Tanner Goods vs Saddleback Leather
Two American leather goods companies with lifetime warranties and cult followings. Tanner Goods brings Portland design sensibility. Saddleback brings Texas ruggedness. Both are excellent - here's the difference.
The Contenders
Tanner Goods Utility Bifold
English Bridle Leather
USA (Portland, OR)
Lifetime
Portland-made with English bridle leather. Tanner Goods built their reputation on quality leather goods with a Pacific Northwest aesthetic. Clean lines, solid construction.
- English bridle leather
- Made in Portland, USA
- Lifetime warranty
- Beautiful patina over time
- Higher price point
- Stiff when new
- No RFID protection
Saddleback Leather Medium Bifold
Full Grain Boot Leather
Mexico
100-Year
THE tank of wallets. 100-year warranty backed by a company known for keeping their word. Full grain boot leather that gets better with age. Thick and substantial - this is a statement piece.
- 100-year warranty (they mean it)
- Full grain boot leather
- Gets better looking with age
- Virtually indestructible construction
- Thick and bulky when new
- Requires break-in period
- No RFID protection
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Tanner Goods Utility Bifold | Saddleback Leather Medium Bifold | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warranty | Lifetime | 100-Year | B |
| Leather Type | English Bridle Leather | Full Grain Boot Leather | |
| Made In | Portland, Oregon | Mexico | A |
| Design Aesthetic | Clean/Modern Heritage | Rugged/Traditional | |
| Durability | 9/10 | 10/10 | B |
| Break-in Period | Moderate (1-2 months) | Long (3-6 months) | A |
| Price | ~$140 | ~$125 | B |
| Patina Development | Beautiful aging | Dramatic aging |
Warranty
Both are lifetime commitments, but Saddleback's 100-year warranty is legendary and they're known for honoring it generously.
Leather Type
Both are excellent. English bridle is refined and structured. Boot leather is thick and rugged. Different aesthetics.
Made In
Tanner Goods is made entirely in USA. Saddleback is made in Mexico (still excellent quality).
Design Aesthetic
Tanner Goods has cleaner Pacific Northwest design. Saddleback has bolder Texas ranch aesthetic.
Durability
Both are extremely durable, but Saddleback's thicker boot leather is the "tank" of wallets.
Break-in Period
English bridle leather is stiff but breaks in faster. Saddleback's thick leather takes longer.
Price
Saddleback is slightly cheaper despite the 100-year warranty.
Patina Development
Both develop excellent patina. Tanner is more subtle. Saddleback is more dramatic.
The Verdict
Both are exceptional American heritage leather goods with lifetime commitments. Choose based on aesthetic preference and whether US manufacturing matters.
Choose Tanner Goods if you prefer cleaner design, want Made in USA specifically, and like English bridle leather.
Choose Saddleback if you want maximum durability, the legendary warranty, and more rugged Texas aesthetic.
You can't go wrong with either. Tanner Goods for refined, Saddleback for rugged. Both are true BIFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Made in USA worth the premium?
If supporting US manufacturing matters to you, Tanner Goods is the choice. Both offer excellent quality regardless of where they're made.
Which leather ages better?
Both age beautifully. English bridle develops a refined patina. Boot leather develops a more rugged, dramatic character. Personal preference.
Are these too expensive for a wallet?
Compare to 20+ years of replacements. At $125-140, these work out to ~$6-7 per year of use. Cheaper than replacing $50 wallets every 2-3 years.
Which is thinner?
Tanner Goods is slightly thinner. English bridle leather allows for more refined construction while maintaining durability.