Basil Racuk - Bags for Real Men

by Annie Scott (RSS feed)
Jan 20th 2010 at 9:01AM

In a world where men seem to have few choices for truly stylish, yet manly bags, Basil Racuk is breaking the (manbag) mold. While some men helplessly carry a tote or messenger bag, or, god help them, a backpack, the choices for men of taste have been somewhat limited to briefcases and doctor bags.

No longer. Basil Racuk, which launched in February 2008, has interesting, elegantly rugged man bags that don't bring your masculinity into question.

Basil, the brand's designer and namesake, comes from a NY fashion world background. He had a menswear line in the 90s which sold at Barneys, among other retailers, and then worked on Seventh Avenue for many years at a leather company, where he learned about skin qualities. In 2001, Basil moved to the San Francisco Bay area. "I immediately felt at home amidst the valleys, mountains and streams. It's a great place to be, and a great place to reimagine what it means to design. It has influenced my design process tremendously."

Basil Racuk caters 50 percent to women and 50 percent to men, but it's the men's bags which truly caught our attention. I asked Basil via email what his design philosophy is when it comes to designing for men.

"My decision to get into accessories was that bags and such are an area where men (specifically) should given a product that is well-made and 'simply thoughtful' in its design. Further to that is my belief that 'branding' is no longer relevant in the way that we've come to expect it over the past 10+ years -- and should therefore be eliminated whenever possible. Because of this, there is no visible marking on the exterior of my product."

Even without a big, gaudy logo emblazoned all over your bling-free bag, there will be no doubt about its quality -- or that it's expensive. Click through the gallery to see a few of the items available on basilracuk.com. Basil Racuk custom bags are available through Leffot in NYC (10 Christopher Street) and will be available from Union Made Goods in San Francisco beginning January 22, 2010.

Every item is handmade to order.

Gallery: Basil Racuk Bags for Real Men

Voyage travel bag with vintage moleskin lining

Tags: bags, basil racuk, BasilRacuk, briefcase, man bag, ManBag, men

Filed under: Handbags, Men's Style

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Snap Bang Jan 20th 2010 3:29PM

Bags for REAL Men?? How stupid can you get? Carry your stuff is whatever you want. Be aware that, in this case, being this designer's idea of a REAL Man equals Real Big Dollars!

lore Jan 20th 2010 3:54PM

OMG... apparently you can only be a real man if you are spending outrageous amounts of money on yourself. Guys get over it. Carry whatever you want in whatever it fits in as long as looks decent (no WalMart bags please) and it's not in my purse!

MICHELLE Jan 20th 2010 4:39PM

Real men have always had choices for carrying their stuff. Casual: duffel bag. Professional: Briefcase. And today there is a third choice: The Laptop bag. All three have plenty of room for their wallet and keys. What else do men carry?

Ginger Jan 20th 2010 5:32PM

I met a guy online; we chatted via im's, then over the phone, then agreed to meet in person. He let me pick the place - a nice coffee shop.

When he walked in, he was carrying a manpurse over his shoulder. I rushed through a cup of coffee and awkward conversation, and then rolled out.

Later, on the phone he asked me why I didn't want to see him anymore. When I told him I was completely repulsed by his manpurse, he was totally confused. He'd never heard the term before and couldn't understand my aversion. He said all he carries in his purse is his wallet and keys.

Then why does he need a purse????? Yuck.

Dexter Jan 20th 2010 6:05PM

Hey Fellas,

I'm a 42 yr old professional blk man. I've carried what I call a clutch for over 20 years. It's for my wallet so that it won't wear a whole in my pants when I sit down. It's for my keys that make a worn damaged spot in the front. Pen, paper, business cards or what ever else I need. My Man Bags have always been about the size of the box that a TV dinner comes in and about 2 inches wide. I've got what I need in it and there isn't an ounce of female in me. Oh, I've also got a permit. Here in Texas,
I can keep my pistol in it.(smile) I'll be me. You just do you.

Thx

rectd Jan 24th 2010 10:54PM

Are all you men so insecure? I carry an over the shoulder Tumi--not a man purse or whatever but so what if it was? I travel all over and I carry regular, close up, and sun glasses. Business cards, extra travel cards, extra dollars, extra ID's, gum, hand cleaner (is that gay too?), internet adapter for my computer, exta car and other keys, and more. I'm not giving up my background or athletic accomplishments but I'm betting most of you insecure slappys didn't come close in just one sport. Get a life.

jay love Jan 20th 2010 7:29PM

Dexter has a point, if your a professional man and carry items such as this, or you just like the added versatility of carrying your items not in your pockets such a small un-obtrusive bag like this is just fine. its even better if like Dexter you pack a pistol and your not the type that wishes to use a holster? I personally use a holster, but I can see his point. but if you like using all the pockets and sitting on your wallet thats ok too!!!

