maker to a recycler. After a single busy day Filson will collect as much as a thousand dollars in recycled brass.”

Doesn’t sound like they’re just cutting the zippers. I do recall that you said you called Filson, but since no chat logs were posted here I have to take you at your word. Not saying you have to provide proof, but it sure helps research wise and aids with interpretation. Also as I stated many times in my dealings with Filson CS, I tend to not take their word at face value, as they’ve been very inaccurate in the past & sometimes contradictory.

This is what a YKK zipper machine looks like (CM6). It’s not very substantial in footprint.

https://ykknorthamerica.com/the-ykk-difference/vertical-integration/

 

[Stratkat]

lol, that's an industrial sewing machine! notice the cut length of zippers lying to the right. its sewing the zipper to the leather. Zipper is manufactured in a long continuous strand. it is then cut to length, and keepers are attached at the ends. this determines the final length. it is sold in standard lengths to manufacturers. Filson uses a lot of it, they use 'custom' lengths. the rolls are provided and they cut them to length to use as they need fit. I have no idea what kind of machine YKK sent them to use. I do know that manufacturing a zipper is very complicated, you have to make the individual teeth which is an industrial process (go back to the thread, pretty involved) then they have to be attached to the tape, and the keepers and stops (also individually manufactured) are attached. its highly unIikely, but possible that YKK supplies Filson with a machine where all the teeth are fed into it and it assembles them onto the tape, what do I know? either way that is assembling, not manufacturing. I am only going by what ive read and what ive been told. personally, I'm satisfied with that, but feel free to dig deeper and get the whole story.

 

[speedy611]

lol, that's an industrial sewing machine! notice the cut length of zippers lying to the right. its sewing the zipper to the leather. Zipper is manufactured in a long continuous strand. it is then cut to length, and keepers are attached at the ends. this determines the final length. it is sold in standard lengths to manufacturers. Filson uses a lot of it, they use 'custom' lengths. the rolls are provided and they cut them to length to use as they need fit. I have no idea what kind of machine YKK sent them to use. I do know that manufacturing a zipper is very complicated, you have to make the individual teeth which is an industrial process (go back to the thread, pretty involved) then they have to be attached to the tape, and the keepers and stops (also individually manufactured) are attached. its highly unIikely, but possible that YKK supplies Filson with a machine where all the teeth are fed into it and it assembles them onto the tape, what do I know? either way that is assembling, not manufacturing. I am only going by what ive read and what ive been told. personally, I'm satisfied with that, but feel free to dig deeper and get the whole story.

I haven’t read any of the articles, but your assessment makes sense, and supports the idea of a “custom cut” zipper. That customization must be the length not the teeth themselves. Presumably the actual teeth are cast before being glued (?) to the tape.