Briefcase Appreciation thread

[Jr Mouse]

@patrick_b it looks great. Alan does good work for the prices he charges.

 

[useless_username]

Slightly odd question, apologies in advance.

I have a top-frame briefcase in bridle leather. It's been in use for years and I've noticed that the sides of the briefcase have become 'flatter' than what they were originally.

The picture below is not the briefcase in question, but it should illustrate what I mean. The red lines represent the approximate shape of my briefcase; note the reduced curvature at the top and the slightly flat appearance of the sides.

Is this something that should be expected to happen over time? Or is it something that perhaps needs fixing? Are there any tips or tricks for re-shaping the briefcase?

The bag has a lot of sentimental value, so I'm not looking to buy a new one. But aesthetically I prefer the more rounded and curved shape (though it's not something I'm losing sleep over).

I'd be grateful for any views.

 

[ParkerPierpont]

Slightly odd question, apologies in advance.

I have a top-frame briefcase in bridle leather. It's been in use for years and I've noticed that the sides of the briefcase have become 'flatter' than what they were originally.

The picture below is not the briefcase in question, but it should illustrate what I mean. The red lines represent the approximate shape of my briefcase; note the reduced curvature at the top and the slightly flat appearance of the sides.

Is this something that should be expected to happen over time? Or is it something that perhaps needs fixing? Are there any tips or tricks for re-shaping the briefcase? Aesthetically I prefer the more rounded and curved shape (but it's not something I'm losing sleep over).

I'd be grateful for any views. The bag has a lot of sentimental value, so I'm not looking to buy a new one.

View attachment 916907

It's normal for leather to lose its rigidity over time - nothing to worry about.

If you'd like some tips on re-shaping, you'll need to post photos of the bag so we can see exactly what's going on. There are a few refinishers in this thread that are pretty talented - but they'll need to see more than this diagram.

 

[useless_username]

If you'd like some tips on re-shaping, you'll need to post photos of the bag so we can see exactly what's going on.

Thanks. Pictures of the briefcase below.

Sides

Top

Front

 

[sclemmons]

I have had one like it. I would not do anything but use it. Eventually it may have to be resewn if you fill it full enough to reshape the "shoulder" of the bag.

 

[ParkerPierpont]

Thanks. Pictures of the briefcase below.

This looks very very normal to me.

If you're going to store it for a long time, it wouldn't hurt to put a pillow in it. Make sure the pillow isn't too large, or you'll stress the seams as @sclemmons mentioned. It should be just big enough to take some of gravity's burden off of the leather.

 

[useless_username]

I would not do anything but use it...

This looks very very normal to me...

Thanks for your views and tips. As I suspected, I've fallen into the trap of overthinking this issue (perhaps not so unusual on this forum?).

 

[Jr Mouse]

Thanks for your views and tips. As I suspected, I've fallen into the trap of overthinking this issue (perhaps not so unusual on this forum?).

Not at all.

 

[My63]

Thanks. Pictures of the briefcase below.

Sides

View attachment 916927

Top

View attachment 916929

Front

View attachment 916930

Hi I have restored a couple of these briefcases the shape of the body is created by the liner inside of the leather. often this is made from card. sometimes the card is coated more often not. If the case gets soaked from the outside or the inside gets wet. The card breaks down and the case looses its shape.

Rogers bag by my0771, on Flickr

This case has had the dividers removed before the whole case was stripped relined with fresh grey board. Which was first covered in suede.

These are the original dividers

Rogers bag by my0771, on Flickr

I refitted the interior to the customers design the inner dividers are made from sheet Kydex and the boards for the side panels were sealed with latex glue to prevent further water damage.

I hope this helps.

 

[useless_username]

Thanks My63. I see the briefcase as a lifetime investment, so it's nice to know that even pretty extensive repairs are possible.

 

[My63]

Thanks My63. I see the briefcase as a lifetime investment, so it's nice to know that even pretty extensive repairs are possible.

I think your briefcase is in good condition from what I can see, As with all of these cases the thread is the weak point most were machine stitched with linen thread which will decay over time. Unfortunately this means if the thread breaks in one place it will eventually come apart usually when something heavy is put into it.

 

[wishiwasricher]

Does anyone own a Rf Clark Grantchester?

I was looking at getting one and wanted to know if it could accommodate a laptop. I sent an email to him but thought SF might have any ideas.

I know that some breifcases may not specifically be designed for laptop carriage- is this an issue? I am currently using a nylon material which isn’t made for a laptop so I don’t think it would cause any problems.

 

[Mr. Moo]

Is anyone thinking of selling their Glaser Designs bag?

 

[Journeyman]

Is anyone thinking of selling their Glaser Designs bag?

Does it have to be deer hide, or is other material permissible?






I kid, I kid... ;-)

 

[Ian Clegg]

I'm going to be headed to Sapporo in Hokkaido for around 10 days in the summer and I was thinking of purchasing my first nice leather briefcase for my upcoming years in dental school. I've taken a look at the bags from Frank Clegg and I think I'd prefer a more casual, non-gusseted briefcase option like the Commuter or zip-top bags. Anyone know of any Japanese bag makers, ideally available in Sapporo, that are around the price point of Frank Clegg? Or of any alternative options of a similar price range? I've seen the quality of Ortus bags but they're way out of my budget...

Hey! Ian Clegg here. I would love to help in anyway possible. Send me an email if you're still in the market for a briefcase. We have a new model coming out starting at $600.00 I also have a few factory seconds available. [email protected]