Bag stuff

By far the nicest shoulder bags I have are by Ghurka. I have seen nothing to compare in quality and style. However, my Filson medium field bag is a third the cost and very nice for those more ruggered days (although Gurka is tough enough, I preserve them). I have a Bisonte shoulder bag which is not of the English field bag style, but an Italian classic.

A use a Zero Halliburton Attache that is industructable, very nicely made, and way cool. ZB also does other nice hard cases, for cameras and lap-tops.

I prefer a shoulder bag, generally, because they are very functional; giving a more down to earth feel.

Here's a link to my Ghurka bag: http://www.ghurka.com/proddetail.cfm...=359&CAT_id=77 This is the bag I carry most frequently. For my Tanner Krolle portfolio, I have the Ludgate model on the below link (click on "Collection", then "Business"): http://www.tannerkrolle.co.uk/base.aspx For my Goldpfeil briefcase, I can't find a link to my briefcase, but my briefcase is part of the Oxford collection on this link: www.goldpfeil.de

I got my shoulder bag from e-bay at a reasonable price. Â It is caled the "clipper" and it is made by tusting. Â It is quite simply one of the nicest bags I have seen. Tusting Bags -Tom

I'm bumping this thread to continue discussion on what I see as a trend that is only going to continue to get bigger and bigger:
Bags (totes, messenger, etc) for men. (I'm not referring to briefcases)

I am not a fan of shoulder/messenger bags, for several reasons. If you carry a shoulder bag and are wearing a suit or sportcoat, the bag pulls the jacket down, off the shoulder and makes for a sloppy look. If you are wearing a sweater, it will enventually cause that area on the shoulder and across the arm to pill.
I do however love a tote, or book bag. I prefer one with a shoulder stap so that if you are in need of both hands suddenly, you can throw the bag on your shoulder, momentarily.
Attached is my favorite bag (I have several other bags but this one is perfect). This bag is hand made using saddle stitching, matte crocodile, lined in reindeer. Inside are several pockets. The trim is box-calf leather...and the handle is one continuous piece of leather. It's light and incredibly utilitarian.
What are your opinions and thoughts on this trend?

^^^It's too large and purse-like for my use.

Originally Posted by JayJay

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^^^It's too large and purse-like for my use.

somewhat contradictory.

Webster's Dictionary: Purse: a small bag for money (2): a receptacle (as a pocketbook) for carrying money and often other small objects b: a receptacle (as a pouch) shaped like a purse

That looks like a quality piece. Is it by Hermes?

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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That looks like a quality piece. Is it by Hermes?
I agree, it does appear to be of high quality. It looks nice, but as mentioned earlier, it wouldn't work for me.

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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That looks like a quality piece. Is it by Hermes?

No, however it is made using Hermes tools, saddle stitching, and the skin is from their supplier. It is entirely hand-made and took approx. 35 hours to make.
When I was in the Hermes store on Rodeo Drive in B.H., the store manager and craftsperson in the store were certain it was made by an Hermes craftsperson, although it wasn't.

Men shouldn't tote anything. But hey, this is Amerrica

Originally Posted by HermesGuy

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No, however it is made using Hermes tools, saddle stitching, and the skin is from their supplier. It is entirely hand-made and took approx. 35 hours to make.

April in Paris?

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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April in Paris?

No, Peter Nitz.

My many female friends here in the city have been asking me about the stylish men wearing tote bags out and about. I dress up on a consistent basis, but I'd not use a tote bag unless it was cloth and for groceries. I think this is a trend that will remain only with gay men. None of my female friends think it's something a straight man should be carrying around. It seems a fairly strong and visible signifier of your demographic, akin to wearing women's jeans. (No, I'm not homophobic, but I'd prefer women aren't confused about my sexual orientation.)

Originally Posted by Sartorian

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My many female friends here in the city have been asking me about the stylish men wearing tote bags out and about. I dress up on a consistent basis, but I'd not use a tote bag unless it was cloth and for groceries. I think this is a trend that will remain only with gay men. None of my female friends think it's something a straight man should be carrying around. It seems a fairly strong and visible signifier of your demographic, akin to wearing women's jeans. (No, I'm not homophobic, but I'd prefer women aren't confused about my sexual orientation.)

ROFLMAO

It seems to me that wearing girl jeans is more an emblem of the hipster than the gay man. Of course, they may be a gay hipster, but who can really tell?

That said, I see many men at the library using tote bags; but then, they aren't crocodile skin. Rather, they are items from Whole Foods and that sort of thing.