Should I get a Cambridge Satchel or are they too stiff?

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#16
I have had my satchel for almost a year now and at first the leather was stiff, however I believe this is a sign of good quality leather. My satchel now is much softer and the buckles are easy to use. The color has also stayed bright and not faded. The shape of the bag is still the same as it was when purchased. Overall this was a great investment and I can't wait to buy another one for Spring. I am desperate for the Lavender shade https://www.cambridgesatchel.com/buy/chelsea/ :love:
 
#17
Hi, I've searched the internet for ways of softening a cambridge satchel artificially and I can't find anything. Has anyone tried this?

I recieved a monogramed satchel for christmas from my boyfriend and I know it's very ungreatful, but I don't like it already and I've only worn it out a few times! I've got to learn to like it or he'll be offended, but I'm having all the above troubles. It's too stiff and I've scratched my hands on it. It also falls off my shoulder and the strap keeps coming unbuckled and is flapping around when i'm wearing it. Not to mention the fact that it doesnt have a zip and the front buckles are too fiddly to do up and undo all the time for security.

But if I can get over all those inconveniences, has anyone got a way I can make the bag more supple and look more bashed up? (It's too pristine for my liking and everyone is saying that one of the bonuses is that it keeps this pristine finish for a long time- argh!) I've heard that oils and actually taking a hammer to it could work?
 
#18
fovrov said:
Hi, I've searched the internet for ways of softening a cambridge satchel artificially and I can't find anything. Has anyone tried this?

I recieved a monogramed satchel for christmas from my boyfriend and I know it's very ungreatful, but I don't like it already and I've only worn it out a few times! I've got to learn to like it or he'll be offended, but I'm having all the above troubles. It's too stiff and I've scratched my hands on it. It also falls off my shoulder and the strap keeps coming unbuckled and is flapping around when i'm wearing it. Not to mention the fact that it doesnt have a zip and the front buckles are too fiddly to do up and undo all the time for security.

But if I can get over all those inconveniences, has anyone got a way I can make the bag more supple and look more bashed up? (It's too pristine for my liking and everyone is saying that one of the bonuses is that it keeps this pristine finish for a long time- argh!) I've heard that oils and actually taking a hammer to it could work?
Click to expand...

Not sure which cambridge bag you have?
I have 11" classic satchel--found pic-- http://www.theupcoming.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/The-Classic.jpg

Honestly, I'm not having these problems.
I did treat with collonil leather gel--softened leather a bit. Never scratched hands, though.

I wear it crossbody. Shoulder strap stays buckled, but is a bit thin, imo.
Slipping closure straps through buckles felt natural--but, have used bags with this design before.

Bending flap, body & straps (i.e. use) slightly loosens leather. But, will stay a structured bag.
Seems to resist scratches well--so, may be tough to distress.

Only trouble I have is flap hooking onto pocket lip, so front pocket stays uncovered--had things fall out, after buckling.
I know to check, now.

I hope you learn to love yours, as it sounds gorgeous with monogram.
 
#19
I love mine but I need to be honest I haven't been using it for a long time. I own 1 Cambridge satchel and few more ZATCHEL in my closet. Yeah sure, the leather are stiff but its supposes to be like that. The only thing bothers me is the buckle but I don't fuss buckling it when I am using it. I think its a great price for a good quality leather & craftsmanship.
 
#20
I've had mine a year. The 'stiff' leather is just thick leather, the more you wear and use it the more it will ease up. Mine has already eased. I don't think my variation will age well (metallic) so I don't sling it around.

I wear mine cross-body so I don't know about it falling off the shoulder.

I don't find it hard to get in and out of, I don't always slot the straps in the buckle (if you KWIM) if I know I'm going to have to get something out in a hurry like a pass
 
#21
Here's a great quote, from Julie Deane (cambridge satchel company founder), about the design:

"The kind of bag you felt Harry Potter and Hermione would carry,” she says.

Full article here: http://startups.co.uk/the-cambridge-satchel-company-julie-deane/
 
#23
I had one for awhile and loved how it looked, but the style combined with the leather didn't work for me so I sold it. I have a Mansur Gavriel bag, which is also a stiff leather, but the design seems to work better for me in a bucket style. The Cambridge bags look wonderful but they don't have much room for the size of the bag.
 
#24
I have a black one and dont mind the stiffness or buckles. That said, I have experienced color transfer from the inside of the bag on my SLGs. I have a white SLG that I noticed this on after just a few uses this is a deal breaker for me!! Otherwise a beautiful bag.
 
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