Briefcase Appreciation thread

[ziggy1984]

https://www.chestermox.com/blog/macbook-air-pro-portfolio/

I have a question about these type of lock folio/briefcase. Will the lock be automatic locked when I close the flapover? Will it be inconvenient when trying to take out things from the bag on the way?

 

[La Fin Du Monde]

Could anyone recommend a quality leather letter pad holder/portfolio maker? I would like to replace my old one and was unsure what you gentlemen would recommend.

Thanks.

 

[jnorm15]

Could anyone recommend a quality leather letter pad holder/portfolio maker? I would like to replace my old one and was unsure what you gentlemen would recommend.

Thanks.

I love my Frank Clegg 17" lock portfolio and use it every day.

https://frankcleggleatherworks.com/leather-bags/portfolios.html

 

[sclemmons]

Glaser Designs is really tempting.

Frank Clegg is the man who has depleted my wallet so far.

I have visited both shops.

Enjoy the process.

 

[takashi78]

I would say Clegg is more refined where Glaser is more rugged.

 

[mwh]

I just ordered a black Frank Clegg Commuter briefcase with silver hardware based on some of the photos that I saw in this thread. I hope it will be as perfect as I imagine

 

[La Fin Du Monde]

I love my Frank Clegg 17" lock portfolio and use it every day.

https://frankcleggleatherworks.com/leather-bags/portfolios.html

Thank you for your replies. This was my first post to this thread and I appreciate your responses.

Maybe I am not using the proper terminology. I am looking for something without zippers. Not exactly like this:
Just nicer.

What would you call that and who would you recommend as a craftsman of said item?

 

[sclemmons]

I have a Hartmann belting leather fold-over portfolio that carries a legal pad to a meeting. Delta Airlines gave it to me when I had flown 1 million miles. Hartmann don't make it anymore. If you can find one like it, that is all you need.

Frank Clegg will make you one like it to order but you will have to catch him after Christmas I bet.

Glaser Designs has a section on their website.
http://www.glaserdesigns.com/category/accessory/binders-writing-board/

Lotuff Leather would make you one, too, I bet.

If you are serious about legal pads, I would see what Bea Amblard at April In Paris would do for you. She was trained at Hermes and her work is incomparable to the rest of what is available in the USA. She is at the next level of price and quality, double needle handmade by Bea or in her atelier, but it costs quite a bit more than what Frank Clegg would charge. I have used her for belts, watch bands, and wallets, but I am still at the Frank level for larger items. She is a delight to work with and I recommend her highly. Her custom work is the absolute zenith of anything I have actually handled in the USA.

 

[SimonC]

If you are serious about legal pads, I would see what Bea Amblard at April In Paris would do for you. She was trained at Hermes and her work is incomparable to the rest of what is available in the USA. She is at the next level of price and quality, double needle handmade by Bea or in her atelier, but it costs quite a bit more than what Frank Clegg would charge. I have used her for belts, watch bands, and wallets, but I am still at the Frank level for larger items. She is a delight to work with and I recommend her highly. Her custom work is the absolute zenith of anything I have actually handled in the USA.

Can I ask if you have also handled work from Chester Mox?

 

[sclemmons]

I have not, sorry to say.

 

[La Fin Du Monde]

I have a Hartmann belting leather fold-over portfolio that carries a legal pad to a meeting. Delta Airlines gave it to me when I had flown 1 million miles. Hartmann don't make it anymore. If you can find one like it, that is all you need.

Frank Clegg will make you one like it to order but you will have to catch him after Christmas I bet.

Glaser Designs has a section on their website.
http://www.glaserdesigns.com/category/accessory/binders-writing-board/

Lotuff Leather would make you one, too, I bet.

If you are serious about legal pads, I would see what Bea Amblard at April In Paris would do for you. She was trained at Hermes and her work is incomparable to the rest of what is available in the USA. She is at the next level of price and quality, double needle handmade by Bea or in her atelier, but it costs quite a bit more than what Frank Clegg would charge. I have used her for belts, watch bands, and wallets, but I am still at the Frank level for larger items. She is a delight to work with and I recommend her highly. Her custom work is the absolute zenith of anything I have actually handled in the USA.

@sclemmons Thank you for your generous and through response, it is much appreciated.

The Glaser Designs is closer to what I was looking for. Any idea what their price range is?

 

[sclemmons]

You should call them or visit if you can. They will do a Skype interview with you but a visit is worth the effort. They are very user friendly and will hope you collect a set! I visited and lusted after a Glaser bag for years before I visited Frank in Fall River a few years later. The Clegg bag is more my style but I could be very happy with the Glaser. The Clegg is designed to fit into a men's store setting. The Glaser is more designed to fit into a luggage store setting. Hope this helps.

 

[Sdig14]

What's your guys opinion on the harness belting leather vs the tumbled leather on the Clegg briefcases? Thinking either chocolate or chestnut colour.

 

[takashi78]

@sclemmons Thank you for your generous and through response, it is much appreciated.

The Glaser Designs is closer to what I was looking for. Any idea what their price range is?

You would be looking at about $1000 there abouts for Glaser.

 

[Sdig14]

Furthermore, I am looking to spend about $1,000 USD maximum on a new leather briefcase that I plan to carry most of my day-to-day items to and from the office, with a laptop sometimes and some papers. I have a larger leather bag with wheels if I am carrying lots of paperwork, so don't need anything crazy big.

Any recommendations for any other brands to check out? Currently leaning Frank Clegg Zip-top. I would like the following:

1. Zipper on the top with good range in order to expand as much as possible.
2. Most likely double gusset.
3. Must have inside compartments for phone, charger, business cards, pens, etc. (most do I feel like?)
4. Don't want any straps or buckles preferably, pretty clean design.
5. has to be big enough to fit a 15" laptop.