Customhide - Affordable quality

[TimelessRider]

Made by Custom Hide. Quite nice I think, and well made too. This is the single-compartment 1945 US Army briefcase in brown (http://www.customhide.com/1945_US_Army_briefcase.html).

 

[Charley]

Very, Very handsome case. Congrtulations to you for choosing it. Much good Karma in that style, IMHO.

 

[luk-cha]

nice! old fashion good stuff not over priced too! thank you for sharing the pics!!

 

[A Harris]

How stiff is the leather, compared to bridle hide? I like my briefcases to be as stiff as possible, they hold up better.

 

[maxnharry]

Originally Posted by A Harris

How stiff is the leather, compared to bridle hide? I like my briefcases to be as stiff as possible, they hold up better.

Yes-the cases look awesome, but the leather looks soft (which makes sense since I think most people prefer softer leather). I ended up going with a Filson Bridle hide case because of it.

 

[TimelessRider]

Originally Posted by A Harris

How stiff is the leather, compared to bridle hide? I like my briefcases to be as stiff as possible, they hold up better.
I would rate the leather as moderately stiff. I don't consider it soft at all. Though there is no mention of bridle hide on Custom Hide's site, it wouldn't hurt to ask if it's available for custom orders.

 

[maxnharry]

Originally Posted by TimelessRider

I would rate the leather as moderately stiff. I don't consider it soft at all. Though there is no mention of bridle hide on Custom Hide's site, it wouldn't hurt to ask if it's available for custom orders.

I did spend some time with them trying to source bridle hide but they couldn't make it happen.

 

[Rolo]

I bought a "Scholar" briefcase from Customhide last year. I have mixed feelings about it.

The biggest problem I have with it is with the edge bindings. The leather is not dyed through and they are not rolled over. Accordingly, the edges show a very light color (probably not as noticeable on the lighter cases, but I have dark brown) and since the edges are not finished, they're a bit raggedy. Also, the website says "antique solid brass hardware," but the buckles have "brass plated" stamped on them. In fairness, however, with over a year of use, the antique finish is showing no signs of wear and the hardware does feel like brass. The leather is very soft, but is wearing better than I expected when I received the case. In short, I don't think this case will last 20 years like my last one, but for around $200 it'll do. Rolo

 

[SteveMetz]

Originally Posted by Rolo

I bought a "Scholar" briefcase from Customhide last year. I have mixed feelings about it.

The biggest problem I have with it is with the edge bindings. The leather is not dyed through and they are not rolled over. Accordingly, the edges show a very light color (probably not as noticeable on the lighter cases, but I have dark brown) and since the edges are not finished, they're a bit raggedy.

Also, the website says "antique solid brass hardware," but the buckles have "brass plated" stamped on them. In fairness, however, with over a year of use, the antique finish is showing no signs of wear and the hardware does feel like brass.

The leather is very soft, but is wearing better than I expected when I received the case.

In short, I don't think this case will last 20 years like my last one, but for around $200 it'll do.

Rolo

For what it's worth, I just got a "scholar" from Custom Hide and I believe they've addressed both of the problems you mentioned.

 

[TXLAW]

Can you tell me how big the "scholar" case is? Can you fit legal size folders or a laptop in it? I'm trying to choose between the Army case and the "scholar."

Thanks.

 

[gnatty8]

I bought this last year. I found the leather to be relatively stiff. I was relatively satisfied, but found the hardware to be rather cheap looking.

 

[TACO_FLAVORED_KISSES]

Anyone know the weight of the ranger? or any bag of similar size?

Trying to decide between this one and a filson 257.

 

[hobscrk777]

I've had my eye on this one for a while...

Does it make sense to pay $240 for that, or spend double that (i.e. ~ $540) and get this one from Tusting?

 

[TACO_FLAVORED_KISSES]

So I purchase the saddleback leather medium briefcase, and I found the weight far to great for my liking. You think the organizer briefcase with the added backpack function might be a good alternative? There seems to be a 3 pound difference between the Saddleback and Custom Hide briefcase. In addition, what about the quality of the overall bag?

 

[Mr. Lee]

Very nice-didn't see the price posted or inquired about?