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Does anyone know what animal leather Nomad uses? Their webside is not helpful, the info is lacking. They state its Horween leather (from Chicago) but Horween is made from either bovine or horse, so which one does Nomad use? Bovine leather or horse leather?! Horween chicagos webside did not give me info either, but I might have missed something in the various texts
 
I purchased the "Golden Brown" case for my 13 Pro after previously using the Saddle Brown case on my X and XS. Like many others here, I was disappointed in the color to say the least. It was too orange for my taste. So, I decided to remove the coating with alcohol wipe and apply Duragloss 221 based on others' recommendations in this thread.

It doesn't come across well in photos, but the end result is worlds better than the original finish imo. Will update on how it looks after a period of regular use.
Update on my adventures in case modding:

Back in early December, I wanted a case similar to the Apple leather cases I owned in the past (Saddle Brown for the iPhone X and XS). Upon purchasing my iPhone 13 Pro, I decided to buy the Apple Golden Brown leather case and was disappointed in how orange it looked.

Based on the recommendations in this thread, I set out to purchase the Bullstrap Sienna case and return the Golden Brown case. However, the Sienna was backordered, so I decided to self-patina my case using the alcohol and saddle soap method described by others in this thread to hold me off until the Sienna arrived.

IMG_4001.JPG

Self-patina'd by rubbing off plastic layer with isopropyl alcohol and applying multiple coats of Duragloss 221.

After a month, I was pleasantly surprised with the results. The case began to exhibit a patina similar to the Apple leather cases of old. But, the Bullstrap case I ordered back in December finally arrived, so I decided to swap cases and compare the two.

IMG_0003.jpg

Bullstrap (~1 week) v. Apple (~1 month)

I was initially surprised by how similar the two looked. From afar, it would be hard to tell the cases apart; however, when comparing them side-by-side, the differences become more apparent. Up close, it's clear that the Sienna uses substantially higher-quality leather. As others have mentioned, it smells like real leather and feels like real leather. No doubt, it's a premium product.

However, I probably wouldn't have gotten the Bullstrap case had I known how the modded stock case would age. They look practically identical at a distance, and the Bullstrap case doesn't protect the bottom of the phone, unlike the Apple case. Obviously, I haven't put the Bullstrap case through the wringer, so I can't give my full thoughts on it right now.


Will update as the Bullstrap wears.
 
Does anyone know what animal leather Nomad uses? Their webside is not helpful, the info is lacking. They state its Horween leather (from Chicago) but Horween is made from either bovine or horse, so which one does Nomad use? Bovine leather or horse leather?! Horween chicagos webside did not give me info either, but I might have missed something in the various texts

Steer hide, it’s Horween tanned leather but I’m not sure which leather it is.
I don’t think it’s Chromexcel because there is little to no depth to the color.
I don’t think it Dublin because the Nomad stuff has little grain texture so it’s corrected to some degree.
It could be Latigo or Essex?
I actually think it’s a less expensive tannage Horween does specifically for Nomad because none of Horween’s regular offerings look similar to whatever Nomad is using.
 
Hello everyone. I have an iPhone 13 Pro Max in Sieera Blue with a clear case and I'm looking to get a leather case from Apple. Which color do you think goes best with Sierra Blue? Thanks in advance.
 
Hello everyone. I have an iPhone 13 Pro Max in Sieera Blue with a clear case and I'm looking to get a leather case from Apple. Which color do you think goes best with Sierra Blue? Thanks in advance.
It’s honestly personal preference, but, I liked the way that the Golden Brown case looked with my Sierra Blue phone after removing the plastic coating and applying saddle soap.
 
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View attachment 1946371View attachment 1946373
(Sorry for wonky size, I’ve been cropping out junk near the subjects for clean picture. Pictures are both taken with Pixel 6 Pro)

Brand new case vs 1 month old bullstrap sienna case (Jan 6)

Same brand new case vs same older case approx 2 weeks later (Jan 18)

It darkened considerably. Honestly I found a new series of books to read during this time period and basically spent all my free time reading on my phone which probably quickened the process. You can see where my index finger rests when I hold the phone naturally in the particularly dark patch in the middle lol

I’m probably going to get a case from this company for my next iPhone as well. Maybe in different color to switch it up.

