Who makes the best bag strap?

frogman · Post by **frogman** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:02 pm

I am not talking about buckle.
I have one from Magnoli (liked the color) but it's very soft. (Leave aside the buckle that isn't 100% accurate).
I don't know if a bag strap is supposed to be this. It reminds me the leather they use to make those timberland shoe laces.

Anyone has an NH bag strap or other and can talk about the qualities of the bag strap?
Should it be stiff, soft, or what?

Please share your thoughts.

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:06 pm

I currently only have a Todd's strap from about 2 years ago so I can't compare to anything else, but I've HEARD that Wade Egan's stuff is top notch. You might want to start there.

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:11 pm

maboot38 wrote:... but I've HEARD that Wade Egan's stuff is top notch. You might want to start there.

I second that! I got one last week and it rocks! Really SA, not too stiff, not too flexible, sturdy, just great!

Regards, Geert

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:26 pm

gwyddion wrote:
maboot38 wrote:... but I've HEARD that Wade Egan's stuff is top notch. You might want to start there.
I second that! I got one last week and it rocks! Really SA, not too stiff, not too flexible, sturdy, just great!

Regards, Geert

Geert, do you know how his strap compares to Todd's offering?

frogman · Post by **frogman** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:30 pm

Who is Wade Egan and where can he be found

djd · Post by **djd** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:36 pm

The straps and belts that Magnoli currently sells are made by Wade Egan

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:40 pm

Wade can be found in sunny California, but you can also find him here:

http://web.mac.com/wadeegan/Wadeventure/Bag_Straps.html

Oh, and he's also a member of this forum. His user name is....

...are you ready for it....

....Wade Egan.

Russian Raider · Post by **Russian Raider** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 2:50 pm

I guess you figured out by now. Wade Egan is one of the best leathermen there is. His work is stunning!

Post by **Indy Magnoli** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 2:59 pm

Just to clarify, there are two straps listed on our site... the standard (which is a thinner, softer strap) and the deluxe, which are the ones made by Wade.

Kind regards,
Magnoli

knibs7 · Post by **knibs7** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:30 pm

frogman wrote:Who is Wade Egan and where can he be found

SEARCH!!!

But ya, Wade is definitely the guy to go to for straps and belts. Wade is the ONLY guy I buy my leather gear from.

Kyle

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 6:00 am

Wade, Wade, Wade, or Wade is the absolute best! Oh I almost forgot, you could also try Wade.

Travis

JulianK · Post by **JulianK** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 11:00 am

You can also try a saddlery (tack shop) ...horseback riding stuff. For CDN$19, I got a custom made strap out of English bridle leather complete with Chicago screws. The only thing missing was the buckle....which you already have. My only complaint is that it'll take years to distress this thing! It went to S. America for 5 weeks with me and still looks brand #$%$# new!

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 11:15 am

WPG also makes the thinner, dark brown, softer strap and Todd sells the thicker strap, If budget is an issue.

Cannuck_Indy_Fan · Post by **Cannuck_Indy_Fan** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 11:16 am

Makes sense, I saw Magnoli's on the website and swore it was Wade's so that makes sense ...

mine is going to ordered soon, streets of cario style, or crusade .... which to do, how to decide!

e

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 10:27 pm

I hear an echo, but I'm adding to it... Wade's stuff is incredible. Hand CRAFTED not made.. crafted. Anyone with some leather working tools can make a strap.. an artist crafts something out of leather.

Randy

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 10:45 pm

I was wondering if someone would be willing to write a little essay or something describing what makes one strip of leather better than another. I'm not joking around, I would really like to know. I've heard great things about Wade's products, but what is it that makes Wades leather strap head over heels better than Todd's or some other leather strap? I'd love to hear descriptions of texture, durability, feel, response, etc.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 12:20 am

Well, my Todd's strap is nice for $20 or whatever it costs, but feels "stamped out" I had to do quite a bit of distressing and an alcohol treatment before it looked old. For a little more.. okay, probably close to twice the money, I had a piece that felt like time was taken to craft it, and was instantly aged. The buckle is much nicer, and now he has that more SA version, too. It boils down to the same argument that takes place in the fedora section.. hand crafted vs. machine made/partially handmade. While neither is 100% right or wrong, from a certain point of view, I must say in this case, handcrafted looks and feels nicer out of the package.

