Best Leather Briefcase You've seen? (1 Viewer)

[Joe Bryant]

These all look like man purses to me. What are you guys carrying around that you need a purse?

Files, books, papers, magazines, notebooks, laptop etc. Pretty much normal business stuff.What kind of briefcase do you like?J

 

[prosopis]

These all look like man purses to me. What are you guys carrying around that you need a purse?

Files, books, papers, magazines, notebooks, laptop etc. Pretty much normal business stuff.What kind of briefcase do you like?J

I dont know. I have never had the need for one.

 

[prosopis]

This is what I think of when I hear briefcase.

http://www.impawards.com/1993/falling_down.html

 

[Joe Bryant]

These all look like man purses to me. What are you guys carrying around that you need a purse?

Files, books, papers, magazines, notebooks, laptop etc. Pretty much normal business stuff.What kind of briefcase do you like?J

I dont know. I have never had the need for one.

Thanks.J

 

[Ministry of Pain]

This guy wrote a lonnggg essay on the world's greatest bag. Tempted me to buy it, but I can't pull the trigger. He may have just seduced me with his fancy words.

Hi cos,Did you just stumble on this guy from searching ebay or do you know anything about him or his company?

Thanks.

J

Pulled the trigger on one of the Saddleback Leather bags as my Christmas present to myself. Looks like these guys compared to the Mulholland Brothers or Orvis' are the Bryant Boats to the Sea Rays or Footballguys to the ESPNs of the world. I'll let you know how it is.J

I have been on the fence about this for several days now. I'm looking forward to the JB report because it will likely swing the tide one way or the other.

Hi Falcon,He thought it would be a couple of weeks before he could get the model and color I wanted but I'll definitely give you the report when it comes in.

J

JB - Get the bag yet?

Hi Falcon,Yes, I received it and it's extremely cool.

I'll say, it may not be for everyone. But for what I wanted, it's exactly right for me.

Few thoughts.

The leather is super high quality. But it's more like fine saddle leather and tack than the leather you'll find on nice stuff from Coach or one of the big companies. Even if you're tough on it, it looks like it'll last forever. I got the 16" reddish brown color and even after just a week, it's starting to "break in" and get right. It gets darker on areas where you handle it often and such. Have a few scratches but nothing big yet. Those will be there soon though.

The one I got is the one next to the kangaroo in this link http://saddlebackleather.com/pages/products.htm

I'd carried this bag for several years from Orvis http://www.orvis.com/store/product_choice....;subcat_id=8972 It's bullhide leather and essentially the same size and design. The Orvis bag isn't as heavy duty though. I like the Saddleback bag a lot better.

It's heavy. Even empty, it's a hefty briefcase. If that's a problem for you, know it now.

The workmanship seems outstanding. I've seen some leather work from Mexico that wasn't the greatest. This isn't the case here. The workmanship is top notch. Every seam is just about perfect and there are no unfinished edges. The design seems extremely well thought out with support areas that look to be built 5 times stronger than what you'd likely ever need.

It's not cheap, but I'd say it's a great value. I'm a big believer on spending a little more on the items that you are contact with every day. Whether it's a watch or shoes or desk chair, I'll always tend to go a little more here than I will on something I don't use often.

I expect to be in contact with this briefcase pretty much several times a day for a long time so this was one of those areas it was worth it to me.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I think actually several bags have been sold connected to this thread already. Cool.

J

Are those kangaroo balls I see in the first pic? Those boys are swinging low.

That was my schtick 4 posts earlier.

 

[Joe Bryant]

This is what I think of when I hear briefcase.

http://www.impawards.com/1993/falling_down.html

Ah. Here's the Saddleback version for that one.J

 

[prosopis]

These all look like man purses to me. What are you guys carrying around that you need a purse?

Files, books, papers, magazines, notebooks, laptop etc. Pretty much normal business stuff.What kind of briefcase do you like?J

I dont know. I have never had the need for one.