Most leather cases I’ve used (including Apple’s) had turned a little sticky from hand oil over time but I am not feeling any of that for this case yet. Yes, texture did change from soft grainy to soft smooth, but not sticky.

I also decided to buy my Airpods 3 (got it last week for birthday) case from them too. Pending shipment. Can’t wait to get it! It’s like my birthday is happening again.
I LOVE this. I have the bourbon color and I absolutely adore it. I found someone selling a new sienna that fits my work iPhone 12 so that’s out for delivery. I was torn between the sienna and the bourbon and now I have both. I’m with you though. I’ll be ordering this for my next phone as well. Depending on how I feel by the time the 14pro max comes out I’ll decide on the color then. I bought the bourbon AirPods Pro case and I have their metal band for my Apple Watch too. Also ordered a wallet from them and waiting for that to arrive!

Which AirPods case did you buy? I was tempted by the two tone (terra?) one but went with bourbon
 
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View attachment 1946371View attachment 1946373
(Sorry for wonky size, I’ve been cropping out junk near the subjects for clean picture. Pictures are both taken with Pixel 6 Pro)

Brand new case vs 1 month old bullstrap sienna case (Jan 6)

Same brand new case vs same older case approx 2 weeks later (Jan 18)

It darkened considerably. Honestly I found a new series of books to read during this time period and basically spent all my free time reading on my phone which probably quickened the process. You can see where my index finger rests when I hold the phone naturally in the particularly dark patch in the middle lol

I’m probably going to get a case from this company for my next iPhone as well. Maybe in different color to switch it up.

Most leather cases I’ve used (including Apple’s) had turned a little sticky from hand oil over time but I am not feeling any of that for this case yet. Yes, texture did change from soft grainy to soft smooth, but not sticky.

I also decided to buy my Airpods 3 (got it last week for birthday) case from them too. Pending shipment. Can’t wait to get it! It’s like my birthday is happening again.
If you don't mind me asking - were you reading with Apple Books or Kindle? (I know it's not related to this thread, but I'm curious - thank you!).

I have the same case (bourbon) and love it.
 
Steer hide, it’s Horween tanned leather but I’m not sure which leather it is.
I don’t think it’s Chromexcel because there is little to no depth to the color.
I don’t think it Dublin because the Nomad stuff has little grain texture so it’s corrected to some degree.
It could be Latigo or Essex?
I actually think it’s a less expensive tannage Horween does specifically for Nomad because none of Horween’s regular offerings look similar to whatever Nomad is using.
Thank you for the reply! I find it so off-putting how they are not more transparent with the type of leather they are using. Makes me believe they are using cheaper second or maybe third sorted leather
 
I LOVE this. I have the bourbon color and I absolutely adore it. I found someone selling a new sienna that fits my work iPhone 12 so that’s out for delivery. I was torn between the sienna and the bourbon and now I have both. I’m with you though. I’ll be ordering this for my next phone as well. Depending on how I feel by the time the 14pro max comes out I’ll decide on the color then. I bought the bourbon AirPods Pro case and I have their metal band for my Apple Watch too. Also ordered a wallet from them and waiting for that to arrive!

Which AirPods case did you buy? I was tempted by the two tone (terra?) one but went with bourbon

I debated between single color options and terra and ultimately went with terra. I like the two tone design. Bourbon is a beautiful color and I might get that for my next iPhone case!
 
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If you don't mind me asking - were you reading with Apple Books or Kindle? (I know it's not related to this thread, but I'm curious - thank you!).

I have the same case (bourbon) and love it.
I use Kindle! I’ve been a Kindle user for a pretty long time.

I’ve seen pictures of beautiful bourbon bullstrap cases on this thread and I might be getting that for my next iPhone case! It’s so classy.
 
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I actually love the color of the brand new case. I don’t mind patina but that is really quite a lot darker.
I wanted to get an airpods case/magsafe wallet from either bullstrap or andar. But its looks like I just missed the BF boat. Am I silly to get them now at full prices?
That would really depend on your budget. I bought my case at full price just before BF sales started which I was a bit sour about. It is definitely pricey and I hesitated before pulling the trigger because I purchased Andar just before this one. All in all, I like it and will likely get it again next year.

