Unmaking the Masterpiece: The Deconstruction of the Hampton Bag
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Time to read: 5 min
When it comes to crafting leather goods, understanding the materials, finishes, and construction can be eye-opening. This blog is all about taking a deep dive—literally—into one of our own creations. Here's what I discovered while destroying a Hampton bag to better understand its components, value, and craftsmanship.
In this blog, we will answer the following questions:
- What did the acetone test reveal about the Hampton bag's glossy finish and leather grain?
- How does the ash test confirm the use of full vegetable-tanned leather in the Hampton bag?
- What insights does the cost breakdown provide about the Hampton bag's pricing and value?
DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
Applying Acetone: Removing the Glossy Finish
The first step was applying acetone to the bag's surface to strip away the glossy finish. This revealed an interesting detail about the leather: while the gloss layer came off, the leather's grain remained intact. Despite its polished appearance, the underlying leather retained its natural texture due to a super-light finish.
Ash Test: Is It Really Full Veg-Tanned Leather?
To confirm the type of leather used in the Hampton bag, I conducted an ash test. This simple experiment involves burning a small piece of the leather and examining the residue left behind. The results were clear and conclusive. The ash was charcoal-like, with no signs of green residue, which is a common indicator of synthetic or chemically treated leather. This confirmed that the bag is made from full vegetable-tanned leather, a premium material known for its durability, natural finish, and ability to develop a rich patina over time.
Layer Analysis: The Hidden Support Materials
Dissecting the leather layers revealed even more. I found two to three types of support materials blended within the leather structure. These layers add durability and shape to the bag, ensuring it holds up well over time.
Cost Breakdown: What Does It Take to Make a Bag?
Understanding the cost structure of the Hampton bag sheds light on its value and pricing. The leather material itself costs about $40, while the labor and assembly add another $50. Together, the total production cost comes to $90. Considering this, the bag is priced at $299, which follows our typical multiplier of 3 to 3.5 times the production cost. This pricing model ensures we can cover operational expenses, support our artisans, and maintain a sustainable business while delivering a high-quality product.
Conclusion
In conclusion: whether you’re curious about leather goods or an enthusiast for high-quality craftsmanship, understanding what goes into your favorite items is a valuable exercise. The Hampton bag showcases thoughtful design, premium materials, and fair pricing.
Next time you carry your leather bag, know there’s a story—and a lot of hard work—behind it!
Want to read more?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I submit my product for the Leather Bureau of Investigation, and what happens after submission?
To submit your product, please complete this form. Once submitted, we'll review the details to determine if your product fits our project. If accepted, you'll receive an email within seven days. In return for your donation, we’ll send you a free product from our PEGAI catalog, and all information provided will be kept confidential. If not selected, you’re welcome to submit other products in the future.
This project is only for leather goods customers. If you're a brand, please refer to the Chopping Block / Rip My Bag Challenge FAQ.
How can I suggest a brand for review?
You can view all the brands currently on our list here: Brand List.
If the brand you want to see reviewed isn’t listed, simply leave your suggestion in the comments section! We’ll gather all suggestions and add them to the Suggestion Box in Tanner Leatherstein's website's Forum for voting, where the most requested brands have a chance to be featured next.
Does Tanner offer advisory services?
Yes! Tanner offers advisory services specializing in leather selection, manufacturing, and prototyping-related inquiries. The fee is $300 per hour.
The consultation process includes:
- A complimentary 30-minute initial call to understand your needs.
- A 30-minute follow-up call to review findings and gather feedback on your objectives.
- A final 30-minute call to present recommendations.
If you're interested, please let us know so we can send the scheduling links.
Is Tanner available for media interviews?
Yes, Tanner is open for media interviews! If you'd like to collaborate on a feature or interview him, please email him directly at tanner@pegai.com.
Whether it's about leather crafting, brand reviews, or the business side of PEGAI, Tanner is happy to share his insights and expertise.
How can my brand participate in the "Rip My Bag" Challenge / Chopping Block?
Here's a quick overview of the process:
- Product Selection: You provide a list of products; Tanner selects one for review.
- Anonymous Purchase: The product is bought anonymously to simulate a real customer experience.
- Independent Review: A review video is created and shared across social media platforms (excluding YouTube).
- No Prior Screening: You won't see the video before it’s posted, and no pre-approval is allowed.
- Reimbursement: After publishing, you’ll receive an invoice for the product cost.
- Video Fee: A $1,000 production fee covers review, filming, and editing costs. This is separate from the product reimbursement.
- Transparency: The video will be marked as "paid collaboration" to ensure honesty.
Watch the video disclaimer here. For complete details, please email us at tanner@pegai.com.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
At this time, participation is limited to brands based in the US and EU due to logistical challenges. If we expand to more countries, we’ll reach out to those interested. In the meantime, we’re happy to add your brand to our list for potential future reviews, though we can't guarantee a timeline. Thank you for your understanding!
NEXT STEPS:
If you're interested, please complete our Intake Survey and pay the video fee. We’ll confirm your slot within 48 hours.
About Tanner
Tanner Leatherstein
Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.
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