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Brand Scorecard:
★★★★☆
Leather: 4.5
Hardware: 4
Design: 4
Engineering: 4
Craftmanship: 4.5
TOTAL: 4.21
Brand Website: brahmin.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRIEF HISTORY
Brahmin, known as a former best-kept secret in luxury handbags, is dedicated to creating high-quality, handcrafted products designed in Massachusetts using globally sourced luxury leathers. The brand's name, inspired by the Bostonian term for someone of discerning taste, reflects its commitment to timeless craftsmanship and elegance.
Brahmin stands for integrity, passion, craftsmanship, and community. The company prioritizes high standards in all aspects of its business, empowering customers with distinctive designs that express their individuality. With forty years of experience, Brahmin believes in making beautiful, long-lasting products and embraces diversity, welcoming customers from all backgrounds and supporting a diverse community.
FIVE PILLARS OF A GOOD LEATHERCRAFT
CRITERIA | 5 (Very Strong) | 4 (Strong) | 3 (Mixed) | 2 (Limited) | 1 (Not Present) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Leather | A perfect balance of art and fashion of leather tanning. Rare and artisanal hides from exceptional tanneries | Good leathers for the application in hand. Coming from environmentally conscious tanneries | Average corrected leathers that do NOT require high-quality raw hides. Less info on the source of the leather | Low-quality leather choice with significantly less information about the sourcing practice. | Inferior sketchy leather derivates or non-leather materials. |
Hardware | Top of the line Stainless Steel or Brass Hardware with Highest Caliber Coatings | Common alloy or brass hardware with high-quality plating and thin protection that will last a good while. | Alloy hardware with acceptable coating. Lifetime may be impacted due to the coating of the hardware. | Serious flaws in the making and coating of the low-grade alloy hardware that is harmful to humans and the planet. | Non-metal, plastic, and non-durable hardware that is harmful to humans and the planet. |
Design | A professional design language that is unique and consistent with the brand | A creative take on a classical design concept | Minimal changes to common styles | Almost copy of common/famous designs. Dysfunctional elements. | Problematic design elements affect the functionality, durability, and aesthetics of the product. |
Engineering | Highly organized, sophisticated shape and form engineering with high-quality materials inside the craft. | Clean and quality inner support materials and structure | Acceptable cleanliness of inner work with medium-quality support materials | Messy inside with low-grade support elements | Complete lack of inner structure and craftsmanship. |
Craftsmanship | Expert craftsmanship with flawless, hand or machine stitching, demonstrating advanced skills. No visible errors; edge paint is avoided using superior techniques. | Perfect machine stitching with excellent edge finishing. Immaculate inside and out, with no visible flaws, showing a commitment to quality. | Good overall stitching and alignment with minor flaws. Acceptable edge finishing, with fairly clean interior and exterior. | Noticeable misalignment and sloppy workmanship. Multiple errors affect visual appeal, with untidy interior work. | Poor craftsmanship with missed stitches, visible errors, and uncleaned residues. Major issues that may affect durability. |
Overall Score | An incredible value for money that I have no problem recommending to anyone | Very good example of great quality for a great price without any risk to try | A considerable offer with a relatively high price. Make your choice at your own discretion | Consider it well within your own criterion as the quality/price is not a decision point I can recommend here | Stay away! |
READING MY ASSESSMENT SCORES
SCORE | NAME | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
5 | Strong Yes | ⭐ This grade is given to brands that present great value for the price they charge you for their product. I have no problem confidently recommending you check their products. These are the brands I reach out to ask if they can give me an affiliate link so your purchases using my link can support my content efforts. |
4 | Yes | 👍 This indicates that the brand meets all my expectations from the perspective of price and information they have about their products. I would happily buy their products at this level of quality/value score. This is the only other category of brands I request an affiliate link to support this channel to improve my Leathertainment content. |
3 | Mixed | ➖ There are areas that I found less than desirable for the quality/price performance I appreciate personally. Some high-end luxury brands may fall under this category given I am looking for tangible value in the products, ignoring the intangible brand prestige they may offer as a value to their customers. I am not a customer of these brands and I wouldn’t recommend them to my audience if they do NOT value brand logos. |
2 | No | 👎 This indicates that the product and the brand failed my expectations in significant ways and I won’t recommend them to anyone. |
1 | Strong No | ❌ This is the lowest assessment and indicates fundamental issues in the product and/or the brand. I would say look somewhere else. |
LEATHERVERSE MATRIX
The Leatherverse Brand Matrix visually compares leather brands based on sophistication and pricing, helping consumers understand their market positioning.
