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

[Joe Bryant]

Hey Guys,

Anyone have good insights on a great leather briefcase / laptop bag?

For the past few years, I've carried this Orvis bag and been pretty happy with it http://www.orvis.com/store/product_choice....;subcat_id=6450

But it's getting pretty beat up and thinking of replacing. May just get another one but thought I'd throw out to the collective wisdom of the FFA.

Needs:

At least 1000 cubic inch of space inside. Many are cool but too small.

Pretty durable. I don't want to have to worry about scratches or babying the case. So it has to be durable.

Leather is my preference.

I've looked at some bags from Mulholland Brothers and Filson. Anything else out there you think is really good?

Thanks.

J

 

[matuski]

I have carried a Coach version of the bag you linked for 6 years, still good as new.

Got it at the outlet mall for cheap.

 

[_4_]

A little bigger, but very nice bag: LINK

 

[cosjobs]

Here's a bunch for half price if you feel like slumming.

I like the Kenneth Cole top rod.

 

[cosjobs]

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.

 

[None_More_Black]

I have always liked Hartmann's products. Their belting leather briefcases last forever and get even cooler looking with age. They are made in Tennessee.(by hand) Their luggage is top notch as well.

 

[RTB1]

to the collective wisdom of the FFA.

Is this a new upgrade coming sometime in 2007, because "wisdom" isn't normally prevelant around here.

 

[_4_]

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.

That looks like a great bag! If I needed one, I would be all over it....

 

[Nugget]

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.

That looks like a great bag! If I needed one, I would be all over it....

I'd love that bag! The suitcase in the photo at the bottom looks great too. I don't need it now, but down the road I want to look at this again.

 

[Schmegma]

Sorry Joe, but that's a purse.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

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.

He's definitely been through the Drew Kaplan school of marketing. I like that.

 

[Chaka]

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.

I must have one of those bags.

 

[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.

Thanks for all the responses, Guys.Anyone ever seen one of these Saddleback bags in person? http://www.saddlebackleather.com/pages/products.htm

J

 

[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

 

[cosjobs]

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

Stumbled. But I see the company is listed as San Antonio... I may run down there. But I also see the shipping addy is Truth or Consequences NM, so I'll call first.

 

[falconeyed]

I'm going to this, just because my current bag is falling apart and this bag looks straight Temple of Doom. However, 500 for a bag? Hmm.

 

[cstu]

I have a brand new Armani briefcase that I never used so if anyone is interested, let me know.

Here's what it looks like:

http://www.crazyg.com/armani/ga1006black.htm

 

[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

 

[oso diablo]

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.

awesome ebay page.

 

[falconeyed]

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.

 

[chet]

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

 

[pigskinliquors]

For those a bit geeky (or Parrotheads like myself) about their flight bags, Buffett does a great job discussing the importance, how to pack, etc. of a flight bag in "A Pirate Looks at 50"

 

[Joe Bryant]

For those a bit geeky (or Parrotheads like myself) about their flight bags, Buffett does a great job discussing the importance, how to pack, etc. of a flight bag in "A Pirate Looks at 50"

Spell it out for us pigskin.J

 

[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

 

[RageRhino]

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

wheres he getting them from? they dont have them in stock? maybe im a bit confused but sounds a little fishy. are they custom made or something?

 

[Memphis Foundry]

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

wheres he getting them from? they dont have them in stock? maybe im a bit confused but sounds a little fishy. are they custom made or something?

Yes - there's a leatherworker and his oldest son that this guy met in Mexico -- they actually make the bags.

 

[pigskinliquors]

For those a bit geeky (or Parrotheads like myself) about their flight bags, Buffett does a great job discussing the importance, how to pack, etc. of a flight bag in "A Pirate Looks at 50"

Spell it out for us pigskin.J

B-A-G He talks of his bag almost religiously, and details what he carries in his depending on what he plans on doing, where he plans on going, etc. Like I said, geeky-stuff. If you haven't read the book, I highly recommend it.

 

[Judge Smails]

I just bought this Tumi bag. Arriving tomorrow. $495 list, got it on ebay new for $375. I was between this one and the Hartmann.

Tumi leather bag

 

[boots11234]

You get your bag yet Joe??? Very interested in you take on it.

 

[Chaka]

You get your bag yet Joe??? Very interested in you take on it.

I don't know about JB but I got mine two days ago and I already caught myself referring to it as "my Precious!"Dave sells a bunch of them on e-bay, I got one (16", dark brown) for $474, which is a nice reduction from what it would have cost direct from his website ($538). I like this bag so much that when I saw another one (14", chestnut) that was not bid on I snatched it up for $408 (would have been $508 on his website).I am not sure what I am going to do with the second one but my guess is that someone close to me is gonna get a sweet birthday present this year.If I were looking for a flaw in the bag, and I am really reaching here, I would say that the false bottom in mine is nothing special and wouldn't even pass a cursory examination. However since they are obviously hand made this could be a problem unique to mine. And to that problem I say, big deal no one will have the opportunity to steal this bag from me unless they intend to pry it from my cold dead hands and even then they would need to combined efforts of Jack Bauer AND Chuck Norris to pry it away from my corpse.

