Kelly in Epsom vs Kelly in box: pros and cons

[catsinthebag]

Hi all, I've been looking at a couple of vintage box K32 and was wondering if it would be able to hold up if I use it daily for work? Would they need any special care or regular treatment? I've a very young child so less hassle is ideal... Thanks!

With Box, it really depends on what you mean by “hold up.” Box is famous in part for its ability to refurbish and come back from Spa looking completely rejuvenated. However, in day to day use it will show every little scratch and mark, at least until it develops a patina (and sometimes even then). Box can blister if it gets wet and you don’t wipe it off promptly. If by “hold up,” you mean a bag that will take everyday wear and still look new, then you should pick a different leather. But if you want a bag that will patina and be able to be refurbished, and you don’t mind the aging process, it’s a beautiful leather that can last a lifetime if you take care of it. There’s no right or wrong answer, just
personal preference. I have a couple of vintage box bags and love them, but don’t tend to use them everyday.

One other thing about vintage box: be very careful to look for cracks and signs of dryness when you buy. That’s the one thing that can’t be reversed. Some box bags that have been neglected become so dry the leather becomes like cardboard, which is a structural problem that cannot be fixed.

 

[Newbie88]

With Box, it really depends on what you mean by “hold up.” Box is famous in part for its ability to refurbish and come back from Spa looking completely rejuvenated. However, in day to day use it will show every little scratch and mark, at least until it develops a patina (and sometimes even then). Box can blister if it gets wet and you don’t wipe it off promptly. If by “hold up,” you mean a bag that will take everyday wear and still look new, then you should pick a different leather. But if you want a bag that will patina and be able to be refurbished, and you don’t mind the aging process, it’s a beautiful leather that can last a lifetime if you take care of it. There’s no right or wrong answer, just
personal preference. I have a couple of vintage box bags and love them, but don’t tend to use them everyday.

One other thing about vintage box: be very careful to look for cracks and signs of dryness when you buy. That’s the one thing that can’t be reversed. Some box bags that have been neglected become so dry the leather becomes like cardboard, which is a structural problem that cannot be fixed.

Thanks so much for your detailed comments! I'm perfectly fine with aging process.... I think I was just worried about the bag giving way too easily and needing lots of TLC.... I'm much more assured after reading your advice so now it's down to finding one!

 

[crisbac]

Thank you ladies all for your insightful comments. Papertiger, I did not know that about older box being more resilient...

The past week I ve been using my new Epsom Kelly 28 daily and I can vouch for its resistance to rainy London. The vintage green Kelly stays safely wrapped up in its dust bag at home... so I guess it depends if you want a Kelly to use often or a Kelly to collect.

Summing up and please feel free to add or delete or comment from your own experience.

Epsom
pros

Most weatherproof leather (water simply slides off and can be wiped)
Holds its shape really well in sellier styles
Doesn't mark or scratch easily
Resistant to wear & tear - virtually bullet proof
For anyone who likes colours, Epsom leather takes colour exceptionally well
Mat discreet finish- contemporary look.

Cons
It's not a particularly tactile leather.
Wear in the corners may not be refurbished to look invisible (but I can tell you, it takes decades for corner wear to actualise.)

Box
Pros
Green & ecological choice: Vintage options are plentiful
Surrounded with mystery with an aura of vintage romance
With regular care the leather refurbishes beautifully
It can look better with age, that cannot be said of many things!
Tactile leather, though beware of fingermarks. Twillies are advisable.

Cons
Marks & scratches very easily. You breath too close and it gets marked. (Nerves of steel are required to take this)
Rain drops can leave permanent blemishes, like small pox. Quite horrible!
Without care the leather has a tendency to dry. Look at some horrid older bags
Shiny finish which may or may not be to everyone taste.
Old box can be stretched and misshapen, does not hold its shape well

Reviving this thread to say thank you for your review on Epsom, dear ladysarah! Your Epsom Kelly is stunning!

 

[ladysarah]

Reviving this thread to say thank you for your review on Epsom, dear ladysarah! Your Epsom Kelly is stunning!

You are very welcome! It’s a subjective review based on my limited experience. Box is of course a heritage leather and highly sought after by the cognoscenti.