[Un]Discovers: Palmer and Sons

Ever since I have posted an entry about Palmer and Sons' Leather Suitcase No 03 M, I have been wanting to do a feature on this brand. Finally, my dream has become reality and here I present you my interview with Nik and Jack Palmer, the brains behind Palmer and Sons.

Suitcase No 03 S in Havana Brown (with wool Gaberdine lining)

Hello Nik and Jack, thanks so much for taking some time from your busy schedule to answer some of my questions. So how did you and Jack come up with this brand? Is there a family history behind it?
The brand Palmer And Sons was established in the first place as somewhere we could aim our creativity at. We were interested in craftsmanship in several areas including carpentry, leatherwork, and metal-smithing.

Suitcase No 03 S with laptop straps & iPad Sleeves

I am totally in love with the material combination of the bags you guys create. They are simply one of a kind. I know that your bags are all hand made, so approximately how long does it take you to make one bag?
Depends on the bag. For instance the No 01 takes the least time to make the leather part of the bag, however Jack makes the wooden toggle by hand and it takes around 2-3 hours just for the toggle. Other bags such as No 03s that are lined take around 2-3 days...No 10's in custom order bridle leather take around 2-3 days also as the leather is very hard to manipulate.

Suitcase No 03 S with laptop straps

No wonder each bag is so precious since you two have spent so much time on each bag. Will you be able to give us more details on the interior customization? Will it take more time for you to make these orders?
Our main customisations are typically straps to hold a laptop in the bottom, and a document or iPad sleeve in the top of the No 03 case. With the No 10 it's normally interior pockets for paperbacks, keys, or cell phones. The customisation that can double the time taken to make a No 03 is definitely lining it as the whole construction method is changed.

Leather Cuff No 12c

I always think the customization will make the bag more personal and unique. If you need to use 3 adjectives to describe your bag, what words will you use and why?
wanted, tonal, peaceful.....when we first make a new design we typically put it on our shoulders, backs or wrists and wander around Vancouver city with it. If people stop us and ask about the design we know it's going to do well. What people say about the designs is reflected in those words.

Gladstone No 10 M

I love the idea of you wearing the new designs on the street to see the public response. I think this is the most effective way to market the products! Out of all the bags you have produced so far, which order is the most memorable one? What's so special about it?
The No 97a...I made the first for my daughter Amber Storme Palmer whom was born in 1997, i made the second for my partner Beata Kacy.

Case No 97a

Last but not least, can you give some details on what new product you are currently working on? Are you planning to make a laptop bag in the future?
Well we really want to make a rucksack and we are hoping to be able to work with 1867 to cover the making of this design. Laptop bags need lots of pockets which is something our construction methods and design philosophy doesn't like right now.

MacBook Sleeve No 14

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As many of you know, I love to ask random trivia questions to the people I feature so I can get to know their lifestyle more. Here, I have some questions for both of them and let's see how these answers reflect their lifestyles.

Country side or Urban city?
both countryside

Vancouver or Montreal?
both Vancouver

Summer or Winter?
both Winter

Coffee or Tea?
Nik: Coffee
Jack: Tea

Coca Cola or Pepsi?
Jack: neither
Nik: Pepsi

Suitcase No 03 M

Penguin or Seal?
Well if it's the english chocolate biscuit then both penguin..if its the animal then both seal

Messenger Bag or Suitcase?
both Suitcase (although Jack is currently using a messenger bag on his ridiculously bargain price pedal bike)

Silk or Cotton?
both cotton

Car or Bike?
Nik Car (practicalities like shipping items, importing leather into Canada)
Jack bike

Brown or Black?
hmmm tough one...i like blue, Jack maybe brown. I can't think of anything either of us have that is black other than a tshirt.

Once again, it is my honor to be able to feature this great brand on this blog. I am so fortunate that Nik and Jack can take some of their time to answer my questions. Now I am looking forward to see what they will have in store for us in the future. Good luck to both of you and I hope I will be able to meet you two in real person when I come to Vancouver. Click here for more great products from them! All photos are courtesy of Palmer and Sons.