 

[falconeyed]

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?

 

[Gamblor]

 

[boots11234]

update?

 

[Dulymus Mudhounds]

You get your bag yet Joe??? Very interested in you take on it.

I don't know about JB but I got mine two days ago and I already caught myself referring to it as "my Precious!"Dave sells a bunch of them on e-bay, I got one (16", dark brown) for $474, which is a nice reduction from what it would have cost direct from his website ($538). I like this bag so much that when I saw another one (14", chestnut) that was not bid on I snatched it up for $408 (would have been $508 on his website).I am not sure what I am going to do with the second one but my guess is that someone close to me is gonna get a sweet birthday present this year.If I were looking for a flaw in the bag, and I am really reaching here, I would say that the false bottom in mine is nothing special and wouldn't even pass a cursory examination. However since they are obviously hand made this could be a problem unique to mine. And to that problem I say, big deal no one will have the opportunity to steal this bag from me unless they intend to pry it from my cold dead hands and even then they would need to combined efforts of Jack Bauer AND Chuck Norris to pry it away from my corpse.

Who's Dave? In the market now myself. Current bag (Bill Blass) isn't made anymore - have had it for 10 years.MO

 

[skazooz]

I have carried a Coach version of the bag you linked for 6 years, still good as new.Got it at the outlet mall for cheap.

I have that same Coach bag, but I only paid $20 for mine and it is not a counterfeit

 

[Chaka]

You get your bag yet Joe??? Very interested in you take on it.

I don't know about JB but I got mine two days ago and I already caught myself referring to it as "my Precious!"Dave sells a bunch of them on e-bay, I got one (16", dark brown) for $474, which is a nice reduction from what it would have cost direct from his website ($538). I like this bag so much that when I saw another one (14", chestnut) that was not bid on I snatched it up for $408 (would have been $508 on his website).

I am not sure what I am going to do with the second one but my guess is that someone close to me is gonna get a sweet birthday present this year.

If I were looking for a flaw in the bag, and I am really reaching here, I would say that the false bottom in mine is nothing special and wouldn't even pass a cursory examination. However since they are obviously hand made this could be a problem unique to mine. And to that problem I say, big deal no one will have the opportunity to steal this bag from me unless they intend to pry it from my cold dead hands and even then they would need to combined efforts of Jack Bauer AND Chuck Norris to pry it away from my corpse.

Who's Dave? In the market now myself. Current bag (Bill Blass) isn't made anymore - have had it for 10 years.MO

He's the owner of Saddleback leather, the guy who gets the bags from Mexico.If you are looking for one then definitely check out eBay user "againsttheflow" which is Dave's handle. He is typically has one or two of the bags up for auction and he always puts up another one after the first one is sold. Currently he has a 16" chestnut brown bag listed .

I absolutely love mine.

 

[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

 

[dancingbones]

Looks like a nice case.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

Another happy purchaser here -- I picked up one on eBay after reading this thread. Mine's one of the 14" dark brown bags. $368 with shipping. Outstanding quality and heavy but built like a tank. The leather looks, feels, and smells like a million bucks.

 

[Otis]

Sorry Joe, but that's a purse.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Sorry Joe, but that's a purse.

Which one?What kind of briefcase do you carry?J

 

[falconeyed]

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

Thanks for the review. I made a couple of plays on a couple of bags listed on ebay last week but I think I may have been skunked by another FBG at the end. The more I think about it, the more I'm getting this bag. I just keep waiting for the black one to come up.

 

[Bevo]

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

Nice write up, thanks.Can you give a guesstimate on the weight of the bag only? 5 pounds, 10 pounds, 20 pounds, 50 pounds? I will likely get one of these anyway but I don't know if I would be interested in a 25 pound bag.

TIA

 

[Ministry of Pain]

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

Did anyone check out that picture of the kangaroo? The 1st one where you can really only see its legs...? Oh MY!!! Certainly no rain in the forecast on that day.

 

[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

Nice write up, thanks.Can you give a guesstimate on the weight of the bag only? 5 pounds, 10 pounds, 20 pounds, 50 pounds? I will likely get one of these anyway but I don't know if I would be interested in a 25 pound bag.

TIA

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

 

[Bevo]

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.

 

[Joe Bryant]

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

 

[prosopis]

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.

 

[Bevo]

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.

 

[prosopis]

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