Deborah Jan 20th 2010 8:19PM

Amen Dexter. Personally, I don't know how guys get through the day without an item to carry some vital items in. My purse is chock full of essentials. And while he claims he doesn't need to carry anything other than a wallet and phone, I notice that my husband never complains when I have whatever else he needs in it. And then he laughs at how heavy my purse is. I've got wallet, keys, medications in there, a couple band aids, glasses, hairbrush, toothbrush, etc. If I get stranded overnight, I won't be suffering too badly!

danmccarry Jan 20th 2010 8:44PM

Personally, I appreciate the aesthetic of these bags very much. I get it. Generally I don't need a very large bag...but require something 'nice' of good quality for my laptop, jacket, passport, keys, sunglasses and reading materials...and I found it. SCORE!

Joe Papierz Jr Jan 20th 2010 8:37PM

I'm male and 69 years old. I have always been able to carry everything I need in a normal wallet in my right hip pocket with keys and a small pocket knife in my left front pocket and any loose change in my right front pocket. It never occured to me to carrry a purse. What else does a man "need" to carry?

lorrhen Jan 21st 2010 2:47PM

I rarely write anything on these type of sites, and only occasionally read them. I have more important business to attend. But, this time I felt a need to say something. It gets to me, sometimes, that there are people so narrow minded. When did it ever become a feminine thing to carry a handbag? Guys have used purses, handbags, side saddles, pouches, satchels, briefcases, carpet bags, etc., for carrying their money and other important objects, since the beginning of time. Men have carried some sort of bag at their belt, pockets or shoulder, and on their transport - horse, camel, donkey, ox, carriage, auto. Even macho John Wayne had a bag--Davy Crocket & Daniel Boone. The list is endless. There are other similar topics, like clothing. Men today and throughout history have worn gowns, skirts, robes, kilts, etc. Are they less manly, like those men in kilts that fought in the American Revolution against the Red Coats? By the way, they carried purses, satchels, and pouches. What is it about our culture that their are so many ignorant people. Read, research, attempt to learn about our world and our history, especially before you type words from your brains -- words that show how thoroughly ignorant you truly are. Instead of wasting your time blogging your stupidness, use the time to learn something important. Your blogging, you obviously have an Internet Access. Google something. Learn from history. Go to the library. Read a variety of info. There is little hope for some, those that will never learn. They will hang onto whatever message was passed on from their ignorant father's, mother's, family or idols. Although, I could say more, I will leave the soap box for now. Thank you.

IGOR von WURTTEMBURG Jan 21st 2010 11:59PM

......And then we macho men find that tons of money is falling from the sky , and we have no where were to put it ..while as we look in despair all those " Bag carrying gay men " get to scoop most of the loot to take it home....
.......Gee the prices a he -man must pay for macho appearance....
.......Please , .who cares?.. the real victims of appearance here are the poor cows giving their leather & lives to benefit fashion...
Lmao
All the best to All
Igor

JudeThom Jan 22nd 2010 7:33AM

Stupid insecure straight men, they are pathetic.

dancenownzen Jan 22nd 2010 8:51AM

So
1) Take your wallet out of your back pocket and save your back from misalignment issues.
2) STOP clipping your beeper and your phone to your belt
3)) Take your keyes out of your pockets.......there should only be 1 bulge in your pants - and it shouldn't be your keyes or your wallet

GET A BAG to carry your stuff and GET OVER it

Andrew Jan 22nd 2010 10:04AM

If the ad says "Bags For Real Men", then why is the man in the picture obviously gay? Tight shirt, tight pants with the moose nuckle, and the gay wave in his hair? Put some guy on there with a shaved head, tattoos, talking to a chick and maybe reaching into his "man bag" to put her number in his phone. I'd buy one for my sister tho...

bzinda Jan 22nd 2010 12:10PM

Why is everyother comment. . ."You will look Gay or you are Gay"? Gay men dont carry purses.

Franco Jan 22nd 2010 4:32PM

Hey, Andrew -- "Put some guy on there with a shaved head, tattoos," -- the description you give fits many gay guys at bars across the country. My messenger bag contains stuff I really need, including my bag gloves and other gear for the boxing gym I spar at every week.

ASaucyGal Jan 24th 2010 10:07AM

Lorrhen - you forgot the SPORRAN!!

Actually, I agree with you. Historically, men have had some sort of carrying pouch. Fur Trappers and Mountain Men had a "possibles pouch" where they could safely keep tobacco, patches, gunpowder and all they needed for their muzzle loaders. It kept things dry and close at hand. The fighting Scots kept their needs close with the Sporran, a waist worn pouch often made of leather and fur. Since Kilts don't have pockets, they didn't have a place to put neceesary items. Cowboys had saddle bags, (and for a while in the 70s - women adopted that style for their own carved leather & fringed purses.) I don't know if you'd consider men like that gay....(unless of course they traveled together in a group with an indian and a policeman....)

It's really only in the last century we have gone to the idea that a wallet and pocketknife is all you need, because frankly, who carries rifle and muskets much or a months supply of tobacco anymore? And only in the last century that we have actually acknowledged open homosexuality and hence (sadly) developed homophobic attitudes.

George LoPiparo, Jr. Jan 24th 2010 12:53PM

Finally....I love the Man Bags. Personally, I have a Louie Vitton Messenger bag and I love it. Why do men have such a problem finding there feminine side. I think its awesome I love being a "Girlie man"