ODE to Box Calf

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#1,711
_gelato_ said:
I know that Box in the Sellier style is stiff and rigid, and makes getting in and out of the bag somewhat tricky, but what about Box in Retourne? Can anyone share their experience?
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No expert here but I can say that Box will certainly soften and become more pliable with age, especially if it is cared for properly. This is regardless of the style or bag it is made into. I have my grandmothers BBK32 retourne, and it is quite easy to use.
That being said, a bag in sellier will always be a bit more stiff, even with age, because of the construction. I don't have any experience with a K32 sellier in box. but I would think that an older, well cared for one should not be tremendously stiff.
 
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#1,712
Basically Box is stiff anyway so if one uses a bag very, very gently it will remain so. I believe this is irregardless of whether it is Retourne or Sellier. I have owned both and my oldest Kelly is still very stiff after 40 years. However, I do not consider getting into it tricky at all. Epsom would be the same and both leathers would almost never give the relaxed feel of a very well loved, smooshy 40, in say Clemence. Just my own opinion and experience.
 
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#1,715
_gelato_ said:
I know that Box in the Sellier style is stiff and rigid, and makes getting in and out of the bag somewhat tricky, but what about Box in Retourne? Can anyone share their experience?
Click to expand...
I don’t find it difficult to get in and out of a sellier box kelly. I keep the flap over the straps, so I just twist the lock. In a size 32 sellier, I keep the straps fastened, and I can still reach into the bag. I do find it a bit harder to get into a 28 retourne, bc it’s a bit floppier, not rigid; and sometimes I have to push at the sides to get into the bag. However, I may be in the minority here. I will admit, I don’t often use my 28K retourne noir box bc I use my 30B noir barenia when I want a flexible black bag. . .and I keep that one wide open like most Bs. In fact, I would consider rehoming it, except, that if I keep it (as a placeholder bag) I am less likely to buy another retourne kelly in the misguided notion that I will use that one more.

@nymeria , I thought your stunning berline was a sellier. .
 
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