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“It’s becoming downright American to make stuff in America.” Such are the opening words in a recently published article in USA Today highlighting the push to bring manufacturing and jobs back home. Leading the charge in this effort are some of today’s rising stars in men’s gear–building their companies around the principle of American sourced and produced products. One great example of this is Blue Claw Co., a men’s luggage and accessory maker based right here on the east coast.
After getting some serious press in GQ, Esquire, and fashion blogs across the web, Adam Blitzer and Alex Realmuto, founders of Blue Claw Co., are making quite the name for themselves. Starting with a single weekender bag called the Worton, the pair have gone on to create full lines of gear under two collections–the Classic and the Urban. The former boasts clean lines, black canvas, and varying leather options, while the latter gets a little more fun with pops of navy, olive, charcoal, and British Tan color ways.
Well Made. Expensive. Those are the two things I usually associate with a product being “Made in America.” But in the case of Blue Claw Co., only the first is true. With water resistant full-grain leather, YKK zippers, 100% brass hardware, heavy duty stitching, and tough synthetic ballistic nylon or waxed canvas, Blue Claw Co. doesn’t cut any corners. Perhaps that’s because the company was conceived after co-founder Adam Blitzer’s bag burst at the seams while traveling abroad. These bags are built tough right here in the USA, so let’s take a look at some of the available offerings.
The Worton Weekender is the first bag the Claw produced. Made from necessity and built to endure, this 21.5″ x 11″ x 11″ bag is spacious while still being carry-on approved to fit in overhead compartments. In black, tan, or brown leather color options and made from 1050 D Ballistic Nylon, top layer hide full-grain leather (which has all of the grain and has not been sanded, buffed, or snuffed), and a waterproof liner, the Worton Weekend is available online and in select stores for $298.
From the Urban collection comes the Ezieza Weekender, a 15oz waxed canvas, leather bottomed, and brass hardware bag that comes in a few fantastic color options. The British Tan and Charcoal styles are this writer’s favorite. Available online and in select stores for $375.
If you travel a lot, the Schiphol Utility Bag and De Gaulle Dopp kit are nice options to build up a matching set of luggage. Both come from the Urban collection and are available in matching color ways. Priced at $285 and $80 respectively and available online and in select stores.
In a little over two years, the folks at Blue Claw Co. have come up with a healthy collection of well-made luggage. Keep an eye out for these guys in the future as I’m sure big things are in store for the rapidly growing, made in America boasting company.
By Tom Caruso
