Jump to content

Henry Tomkins - Satchel / Book Bag


Paul Hurst

Recommended Posts

I needed a bag that was robust, suitable to use in front of business clients and able to swallow A4 files.

 

My imported Schlesinger canvas & leather satchel/rucksack (hidden straps) wore out on the corner annoyingly quickly, and had a fair amount of padding inside - I needed something that had adequate capacity, without making me feel or look like a fully laden gap year student. Oh yes, and 'robust' would be rather nice this time.

 

Plain leather seemed to offer the best combination of durability, looks and internal spacial efficiency.

 

Thanks to posts on FPN I found out about 'Saddleback'. These looked fine on the quality, if a bit too liberally sprinkled with 'D' rings for my taste - but the postage to ship one across the pond was eye-watering.

 

So, back to Uncle Google, and the discovery of Henry Tomkins. Based in Devon, he seemed to be quite happy to muck about with existing designs to turn out a bespoke bag.

 

We started with a 'Laptop rucksack' http://www.htleather.co.uk/catalogue/rucksack/rsack.html#lruck and made a few changes.

 

The result was a 14" high x 12" wide x 5" deep leather satchel complete with a robust handle on top, rounded corners to the front and a lock rather than a buckle (not concerned about security, but much less of a faff to use). Cost was £170 plus £5 for the changes and £8 next day delivery.

 

Here are a few pics - the contents shown all fitted in quite happily (admittedly using the top lock position), there was still some room inside for smaller odds and ends. For reference, the journal on the left (tree design) is about 9.5" x 12.5"

 

http://pics2upload.s3.amazonaws.com/upright.jpg http://pics2upload.s3.amazonaws.com/loaded.jpg http://pics2upload.s3.amazonaws.com/contents.jpg

 

http://pics2upload.s3.amazonaws.com/closed.jpg http://pics2upload.s3.amazonaws.com/inside.jpg

 

Pleased with it? Hard not to be - exactly the size / format I wanted and the quality of materials and construction appear to be excellent.

 

I suspect that this bag will both age more gracefully, and last longer than the owner.

 

Let me know if you want more/better pictures.

M1000 M.

CS Bard IM

Visconti HS M

And that should do it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 32
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • Paul Hurst

    10

  • nunez

    3

  • DAYoung

    3

  • redshifteffect

    2

Ohhhhhhhhhh! I want one too!

 

Those are beautiful leather bags! I love leather and these bags look very durable and quality!

 

Thanks for the review!

 

regards,

777

Need a pen repaired or a nib re-ground? I'd love to help you out.

FPN%252520banner.jpg

Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Let me know if you want more/better pictures.

The pictures are very good, but I'd be interested to get a description of the contents of the bag; there's a whole lot of leather/notebooks in there :)

iPad, Midori passport and MD notebook, Quo Vadis Habana, Watson-Guptill sketchbook

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice bag--thanks for the review.

 

 

OK the middle stack of stuff between the two journals-- brown Leather wrap--is that a pen case? Can you post pics and links to where to purchase?

www.stevelightart.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Let me know if you want more/better pictures.

The pictures are very good, but I'd be interested to get a description of the contents of the bag; there's a whole lot of leather/notebooks in there :)

 

Contents:

Leather notebook top left and Journal middle left from http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/samearthworks/ - great people to deal with.

 

Journal middle right from http://www.colonellittleton.com/?p=products&f=prod&cat=46&id=lj there is another post on these

 

Thing under pens is a Filofax (no apologies, works really well for me) 'Cuban' zipped, takes A5 sheets (or A4 folded over with an offset fold)

 

Things on Filofax -

Swiss Army Knive in pouch

Pelican double case, good quality & very portable

Pen roll - http://fbleatherdesign.fennerphotography.net/italianleatherpenroll.html

 

I think that's it! Apart from brolly, maps, a Pilot and a Moleskine...let me know if I've missed anything

Edited by Paul Hurst

M1000 M.

CS Bard IM

Visconti HS M

And that should do it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What a fantastic product and a bargain for a custom job :) Congrats!!

I'm in a constant state of cat-like readiness!!!

"What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for each other" George Elliot

http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww296/messiah_FPN/Badges/SnailBadge.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You know, with all the craftsmen and the tradition we have in Australia, I'm really surprised we don't have anyone producing this kind of stuff. Sort of a 'down under' version of Saddleback leather. The cynic in me would probably point to the labour relations and is the reason why Blundstone had to leave Tasmania and set-up shop in Asia.

 

- SteveN

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You know, with all the craftsmen and the tradition we have in Australia, I'm really surprised we don't have anyone producing this kind of stuff. Sort of a 'down under' version of Saddleback leather. The cynic in me would probably point to the labour relations and is the reason why Blundstone had to leave Tasmania and set-up shop in Asia.

