Leather briefcase suggestions??

[Hodag]

I looking at getting a leather briefcase for work and am asking for your advice. here are some of the basics I want:

light brown or tan leather
computer friendly
kinda conservative/classic design
rugged
once in a lifetime purchase, 30 years from now I want to be able to pass it on.

Here is an example of the type I'm looking at:
http://www.customhide.com/leather_laptop_cases.html

My wife says coach, but want something a little more custom.

Any suggestions/websites on well made stuff. Price not really an issue. Quality made is the key.
Mark

[gambrinus]

Those look sweet... Make sure that the size of the computer pouch in the bag will fit your laptop. My wife has a nice TUMI bag that she can't use as a computer bag anymore since it's "compact" size, and we have a bigger screen G4 that needs a bit more room.

RW

[dlearl476]

I looking at getting a leather briefcase for work and am asking for your advice. here are some of the basics I want:

light brown or tan leather
computer friendly
kinda conservative/classic design
rugged
once in a lifetime purchase, 30 years from now I want to be able to pass it on.

Here is an example of the type I'm looking at:
http://www.customhide.com/leather_laptop_cases.html

My wife says coach, but want something a little more custom.

Any suggestions/websites on well made stuff. Price not really an issue. Quality made is the key.
Mark

$289 Doesn't buy a "hand me down" leather case. Your wife is right, Coach or D&G, Prada, Kenneth Cole, Louis Vitton, John Varvatos or maybe even Cole-Haan. Expect to pay 2-3 times $289 for a"lifetime" leather briefcase.

Here's a stunning deal on a Prada (http://www.raffaello-network.com/raffties/detail.php?itemid=28436&rangeid=453)

[Hodag]

maybe mulholland brothers??
Mark

[tommy]

mark - my wife would also vote for coach - she has 3 of their handbags - no wonder i has to ride old scooters :D

[username]

get what you like. dont worry about what other people think. :D

if you cant take the above advice...don't buy coach. that's dull. i carry a barrister bag by levenger. they dont carry it right now. i've had it ten years though, and it's still holding up really well. i've abused it a fair bit too. you want one with really heavy, high-grade leather, with serious stiching.

plan to spend $500 or more for a 'lifetime' bag. or, realize that it's just stuff, and you aren't your stuff, and just get a crap nylon laptop bag from goodwill.

hows that for conflicting? :D

[BradfordBenn]

I have a breifcase that was given to me after my father passed on. So figuring it is more than 20 years old I would check and see what brand it was as a real world test.

I can't tell as there is no branding on it. So my suggestion would be to look at a case the way you would protective gear. Make sure the stiching is good, the material is thick, and it fits you. A good piece will last no matter what the brand name is.

Me, I personally don't use it too much cause of the sentimental attachment to it, and I can't figure out how to carry it properly on the RT. Also I can't actually fit my work materials in it. But every so often I bring it out for special occasions and it does make a cool statement.

Good luck :thumb

[Grey Matter]

Leather needs to be cared for. I think a more rugged bag will last longer. For $500.00 I would look to a saddle shop to make me a custom back. High fashion bags may not last as long. I have been traveling my entire adult life & the best bag I have owned to date is one made by Brenthaven it is the Oversize model (http://www.brenthaven.com/store/flash/flash.html). It is made from ballistic nylon & still looks new after 4 years.

I know this is not what you were looking for but I have been through many bags & this is the one that has kept up with me the longest.

[STRESS]

I have been commuting to work a long distance for about 20 years. It seems that about twice a year I decide I need to carry different things with me other than work related material. I only mention this because I have had expensive cases in the past and still occassionally use them but often find that they aren't always the only one I use. I find that when I ride my bike I want to carry only the bare minimum.
I think that for the money a Zero Haliburton case is a pretty decent case. They are more fairly priced with the influence of the web now and come in the traditional styles as well as a few leather styles. These things are bullett proof. I still find that the black alluminum is my favorite. I think that you will be able to find a strong leather case for about $250 in their line but not in a Coach. Zero cases are strong and sleek and that is why they are costly, they are not really a designer line like a D&B or Coach .If you fall in love with a Coach make sure to check out the outlets cause I saved over $80 on my wallet alone. There is an outlet in Central Illinois I think in Roy or Charleston. I can probably hunt down the number if you choose that route but check out the ZERO cases online.

[STRESS]

You can find some samples here: :
http://www.walletshoppe.com/walletshoppe/zeha.html

[Braddog]

Listen to the ladies, they're the experts. They know what's best in the world of bags from experience.

I guess I never thought of a work briefcase/bag as a hand-me-down type of item, but it seems like a neat idea.

I use "disposable" bags for the most part. I truck my laptop back and forth in an inexpensive backpack designed to...carry laptops, and then I have a leather courier-style bag that has any other work-related stuff in it. My last leather workbag lasted like 12 years, and it was pretty much junk by the time I got my new one. Zippers wasted, seams coming out, etc. Depending on how much stuff you carry back and forth, 2 bags may or may not work for you. Works OK for me. I can fit both in a single hardbag on my 'cycle.

[RTRandy]

I do business with Levenger out of Delray Beach, FL and you might want to check out their site for briefcases. In addition, they have new retail stores in Chicago and Boston. Don't know if you get to Chicago from where you are in Wisconson, but they have full shops in two of the main Marshall Fields stores including the one on Michican Ave.

Another suggestion would be Hartmann luggage carried in many luggage stores. They have a famous model made of cowhide which will improve with age and last a lifetime.

Levenger (http://www.levenger.com/HOME/RtlHome.asp?Params=category=556|level=2|pageid=237 8)

Hartmann Luggage (http://www.hartmann.com/shop/products.asp?type=BriefCases&collection=all)

[Hodag]

Don't know if you get to Chicago from where you are in Wisconson

its seems to only work the other way around. "Fips"

[GeoffMiller]

Not leather but very practical are the soft canvas cases from Land's End. I carry a briefcase in a very difficult environment (locomotives) and the Land's End bags have worked great. You can even run them through the washer when they get greasy! Also, for rough service cases, check out Duluth Trading Company. They also have tough use cases designed for contractors. Not heirloom stuff but looks good and is tough. Now to find a nice tie to go with my bibs. :D

[BobFV1]

I would stay away from those bearing the names of clothing designers - after all, briefcases are not sport coats.... I have a Hartmann case - very nice leather piece. Ghurka also makes some exquisite stuff. God luck

[Hodag]

Its a done deal, bought a like new coach off e-bay. Its exactly what I wanted a few years ago, but has since been discontinued. Then I saw one on e-pay and what do you know got it almost 60% off retail price.
Thanks for your help and opinions.
mark

[paulsibek]

I've had both for more than 20 years and never a problem.

The Hartman is a classic recognized by all as a case that is both prestigious and a real value because of it's long life.

Hartmans have a steel frams which has come in handy while waiting on line at the airport, it gives you a place to sit. Plus the older they get the better they look, you can't kill them.

Expect to pay $500+ but factor in the life span and they are cheap.

I don't use the Hartman any more and will consider selling it. It's the larger one about 5" thick. I'll sell it for half the cost of a new one plus shipping.