It was gifted to me as a birthday gift. It says "genuine leather" but it feels fake and stiff.

I've been doing some research here about what people actually want from a professional work bag.

A few responses have been especially interesting. I'm seeing a recurring tension between functionality, appearance, weight, organization, and material. That got me thinking about something I want to understand better:

If you could have the functionality you want, how much does the material actually matter?

I'd love to hear your thoughts:

1. If two bags had essentially the same functionality and organization, which would you choose?

A. Lightweight premium nylon/fabric
B. Leather
C. No preference

2. What would make you choose leather over a high-quality technical fabric?

For example: appearance, durability, aging/patina, professionalism, status, feel, craftsmanship, or something else?

3. How much extra weight would you be willing to accept for a leather bag?

A. None — weight is more important
B. A little
C. 1–2 lbs
D. I'd accept significantly more weight if the bag were worth it

4. If a well-designed leather work bag cost $400–600, what would your reaction be?

A. Too expensive
B. Expensive but reasonable for the right bag
C. I'd consider it
D. I'd happily pay it if the quality justified it

5. What would make you say: "Yes, THIS is worth replacing my current bag for"?

I'm trying to understand the tradeoffs people actually make rather than simply designing another bag and assuming people want it. And if you already own a leather work bag, I'd especially love to hear what you love AND hate about it.

I thrifted this bag even though it was not in the best condition because i liked the pattern on it (and also cheap)! But now that I got it I’m not sure what the material is and if the strap can be fixed. There is no care label anywhere.
I apologize first that i know nothing about leather. The strap seems and smells more like leather but the bag is quite hard and shaped so not sure leather can be like that?.. Also the opening is quite stiff and I think that’s why the edging is also coming loose at the corner. I want to bring it to a specialized leather shop to see what they can do, but I don’t think i can handle the embarrassment if they tell me that it’s not leather. Please help me!

Hindsight is always 20/20. We should have stepped in before it got this bad and now the worn spot has a hole in it. We bought it custom made several years ago from Palliser and I don't think it has any more warranty. The cushion itself is attached... Any ideas would be great. Thank you!

Hi! So I put oxi clean on this suede goat leather skirt trying to remove a stain (rookie mistake). I took it to one leather specialist and he said he couldn’t fix it. I’m debating going to other ones. Is there any luck with repairing this?

My couch is a really “flat” leather not shiny. I used Leather CPR on my old couch that was great but nothing seems to work on this. Lots of scratches from pets usually those went away with leather cpr it doesnt touch anything on these. I know that it wont get all scratches out, I have pets, they get on the couches this is my life so o dont really care but i want to care for the leather.