It's easy to pick out a Lindquist bag when looking around the Apparel store. In addition to their unique shapes, each with their own cult following (Faba! Eggi! Po!), incredible colors, and beautiful construction - plus the best smelling leather in the game - each of their small leather bags boasts a telltale bit of flair: a round brass clasp. To those new to Lindquist, you may have already encountered or puzzled over one of these clasps in person. You may even be one of the folks who has quickly lost patience and started yanking on the flap (no judgment but please let us show you how it works next time!). The key to this genius bit of hardware is a lot simpler than you might think, and we asked Lindquist's team for a bit of intel on what makes it so special. 

In terms of background, Conor is a mechanical engineer and automobile enthusiast, and was familiar with this type of hardware that functions with a ball bearing mechanism, as it was commonly used on classic soft top convertibles and boats.

When we started Lindquist and began the process of designing the first collection, we loved the idea of using hardware for the Faba that would lock to keep the bag secure when closed (or tossed onto the seat of your car, or in another tote bag, etc.). We knew we wanted to use solid natural brass for this hardware, as well as all of our rivets, backposts, buckles, and zippers, to ensure that the hardware would develop a beautiful patina alongside our naturally dyed, vegetable tanned leather.

With all this in mind, we set out to find a manufacturer who produces this traditional hardware with a ball bearing locking mechanism, who would be open to new custom finishes, sizes and shapes for Lindquist (with which Conor so graciously lends a hand using SolidWorks to assist with all our 3D modeling needs).

We feel so lucky to have found our manufacturing partner in Japan who exhibits the same care and attention to detail that we so highly value in our studio. The process of unboxing the hardware when it arrives from Japan (sometimes after months of development and conversation for new styles) is truly one of the most satisfying experiences -- everything precisely labeled and beautifully crafted, ready to grace new Lindquist bags. 

Due to the somewhat unexpected and quite special functionality of our hardware, we've embarked on a journey of discovery with customers as we introduce the concept of "pinch and pull" to release the ball bearing and unlock. Generally speaking, once our customers understand how to open and close the hardware fluidly they find the process, and the accompanying clear snap sound, entirely gratifying.

We couldn't have said it better ourselves - the key is a simple pinch and pull, a gentle lift on the centerpiece of the clasp that grants easy access to your bag's contents, then closes securely with an extremely satisfying click to keep things secure. If you find yourself curious, or have been stymied in the past, stop in to the Apparel store next time you're in the area and give one of our favorite bags the ol' pinch and pull (and sniff).