Ordered a leather sleeve

[mcpingist]

I decided I liked reading without a case so decided to try a sleeve. Couldn't find anything I fell in love with until this:

http://www.saddlebackleather.com/categories/109-Gadget-Pouch-Medium/products/2636-Leather-Gadget-Pouch-Medium-Tobacco-Brown

It wasn't made specifically for the Kindle, let alone the K3 but it sounds like top quality (full grain leather, 100 year guarantee, etc.) and I think I'll really love the looks. This is the type of leather that should age beautifully. I got the tobacco color. I'll report back next week after it arrives.

[vanzant]

I like it. Looks classy.

[AnelaBelladonna]

That is very nice.  I like it a lot!

[cyclefreaksix]

I purchased a small satchel from Saddleback about a year ago to carry around with me.  At 100 bucks it was not cheap but the quality of the leather, stitching and hardware are second to none.

You inspired me.  I'm going to see if my K3 will fit in that bag.  If so, it might just be the perfect solution to my case needs!!

Thanks for the idea!

[laurie_lu]

My gosh!  That is a gorgeous sleeve.  Love it!

[JaneD]

That is a sleek sleeve. I like the rustic quality of the stitching. Looks both elegant and durable. Please come back and post when you get it, and tell us how you like it!

[Elk]

Excellent find.

Tempting

[fidjit]

My first post here and "marrys" two of my "loves" together.  My new Kindle and Saddleback Leather.

Saddleback certainly isn't the cheapest leather products out there ( then again it's certainly not the most expensive either   ) and it can become a bit of an obsession ( or is that fetish   )

Once you see and feel one of their pieces you'll know it's going to last a long time and oh,  the beautiful leathery smell...............  

I have a large bifold wallet ( that's what started it all ),  medium classic briefcase, small gadget pouch for my HTC desire, small wallet, couple of luggage tags.

As soon as I ordered my Kindle I ordered a SB medium gadget pouch. All my other pieces are in Dark Coffee Brown so figured I'd go with something different this time. The Tobacco has an almost suedy feel to it.

Here's some pics

Here you can see the size of the pouch compared to the K3. Note that the second layer of stitching on the inside is purely decorative


Here's the K3 inside the pouch, you can see that there's a small bit of space on each side of the pouch. For a glass half full answer, this adds more cushioning if you drop the case on it's side.


The Kindle sits so the top of it's level with the curved in the top.  It's easy to insert the K3 into the pouch. It doesn't move once it's in there even if you place the pouch upside down. To "release" just squeeze the sides. It'll feel a bit "tight" initially, but the leather will mould itself just right to the kindle as time passes.


I'm currently using a combination of naked, the standard Amazon cover and the SB pouch.  The SB pouch certainly gives it the most protection. It covers 3 of the 4 sides completely and because it's "recessed" at the top, it offers you some drop protection there as well. I'm a bit "worried" with the standard cover as 3 of the 4 sides are still "exposed".

The pouch actually fits the K2 a bit better, though the top edge is slightly more exposed. It wasn't designed that way, just a coincidence.

And the best thing is that the SB leather just looks better and better with time and use.

Hope this helps  

p.s. here's a pic of my small pouch and wallet  

[cyclefreaksix]

Very nice indeed! I love their leather and that sleeve is beautiful.  Enjoy it in health!!

[Mutz]

What an awesome looking sleeve. I've always been a bit of a leather fanatic. The look, the feel, and oh...the smell.  

One question tho: the SB Kindle sleeve looks like the leather might be a bit hard (at least when new). Is this the case, or is it relatively soft and pliable? I'm just a bit concerned that it could mark the Kindle when sliding it in and out.

[fidjit]

What an awesome looking sleeve. I've always been a bit of a leather fanatic. The look, the feel, and oh...the smell.  

One question tho: the SB Kindle sleeve looks like the leather might be a bit hard (at least when new). Is this the case, or is it relatively soft and pliable? I'm just a bit concerned that it could mark the Kindle when sliding it in and out.

Yes it's 4-5 oz leather and is pretty thick ( guestimate around 1.5 - 1.6 mm )  It's also lined with pigskin. It starts off pretty stiff.

I normally "prepare" my leather which involves:
1. holding the item in my hand and bending and flexing the leather in any way possible, all while inhaling that intoxicating new leather smell
2. Put something in there about the same size as the item you want to  and just leave it in there for a while to stretch/shape the leather.

[Mutz]

Yes it's 4-5 oz leather and is pretty thick ( guestimate around 1.5 mm thin.  It's also lined with pigskin. It starts off pretty stiff.

I normally "prepare" my leather which involves:
1. holding the item in my hand and bending and flexing the leather in any way possible, all while inhaling that intoxicating new leather smell
2. Put something in there about the same size as the item you want to  and just leave it in there for a while to "stretch" the leather.

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I've often done the same with new leather items I've owned in the past. Not only does it help to soften the leather but also gives it that "worn" look which just adds to its overall attractiveness!

