Briefcase Appreciation thread

[Ben W]

Hi folks! I'm looking for some briefcase advice. I hope this is an alright place to ask for such.

I've been looking at the Stuart and Lau "The Cary Briefcase - Double" in black: https://stuartandlau.com/products/the-cary-briefcase-double-black

However, being that the shell is nylon, i'm concerned it may not have enough structure to stand on its own. I really dislike when you set a bag down and then mid-way through your meeting it flops on its face, smacking your laptop on the floor.

Is there anything similar to this but perhaps in a stiffer material (full grain leather?) that I should consider looking at? Otherwise this checks a number of boxes for me:

• Zip top, no flap/buckles
• Luggage trolly sleeve
• Overall aesthetic (black, silver hardware, leather handles that aren't too large)
• Price seems fairly reasonable

I wouldn't be opposed to spending more if there is something that better fits, though. Also open to hearing the suggestion to move forward with the Stuart & Lau.

 

[sclemmons]

Hi folks! I'm looking for some briefcase advice. I hope this is an alright place to ask for such.

I've been looking at the Stuart and Lau "The Cary Briefcase - Double" in black: https://stuartandlau.com/products/the-cary-briefcase-double-black

However, being that the shell is nylon, i'm concerned it may not have enough structure to stand on its own. I really dislike when you set a bag down and then mid-way through your meeting it flops on its face, smacking your laptop on the floor.

Is there anything similar to this but perhaps in a stiffer material (full grain leather?) that I should consider looking at? Otherwise this checks a number of boxes for me:

• Zip top, no flap/buckles
• Luggage trolly sleeve
• Overall aesthetic (black, silver hardware, leather handles that aren't too large)
• Price seems fairly reasonable

I wouldn't be opposed to spending more if there is something that better fits, though. Also open to hearing the suggestion to move forward with the Stuart & Lau.

I have the Frank Clegg Double Zip Top in Chocolate Shrunken. You can have it made to order and might add a custom touch or two, including a pair of outside pockets. I have enjoyed mine.

 

[Jr Mouse]

Hi folks! I'm looking for some briefcase advice. I hope this is an alright place to ask for such.

I've been looking at the Stuart and Lau "The Cary Briefcase - Double" in black: https://stuartandlau.com/products/the-cary-briefcase-double-black

However, being that the shell is nylon, i'm concerned it may not have enough structure to stand on its own. I really dislike when you set a bag down and then mid-way through your meeting it flops on its face, smacking your laptop on the floor.

Is there anything similar to this but perhaps in a stiffer material (full grain leather?) that I should consider looking at? Otherwise this checks a number of boxes for me:

• Zip top, no flap/buckles
• Luggage trolly sleeve
• Overall aesthetic (black, silver hardware, leather handles that aren't too large)
• Price seems fairly reasonable

I wouldn't be opposed to spending more if there is something that better fits, though. Also open to hearing the suggestion to move forward with the Stuart & Lau.

It’s not my taste but I’m sure it’s sturdy enough. I checked the website and they have a good return policy. Order it and if you find it falls over too easily return it.

 

[Ben W]

I have the Frank Clegg Double Zip Top in Chocolate Shrunken. You can have it made to order and might add a custom touch or two, including a pair of outside pockets. I have enjoyed mine.

Thank you. I'll take a look. 👀

It’s not my taste but I’m sure it’s sturdy enough. I checked the website and they have a good return policy. Order it and if you find it falls over too easily return it.

Oh that's a great point. I didn't even think about the possibility of returning it if it doesn't work out.

Thanks for the tip. I'll consider that.

Out of curiosity, what about it isn't to your taste?

 

[Jr Mouse]

Thank you. I'll take a look. 👀



Oh that's a great point. I didn't even think about the possibility of returning it if it doesn't work out.

Thanks for the tip. I'll consider that.

Out of curiosity, what about it isn't to your taste?

I’d not buy a black briefcase. Dark brown goes with more.

I also prefer natural fabrics over nylon. Waxed canvas, leather, etc.

 

[Ben W]

I’d not buy a black briefcase. Dark brown goes with far more.

I also prefer natural fabrics over nylon. Waxed canvas, leather, etc.

I appreciate the perspective. I am currently applying to my diocese to go to seminary, so if all goes well I'll be wearing black a lot. 😆

I hear you about the material too. I wouldn't mind leather. The Clegg option mentioned above is of interest. Quite a bit more expensive, and I wish they offered silver colored hardware, but a potential option for sure.

