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Looking for some briefcase suggestions

post #1 of 14
8/19/11 at 11:19am
Thread Starter 

Long time reader, first time poster here.  

 

So I recently finished law school and started my career as a lawyer.  As such, its time to ditch the shoulder messenger bag I used in school, and pick up a suitable briefcase.  I'm not looking to break the bank here, but I want something fairly stylish.  Looking to spend in the $500-$800 range, and I'd probably prefer black leather as most of my shoes and belts are black.  

 

I did a bit of search around, and have found a few that I dont mind.  

 

http://www.hlaska.com/mens/bags/nominal-briefcase.html

 

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=469&Product_Id=1376488&Parent_Id=228&default_color=BLACK&sort_by=&sectioncolor=&sectionsize=

 

Any other suggestions?

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post #2 of 14
8/21/11 at 12:58pm
Thread Starter 

Not a single suggestion?  Come on.

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post #3 of 14
8/21/11 at 1:18pm
I bought a David King briefcase from briefcase.com and have been very happy with it. I got the triple gusset version, but they have several different styles. And their price is less than half your budget.

Chris
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post #4 of 14
8/21/11 at 1:36pm
I love my Hartmann!
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post #5 of 14
9/8/11 at 1:45pm
Thread Starter 

I ordered the Hlaska, but it ended up being too small to fit my files in.  Any other suggestions?

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post #6 of 14
9/8/11 at 2:09pm
http://www.forzieri.com/usa/product_view.asp?l=usa&c=usa&dept_id=19&sku=cg14118-009-00

While not black, I bought a briefcase similar to this two years ago in the Florence leather market, became a lawyer about a year ago, and it has suited me nicely since then.
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post #7 of 14
9/8/11 at 3:40pm
I know you don't want to break the bank, but this is the ideal time to buy the first and last briefcase you'll ever need...


...consider Swaine Adeney Brigg.


For a couple of hundred more than your budget you can have this:

700
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post #8 of 14
9/8/11 at 4:10pm
I have a Bottega Veneta briefcase that I love -- and it fits my files really well, but I have a barrister's bag for big days.

It's this one in leather rather than whatever the hell this is: http://bagwhiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/btdarknavyshinycrocfumearcobriefcase.jpg

My only regret is the leather's a bit soft, so I'm worried it won't last my entire career.
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post #9 of 14
9/8/11 at 5:05pm
My post from several weeks ago:

I have a similar one but a bit more elegant from the 80s.
It's from Ottino, Florence Italy. It was $300-400 at the time
and included matching zipper letter case that fit inside

http://www.ottino.com/e_prodotti.html

Second photo from the top on an angle in
cognac or whatever shade of brown. Mine is
darker. No idea of current price.
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post #10 of 14
9/8/11 at 5:05pm
+1 for the Swaine Adeney Brigg. The Brooks Brothers is a pretty good value at $700. If you're looking for something Italian, I have some samples en route from Italy that I'll be taking custom orders on. However, they'd be in the $1,200 to $1,500 range. Beautiful, Italian, and hand-crafted (not to mention made-to-order). Not a permanent addition to The Hanger Project -- more a "community service" considering that I am looking to add some briefcases to my wardrobe also. If you're interested PM me.

I use a Goyard bag for trips to New York. Otherwise, I'm actually a big fan of just a plain canvas bag that I can carry over my shoulder. Not fancy, but easy (and washable).

However, I like the idea of investing in a nice briefcase that will last a lifetime. If you purchase correctly, they should actually look better with age as the weather gains character.

P.S. The only thing I don't like about the Swaine Adeney Brigg pictured above is how fussy it looks like it would be to get into it. I generally prefer briefcases that are easier to open.
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post #11 of 14
9/8/11 at 5:10pm
I have this Brooks Brothers briefcase. Mine is British Tan. It is made by Swaine Adeney Brigg and the quality is just incredible. It will undoubtedly last me a lifetime and just look better with age. I get compliments on it ALL the time. It screams quality and refined taste.
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post #12 of 14
9/8/11 at 8:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bleachboy View Post

I have this Brooks Brothers briefcase. Mine is British Tan. It is made by Swaine Adeney Brigg and the quality is just incredible. It will undoubtedly last me a lifetime and just look better with age. I get compliments on it ALL the time. It screams quality and refined taste.

I like that! How many gussets? Just one?
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post #13 of 14
9/9/11 at 9:52am
Thread Starter 

Thanks for all the replies

 

I love the look of the Swaine Adeney Brigg.  However, it would cost me nearly $1800 Canadian to get it, that is far removed from my price range.  I'd be willing to max out at a bit over a grand.  I'll definitely be keeping that in mind a few years down the road once I start making serious coin though.

 

kirbya, I'd be interested in some more information on those custom bags, although id be looking at ones closer to the bottom of that price range.

 

That Brooks Brothers case looks amazing, basically dead on point with what Im looking for.  $1500 is a bit far out of my budget though.  

 

The Chiarugi looks nice, and the price is definitely right.  

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post #14 of 14
9/9/11 at 9:59am
Maybe something from Tusting?

http://www.tusting.co.uk/Briefcases_26_Totes_Buckingham_English_Leather_Briefcase_.asp
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