But, if you're on a budget, or simply up for a little DIY distressing, the Todd's is a great choice. I'd buy another in a heart beat, and probably will be in the near future. Hope that helped a little.

Randy

::EDIT::

This was in no way meant to knock Todd's products!

I love my strap after a little modification. I say buy what you can afford, I'd never tell someone who could only spend in the Todd's price range to get something more expensive!

Wade Egan · Post by **Wade Egan** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:15 pm

All I can say is that I hand pick the best hides and personally cut the strap from the nicest of leathers. Then I skive the strap to just the right thickness and hand bevel (hand groove for Raiders) the edges before applying the dye and edge treatment. I have a system for applying the dye and finish which helps to give the straps the best look for the Indy application. Then I work each strap over with my hands for a minute before applying the final 'top coat' to keep the dye from coming out. Finally a 'secret sauce' is applied to help soften and age the leather before the buckle and hardware are attached. Then it's off to the races.

No machines are used in the making of the straps and belts. They are (with the exception of the hardware) totally hand crafted from start to finish. People sometimes argue that the machine cut and drum dyed straps have more even color, but in my opinion they lack character. Also, machined grooved strap (Raiders) leave a really deep groove that will most likely never wear totally out like we've seen on screen. Of course, the character can be added later and for some is part of the fun of owning a piece of leather gear. Leather is something that just looks better the more it is used and worked with (IMO). So I personally don't think it possible for a machine to put the right character into a piece as can be done when making something by hand. Grain, thickness, finish, they all play a major part. Think in terms of furniture. Hand made oak furniture will look better than Ikea oak furniture any day of the week, and last a lot longer. The process is not too dissimilar.

Again, it simply comes down to personal preference, which is why we offer Standard and Deluxe style straps. Options are always nice.

W.E.

lantzn · Post by **lantzn** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:52 pm

djd wrote:The straps and belts that Magnoli currently sells are made by Wade Egan

True, and the bags that Wade sells are made by Magnoli, so it's a matched made in Indy Heaven.

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 5:29 pm

maboot how is your two year old Todd's strap made? I've heard the older ones are two thin pieces of leather glued together with shorter lengths of leather pieced together for length. The current Todd's straps are one piece of solid leather.

generalFROSTY · Post by **generalFROSTY** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 11:41 pm

So Wade makes the best strap on the market - how does his bag compare? Is his bag considered THE best?? That's what I am after - only the best cuz I want to get it right the first time.

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 11:52 pm

As said above, Wade sells Magnoli bags. I think he also occasionally sells original bags.

generalFROSTY · Post by **generalFROSTY** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 12:22 am

RCSignals wrote:As said above, Wade sells Magnoli bags. I think he also occasionally sells original bags.

So that's a 'yes' on the Magnoli/wade bag being THE best?

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:11 am

generalFROSTY wrote:
RCSignals wrote:As said above, Wade sells Magnoli bags. I think he also occasionally sells original bags.
So that's a 'yes' on the Magnoli/wade bag being THE best?

I don't know. I've only seen the Magnoli in photos, and it looks to be a very good reproduction. I doubt you'd go wrong with one, and I doubt any one looking at you with it would know it's not an original.
The current Todd's is also a very good reproduction, I have one of those.

lantzn · Post by **lantzn** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:38 am

I've searched and researched and have decided myself to go with the Magnoli bag/Wade deluxe strap on Wade's site. I too want to get it right the first time and feel I've made the right choice.

djd · Post by **djd** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 2:35 am

The Magnoli bag is a lovely bag- very well put together. I would say that the colour is slightly off though. Not quite green enough compared to the original bags.