 

- SteveN

 

My guess is that a lot of us in the UK will need some kind of part-time job in retirement to top up our pensions.

 

Something like this could be ideal as a 'lifestyle' low overhead, low turnover, shed-in-the garden opportunity which relies on 'repeats, referrals and recommendations' - fun to do, easy to establish a reputation for quality and service.

 

Don't know how well that would transfer to other countries? I suspect rather well.

M1000 M.

CS Bard IM

Visconti HS M

And that should do it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's a handsome satchel. How do you wear it, and is it comfortable?

 

Arrived yesterday, so no long term review yet! Like my previous bag, plan to carry by the handle or on same side shoulder on trains or for shortish journeys, or slug behind, strap across body & over opposite shoulder for longer treks. Keep strap fairly short, it swings underneath when carried by handle - about 10" clearance to ground.

 

http://pics2upload.s3.amazonaws.com/baghung.jpg http://pics2upload.s3.amazonaws.com/bagincar.jpg

 

Second picture - other thing about size, and why shape is important, is that my car is a two seater with no boot and limited space behind seat with an inertial reel belt that is easy to snag - bag slides in gap with room on top for a coat. Okay, so hardly a normal problem, but important for me.

Edited by Paul Hurst

M1000 M.

CS Bard IM

Visconti HS M

And that should do it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Right ho. I almost always carry mine over the shoulder (from left shoulder to right hip), so no handle for me. But I do have a soft spot for your design - reminds me of my mother's old one (she used it three decades ago, at university).

 

Your satchel seems to suit your car perfectly.

Damon Young

philosopher & author

OUT NOW: The Art of Reading

 

http://content.damonyoung.com.au/aor.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Say Paul,

 

Did you consider the Gefeller satchel: http://gfellercasemakers.com/accoutrements.html ? The satchel you got is outstanding, but a lot of people talk about Gfeller, so wonder if there was some reasoning.

 

I bought a satchel from a place called Custom Hides, http://www.customhide.com/, who do a great copy of a 1945 US Army Air Corp briefcase. I've received it, and it looks nice, however the weight and amount of travel I do has meant it mostly sits in the closet :-( These guys might be an option for US based readers.

 

Compared with some of the modern stuff made of ballistic fabrics, plus some really well thought out designs, these old ones just don't warrant carrying all that often, at least in my situation (i.e. carrying a mobile office across vast distances in Asia-Pacific).

 

Regards,

- SteveN

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Say Paul,

 

Did you consider the Gefeller satchel: http://gfellercasemakers.com/accoutrements.html ?

 

Hi Steve

 

Thanks for the links. Had not seen these, but the Geller would have failed the audition for me on a few of points

 

Function - I wanted the ability to have one big middle compartment when needed, the dividers in mine fold back if not in use - that fixed middle compartment would get in the way.

 

Durability - Looking at how the shoulder strap is secured, I may be missing something but from the picture I'd have concerns on putting all the strain on that one point if fully laden on a regular basis

 

Cost - At $450 plus postage & duty to the UK it would be considerably more expensive.

 

 

The Custom Hides ones look good, but all seem to be 'landscape' format, I prefer 'portrait'. And again there is the cost including shipping to the UK, plus the tax that our own dear 'H.M. Bloodsuckers and Leeches' - sorry - Customs & Revenue would slap on.

 

Not being jingoistic (I hope), I do prefer the look of Henry's bag. This of course is entirely subjective and personal.

 

I quite agree on how functional modern nylon bags are - I use a Maxpedition Versipack when I need lots of pockets. Will use this bag whenever the 'one big space' format is best, and quite happy to accept a few honourable battle scars as a consequence.

Edited by Paul Hurst

M1000 M.

CS Bard IM

Visconti HS M

And that should do it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Right ho. I almost always carry mine over the shoulder (from left shoulder to right hip), so no handle for me. But I do have a soft spot for your design - reminds me of my mother's old one (she used it three decades ago, at university).

 

Your satchel seems to suit your car perfectly.

 

Interesting that the same design repeats itself, 'form follows function'.

 

Spend some time hopping between tube trains, or just going from car to offices, so I've found a good handle to be really useful. If in doubt, put one on - harder to add later!

 

Thanks for comment re bag/car combination. Not accidental. How sad!

 

And thanks to all for positive comments!

M1000 M.

CS Bard IM

Visconti HS M

And that should do it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cost - At $450 plus postage & duty to the UK it would be considerably more expensive.

