February 29 - everyday carry artisans

1. Touch the bag. Feel the leather up and down and see if you can differentiate more then one type of substance. Real leather will feel like it came from one single source and will not feel as though it's a blend of multiple synthetic fibers.

2. Smell the bag. Leather has a very distinct smell and you should be able to pick up the scent in an instant. If you are not sure, go to a leather store and reintroduce yourself to the aroma. 

3. Look closely at the bag. Real leather normally have natural markings such as pores, wrinkles, scars and color differentiation. If the material seems like its printed, it maybe 'treated' leather or synthetic leather.

4. Look for its cut edges. Real leather edges are normally rough and flurry, whereas synthetic leather maybe sealed with wax coatings or smooth edged. Do note that these tips are not sure ways to differentiate genuine leather. Even industry professionals have issues identifying genuine leather just by sight due to the advancement of polymer technology.