Briefcase Appreciation thread

[peanutbutterjellychoo]

It was probably around 100 to 200 pounds difference as compared to the pricing as listed on his etsy page now. When I purchased the case the GBP to my local currency was not very good. About 1 pound to 1.9 sgd. the exchange rate now is much more favourable to me at 1 pound to 1.7 sgd post brexit.

Another thing to note is that my bridle was older stock of his. Whereas the bridle he is using now for his new cases is from a new batch of leather that he has recently ordered. My understanding is that the leather is from the same source he has been using since day 1 so quality is always top notch.

 

[peanutbutterjellychoo]

I paid gbp 670 for my case and now the MTO cases are listed for gbp 830. At past exchange rate assuming 1.9, I paid sgd 1,273. At today's exchange rate assuming 1.7, I would pay sgd 1,411. That is a difference of sgd 138 which translates to gbp 81 in today's rates.

But then again, I got myself an extra gusset!!!! So if you want to compare apple to apple then you gotta reach out to Ray to ask how much he charges for an additional gusset. Then u can calculate the price increase more accuaraty from there.

In essence , his prices are still supremely competitive and you really can't get a comparable case anywhere else in the world in terms of quality to value ratio. Plus his customer service is great.

U also probably have to factor in the fact that he had an elbow surgery recently and that he was seriously considering retirement from cases making. It probably takes him a lot more pain and effort to stitch these cases so hence the upcharge I suppose.

 

[Jr Mouse]

Looks like Ray Clark raised his prices again? I believe when he re-launched recently they were in the $900's and now are selling for a hair over $1k. I'm guessing it's just supply and demand, but I do hate seeing him have to cross the thousand dollar threshold considering his bags used to sell in the mid $800's.

 

[gs77]

This thread is great, so much good stuff...
My humble contribution with one of the more "playful" bags...

 

[Deo Veritas]

This thread is great, so much good stuff...
My humble contribution with one of the more "playful" bags...

Great looking bag! Very utilitarian...

 

[gs77]



Great looking bag! Very utilitarian...

Thank you!

 

[Concordia]

Who made? Looks nice.

 

[gs77]



Who made? Looks nice.

Local maker from northern part of my home country (Serbia) called Manual. Their tradition is tied to horse "equipment", but they switched to bags, purses, belts... 30 or so years ago. They claim they still use same robust tools that were used for sadles and such. I know little of leather crafts, so hard for me to say what is the value of that. I do know their stuff last at least 20 years (since I bought my first bag from them).
I left the design to them, I only chose color of leather.

 

[gs77]

Not really a briefcase, but a travel bag (weekender). Christmas present from my wife.

 

[dieworkwear]

Very cool run through of a bespoke Ortus bag recently commissioned through The Armoury.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPtuY_fjcGD/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPtyQ1jjxkT/

 

[Deo Veritas]

Very cool run through of a bespoke Ortus bag recently commissioned through The Armoury.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPtuY_fjcGD/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPtyQ1jjxkT/

Very practical and useful. I struggle when using mine for a camera and a laptop. One thing I would've added is a compartment to throw all necessary cables in, and another small compartment for SD cards, HDD's, etc.

 

[GeoffreyTheMan]

Hi Jr Mouse - I've recently purchased the "more expensive" case from Ray and probably have some first hand experience. He has recently begun to use Sedgwick leather and that is probably the reason for the price increase.

I believe he is also now only taking small amount of orders.

As for the gusset, think part of the reason is the weight of the case as with Sedgwick leather, one gusset could probably add another 0.5kg easily - even with two gusset the case is quite heavy already.

Hope it helps.

 

[tv2177]

Suggestions and recommendations needed here.

I have a three gussets Frank Clegg zip-top briefcase that I use all the time when I travel and absolutely love it. I also ordered a zipper pouch that I also carry with me when I don't need the entire bag for brief meetings on the road.

That being said, when I am back in the office I find it the three gussets a bit too much for daily commute, and the leather pouch a bit too small. So I have been considering buying another smaller briefcase.

Since I was very impressed with FC so naturally I took a good look at their other offerings. Here's my questions:

Should I go for a double or single gusset briefcase or should I go for the slightly bigger portfolios?

Thanks!

 

[peanutbutterjellychoo]

Thanks for the great insight. Totally missed out that he is now using Sedgewick bridle. That would explain the slight markup in price.

 

[peanutbutterjellychoo]

Suggestions and recommendations needed here.

I have a three gussets Frank Clegg zip-top briefcase that I use all the time when I travel and absolutely love it. I also ordered a zipper pouch that I also carry with me when I don't need the entire bag for brief meetings on the road.

That being said, when I am back in the office I find it the three gussets a bit too much for daily commute, and the leather pouch a bit too small. So I have been considering buying another smaller briefcase.

Since I was very impressed with FC so naturally I took a good look at their other offerings. Here's my questions:

Should I go for a double or single gusset briefcase or should I go for the slightly bigger portfolios?

Thanks!

If money is not an issue than I would always go for the double. It just seems more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Also, I feel it does help that there is a piece to separate your laptop and work files. Allows you to have easier access when you want to quickly get out your stuff.