I have been drawn to the design of the Kutu for years, and finally I got to try it for the iPad 2. Keepsake boxes inspired the Kutu, and as such the esthetic is quite unique in the pouch segment. Instead of going for sleek minimal bulk it caters towards being strong, and boxy. Not too unlike Volvos in that regards, but unlike the Volvo the Kutu also manages to be both sexy and cool.
Made from thick textured Italian leather the Kutu is sturdy. Edges are painted, and hence I can’t really speak for the grade of the leather. To me it seems to be good value for the money, as the leather is durable and can take a beating or two. The front and back panels intersect by a thick leather strip that goes all the way around the sides. Strong seams hold this piece together with the front, and back. This creates a strong box, and it will not fall apart during normal usage. One thing I like is that the pouch keeps the box-like shape even when empty. This rigidity makes it feel safe, and secure.
Inserting the iPad 2 into the Kutu is easy. The hinges of the Apple Smart Cover slides into the pouch as well, and there is no issue with them getting stuck. To extract the iPad you have a strap on the back. This is a thick satin ribbon with a leather piece at the end to use when pulling. Now this is where I have some concerns with this pouch. It is not easy to get the iPad out. Tugging at the pull strap generates little to moderate movement of the iPad. You have to take a firm grip of the strap with one hand, and hold the bottom of the pouch with the other. Still this feels almost like a way to practice your chest. It doesn’t yield more after a week usage, but I will keep at it to find out if it gets easier. The friction between the Smart Cover, and lining is simply to great given the tight fit. It is not possible to use the Kutu with a naked iPad 2, as it would fall out right away if turned upside down.
When inside the pouch you only have access to the headphones socket, and silent button. It would have been neat to have some sort of cutout for the speaker, but now it is all covered up. 
This on the other hand means that the iPad 2 is well protected. In the pouch genre it is hard to find a better protection than this. Thick leather, high frictions making it impossible to accidentally having the iPad 2 fall out, and the fact that the Smart Cover protects the screen. This is a pouch you can have in any bag or situation. Most impacts can be absorbed, and the only weak spot is the top.
The Kutu is one of the most gorgeous iPad 2 pouches I have encountered so far. It has an own personality, and flair. The quality of workmanship is great, and it offers really good protection. The fact that it is kind of a hassle to extract the device lowers the final rating. You need to be quite strong not to find it impossible to use as your daily pouch.
Final Rating
Kutu for iPad 2 at Senacases.com $69.99
