The best quality canvas bag you can buy
I don't remember how I discovered Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu. I may have read about them on the news because they finally have their online store due to the limitation of Pandemic. Previously, the only way you could buy their canvas products was to visit their store in Kyoto, Japan. Since I love Japanese products, I couldn't help myself and I ordered a couple of their waxed canvas bags.
The first bag I am reviewing today is their S-11 crossbody bag. Yes, the bag name/label is S-11. I guess by the way they name their bags, it shows they are not big on marketing gimmicks. Even though the product description said it is a pouch that is great for your cellphone and wallet, I bought it for carrying my camera. Last 12 months, I hadn't been doing any portrait shooting, so most of the time, I only brought my Fujifilm X100V or my Leica Q2 when I was out. A crossbody pouch like the S-11 was perfect for my needs in bringing along a compact point and shoot. When I used it with my X100V, I could even squeeze in a small hand sanitizer.
The design itself is minimalistic. It is in a rectangular, boxy shape with a zipper opening. Inside the pouch, you can find a big pocket and a couple of small pockets for a pen and business card. On the outside, you can also see a pocket on one side of the bag. It is simply perfect for keeping a facemask and a few packets of hand sanitizer wipes. The strap is also made in canvas. It is adjustable but not removable.
When it comes to material, everything Ichizawa uses is top-notch! The canvas is thick and durable! I don't see unevenness in color like other waxed canvas bags, even though it is weatherproof. The zipper and the hardware on the bags are like the best quality I have ever seen. They are solid and no doubt can be used for a lifetime!
I love the look and touch when I first had the bag in my hands. As cliche as it sounds, it is the quality that I can feel. I know it is a bag that I will use frequently, and the canvas will age gracefully as time goes!
