Journal

Patina is the surface change full-grain leather develops from light, oils and handling. It darkens, softens and takes on shine where you touch it most.

Suede is the underside of the same hide, split off and brushed. It is softer and lighter, and it has no protective surface — which decides most of the answer.

Wipe it with a dry cloth, keep it out of prolonged damp and direct heat, condition it once or twice a year. Most damage comes from over-treating, not under-treating.

Start from what you carry, not from the bag. A phone and a card need 20 cm; a phone, wallet, keys and glasses need 23 to 27 cm; a small notebook needs 30.

A saddle bag is a small structured bag with a curved flap, named for the shape that once hung from a saddle. It holds a day’s essentials and keeps its shape empty.

Full-grain keeps the outer surface of the hide, grain and marks intact. Top-grain has that surface sanded away. One ages; the other wears out.