 

[sclemmons]

I appreciate the perspective. I am currently applying to my diocese to go to seminary, so if all goes well I'll be wearing black a lot. 😆

I hear you about the material too. I wouldn't mind leather. The Clegg option mentioned above is of interest. Quite a bit more expensive, and I wish they offered silver colored hardware, but a potential option for sure.

@Ben W

You should call Frank (or Ian) and discuss your specific needs. I actually paid him a visit in Fall River where you can get a look at everything and see where the magic happens. Good luck with the process.

 

[epsilon22]

I appreciate the perspective. I am currently applying to my diocese to go to seminary, so if all goes well I'll be wearing black a lot. 😆

I hear you about the material too. I wouldn't mind leather. The Clegg option mentioned above is of interest. Quite a bit more expensive, and I wish they offered silver colored hardware, but a potential option for sure.

Email them about the hardware, I got mine with silver colored zip.

 

[Jr Mouse]

I’m generally not a tote guy but I like Frank Clegg's Hampton. I'd go for chestnut.

Hampton Zipper Tote

This leather zipper tote bag is designed and constructed to be practical, useful, and classically stylish in almost any situation.

frankcleggleatherworks.com

 

[Blog Marley]

I'm looking to upgrade from a backpack to a briefcase for my tech office, and I'm hoping to get some recommendations. I'm really drawn to the Frank Clegg zip commuter briefcase (and the Armoury version), but I'm a bit worried it might be too formal.

I typically wear chinos, wool trousers, or cotton pants with a button-up shirt or sweater, depending on the season. The briefcase needs to comfortably carry a 16" Macbook Pro, a water bottle, and a notebook.

I'm open to other suggestions, but I'm not a fan of totes (too purse-like). Ideally, I'd like something with a similar aesthetic to the Frank Clegg, but perhaps a bit more relaxed or casual. Any recommendations?

 

[symphvaria]

I'm looking to upgrade from a backpack to a briefcase for my tech office, and I'm hoping to get some recommendations. I'm really drawn to the Frank Clegg zip commuter briefcase (and the Armoury version), but I'm a bit worried it might be too formal.

I typically wear chinos, wool trousers, or cotton pants with a button-up shirt or sweater, depending on the season. The briefcase needs to comfortably carry a 16" Macbook Pro, a water bottle, and a notebook.

I'm open to other suggestions, but I'm not a fan of totes (too purse-like). Ideally, I'd like something with a similar aesthetic to the Frank Clegg, but perhaps a bit more relaxed or casual. Any recommendations?

If you're worried a full leather briefcase is too serious looking for you, try Filson's offerings.

 

[comrade]

This may be too small, but I can vouch for the exceptional quality Ottino.
I have a briefcase from them that is over thirty years old and it is in
excellent condition. Even the lock still works. Mine is a model that they apparently
do not make anymore.

Briefcase Gio | Ottino

hard briefcase with two handles closes by zipper inside there are one big zipped pocket on a side on the other a two small zipped pockets and two open small pockets in the back of the briefcase there is a pocket that closes with magnet leather handle adjustable fabric strap outside name...

www.ottino.com

 

[rony91]

I'm looking to upgrade from a backpack to a briefcase for my tech office, and I'm hoping to get some recommendations. I'm really drawn to the Frank Clegg zip commuter briefcase (and the Armoury version), but I'm a bit worried it might be too formal.

I typically wear chinos, wool trousers, or cotton pants with a button-up shirt or sweater, depending on the season. The briefcase needs to comfortably carry a 16" Macbook Pro, a water bottle, and a notebook.

I'm open to other suggestions, but I'm not a fan of totes (too purse-like). Ideally, I'd like something with a similar aesthetic to the Frank Clegg, but perhaps a bit more relaxed or casual. Any recommendations?

Check the leather briefcases from Von Baer. They're full-grain leather, so it'll last you forever. Also, their quality is high-end. And they're stylish.

 

[Gunboatdiplomat]

Thought people might be interested in this. Black Remy Carriat buffalo leather, palladium-plated hardware, hand stitched in gunmetal linen thread by Rory Nichols.

 

[JackTru]

Hi all, just wanted to follow-up and say I received my Frank Clegg zip top double gusset in chocolate brown with a customized interior red leather pocket color and customized inner zipper pocket rather than the un-zippered default divider. It's super gorgeous and looks better with each day. Will post images soon.

Would love to see this!