My second case is actually a replacement unit they sent me for a minor imperfection which is not even showing anymore on my older case after it aged so I’ve been just using it as a comparison point. I may swap to it later just to get the brand new feel again.
 
Old vs new saddle brown

The old saddle brown starts to feel rough after heavy usage, it feels as if the top layer of leather is being rubbed away (especially around the front lip because I always set my phone face down)
 

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My Aspen came in last night, a day late just like the first time I ordered. And, like the first time, it almost seems like the case is too small around the bottom. The lip around the screen seems normal up top and along the sides but as you get nearer the open bottom, it pretty much dwindles to nothing. I returned the last one for this reason but I think I'll roll with this for a while. I noticed they were touting their "minimal design" and "snug fit" so maybe this is how it's supposed to look.... Hard to say.

Another thing I noticed is the buttons require significantly more force than a bare phone or Apple's leather case. Hopefully they break in over time.

View attachment 1943436View attachment 1943437View attachment 1943438

Edited to add: Wowsa. I just went back and looked at the photos I posted of my first Andar case and you'd never be able to guess they came from the same company if it weren't for the color. The leather surrounding the camera frame is perfect, where on the last one it looked ragged and uneven. The steel frame exposure is perfectly symmetrical on this one, whereas it was uneven and hid bits on the first. I'm happy to see such massive improvements because I was very disappointed with that case after reading all of the positive feedback here.
They must have changed their formula or something. I got one back in october and it fits snug around the edges with a decent lip. Gifted my brother one recently since he liked mine and it's thin on the edges like yours so I returned it. Corners kept popping off
 
I debated between single color options and terra and ultimately went with terra. I like the two tone design. Bourbon is a beautiful color and I might get that for my next iPhone case!
I know it was a tough decision on the terra!! Still may pick it up down the road. Not that I need it!! Post it when you get it!!
 
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That would really depend on your budget. I bought my case at full price just before BF sales started which I was a bit sour about. It is definitely pricey and I hesitated before pulling the trigger because I purchased Andar just before this one. All in all, I like it and will likely get it again next year.

My second case is actually a replacement unit they sent me for a minor imperfection which is not even showing anymore on my older case after it aged so I’ve been just using it as a comparison point. I may swap to it later just to get the brand new feel again.
Thats cool that you got two cases for the full price you paid, at least.
lol.
I will be searching for discount codes for Andar/BS in the meantime.
 
40 day old Saddle brown ( coating removed on day one, no oils added ). The case is starting to show those redish browns like the old SB's from the 7/8/X series. We all know the leather on the 12/13 line isn't as good but I think its turning out pretty nice considering. The wallet I'm still not sure about....Love using the wallet, but not sure about the way its aging. Your thoughts?
Day 40.png
 
Unfortunately just returned twice the midnight 13 PM cases, one corner lower right doesn’t stay in place.
Strange leather, looks like a compressed mixture of something but it’s nothing like ‘real’ leather.
Now awaiting delivery SENA and Vaja custom.
 
40 day old Saddle brown ( coating removed on day one, no oils added ). The case is starting to show those redish browns like the old SB's from the 7/8/X series. We all know the leather on the 12/13 line isn't as good but I think its turning out pretty nice considering. The wallet I'm still not sure about....Love using the wallet, but not sure about the way its aging. Your thoughts?View attachment 1946982

The wallet looks like it has mange. Yikes...
 
I am assuming this will darken over time but has anyone noticed this on the BullStrap case seems like it’s getting lighter on the edges instead of darker.
F09178FF-8C5D-4313-B3AE-3900A128BECE.png
 
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I am assuming this will darken over time but has anyone noticed this on the BullStrap case seems like it’s getting lighter on the edges instead of darker.View attachment 1947090
That's bizarre. I've never seen that happen before unless the leather has been sanded. Are your pants pockets particularily rough or do you have extremely dry hands? ... questions I never thought I actually ask someone... ha ha.
 
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