Thanks.J

point taken

 

[Chaka]

He Bevo,Oh it's not that heavy. I'm guessing 5-8 pounds empty. It's just heavier than a normal briefcase. But not a big deal. The heaviness comes from the leather being significantly thicker. Which should translate into it lasting a lot longer than a regular briefcase.I'm not sure I get into the whole "your kids will fight over it when you're dead" shtick, but it definitely is an item that should last a very long time and also should get better as it ages.J

Thanks.It looks like I just need to wait until one comes up on Ebay in the color I like.

Good luck Bevo. You might check the history there but it might not be but just a few dollars more and you can order right from the website and get what you want now. Patience isn't a strong suite of mine... J

Patience is not a strong suit of mine either! Once I decide I want something I want it yesterday. I will take a look at the web site.

I would wait. The auctions are usually quick and you will save somewhere between $50-100. If that is not a big savings to you then go ahead and get one from the Saddleback website.

 

[falconeyed]

I just got my bag. Holy ####. It might be able to stop a bullet. Nice.

 

[Chaka]

I just got my bag. Holy ####. It might be able to stop a bullet. Nice.

I had the exact same thought when I got mine.So which bag did you get?

btw Awesome avatar falcon. One of my favorite shows. I am planning a holiday to Portmeirion for my 40th birthday.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Check out Tumi briefcases. I prefer ballistic nylon, but they make them in leather too.

I've got a nylon Tumi and its perfect for my use (laptop and some files, easy to carry-on).

 

[falconeyed]

I just got my bag. Holy ####. It might be able to stop a bullet. Nice.

I had the exact same thought when I got mine.So which bag did you get?

btw Awesome avatar falcon. One of my favorite shows. I am planning a holiday to Portmeirion for my 40th birthday.

The black 16" one. In all seriousness, it might be able to stop an arrow. Be seein' you.

 

[chet]

I should receive mine today--large dark brown one.

 

[Chaka]

I should receive mine today--large dark brown one.

That's the one I got, great bag. The leather is different than the other bags, already soft and has a broken in feel to it out of the box.Guarantee at one point or another you're gonna put it on and the Indiana Jones theme music will start playing in your head.Enjoy

 

[RTB1]

This guy wrote a lonnggg essay on the world's greatest bag. Tempted me to buy it, but I can't pull the trigger. He may have just seduced me with his fancy words.

Hi cos,Did you just stumble on this guy from searching ebay or do you know anything about him or his company?

Thanks.

J

Pulled the trigger on one of the Saddleback Leather bags as my Christmas present to myself. Looks like these guys compared to the Mulholland Brothers or Orvis' are the Bryant Boats to the Sea Rays or Footballguys to the ESPNs of the world. I'll let you know how it is.J

I have been on the fence about this for several days now. I'm looking forward to the JB report because it will likely swing the tide one way or the other.

Hi Falcon,He thought it would be a couple of weeks before he could get the model and color I wanted but I'll definitely give you the report when it comes in.

J

JB - Get the bag yet?

Hi Falcon,Yes, I received it and it's extremely cool.

I'll say, it may not be for everyone. But for what I wanted, it's exactly right for me.

Few thoughts.

The leather is super high quality. But it's more like fine saddle leather and tack than the leather you'll find on nice stuff from Coach or one of the big companies. Even if you're tough on it, it looks like it'll last forever. I got the 16" reddish brown color and even after just a week, it's starting to "break in" and get right. It gets darker on areas where you handle it often and such. Have a few scratches but nothing big yet. Those will be there soon though.

The one I got is the one next to the kangaroo in this link http://saddlebackleather.com/pages/products.htm

I'd carried this bag for several years from Orvis http://www.orvis.com/store/product_choice....;subcat_id=8972 It's bullhide leather and essentially the same size and design. The Orvis bag isn't as heavy duty though. I like the Saddleback bag a lot better.

It's heavy. Even empty, it's a hefty briefcase. If that's a problem for you, know it now.

The workmanship seems outstanding. I've seen some leather work from Mexico that wasn't the greatest. This isn't the case here. The workmanship is top notch. Every seam is just about perfect and there are no unfinished edges. The design seems extremely well thought out with support areas that look to be built 5 times stronger than what you'd likely ever need.

