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Need help choosing a good briefcase

trlhtn

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So I've been lurking around reading a bunch of the threads discussing leather briefcases. Im getting ready for my first job and my parents have agreed to buy me a nice leather briefcase. I am trying to keep it under $500 and would like an item that would last me for 15+ years and age well (EDIT: maybe 15 years is to much to expect in my price range, but I would like something that in 5 years won't look beat up or worn out). I will be returning as a graduate student part-time next Spring, so the bag has to handle work and textbooks, etc. I have a credit remaining on the Dooney website (mom returned gift) and was looking at some of their briefcases. I liked the look and prices were a little more than I wanted to spend but I digress.

I have read topics about SBL, SAB, Custom Hide, and other small shops making briefcases. I would like to find a bag that uses well made leather that's not to heavy. I like the look of SBL's bags but as I am a small guy (5'6") I feel as though the bag may be to heavy or large for me. I was looking at their thin briefcase, but was put off by the random threads discussing stitching problems and general quality control issues. I am very attentive to small details and stuff like that would bother me when spending a large amount of money.

These are the two bags I am looking at and generally like their style and would like to find something like these. I don't know if these styles are made for women only though..








Thanks for your suggestions or recommendations.
 
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soundsgood

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I don't know what field you're going into, but if you want to fit in, and look some what respectable, a tumi leather briefcase is the way to go. Probably not what you're looking for though.
 

trlhtn

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Could you recommend any companies that would make similar styles as pictured in my first post?
 

Off My Rack

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Look on the right side of your screen and click "Saddleback Leather" - its supposedly good stuff






edit - Literally right here on my screen ------>
 
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hanskl

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Try M&W Traveler. I got mine a few weeks ago, and I am very happy with it.
 

trlhtn

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Look on the right side of your screen and click "Saddleback Leather" - its supposedly good stuff






edit - Literally right here on my screen ------>


Though I do like the thin briefcase from saddleback, I'm unsure if it maybe to big and heavy. I like the style of the thin, and the first briefcase in my first post. I'm looking for more suggestions that maybe overlooked.
 

rsuhandy

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Try looking into Frank Clegg bags, although it may be out of your price range.
At the $500 mark you won't really find anything except Saddle Back Leather that will last +15 years and age well at the same time.
That's retail of course and you might get something good on Ebay for the price.
I too dislike SBL for various reasons and got my self a Frank Clegg briefcase. It's a very good briefcase isn't quite as good as an SAB, but
isn't too far off from SABs quality.

Hope that helps...
 

trlhtn

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Thanks for the suggestions , I will definitely check them out. Does anyone have any experience with Dooney briefcases?
 

trlhtn

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Utter Garbage.....


I'm guessing over priced brand name? Could you recommend any companies other than Sab that make something similar to the first briefcase I posted?

Thanks
 

rsuhandy

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I'm guessing over priced brand name? Could you recommend any companies other than Sab that make something similar to the first briefcase I posted?
Thanks


Glaser Designs
Lotuff Leather
Frank Clegg Leather Works
Filson
Muholland Brothers
Ralph Lauren Mainline/Purple Label
Brooks Brothers (Though Only Select Stuff)

I'm sure there are others but like I said, if you really want a high quality briefcase
Saddle Back is probably entry price point. Then you're looking at $750 and up.
Try getting something high quality but preowned. That's what I did with my first briefcase.
It's been 9 years and it still looks awesome...just with patina now ;)
 

GBR

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As you are seeing so much is personal preference and views hence you will get conflicting opinions which leave you none the wiser.

Why not go on your own and make a choice? When you start work you will not be able to ask about decisions on web boards...
 

trlhtn

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As you are seeing so much is personal preference and views hence you will get conflicting opinions which leave you none the wiser.
Why not go on your own and make a choice? When you start work you will not be able to ask about decisions on web boards...


Because I am about to spend a lot of money ( to me at least) and I am not as familiar with brands of briefcases as others here. Are you comparing briefcases to a job? Haha. It's better to see all these different brands and make a decision from there.
 

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