Briefcase Appreciation thread

[sclemmons]

The Herz Leather looks very nice. I have other bags that I acquired back in the days that I carried more paper, and the Herz would be among the nicest.

I carry less paper today. My Frank Clegg double gusset does the job. The peril of all these bags, from Frank to Hermes, is how well and how long they will carry an oversized load of paper. Fortunately for the customer, the bag, and the planet, the paper overload is beginning to subside for most of us.

 

[EvanNole]

The Herz Leather looks very nice. I have other bags that I acquired back in the days that I carried more paper, and the Herz would be among the nicest.

I carry less paper today. My Frank Clegg double gusset does the job. The peril of all these bags, from Frank to Hermes, is how well and how long they will carry an oversized load of paper. Fortunately for the customer, the bag, and the planet, the paper overload is beginning to subside for most of us.

Agree with this. It's actually one of the reasons I went with a custom bag; I wanted a very traditional flap-over style bag, but designed with today and the future in mind. I use it for daily to-and-from work and long-haul international business travel. I rarely carry more than a slim file folder as far as paper is concerned, but need pockets for laptop, iPad, noise canceling headphones (size of a deck of cards), plus a larger gusset for things like a coolmax travel blanket (a bit larger than a soda can), eyeglass case, and a front zippered pocket for a pouch that holds my passport, expense receipts and other documents. Being able to specify that amount of detail and get the bag laid out exactly the way I wanted was probably the deciding factor in my decision to go custom.

Thank goodness we don't often travel with much paper anymore. Once in a great while, when our meetings are not at our partners' offices but at an off-site location in Europe, I end up schlepping 20 copies of a 40-page presentation, and those have to go in my roll-aboard. Colossal pain.

 

[slider07]

Hi - Looking for some guidance. Looking for a nice leather briefcase (think Glaser-ish) with a luggage strap and an outside secure pocket for quick access to keys, phone, etc. I carry a 13” laptop, notebook, cords, and other small items. I currently use a Stuart & Lau but not digging it.

Thanks!
Chris

 

[ErikW]

Incoming from Hrothgar Stibbons. I'll post some better photos when I get my hands on it.

 

[EvanNole]

Incoming from Hrothgar Stibbons. I'll post some better photos when I get my hands on it.

View attachment 1176535 View attachment 1176536 View attachment 1176537 View attachment 1176539

Looks great, and I can promise you that you're going to love it. The one he made for me is one of the highest quality things I have ever owned, and is a great value considering how nice it is.

 

[mzanon]

Wow it's awesome Erik, congrats to Hrothgar Stibbons for the hard work. Thanks for share!

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Not sure how many Filson Brothers are here but figured I’d represent from the East Side

What we have here is an early 1990’s vintage Otter Green Filson #257 Computer Briefcase. It features 22 ounce Rugged Twill, supple yet tough Bridle Leather from Wickett-Craig, Brass Hardware, Talon Brass heavy duty zippers. It was acquired by myself in near brand new condition back in 2017. Before that it’s been through two other owners. The great thing about Filson is it only increases in value with more Patina and wear; can’t say that about many things. A great Briefcase for in the office or out in the field. Indiana Jones would approve.

 

[ErikW]

I spent some time yesterday writing up a little review of my new Hrothgar Stibbons briefcase comparing it to my Frank Clegg English briefcase. Link to the review on Reddit and some higher quality photos are below:

• Review on Reddit
• Pics of Hrothgar Stibbons briefcase

 

[unprocessed]

Any thoughts on Carl Friedrik? I like the look of their Palissy briefcase, also looking at the Shinola Computer brief which has a similar design but is significantly more expensive.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Any thoughts on Carl Friedrik? I like the look of their Palissy briefcase, also looking at the Shinola Computer brief which has a similar design but is significantly more expensive.

To be honest I would stay away from Shinola. They really don’t have an illustrious history of premium luxury goods, and are kinda pseudo luxury, especially their watches. About 8 years ago they acquired Filson, which as a company has been around for over 120 years. Filson made a Leather Satchel using the finest leather from Wickett & Craig. Bedrock Manufacturing (who owns Shinola and now Filson) has discontinued this bag but they do pop up on eBay for all kinds of prices. I’ve seen great examples dating as far back as the 1920’s. I believe they were discontinued around 2012. A couple guys at the Filson thread have them, if you’re interested in learning more about them.

Here’s an example on eBay. This one is from I believe 1990s and as you can see they hold their value and even appreciate.

FILSON Brown Leather Field Satchel / Briefcase / Messenger Bag- Made In America | eBay

Leather is so thick that minor cracks are not affecting leather's integrity. Interior- pristine, without odors. Unlined, just beautiful raw saddle leather. Minor scratches or scuffs.Thick leather divider.

www.ebay.com

Filson thread:

Filson Bag Thread: With Pictures

Is Filson gonna refresh this sale? Weak ass collection of bags right now. With the private equity buy out I’m surprised they haven’t gone full J crew on the sales mode

www.styleforum.net

 

[unprocessed]

After looking at the Shinola, staying away.

I'm down to two main choices:

Carl Friedrick Palissy (~$450)
Frank Clegg Computer Briefcase (~$625 w/ monogram)

I much prefer the look and style of the CF, but I know the Frank Clegg will undoubtedly be higher quality, although it's more expensive.

 

[Proleet]

After looking at the Shinola, staying away.

I'm down to two main choices:

Carl Friedrick Palissy (~$450)
Frank Clegg Computer Briefcase (~$625 w/ monogram)

I much prefer the look and style of the CF, but I know the Frank Clegg will undoubtedly be higher quality, although it's more expensive.

I have the clegg and really like it. Do be aware that it is quite soft so the shape will not stay as tight as the picture shows you. It does stay up straight well even with a laptop in it.

P.s. unless you plan on using the shoulder strap, you can just ask them to leave the strap hooks off completely. Looks even cleaner imo.

 

[sclemmons]

I have the double gusset Frank Clegg Zip Top in Chocolate Shrunken. It works well, looks great, and it will stand alone. I wish it were bigger sometimes but it gets the job done every day.

 

[unprocessed]

I have the double gusset Frank Clegg Zip Top in Chocolate Shrunken. It works well, looks great, and it will stand alone. I wish it were bigger sometimes but it gets the job done every day.

How is the weight for you carrying it as a briefcase?

 

[unprocessed]

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