Getting My Saddle Bag On

 A while ago I was looking around for a chap to design the new logo for New Utility. 

The very talented artist, James Nunn, is a friend of the family and I've always loved his work. We got chatting and somehow ended up talking about saddle bags.

James had always hankered after some since loosing an old set that he'd picked up in New York in the 90's. Thus this conversation became my second commission for him.

I'm a biker anyway so had already been looking at patterns I could adapt to my bike. James needed a set that was big enough to hold his sketch pad, assorted bits and bobs and fit easily over his shoulder too.

I found the perfect pattern from Tandy Leather in the US. Well, I say perfect.. I switched out all that American leather lacing in favour of a traditional saddle stitch to hold it all together and added some grommet tabs so the bags could be more easily tied to a bike.

James supplied a chocolate brown chrome tanned leather. It was a bit too soft in temper so I sourced some pig skin suede to line it with. This stiffens the leather and in my view really lifts the bags aesthetically.

Doing this was immensely time consuming, but the result was so worth it. More importantly, James was thrilled with the result, saying,

"The quality is beyond wonderful - beautiful detailing and stitching. It fits perfectly on my shoulder and my bike. Will definitely be ordering more."

I really enjoy working on special commissions; it gives me the opportunity to try something that I perhaps would not have considered making. Doing that always pushes you as a maker, encouraging you to have a go at new techniques or evolve a design.

Is there something you've always yearned for but haven't seen in the high street? Be it a particular type of wallet or a bag, do get in touch.

And please do check out James's work: jamesnunn.co.uk

Jungle Heritage: The Pike Brothers 1952 Lowkinawa Boot

The 1952 Pike Brothers Lowkinawa Boots have their origin in the jungles of South East Asia.

US forces in WWII had problems with their issue footwear going rotten in the Pacific Island jungles, several attempts were made to produce a boot capable of surviving the climate, but none were particularly successful. So, soon after the War it was decided to properly develop and trial boots for hot and humid environments. 

This was the fist real attempt at a jungle boot.

Early advisors to Vietnam were often based out of Japan, and these particular boots were first tested in Okinawa, hence the original name: Okinawa Boots. 

The originals were exactly the same as the double buckle leather boots issued to American troops WWII, but with part of the upper in canvas. Good luck finding a pair though, they are as rare as rocking horse sh*t!

An original pair.

Luckily Pike Brothers stepped in and have made their own version: much shorter than the original, dispensing with the double buckle, they've named it the Lowkinawa. 

The upper boot is a mix of cowhide and canvas. Construction is a durable Goodyear welt with an outdoor sole.

It's a stylish and comfortable boot, the cowhide is beautiful and sturdy, however, the canvas ensures that the boot remains nice and light.

In short, it's a boot that wears it's military heritage proudly, but won't make you look as if you're about to retake the Solomon Islands single handed.

For those of us that wear boots year round the Lowkinawa is a great option for Spring & Summer. I can't wait to see how these break in.

Check them out here.

(Pix courtesy of Pike Brothers & Saunders Militaria.)