It's not cheap, but I'd say it's a great value. I'm a big believer on spending a little more on the items that you are contact with every day. Whether it's a watch or shoes or desk chair, I'll always tend to go a little more here than I will on something I don't use often.

I expect to be in contact with this briefcase pretty much several times a day for a long time so this was one of those areas it was worth it to me.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I think actually several bags have been sold connected to this thread already. Cool.

J

Joe:Any further opinions or updates on your bag that you'd like to share? Since I'm in the market for a new briefcase (per this incident), I'm thinking of getting a high-quality, unique bag. I travel a LOT, so it's probably worth it for me to spend this kind of jack on a bag I'll use daily.

Thanks,

b.

 

[Joe Bryant]

This guy wrote a lonnggg essay on the world's greatest bag. Tempted me to buy it, but I can't pull the trigger. He may have just seduced me with his fancy words.

Hi cos,Did you just stumble on this guy from searching ebay or do you know anything about him or his company?

Thanks.

J

Pulled the trigger on one of the Saddleback Leather bags as my Christmas present to myself. Looks like these guys compared to the Mulholland Brothers or Orvis' are the Bryant Boats to the Sea Rays or Footballguys to the ESPNs of the world. I'll let you know how it is.J

I have been on the fence about this for several days now. I'm looking forward to the JB report because it will likely swing the tide one way or the other.

Hi Falcon,He thought it would be a couple of weeks before he could get the model and color I wanted but I'll definitely give you the report when it comes in.

J

JB - Get the bag yet?

Hi Falcon,Yes, I received it and it's extremely cool.

I'll say, it may not be for everyone. But for what I wanted, it's exactly right for me.

Few thoughts.

The leather is super high quality. But it's more like fine saddle leather and tack than the leather you'll find on nice stuff from Coach or one of the big companies. Even if you're tough on it, it looks like it'll last forever. I got the 16" reddish brown color and even after just a week, it's starting to "break in" and get right. It gets darker on areas where you handle it often and such. Have a few scratches but nothing big yet. Those will be there soon though.

The one I got is the one next to the kangaroo in this link http://saddlebackleather.com/pages/products.htm

I'd carried this bag for several years from Orvis http://www.orvis.com/store/product_choice....;subcat_id=8972 It's bullhide leather and essentially the same size and design. The Orvis bag isn't as heavy duty though. I like the Saddleback bag a lot better.

It's heavy. Even empty, it's a hefty briefcase. If that's a problem for you, know it now.

The workmanship seems outstanding. I've seen some leather work from Mexico that wasn't the greatest. This isn't the case here. The workmanship is top notch. Every seam is just about perfect and there are no unfinished edges. The design seems extremely well thought out with support areas that look to be built 5 times stronger than what you'd likely ever need.

It's not cheap, but I'd say it's a great value. I'm a big believer on spending a little more on the items that you are contact with every day. Whether it's a watch or shoes or desk chair, I'll always tend to go a little more here than I will on something I don't use often.

I expect to be in contact with this briefcase pretty much several times a day for a long time so this was one of those areas it was worth it to me.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I think actually several bags have been sold connected to this thread already. Cool.

J

Joe:Any further opinions or updates on your bag that you'd like to share? Since I'm in the market for a new briefcase (per this incident), I'm thinking of getting a high-quality, unique bag. I travel a LOT, so it's probably worth it for me to spend this kind of jack on a bag I'll use daily.

Thanks,

b.

Hi brant,Still doing great. A few "character" nicks and scrapes but that's part of it for me. The bag gets thrown around from floor to cab to storage compartment to desk. I really like it a lot. Can't go wrong there.

I'm a big believer in spending a little extra on the stuff you use all the time. This bag is that for me.

J

 

[superbeck1]

Wanted to follow up on these saddleback briefs and see what your likes and dislikes are now that you have handled them for long while now.

I am thinking of taking the plunge but see the prices have gone up even more. Didn't see anything on ebay which could be a good thing - everyone loves them so much they wont part with one. Kind of like their slogan on the website.

I travel a fair amount (once a month) and looking at this bag seems there is some room for things to slide around and potentially fall out. Say if you had to place this bag under the seat in front of you on an airplane? Could it fit under the seat even? I am normally working on my flights so I would need the bag nearby for access.

