Handles

A lot of companies get this wrong as they try to develop something that is aesthetically pleasing without concern for consumer comfort.

The human hand and its grip are round so every bag handle should be designed with that in mind. Across the product lineup, all of Carl Friedrik bags have round handles.

As a test, I carried a 12-pack of red bulls to work which loaded the bag down significantly but it did not bow out on the side and it glided with ease. The handles are firm, sturdy and put no unwanted stress on the hands.

A small detail I noticed is how the bottom of the handles are cut at an angle. This keeps them from rubbing against the top edge of the bag which will definitely increase the longevity. The hardware is custom nickel-finished with a minimalist look.

Shoulder Strap

An alternative to using in the handles is the included detachable 40mm wide shoulder strap.

The visuals on this are distinct because both the clasp as well as the leather attachment are both shaped in Carl Friedrik’s logo.

It’s a subtle design detail but something I really like. The leather strap is also reinforced on the inside with matching 220gsm technical nylon from Milan, Italy.

Now some folks may see this play as either too cheap or rugged but I would politely disagree. One can guarantee that nylon will last a long time without showing wear and tear. This is also something I haven’t seen on many other bags.

Zipper

The Palissy bag has a large Raccagni zipper which is made in Bergamo Italy.

It extends around the length of the bag and is super easy to use. I originally thought this was unnecessary but given the compartments inside, the ability to fully open the bag and access anything quickly is a plus.

The leather on the zippers is also in the shape of CF’s logo, adding to the list of small details I enjoy.