Horsehide leather briefcase from mw-traveler: comments?

[imatlas]

I wrote to MW asking if they're considering making a small messenger bag style, along the lines of what SBL calls their "satchel". I've decided that I really need a leather man-purse, and I love the leather that MW uses.

[JayJay]

The bag looks fine.

[srivats]

I ordered the bag on friday ... will post my comments here when the bag comes in.

I wish they offered a wider shoulder strap. I don't understand why most manufacturers skimp on the width of the straps. The ideal width for me is something like this vintage filson case - not sure if the strap is aftermarket or the original.



Compare it to the current filson strap:

[Tarmac]

pls post plenty of pics and your opinion once you receive it.

I agree with you they look far better than the other options usually mentioned. I know Saddleback is a great affiliate here but just from the pics of their bags I can see little annoying mistitches that would drive me mad if I owned one. My Filson bag does not have a single stitch out of place. It's a marvel just to examine and these bags looked very similar in quality.

[srivats]

Originally Posted by Tarmac

pls post plenty of pics and your opinion once you receive it.

I agree with you they look far better than the other options usually mentioned. I know Saddleback is a great affiliate here but just from the pics of their bags I can see little annoying mistitches that would drive me mad if I owned one. My Filson bag does not have a single stitch out of place. It's a marvel just to examine and these bags looked very similar in quality.

I will definitely take lots of phots. I have been looking for a good bag within my budget for a while, and I hope this bag is good.

I decided long back that Saddleback briefcases are not for me. One of the reasons is what you mention above.

[srivats]

I am liking these bags more and more.

I found some used steerhide mw-traveler pre-production bags on ebay ... they looks super nice with some wear on it. Take a good look at the pic below showing the gussets.

If my bag looks anything like this with use, I am going to be *very* happy:

[dcg]

Looks excellent and appears to be very well made. I'll be in the market for something similar in the near future so I look forward to your report.

[srivats]

Shaun wrote to me today saying that my bag has been delayed for a bit. I am in no hurry, so it is OK with me,

I found these two pics online of the quick release, and I really like the idea of snaps:

The snaps themselves:


The quick release action:
)imo the best solution so far, compared to saddleback's 3rd strap or customhide's hiddle buckle)

[srivats]

And here is a pic of the regular (ie non-laptop) case showing the space inside:

[srivats]

I recieved my briefcase from mw-traveler. Thought I'd post some pics and do a mini review. I am EXTREMELY happy with the bag.

The bag totally oozes quality, with full grain horsehide used everywhere (all linings). The color is so rich and has the same depth of color as shell cordovan. Stitching is top notch and the leather is just outstanding. The hardware used is excellent and the quick release is just beautifully executed. With the snap buttons, you push on the bottom and it comes open in a second - no fidding with button snaps or buckles or clasps. They did a great job with this one.

The laptop comparment padding is great as well. Comfortably fits in a 15" laptop, and the bottom part of this compartment has extra thick, stiff padding. The pockets in the back comfortably hold a cellphone and a calulator - it would be good for a blackberry/iphone as well. There is a zip in the backside of the laptop compartment (brass zip) that runs full length of the case - useful for storing small things.

I'll let the pics do the talking, if you have any questions, please ask.
(color in pics is very true to life)

PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE THE PICS WHEN YOU REPLY

[Mr. Moo]

Sri, that looks awesome. I bet it'll look 10x better in a year or two.

We have the same floor...

[srivats]

Originally Posted by Mr. Moo

Sri, that looks awesome. I bet it'll look 10x better in a year or two.

We have the same floor...

Thanks Moo ... I can't wait to start (ab)using this, my search for a briefcase is finally over.

[ManofKent]

Looks very nice - QR looks solid.

[srivats]

Originally Posted by ManofKent

Looks very nice - QR looks solid.

Thanks MoK ! You should post some photos of your scholar case, I'd love to see how it is aging.

[Mentos]

Originally Posted by srivats

I recieved my briefcase from mw-traveler. Thought I'd post some pics and do a mini review. I am EXTREMELY happy with the bag.

The bag totally oozes quality, with full grain horsehide used everywhere (all linings). The color is so rich and has the same depth of color as shell cordovan. Stitching is top notch and the leather is just outstanding. The hardware used is excellent and the quick release is just beautifully executed. With the snap buttons, you push on the bottom and it comes open in a second - no fidding with button snaps or buckles or clasps. They did a great job with this one.

The laptop comparment padding is great as well. Comfortably fits in a 15" laptop, and the bottom part of this compartment has extra thick, stiff padding. The pockets in the back comfortably hold a cellphone and a calulator - it would be good for a blackberry/iphone as well. There is a zip in the backside of the laptop compartment (brass zip) that runs full length of the case - useful for storing small things.

I'll let the pics do the talking, if you have any questions, please ask.
(color in pics is very true to life)

I'm looking hard at either the straight briefcase or the laptop bag. My concern is that the laptop bag will be too bulky for day-to-day commuting (I don't carry a laptop), and the briefcase too small for short trips where I carry a laptop, power cord, and a notebook or two (I have something big for serious business travel).

Do you think the laptop bag is small enough that it won't be a pain carrying around 3/4 empty, on a cramped subway, etc.? If it's not too bulky, I'll just buy it and enjoy the spare capacity. If it is, I'll go with the smaller bag -- less versatile, but better for daily use.