[Ruby296]

That's a gorgeous sleeve! I've got a large SB wallet in Chestnut and it's the sturdiest wallet I've ever owned. I'm tempted to get the small sleeve for my iPhone in Tobacco now after seeing your pics. Thanks for sharing them!

[Neo]

Wow, I'm actually very tempted by the Carbon Black pouch for my iPhone!

[Neo]

OK, I have not been able to resist temptation for too long, lol: just ordered the small black carbon gadget pouch for my iPhone 4.

Just couldn't withstand the yummy leather and simplicity of the design, which I think will complement the sleekness of the iPhone perfectly - just hope it fits well!

Funny, I love my Oberon for my K3, but couldn't decide on which phone sleeve to go for - just wasn't a 100% somehow, although I do find them gorgeous. Guess when you know you know, and this was it for me!

Thank you for posting and sharing mcpingist and for the great pics which convinced me fidjit 

[Mutz]

Wow, I'm actually very tempted by the Carbon Black pouch for my iPhone!

Well your will-power lasted 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 14 seconds LOL which is certainly understandable given the beauty of that leather!
I must admit, I'm very tempted myself!


Let the countdown begin....

[fidjit]

Hahhahahaahah, once you get it in your hands it might be the start of a long slippery slope !!!

SB Leather is a fetish 

Glad I could be of "assistance"  

[911jason]

Very nice... thanks for all the pics Fidjit!

[Mutz]

Well your will-power lasted 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 14 seconds LOL which is certainly understandable given the beauty of that leather!
I must admit, I'm very tempted myself!


Let the countdown begin....

The countdown has ended. I caved in less than 13 hours!

I figured if I slept on it, the urge might subside....it didn't. LOL

My new Saddleback Leather smartphone pouch and matching (Chestnut) wallet are on their way! Woohoo! 

[Neo]

The countdown has ended. I caved in less than 13 hours!

I figured if I slept on it, the urge might subside....it didn't. LOL

My new Saddleback Leather smartphone pouch and matching (Chestnut) wallet are on their way! Woohoo! 

Hahaha!!!! Excellent, that makes me feel sooooo much better  . Even though you did resist waaayyyy longer than me, lol! But then you added the wallet, so, not sure how that works (I just sprung for the smartphone pouch for now...).

Now I just wonder when we may get our stuff? Can't wait to get it 

Anyway: congratulations  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mutz]

Hahaha!!!! Excellent, that makes me feel sooooo much better  . Even though you did resist waaayyyy longer than me, lol! But then you added the wallet, so, not sure how that works (I just sprung for the smartphone pouch for now...).

Now I just wonder when we may get our stuff? Can't wait to get it 

Anyway: congratulations  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, and congrats to you too. I figure sometime next week probably we'll both be fondling our new SB goodies. 

I decided to get a wallet in addition to a pouch as a way of saving myself future shipping charges...if you know what I mean. 

But I can see myself shopping there again anyway. Did you take a look at the SB satchels, briefcases, and other bags??? OMG!!! I thought I'd died and gone to leather heaven! LOL

fidjit is correct: SB leather is a fetish! 

Hope you'll post after you get your pouch and let us know what you think. I'll do likewise.

[mcpingist]

My sleeve arrived Monday. It is just as sweet as I had hoped. It's one of those rare items you just can't quit staring at and handling. Fidjit already posted better pix than I could so I won't try, although I'm sure he'll agree that pictures really can't do it justice.

MC

[fidjit]

My sleeve arrived Monday. It is just as sweet as I had hoped. It's one of those rare items you just can't quit staring at and handling. Fidjit already posted better pix than I could so I won't try, although I'm sure he'll agree that pictures really can't do it justice.

MC

Sorry to steal your thunder MC 

I'd spend an evening and just flex, wrap, roll the pouch around. The tobacco softens up a LOT quicker than the Coffee Brown.  I did notice yesterday a bit of brown stuff on the keyboard after storing.  I'd be interested to know if you get the same thing.  No biggie it wiped straight off.

Hope you enjoy. May it be the first of many SB pieces for you 

[Neo]

Yaayyy, my small gadget pouch shipped today  !

I'll definitely be back to report as soon as I get it!

[mcpingist]

Sorry to steal your thunder MC  

I'd spend an evening and just flex, wrap, roll the pouch around. The tobacco softens up a LOT quicker than the Coffee Brown.  I did notice yesterday a bit of brown stuff on the keyboard after storing.  I'd be interested to know if you get the same thing.  No biggie it wiped straight off.

Hope you enjoy. May it be the first of many SB pieces for you  

No problem, my friend. Like I said, I'm no photographer. Between you and Saddleback's site, I think it's covered. I've been working the leather some with no sign of bleeding. I was actually very surprised at how supple it was out of the wrapping.... very pliable. I'm no expert but I can just tell that this: unlike other leathers (even most other very nice ones) the Saddleback leather looks like it will age beautifully and become more and more attractive over the years.