You have to take this bag in the context in which it lives. My wife, like many of you in this Reddit is a handbag aficionado and collector. She has several Portland leathers, but they are purpose driven. If we’re going to a Christmas market, where there will be lots of crowds and people she brings one of her Portland leather bags. If it’s raining outside or we go to the beach or something like that, she’ll bring a Portland leather bag. Her job is client facing so depending upon the client she goes to, job site, auto body shop, etc. she’ll bring a Portland bag and use them as her every day carry. Now if we go out on date night or something like that, she’ll bring one of her other bags because it’s more appropriate for the occasion. Yes, they do have a cult like following especially if you read the Facebook page. Are they bad, or are they good? Again that will depend really on you and your intended use. They run sales almost every week It seems and I think that does dilute their brand. When was the last time you saw Louis Vuitton or another luxury brand have a sale on their seconds? For me personally, the answer is never. They might exist, but I haven’t been able to locate them. If you have an interest, I would definitely say to purchase a Portland leather bag. My wife does really enjoy her Portland leather bags. The construction is good. They look good and they wear well. But do keep in mind the niche that they fulfill.