srivats
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2008
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I am a new member here and I found this forum when I was looking for some pics of customhide briefcases. Seems like a great place with loads of information!
Now to the question at hand. I am starting work in a new company in 2-3 months and I have been looking to replace my current no-name leather case (calling it a briefcase is stretching it too far) for a nice case. I want to get a case that will last me for quite a while, and while I'd LOVE to get a SAB, I cannot justify spending so much on a suitcase. Filson is out too for the same reason ... I did consider Saddleback after looking at their website but a reading a couple of real-world reviews cleared my mind, it is just not suitable for my needs/use. I have heard a lot about customhide and I want to try them out since the prices are great. I have just emailed them with some suggested mods in their 1945 army briefcase model, as listed below:
* Dimensions: 12.5" High - 17" Across - 8-½" Wide.
* Compartment Configuration: Front 3-½", Middle 2-½"(padded), Rear 2-½" wide.
* Brass Lock replaced with a Large Brass Pushlock closure in the center.
* An outside pocket (lined with waterproof lining inside) to accommodate a 20oz. water bottle.
Accessory section built into the Front Compartment (instead of customhide's usual rear placement) with the following modifications:
* Three pockets (8" deep, 4" wide and 2" thick) with padding inside. Two of the pockets built with a flap and a small buckle to closure.
* Pen loops built on one side and a medium size clasp to hold a keychain built on the other side of the above three pockets.
* Business card holder eliminated.
* Zippered pocket remains in the Rear Compartment --> have asked for replacement zipper with magnetic closure
I will be using this case to carry a 15" laptop (13" x 10" x 1.2"), some laptop accesories and everyday things (in the pockets in the above list), a couple of books and 1 or 2 slim folders.
Do you think I have everything covered here? I am hung about choosing between brown and whiskey (tan) for the color, which one is better? Has anyone seen both these colors in person? I searched and found some pictures of the brown and whiskey colors (see links below) but I still cannot choose ...
links to pics of customhide 1945 briefcase pics:
http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/9...sday053hv3.jpg -- brown
http://www.pbase.com/android/image/46822917.jpg -- whiskey
I usually prefer the lighter tan colors in leather since it ages well and develops a nice patina as compared to brown, but customhide's tan seems to be more of a reddish brown, and frankly the brown looks nicer ... I am going to be using this bag mostly in casual environments so either color does not matter. Can you guys give some advice what color I should get?
I also welcome suggestions for other makes/brands around the $400-500 range, I know this has been discussed ad infinitium, but I am still learning my way around here and it would take a lot of time to go through all the threads. I indeed am looking at older posts but thought I'd make a post too, I hope the moderators do not mind this.
Now to the question at hand. I am starting work in a new company in 2-3 months and I have been looking to replace my current no-name leather case (calling it a briefcase is stretching it too far) for a nice case. I want to get a case that will last me for quite a while, and while I'd LOVE to get a SAB, I cannot justify spending so much on a suitcase. Filson is out too for the same reason ... I did consider Saddleback after looking at their website but a reading a couple of real-world reviews cleared my mind, it is just not suitable for my needs/use. I have heard a lot about customhide and I want to try them out since the prices are great. I have just emailed them with some suggested mods in their 1945 army briefcase model, as listed below:
* Dimensions: 12.5" High - 17" Across - 8-½" Wide.
* Compartment Configuration: Front 3-½", Middle 2-½"(padded), Rear 2-½" wide.
* Brass Lock replaced with a Large Brass Pushlock closure in the center.
* An outside pocket (lined with waterproof lining inside) to accommodate a 20oz. water bottle.
Accessory section built into the Front Compartment (instead of customhide's usual rear placement) with the following modifications:
* Three pockets (8" deep, 4" wide and 2" thick) with padding inside. Two of the pockets built with a flap and a small buckle to closure.
* Pen loops built on one side and a medium size clasp to hold a keychain built on the other side of the above three pockets.
* Business card holder eliminated.
* Zippered pocket remains in the Rear Compartment --> have asked for replacement zipper with magnetic closure
I will be using this case to carry a 15" laptop (13" x 10" x 1.2"), some laptop accesories and everyday things (in the pockets in the above list), a couple of books and 1 or 2 slim folders.
Do you think I have everything covered here? I am hung about choosing between brown and whiskey (tan) for the color, which one is better? Has anyone seen both these colors in person? I searched and found some pictures of the brown and whiskey colors (see links below) but I still cannot choose ...
links to pics of customhide 1945 briefcase pics:
http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/9...sday053hv3.jpg -- brown
http://www.pbase.com/android/image/46822917.jpg -- whiskey
I usually prefer the lighter tan colors in leather since it ages well and develops a nice patina as compared to brown, but customhide's tan seems to be more of a reddish brown, and frankly the brown looks nicer ... I am going to be using this bag mostly in casual environments so either color does not matter. Can you guys give some advice what color I should get?
I also welcome suggestions for other makes/brands around the $400-500 range, I know this has been discussed ad infinitium, but I am still learning my way around here and it would take a lot of time to go through all the threads. I indeed am looking at older posts but thought I'd make a post too, I hope the moderators do not mind this.