Say a net book, couple 1-2" thick files, a legal sized folder, blackberry, keys, then small stuff like chargers, mints etc.

What about a bottle of water? Seems like that would be the last thing this bag would hold yet I always bring water with me on the plane....

 

[QUEZILLA]

I generally carry something like this

 

[Otis]

I'm now carrying a Jack Spade bag like this.

It also has a shoulder strap, not shown here. Pretty solid bag so far.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Hi superbeck,

Still love mine. One of the highest quality, best made items I've ever owned. I like it now more than I did when it was new.

J

 

[superbeck1]

Hi superbeck,Still love mine. One of the highest quality, best made items I've ever owned. I like it now more than I did when it was new.J

 

[superbeck1]

After several weeks of watching ebay I came across a guy selling a new saddleback bag. It's brand new.

Well I got the bag today and I have to say this is the nicest bag I have ever held. I echo everyone's comments on here that this bag is extremely well made. I expect some guys at work will make fun of me since the bag does have a certain Indiana Jones feel to it but oh well.

I can't stop walking by and smelling the leather lol.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Seems some of the links to the Saddle Back bags are broken. Joe B. would you mind re-linking the one you have? I am also checking out some of the bags from the jean shop which appear to be over priced.

 

[chet]

Stopped using my saddleback after a yearbor two. Shoulder strap was the suck and it needed more compartments. Stick with tumi--They're the experts. He's a pretender who can write.

 

[Chaka]

Stopped using my saddleback after a yearbor two. Shoulder strap was the suck and it needed more compartments. Stick with tumi--They're the experts. He's a pretender who can write.

Disagree. Never had a problem with the strap or the layout of the interior.Best bag ever.

 

[Otis]

Stopped using my saddleback after a yearbor two. Shoulder strap was the suck and it needed more compartments. Stick with tumi--They're the experts. He's a pretender who can write.

Disagree. Never had a problem with the strap or the layout of the interior.Best bag ever.

May be an all new low if we're now debating manpurses.

 

[Chaka]

Stopped using my saddleback after a yearbor two. Shoulder strap was the suck and it needed more compartments. Stick with tumi--They're the experts. He's a pretender who can write.

Disagree. Never had a problem with the strap or the layout of the interior.Best bag ever.

May be an all new low if we're now debating manpurses.

Sure thing Jack Spade.

 

[bigbottom]

I have a Jack Georges briefcase (actually called a briefbag, I believe) that I've used for the last 13 years. It's a little worn but still in great shape. Solid purchase. Looks similar to this, but is textured black leather.

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

This guy wrote a lonnggg essay on the world's greatest bag. Tempted me to buy it, but I can't pull the trigger. He may have just seduced me with his fancy words.

Thanks for all the responses, Guys.

Anyone ever seen one of these Saddleback bags in person? http://www.saddlebackleather.com/pages/products.htm

J

I have the thin briefcase, love it, any questions? 100 year warranty btwoops 5 years too late

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Pretty sure I will be carrying one of the saddleback thin briefcases and some sort of other man purse in the near future. I can not find a bad review on their products.

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

Pretty sure I will be carrying one of the saddleback thin briefcases and some sort of other man purse in the near future. I can not find a bad review on their products.

It's definitely for looks and ruggedness, if that is important to you than I think it is worth the purchase price. If you are looking for something with more pockets (for your makeup) then Chet is on the right track in buying a Tumi I have a Sony VAIO 13" that easily slips into the laptop compartment in the thin briefcase, you can slide your iPad into the outer pocket. That leaves the larger main compartment for mouse, power supply, large external HDD enclosure and any other cables you have. I use it strictly for my laptop, iPad + accessories - you don't have much room to maneuver much else.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Pretty sure I will be carrying one of the saddleback thin briefcases and some sort of other man purse in the near future. I can not find a bad review on their products.

It's definitely for looks and ruggedness, if that is important to you than I think it is worth the purchase price. If you are looking for something with more pockets (for your makeup) then Chet is on the right track in buying a Tumi I have a Sony VAIO 13" that easily slips into the laptop compartment in the thin briefcase, you can slide your iPad into the outer pocket. That leaves the larger main compartment for mouse, power supply, large external HDD enclosure and any other cables you have. I use it strictly for my laptop, iPad + accessories - you don't have much room to maneuver much else.