They do some lovely stuff, but when I tried to order something using Google Checkout I was told that they didn't deliver to the UK...

iPad, Midori passport and MD notebook, Quo Vadis Habana, Watson-Guptill sketchbook

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You'll have to email gfeller, and get them to send you a paypal invoice to ship outside the US.

 

As for Satchels, anyone heard of these guys?

 

http://www.saddlebackleather.com/categories/97-Satchels-Medium/products/2033-Leather-Satchel-Medium-ipad-Dark-Tobacco-Brown

 

They have a "100 year warranty" and seem to have some pretty good designs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I do like this bag - satchel - briefcase, et al, whatever manly men need to name their bags. I'm writing of the Henry Thomkins. The quality craftsmanship comes through in the pics, I can only wonder just how better it is in the hands or on the shoulder. I also like the Custom Hide Barrister.

 

The Saddleback stuff is rugged and durable, but a whole lot less refined. Saddleback is great for folks who like their leather stuff to show even the slightest usage, but it will also hold up to the most extraordinary usage. This is a good thing, and the folks at Saddleback seem like genuinely good folks.

Edited by dapv

CFTPM

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I do like this bag - satchel - briefcase, et al, whatever manly men need to name their bags. The quality craftsmanship comes through in the pics, I can only wonder just how better it is in the hands or on the shoulder. I also like the Custom Hide Barrister.

 

Handle is really comfy because of the shape. Strap is more for convenience when it is best/necessary to have hands free, or for longer treks but leather is quite pliable so shouldn't be a problem. 1.5" wide, so a lot more comfy than some I've had.

 

Good to know there is still variety available out there, so we can all hopefully find our best solution. Also good that hand-made quality products remain viable.

Edited by Paul Hurst

M1000 M.

CS Bard IM

Visconti HS M

And that should do it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I do like this bag - satchel - briefcase, et al, whatever manly men need to name their bags. I'm writing of the Henry Thomkins. The quality craftsmanship comes through in the pics, I can only wonder just how better it is in the hands or on the shoulder. I also like the Custom Hide Barrister.

 

The Saddleback stuff is rugged and durable, but a whole lot less refined. Saddleback is great for folks who like their leather stuff to show even the slightest usage, but it will also hold up to the most extraordinary usage. This is a good thing, and the folks at Saddleback seem like genuinely good folks.

 

Have you purchased anything from Saddleback by any chance?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here are a few quick and dirty shots of my satchel. It's made by a Melbourne family company - no international brand.

 

The strap is nice and thick, to allow for extended over-the-shoulder carrying. Plenty of room for pens, notebooks, laptop and miscellaneous stuff (e.g. scarf, beanie).

 

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/DAYoung_2006/satchel3.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/DAYoung_2006/satchel1.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/DAYoung_2006/satchel2.jpg

 

(I should probably post this in the man-bag thread.)

Damon Young

philosopher & author

OUT NOW: The Art of Reading

 

http://content.damonyoung.com.au/aor.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Most Contributions

  • Upcoming Events

  • Blog Comments

    • Shanghai Knife Dude
      I have the Sailor Naginata and some fancy blade nibs coming after 2022 by a number of new workshop from China.  With all my respect, IMHO, they are all (bleep) in doing chinese characters.  Go use a bush, or at least a bush pen. 
    • A Smug Dill
      It is the reason why I'm so keen on the idea of a personal library — of pens, nibs, inks, paper products, etc. — and spent so much money, as well as time and effort, to “build” it for myself (because I can't simply remember everything, especially as I'm getting older fast) and my wife, so that we can “know”; and, instead of just disposing of what displeased us, or even just not good enough to be “given the time of day” against competition from >500 other pens and >500 other inks for our at
    • adamselene
      Agreed.  And I think it’s good to be aware of this early on and think about at the point of buying rather than rationalizing a purchase..
    • A Smug Dill
      Alas, one cannot know “good” without some idea of “bad” against which to contrast; and, as one of my former bosses (back when I was in my twenties) used to say, “on the scale of good to bad…”, it's a spectrum, not a dichotomy. Whereas subjectively acceptable (or tolerable) and unacceptable may well be a dichotomy to someone, and finding whether the threshold or cusp between them lies takes experiencing many degrees of less-than-ideal, especially if the decision is somehow influenced by factors o
    • adamselene
      I got my first real fountain pen on my 60th birthday and many hundreds of pens later I’ve often thought of what I should’ve known in the beginning. I have many pens, the majority of which have some objectionable feature. If they are too delicate, or can’t be posted, or they are too precious to face losing , still they are users, but only in very limited environments..  I have a big disliking for pens that have the cap jump into the air and fly off. I object to Pens that dry out, or leave blobs o
  • Chatbox

    You don't have permission to chat.
    Load More
  • Files






×
×
  • Create New...