I had an older Artsy a couple of years back (I think it was the OM but I'm not 100% sure) and sometimes it made noise, preferably in 'quiet zones' like a library, and at other times it was absolutely silent. It could vary from bag to bag and depend on factors such as the craftsman who bound the leather (tighter or a little more loose), how well worn-in it is, and the person's shoulder size or how much they're carrying.