I will be using it for my tablet, kindle, sales portfolio and to hold some brochures. I do love the look of them and I am pretty tired of hearing click click as I open my current case.

 

[playin4beer]

Well because of this thread, I bought myself a father's day present...

I had never heard of Saddleback before Joe started this. I however don't have a use for a briefcase, business bag,

casual bag, laptop bag, etc..

BUT I do have a use for a wallet..mine has literally fallen apart.

$54 with shipping is more than I ever thought I'd spend on a wallet, but I figured it should be the last wallet I buy.. ever.

Saddleback Wallet

 

[Dexter]

Hey folks I came across this thread a while ago and really got me interested in a leather bag. I ended up buying a saddleback and resold it a couple of weeks later because it was just too much. I went searching for a cheaper replacement and found a guy selling one in a crappy eBay auction. I won the auction and once I received the bag I was really happy with the quality. I decided to start selling these on eBay and have been doing pretty well. I don't have the volume I'd like but it's a nice side project.

http://www.ebay.com/usr/woodroughleather

I've been selling them for a few months with good results and wanted to share with you guys. If you're interested PM and I'll giver you $10 off.

 

[Chaka]

Hey folks I came across this thread a while ago and really got me interested in a leather bag. I ended up buying a saddleback and resold it a couple of weeks later because it was just too much. I went searching for a cheaper replacement and found a guy selling one in a crappy eBay auction. I won the auction and once I received the bag I was really happy with the quality. I decided to start selling these on eBay and have been doing pretty well. I don't have the volume I'd like but it's a nice side project.

http://www.ebay.com/usr/woodroughleather

I've been selling them for a few months with good results and wanted to share with you guys. If you're interested PM and I'll giver you $10 off.

You said the Saddleback was too much bag but the ones you linked look virtually identical to the Saddleback bags.

What is the difference between them? Just price or size as well?

 

[playin4beer]

My daughter is looking at wallets for her boyfriend.. She asked me where to get a nice one..  I told her about my saddleback one I bought 4 years ago and it just keeps getting better with age..  But I told her it wasn't cheap.. I paid $54..  I looked up the website to give her a link and the same exact wallet is now $115 : 

A google search revealed they had to "significantly" increase prices..

Glad I bought mine when I did!

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

My daughter is looking at wallets for her boyfriend.. She asked me where to get a nice one..  I told her about my saddleback one I bought 4 years ago and it just keeps getting better with age..  But I told her it wasn't cheap.. I paid $54..  I looked up the website to give her a link and the same exact wallet is now $115 : 

A google search revealed they had to "significantly" increase prices..

Glad I bought mine when I did!

Love mine as well, doubt I would have purchased one at $100+

 

[cosjobs]

My daughter is looking at wallets for her boyfriend.. She asked me where to get a nice one..  I told her about my saddleback one I bought 4 years ago and it just keeps getting better with age..  But I told her it wasn't cheap.. I paid $54..  I looked up the website to give her a link and the same exact wallet is now $115 : 

A google search revealed they had to "significantly" increase prices..

Glad I bought mine when I did!

Got this one on sale at Dillards for $35. Within two weeks my dog had taken it to the back yard and chewed off the corner. That's why I can't have nice things. 

 

[[icon]]

Hey folks I came across this thread a while ago and really got me interested in a leather bag. I ended up buying a saddleback and resold it a couple of weeks later because it was just too much. I went searching for a cheaper replacement and found a guy selling one in a crappy eBay auction. I won the auction and once I received the bag I was really happy with the quality. I decided to start selling these on eBay and have been doing pretty well. I don't have the volume I'd like but it's a nice side project.

http://www.ebay.com/usr/woodroughleather

I've been selling them for a few months with good results and wanted to share with you guys. If you're interested PM and I'll giver you $10 off.

@Dexter are you still making these? I'm considering one, but wanted to talk offline about some possible tweaks? They look very nice.