Chris's experience in the military, where "we carried tough gear because a ripped pack strap or malfunctioning zipper could have dire consequences," underscores the critical importance of reliable, lightweight equipment. In an environment where "a full rucksack, body armor, and ammo gets heavy after a long day," there is no room for compromise. This ethos of uncompromising quality and practicality is at the heart of LOCHBY's material selection process.
Interestingly, Chris highlights a significant shift in military gear standards, pointing out, "Do you know how many leather items we carried? Zero." This stark zero usage of leather in the military context emphasizes the evolution from traditional materials to modern ones that offer superior functionality, durability, and lighter weight.
Reflecting on personal use, Chris acknowledges the charm of leather but also its drawbacks: "Leather is thick, heavy, doesn’t handle water well, and it’s expensive...they were heavy to schlep around and didn’t like rain or spilled coffee." These limitations led to a quest for materials that align more closely with LOCHBY's values of functionality and sustainability. Through this journey, LOCHBY is redefining what it means to create durable and practical products for everyday use.
The solution? Waxed canvas. "At first, we used military fabrics: nylon, usually 500 or 1000 denier. But I wanted something closer to leather in terms of natural handfeel, old school charm, something that gets better with age. That’s why we upgraded to waxed canvas." Waxed canvas, as Chris highlights, combines the durability and water resistance needed for everyday use with the aesthetic and tactile qualities that improve over time.
Waxed canvas items are valued for their ease of maintenance, requiring minimal effort to keep them looking and performing their best. There’s no need for active upkeep, but if you wish to refresh the appearance and restore it to look like new, using a fabric wax bar is a simple and effective method:
For best results, we recommend using a high-quality fabric wax bar like Otter Wax to care for your waxed canvas items, ensuring they remain durable and weather-resistant.
Your feedback and ideas fuel our continuous improvement. Reach out to discuss materials, design, or anything else you're passionate about. Together, let's keep creating products that make a difference.
As we continue to innovate and evolve, we cherish your feedback and ideas. Reach out to share your thoughts on our materials, designs, or anything else that sparks your interest. Let's keep creating with purpose, passion, and respect for the world around us.
Here is my current daily carry. It has fluctuated a lot over the years.
I carry this kit in my vehicle everyday. I don’t necessarily need it everyday, but you’d be surprised how often I actually use these items.
The act of creating is more important than the tools. But these things have really added to my enjoyment of the experience.