Cambridge classic satchel versus 'Cut Make Trim' barrel bag..?

[DreamingOfThruxtons]

Does anyone own either of these, or have an opinion either way? I'm swithering painfully: need a new day bag, hate normal 'handbags' but am tired of my scruffy backpack. Lovely OH got me a 15" Doctor Marten satchel, but it's huuuuge, so it's going back, to be replaced by one of these, I think. Linkies below, opinions/experience very much appreciated!

Cambridge 13"
CMT Barrel

I love the barrel bag. Haven't heard of that brand before, so thank you! Off to browse.

That barrel bag is lovely - I would be tempted to go for that just because it a bit different, I've seen a lot of the cambridge satchels...however I suppose it depends on how convenient you think you'd find the shape.

Would you be more comfortable with something flat to your body? The barrel bag looks more spacious but things might tumble about in it more. I do find these types of bags to be quite heavy, so larger might be more cumbersome.

Do they have free returns? Order both and sashay around trying them out, that's what I'd probably do.

What colour are you going for?

I really like the barrel bag, and I'm not a bag person. What colour would you have?

I like the barrel too. I'd go for that one.

If you're going brown, then you should also check out scaramanga. They have nice satchels but not in all different colours. Bit cheaper though!

Thank you all, I think I'm leaning towards the barrel, but might do as Satsuki suggests. I like the idea of a bit of sashaying.

Boringly, I'd probably go for black, as it goes with everything. Although, l have to say that Scaramanga website has some lovely stuff on it: I'm quite taken with the red bags they have. Thank you, Blowin.

Is it really tragic of me, though, that I can't help wondering if the Cambridge bag is more of a bargain because of the sale? I'm such a sucker for a nice big discount, and I do like nice leather stuff: it's the one thing I won't scrimp on- I've rather a penchant for expensive leather boots like Hasbeens and Fryes... which then stay in my closet so I won't ruin them by actually wearing them outside...

I'd go for the barrel bag as the satchels are a bit common (as in popular, not chivvy) and the barrel bag is different. I'd also go for a bright colour, I just got a cobalt blue leather bag and I love it!

Have a look for Scaramanga on ebay, they do an outlet type shop where you can sometimes get a bargain, either a second, or one with a slight scuff or fold in the leather. Worth checking if you like them.

Thank you OP for introducing me to the cut/trim site, its all sooo pretty!
I would definitely go for the barrel bag, its different. I may end up buying the bright yellow one though I really really shouldn't

I'd stay away from Scaramanga tbh. I've had a few of their bags, the leather is fabulous quality but the zips/buckles/fastenings let them down badly. They're poor quality for the price and always break after a year or so.

Zatchels are nicer than Cambridge and have a variety of different styles not just satchels.

I like the cut make trim bag though.

www.zatchels.com/bags/

I have that barrel bag in tan, I love it, it's worn really well and hasn't discoloured. It's worn better then the designer ones three times that price. I always get compliments

I'd definitely recommend the CMT bag, I have one and it's finished beautifully, the stitching is really immaculate and colour doesn't fade. My sister has a Cambridge bag and she had to admit mine had been a better find;)))

I love my Cambridge satchel, but that barrel bag is also very nice!

I love my Cambridge satchel. I have it in black. I've had it for years and it still looks fab :)