Soft as a Dream, Strong as Leather: The Aarni's Nordic Elk Leather
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Time to read: 8 min
Aarni, a Finnish brand that specializes in bags made from Nordic elk leather, intrigued me with their bold claim. As someone who enjoys dissecting leather products, this challenge seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore something unique. The bag in question was a simple yet elegant crossbody bag, but what caught my attention was the use of elk leather, a material I had never encountered before. With that in mind, I decided to dive into the details and see if this €195 bag is worth your money.
In this blog, we will answer the following questions:
- What makes Aarni’s Nordic elk leather unique compared to traditional cowhide leather?
- Does the craftsmanship and design of the Aarni crossbody bag justify its €195 price tag?
- How does the hardware and workmanship impact the overall value and durability of the bag?
Let's dive into the leatherverse again —one review, one dissection, and one video at a time.
DISCLAIMER: The “Rip My Bag Challenge” is a review series that tests leather products’ quality, price, and craftsmanship. While the brand supports the challenge financially, my opinions stay fair, unbiased, and truthful. Products featured are purchased anonymously without brand involvement. Brands have no control over content, publishing dates, or the review process.
What's Inside?
First Impressions: The Softness of Elk Leather Inside the Bag: Simplicity Done Right Workmanship: Clean and Efficient Hardware: A Mixed Bag Engineering and Structure: Simple Yet Effective The Unique Quality of Elk Leather Cost Breakdown: Is the Price Justified? Final Thoughts: Worth the Investment? Want to read more? Frequently Asked Questions About Tanner
First Impressions: The Softness of Elk Leather
The moment I touched the Aarni crossbody, I could tell this bag was different. The leather felt incredibly soft—so much so that it almost didn’t feel like traditional leather at all. Unlike cowhide, which tends to be more rigid, elk leather is soft, spongy, and yet durable. This unique feel stood out immediately, making it clear that Aarni had used something special. If you’re used to the firm texture of cowhide, this softness might surprise you in the best way.
The quality of the leather is definitely the standout feature of this bag. For the specialty and uniqueness of it, I would rate the leather a 4 out of 5. It’s impressive and soft, yet strong enough to hold its own.
Inside the Bag: Simplicity Done Right
Inside the Aarni crossbody, the design is fairly straightforward. It’s a simple camera bag style, and while the layout isn’t anything groundbreaking, it is executed very well. The interior is lined with a cotton-like fabric that feels surprisingly high quality. There’s also a zipper pocket, though the zipper itself is made from plastic, which might not be as durable as metal zippers. However, the overall feel of the inside is neat, organized, and well-finished.
The simplicity of the design adds to the bag’s charm. It’s not over-complicated, which makes it versatile for daily use. In terms of design, I would rate it a 3 out of 5—it’s not revolutionary, but it doesn’t need to be. The bag does what it sets out to do, and it does it with style.
@tanner.leatherstein Not Cowhide. Not Calf. It's... Elk? 🦌 DISCLAIMER: The “Rip My Bag Challenge” is a review series that tests leather products’ quality, price, and craftsmanship. While the brand supports the challenge financially, my opinions stay fair, unbiased, and truthful. Products featured are purchased anonymously without brand involvement. Brands have no control over content, publishing dates, or the review process. #tannerleatherstein #elkleather #aarni #madeinfinland #leatherbag #bagtok #leatherreview #rmbc #ripmybagchallenge ♬ original sound - Tanner Leatherstein
Workmanship: Clean and Efficient
Upon further inspection, the workmanship of the Aarni bag stood out as clean and efficient. There’s not much internal support, but that’s not a huge concern for a bag with such a simple shape. It’s a design choice that works perfectly well for the bag’s intended purpose. However, the edge painting could use a bit of improvement, as some spots appear a bit rough. The stitching is clean, and the inner construction is neat, so from a structural standpoint, I’d rate the workmanship at a 3.5 out of 5.
Hardware: A Mixed Bag
When it comes to hardware, Aarni’s choice falls somewhere between low and mid-end. The metal fittings are coated with lacquer, which can be easily scratched or chipped. While the hardware isn’t the highest quality, it does the job. I’d rate it a 2.5 out of 5 for durability and finish, as it could definitely benefit from a more premium feel. The finish level on the leather, however, is excellent, striking a nice balance between protection and allowing you to really feel the texture of the elk leather.
Engineering and Structure: Simple Yet Effective
Looking at the overall structure of the bag, I noticed that there’s not much internal support. However, given the simple design, that’s not necessarily a problem. The shape holds up just fine, and there’s no real need for extra support to maintain the bag’s form. The craftsmanship in the bag’s engineering is efficient, with clean and neat stitching throughout. Based on these factors, I would rate the engineering at 3.5 out of 5. The simplicity of the design combined with the high-quality leather ensures that it’s functional and durable.
The Unique Quality of Elk Leather
What truly sets this bag apart is the quality of the elk leather. It’s something you don’t encounter every day, and it’s evident in the bag’s overall feel and durability. The leather is incredibly soft to the touch, but it’s also surprisingly tough. It has a spongy texture that feels very different from cowhide, and its durability suggests that it will stand the test of time. This is where the Aarni bag truly shines. The leather earns a solid 4 out of 5 for its specialty, uniqueness, and tactile qualities.
Cost Breakdown: Is the Price Justified?
Looking at the production costs behind this bag, we can see that the price is largely tied to the quality of materials and craftsmanship. The elk leather itself, about two square feet, likely costs no more than $10. The bag’s simple design means that the total production cost—materials, hardware, zippers, and labor—would likely amount to around $35 in a region like Hungary.
Given that the bag retails for €195 (approximately $215), with VAT included, the brand charges a bit more than four times the cost to make it. This multiplier is well within the range of what’s typical for many small-scale brands, especially those working with unique materials like elk leather. While the mark-up isn’t huge, it’s reasonable for a bag of this quality, especially given that the leather is a rare find in most bags at this price point.
| Criteria | Score | Results |
| Leather | 4 | Good leathers for the application in hand. Coming from environmentally-conscious tanneries. |
| Hardware | 2.5 | Serious flaws in the making and coating of the low-grade alloy hardware that is harmful to humans and the planet. |
| Design | 3 | Minimal changes to common styles. |
| Engineering | 3.5 | Acceptable cleanliness of inner work with medium-quality support materials |
| Craftsmanship | 3.5 | Good overall stitching and alignment with minor flaws. Acceptable edge finishing, with fairly clean interior and exterior. |
| OVERALL SCORE | 3.30 | A considerable offer with a relatively high price. Make your choice at your own discretion |
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PRICE/COST MULTIPLIER |
<4x | Exceptional value for money. |
Final Thoughts: Worth the Investment?
At €195, Aarni’s elk leather crossbody bag sits in the mid-price range for leather bags, but it offers something truly special: a unique leather that you won’t find in many other bags. The craftsmanship is solid, the leather feels fantastic, and the simple design makes it a versatile option for daily use. While the hardware and edge paint could be improved, the quality of the elk leather makes up for these minor shortcomings. The price is justified by the rarity and quality of the materials, and if you’re looking for a bag that stands out in terms of both craftsmanship and leather quality, this Aarni crossbody is definitely worth considering.
If I ever find myself in Finland, I’d be curious to explore more of Aarni’s products and see how they continue to use this fascinating material. For now, I’m impressed with what I’ve learned and will keep an eye on this brand as they grow. As always, stay leathertained!
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About Tanner
Tanner Leatherstein
Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.