Photoss · Post by **Photoss** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 9:48 am

You might consider getting one of Todd's bags if you want SA color.
(but this is coming from the guy who loves his magnoli bag, really you can't go wring either way.)

djd · Post by **djd** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 9:55 am

Agreed! Funnily enough, the Magnoli bag looks greener when you photograph it so I guess it could be screen accurate in a sense...

lantzn · Post by **lantzn** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 4:35 pm

Figures, right after I decide on the Wade CS strap, this thread is renewed and these 7/8" straps/buckles become available.
I think I'm going to order one.
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=43469

Wade Egan · Post by **Wade Egan** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 4:54 pm

Just so you know, I can easily make a 7/8" strap with the SA roller buckle. Not a problem.

W.E.

frogman · Post by **frogman** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 10:13 am

Why does the best always has to be the most expensive?

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 1:42 pm

frogman wrote:Why does the best always has to be the most expensive?

Because quality comes at a price

Regards, Geert

Risu · Post by **Risu** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 3:18 am

I used to have a Magnoli bag, it was very nice in terms of materials. My eyes don't pick up variances in green very well, but to me his bag is 100% light khaki, not green at all. that was a deal breaker for me, so I got an original. Wade also sells those.

lantzn · Post by **lantzn** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 7:52 pm

Risu wrote:I used to have a Magnoli bag, it was very nice in terms of materials. My eyes don't pick up variances in green very well, but to me his bag is 100% light khaki, not green at all. that was a deal breaker for me, so I got an original. Wade also sells those.

I don't see originals on Wade's site. What is the cost and do they have the little loop on the side?

Dr._J · Post by **Dr._J** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 11:26 am

frogman wrote:Why does the best always has to be the most expensive?

It doesn't. Sometimes people equate quality with expense. Sometimes, the item actually IS better and sometimes it's just more expensive. There's a lot of nice gear out there for less money. It just doesn't get the fanfare the more expensive stuff does. Most of the bag straps mentioned are really good. Whoever said "buy what you can afford" hit the nail right on the head.

Regards, Dr. J

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 7:29 pm

The best doesn't have to be the most expensive, but quality normally has a higher price.

If the best was always related to most expensive, Belstaff's CS jacket would be number one on everyone's list.

Risu · Post by **Risu** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 5:09 am

Not sure what you mean by the loop, but if it's on the original bags there's no reason we'd remove it. PM Wade if you're interested in one, he can tell you if there are any in stock.

davex247 · Post by **davex247** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 6:33 pm

Risu wrote:Not sure what you mean by the loop, but if it's on the original bags there's no reason we'd remove it. PM Wade if you're interested in one, he can tell you if there are any in stock.

There's a little loop on the side of a MKVII with string on it.The original bags were disigned to be worn on the chest with the gas mask inside it so it would reach to your face. My original MK VII has this loop and had the string with it, which I got from Soldier of Fortune.

djd · Post by **djd** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:54 am

All the decent repros I've seen have the loop (although it's much shorter on some than others)- only the original ones I've had have had the string as well (but it is just string

).

Wade Egan · Post by **Wade Egan** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 5:55 am

My original bags are the same as WPG bags and the same price. I don't sell them for a profit. I just keep a few in the shop for reference and photos etc., and when a customer is in a pinch I sell them for what I pay for them. It's a convenience thing not an investment. I like to be prepared for whatever. WPG still has plenty of good ones.

I'm just making this up as I go.

W.E.

lantzn · Post by **lantzn** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 6:41 am

Wade Egan wrote:My original bags are the same as WPG bags and the same price. I don't sell them for a profit. I just keep a few in the shop for reference and photos etc., and when a customer is in a pinch I sell them for what I pay for them. It's a convenience thing not an investment. I like to be prepared for whatever. WPG still has plenty of good ones.

I'm just making this up as I go.

W.E.

