Best value calf leather briefcases?

Solari · Feb 27, 2017

Hi all,

I'd like to buy a leather briefcase to carry regularly to work every day. Not one of the solid cuboid ones, but one of the well-structured calf leather ones that look nice and clean and are of good quality.

I really don't want to spend too much though so looking for some good value suggestions please. Like I can do without them being fully handmade if it means I save a grand or something crazy like that.

Thanks!

gs77 · Feb 27, 2017

Can you share some picture of what you have in mind, approximately? What size, and what do you typically carry to work. Also, budget?

Solari · Feb 28, 2017

gs77 said:
Can you share some picture of what you have in mind, approximately? What size, and what do you typically carry to work. Also, budget?

I currently don't really carry anything to work currently.

Size wise, small-to-medium. I'm quite a small guy and looking for something relatively lightweight but still able to carry a few a4 documents comfortably and maybe some other paraphernalia.

I'd like it to be quite sleek and modern - not too dissimilar to Frank Clegg or that really high-end japanese one (can't remember its name).

Budget wise... I'd like to spend less than £800 ideally...

JubeiSpiegel · Feb 28, 2017

Why not just get a Frank Clegg then? The Port Brief looks to fit the bill nicely at $700 (approx. £564):

https://frankcleggleatherworks.com/the-port-brief.html

I'm looking to pick one up myself.

gs77 · Feb 28, 2017

Frank Clegg mentioned above is really nice and classic. You won't go wrong there. I am not too familiar with British makers (since you mention budget in GBP, I guess you are in UK), but they kind of invented the thing

.
If you want to spend even less, Linjer soft briefcase has some good reviews here, although I don't subscribe to that kind of minimalist design, so can't personally comment.

BigBadBernard · Feb 28, 2017

Have a look at Tusting.

I have a satchel from there which is good quality and reasonable value, and made in the UK.

Solari · Mar 1, 2017

JubeiSpiegel said:
Why not just get a Frank Clegg then? The Port Brief looks to fit the bill nicely at $700 (approx. £564):

https://frankcleggleatherworks.com/the-port-brief.html

I'm looking to pick one up myself.

I may well do - I guess I just want to compare a few alternatives before buying.

gs77 said:
Frank Clegg mentioned above is really nice and classic. You won't go wrong there. I am not too familiar with British makers (since you mention budget in GBP, I guess you are in UK), but they kind of invented the thing

.
If you want to spend even less, Linjer soft briefcase has some good reviews here, although I don't subscribe to that kind of minimalist design, so can't personally comment.

Thanks. Linjer looks very interesting actually. Not many designs but I like the price and the base design isn't bad. I wonder how that compares to Frank Clegg.

BigBadBernard said:
Have a look at Tusting.

I have a satchel from there which is good quality and reasonable value, and made in the UK.

Thanks.

dfwcowboy · Mar 1, 2017

Not calf leather, but AE sells a similar bag for $450US. I'm sure they are 3rd party manufactured with AE's brand. Some have reported J.W. Hulme makes them, but I have no idea. If not them I'm sure it's some other mid to high end producer.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/accesso...ection---underarm-portfolio-bag/SFAE4601.html

Solari · Mar 1, 2017

dfwcowboy said:
Not calf leather, but AE sells a similar bag for $450US. I'm sure they are 3rd party manufactured with AE's brand. Some have reported J.W. Hulme makes them, but I have no idea. If not them I'm sure it's some other mid to high end producer.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/accesso...ection---underarm-portfolio-bag/SFAE4601.html

Thanks. Any ideas how steer hide would compare to calf?

JubeiSpiegel · Mar 1, 2017

Solari said:
Thanks. Any ideas how steer hide would compare to calf?

Well, I'm not a leather expert. But based on the info at hand, I would assume it is more hard wearing and would probably have more character in the grain. Simply based on the longer life span of the steer, in comparison to the calf.

I would ask your question in the Leather Quality thread for better info:

http://www.styleforum.net/t/354137/leather-quality-and-properties/0_20

starro · Mar 1, 2017

Solari said:
Thanks. Any ideas how steer hide would compare to calf?

Think baby skin vs. old people skin. Steer could be thicker, so more resistant to wear and rub, but it has looser grain, so it would not have the tensile strength of calf. You might want to check with an expert on the last point though. Also I have little idea the difference between steer, bull, and cow hides.

dfwcowboy · Mar 1, 2017

Solari said:
Thanks. Any ideas how steer hide would compare to calf?

I'm no leather expert, but I can guess it would be more favorable in some situations. If you plan on putting your briefcase through hard use, then steerhide is probably the way to go. I have an old pilot chart case made out of steerhide and it's been through a lot of trips getting tossed around quite a bit and it's still in very much serviceable condition. On the other hand if you are looking for a more refined case that's only going to see light duty, then you might want some other kind of leather.

Solari · Aug 1, 2017

You guys reckon Linjer briefcases are still good value at 489 USD?

Decurio · Aug 1, 2017

Solari said:
You guys reckon Linjer briefcases are still good value at 489 USD?

I think so. I been buying from them for years and I am always very happy with their products. And the main reason is that they offer the perfect balance between design, quality and price.

Ian Clegg · Aug 1, 2017

Hello, Gentlemen,

If you are interested in our products and need something to fit the bill, contact me directly at [email protected]

We have some seconds with 20%-40% discounted rates. These were either in photo shoots, movies, or samples for magazines.

Best,
Ian

Best value calf leather briefcases?

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Member

Active Member

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: