Seeking Advice on Briefcase Selection

[ASG]

I am looking for a briefcase to hold a laptop (15.5x11 inch), cord, fountain pen, business cards, iPhone and assorted documents. I'm willing to spend around $400. I have found three online that look interesting. I'd like to hear from anyone who may own or have experience with any of these bags on issues such as quality, durability, weight, ease of use, etc.

The three cases are from Rawlings, customhide, and saddleback. I'd be interested to hear opinions on customer service as well.

 

[radicaldog]

They are three very different looks. Left to right: lawyer, scholar, explorer.

 

[ASG]

I'm a studious lawyer who enjoys the outdoors so I think any of the three would fit my personality. I recognize the styles vary, but from a purely visual perspective there are things about each that I like. I'm more concerned about the other issues (like function and quality) that I mentioned in my original post.

 

[Bob01]

Well with the Saddleback option (the one on the right) has that 100 year guarantee, and the promise that your kids will be fighting over it while your still warm in the grave ;-)

 

[Dob]

and for the lawyer in you - assume puffery to the extreme with the SB. not a fan.

 

[Harold falcon]

Customhide +1.

 

[LesterSnodgrass]

I have a Jack Georges similar to the first, and I am a federal prosecutor. I always use it when I am in court, but my version is a bit more city-style. Burgundy in color and smooth calf leather, it is quite formal. It holds a laptop, power accessories, cordless mouse, two blackberries, a small billfold, my credentials, a collapsible umbrella and a couple of legal pads. That fills it completely. I often have to carry binders or red-welds in to court because the bag is packed to the gills. If you want anything more than I have described, I'd go with a soft sided bag that can accommodate more stuff. Of course, if you are a litigator, you probably have a lit bag for large files, so that may not be an issue for you.

 

[magogian12345]

Customhide +2. Make sure to ask for the pushlock closures.

 

[comrade]

I do not know whether you have considered going offshore,
but I have a briefcase from Florence that is about 25 yrs.
old and had held up extremely well. Not cheap but superb
quality.

ottino.com

 

[ASG]

I do not know whether you have considered going offshore

Yes, I have considered it - if resources were unlimited I'd go with a Swaine Adeney Brigg Westminster Wrap Legal Briefcase. I absolutely love the London Tan bridle leather. But I, like LesterSnodgrass, am a prosecutor (state) and I have a hard time justifying two thousand dollars for a briefcase. I am very tempted by the machine-stitched version of the same SAG briefcase that I think can be had for around a thousand dollars. I may just save my pennies and go that route, but this post is all about exploring my more affordable options.

Make sure to ask for the pushlock closures

Are you talking about snaps under the straps? I've wondered if constantly unbuckling straps would get to be a pain.

 

[ASG]

This is the machine-stitched version from SAG that I mentioned in my last post. It's available from classicluggage.com

The pictured version is in chestnut, but it appears to also be available in tan.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by ASG

Are you talking about snaps under the straps? I've wondered if constantly unbuckling straps would get to be a pain.
I have bags with both. The snaps are definitely more convenient but my bag with the buckle is my favorite, so I adjust to it accordingly.