One of the others posted they had dry rot issues with a WPG bag. Have you had any of these issues?

generalFROSTY · Post by **generalFROSTY** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:31 am

I am at odds as to which bag to go with - WPG or Todds. Magnoli's is not the right color and that's enough for me to stay away despite Magnoli's awesome quality.
With the WPG you have a real vintage bag which, IMO, you don't get better than that - however it's age could effect it's structural integrity.
On the other hand, Todds bag looks just as good, is newer, but I have read many reports of Todds items not being sewn together all that well (hence the low cost items).
I would like to see some side-by-side comparisons of these items.

rover smith · Post by **rover smith** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:36 am

I am at odds as to which bag to go with - WPG or Todds. Magnoli's is not the right color and that's enough for me to stay away despite Magnoli's awesome quality.
With the WPG you have a real vintage bag which, IMO, you don't get better than that - however it's age could effect it's structural integrity.
On the other hand, Todds bag looks just as good, is newer, but I have read many reports of Todds items not being sewn together all that well (hence the low cost items).
I would like to see some side-by-side comparisons of these items.

Theres always ebay for an unissued original, there always seem to be a few of these kicking around. If you're patient you can get pretty good ones.

Indiana Bugs · Post by **Indiana Bugs** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:26 pm

I have one of the WPG new bags, and a strap from them, as well. I think both are made very well, so thats something to consider.

djd · Post by **djd** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 1:41 pm

generalFROSTY wrote:I am at odds as to which bag to go with - WPG or Todds. Magnoli's is not the right color and that's enough for me to stay away despite Magnoli's awesome quality.
With the WPG you have a real vintage bag which, IMO, you don't get better than that - however it's age could effect it's structural integrity.
On the other hand, Todds bag looks just as good, is newer, but I have read many reports of Todds items not being sewn together all that well (hence the low cost items).
I would like to see some side-by-side comparisons of these items.

As I've posted elsewhere before, I've had two perfect (unused and unmarked) originals fail. I may have just been unlucky but I think if you're actually going to use the bag I'd go for a good repro over an original. Just my feeling on it now

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:33 pm

generalFROSTY wrote:.........
On the other hand, Todds bag looks just as good, is newer, but I have read many reports of Todds items not being sewn together all that well (hence the low cost items).
...........

the only report I've read of a current Todd's bag stitch failure was from someone who admitted he had caused it when distressing the bag and sanding over the thread too much.

There should be photos of most of the various bags throughout this forum.

Wade Egan · Post by **Wade Egan** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:42 pm

lantzn wrote:
Wade Egan wrote:My original bags are the same as WPG bags and the same price. I don't sell them for a profit. I just keep a few in the shop for reference and photos etc., and when a customer is in a pinch I sell them for what I pay for them. It's a convenience thing not an investment. I like to be prepared for whatever. WPG still has plenty of good ones.

I'm just making this up as I go.

W.E.
One of the others posted they had dry rot issues with a WPG bag. Have you had any of these issues?

I have had dry rot on the the webbing ring attachments, but I just replace it with new webbing myself. Other than that, the bags have been good and only a little stinky from years of storage. I'm pretty sure we're getting down to the wire with the original MK VIIs. I'm not sure how much longer WPG and other will be able to stock the bags as supplies are dwindling.

I would just email WPG and ask for the best looking bag possible and you will probably get a nice one.

W.E.

djd · Post by **djd** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 5:26 pm

That's exactly where my bags failed Wade. They looked fine right up to the point that the webbing just suddenly gave out!

djd · Post by **djd** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 9:33 am

Risu wrote:I used to have a Magnoli bag, it was very nice in terms of materials. My eyes don't pick up variances in green very well, but to me his bag is 100% light khaki, not green at all. that was a deal breaker for me, so I got an original. Wade also sells those.

In an attempt to rectify this issue I'm going to throw my Magnoli in the washing machine with some olive green fabric dye and see if I end up with a better colour....

Wade Egan · Post by **Wade Egan** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 4:29 pm

Yep, the webbing is the first thing to go. As the original bags are getting more scarce as time goes by, I would pick up some new ones and simply replace the webbing with a newer and stronger webbing in a matched color. This will give the OG MKVii new life and longevity.

I've fixed about 5 bags this way. I also noticed that on my last order of WPG bags that the webbing was new. Most likely replaced before they sold them.

W.E.