Legend
Vertical Axis: Ranges from simple artisan crafts to exclusive, master-crafted items.
Horizontal Axis: Covers pricing from low (no brand premium) to high (perceived luxury), with 2x multipliers for basic products and up to 15x for heavily marketed luxury items.
Diagonal Line: Represents the balance between price and performance. Brands on the line offer good value, those below suggest poor value, and those above offer exceptional value.
AUDIENCE & CUSTOMER'S PERSPECTIVE
Based on these criteria, how would you rate Brahmin as a brand?
How would you rate Brahmin as a brand?
5
4
3
2
PRODUCTS REVIEWED
Are Brahmin Crocodile Embossed Handbags Worth It?
Brahmin's Georgina Bag
Watch the videos here:
When it comes to fashion accessories, handbags are more than just utilitarian items; they are statements of style, taste, and sometimes, status. Brahmin, a brand known for its distinctive leather designs, offers a variety of handbags that mimic the exotic look of crocodile skin. However, one question that often arises: are these bags worth the investment? Let's delve into the details.
DISCLAIMER: This is an UNSPONSORED review. I purchased all of these products myself and am not affiliated with the brand mentioned in any way. All statements and expressions made about the products are solely the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein and are not meant to be conclusive or definitive. The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
The Look and Feel
Brahmin's crocodile-embossed handbags undoubtedly make a striking visual impression. The embossing technique they use creates a texture and pattern that closely resembles genuine crocodile skin. For those who appreciate the aesthetic of exotic leather but are deterred by the high costs or ethical concerns, these bags present an attractive alternative.
However, it's worth noting that the heavy plastic or acrylic finish applied to the leather can detract from the tactile experience. This finish, while providing durability and a glossy sheen, can make the bag feel less luxurious to the touch. Some users might find that this compromises their connection to the material, as the finish obscures the natural grain of the leather.
Quality of Materials
One of the key considerations in evaluating the worth of a handbag is the quality of the materials used. In the case of Brahmin's crocodile-embossed handbags, the leather is of decent quality but not exceptional. The embossing process allows the use of lower-grade leather since the plastic finish and embossing mask any imperfections in the grain.
Craftsmanship and Design
The craftsmanship of Brahmin handbags is generally above average. The crocodile embossing is one of the better ones seen on cowhide, and the construction is solid. The design of these handbags tends to be classic and timeless, appealing to a wide range of tastes. However, the accessories and hardware used in the bags are mediocre, and the overall craftsmanship, while competent, does not reach the level of luxury brands that command higher prices.
Cost vs. Value
I believe six square feet of leather should be sufficient to make a bag like this. The leather cost shouldn't exceed forty dollars. The crocodile embossing on cowhide is one of the better examples I've seen, though the craftsmanship and accessories are mediocre. It's not a super complex design, so putting this bag together should cost around seventy dollars, in my estimate. I paid $325 for this bag, and given my estimate of $110 for materials and labor, it seems fairly well priced. The leather choice is good, and the crocodile pattern embossing is nicely done. The design is a classic handbag style, with above-average craftsmanship and accessories.
Final Verdict
If you are drawn to the exotic look of crocodile leather but are unwilling or unable to invest in genuine exotic skins, Brahmin's crocodile-embossed handbags are a worthy option. They offer a good balance of style, quality, and price. The craftsmanship, while not exceptional, is above average, and the design is both classic and versatile.
However, if the tactile experience and the feel of natural leather are important to you, the heavy plastic finish might be a dealbreaker. In that case, you might want to consider other brands or genuine exotic leather, despite the higher cost.
In conclusion, Brahmin crocodile-embossed handbags represent a solid middle ground in the world of fashion accessories. They are well-suited for those who appreciate the exotic look but prioritize cost-effectiveness and durability. For their price, they deliver good value and are a stylish addition to any wardrobe.
Scorecard
TANNER APPROVED!
★★★★☆ - 4.21
Criteria | Score | Results |
|---|---|---|
Leather | 4.5 | Good leathers for the application in hand. Coming from environmentally conscious tanneries |
Hardware | 4 | Common alloy or brass hardware with high-quality plating and thin protection that will last a good while. |
Design | 4 | A creative take on a classical design concept |
Engineering | 4 | Clean and quality inner support materials and structure |
Craftsmanship | 4.5 | Fair Value for quality with a brand premium: 5 to 6 x multiplier pricing. |
OVERALL SCORE | 4.21 | Very good example of great quality for a great price without any risk to try |
PRICE / COST MULTIPLIER | 5x | Fair Value for quality with a brand premium. |
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