I have somewhat surprisingly found myself in sudden need of a briefcase. I want something leather and roomy, with a shoulder strap. My budget up to $500. I guess I’m looking for recommendations on brands more than on a specific model, although both are welcome. I just don’t want to buy something that’s cheap or that doesn’t hold up. I could also use advice on where to look. I’d like to browse in a brick and mortar store, although I didn’t necessarily need to buy from one.
I may also need something that can serve as both a laptop bag and briefcase, so any ideas on that would be great, too.
No idea of current prices as my current bag is probably 10 years old. But I’m on my second high price/quality leather briefcase witrh shoulder strap (use it mainly as a lunchbag!)
My previous one was a Schlesinger. Like this but with a strap. Really good name. But I think I goofed by buying a very pricey and beautiful leather, but it proved not to be so durable. If you use it every day, travel, use public transportation, overfill it - it really takes a lot of abuse.
So, my suggestion is that you don’t worry about names, and instead go to a number of luggage shops and see what they offer. Look for the sturdiest looking fittings, the strongest appearing stitching, and the toughest looking leather. My current one is some kind of very thick steerhide, and has proven to be very durable.
Also see what the shop/brand offers in terms of repair. At some point some stitching will give, and it is really nice to be able to just take it back to the shop and have them repair it no questions asked.
IME it was not entirely a matter of deciding what I wanted and then going out to get it. Instead, I had to go out and see what was available - which wasn’t necessarily identical with my wants.
I have a Samsonite that I’ve put through hell and has held up quite well. I can’t do the shoulder strap so I have the kind with a retractable handle and wheels. They have a wide variety of briefcases and computer cases to choose from.
I re-read and saw your post asked for brands. Coach makes pretty decent products. I find their billfolds more durable than any others I’ve tried, and my wife has several of their purses/bags. And I believe they have a very good guarantee. I think they offer some steer or buffalo hide - marketed as very durable. You might want to look into those. On the pricey side, tho. You just gotta promise to take off that stupid tag!
Dinsdale, your first post exactly addresses my biggest concerns. I don’t want to buy something expensive that I really like, only to have it fall apart because it can’t take the abuse I know I’m going to put it through. Maybe I should just follow some old guys around and see what they’re carrying. I’m afraid that your last sentence is true. I was hoping I could at least expand what was available to me by including online vendors, but I think you’re right that I need to examine the quality before I buy. There just aren’t that many stores that carry a large selection of briefcases.
Thanks XJETGIRLX. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t think of Samsonite myself. Of course a company that makes suitcases knows how to make a durable bag. They seem to have a pretty wide selection. Tumi has some nice stuff, too. I just wish they’d let the shoulder strap show a bit more in the photos. It looks like other websites have better photos of their products, though. I’ll keep looking at them.
I’m also a little embarrassed I didn’t think of Coach. I did run across a Kenneth Cole bag I liked quite a bit online, so that’s a good suggestion, too.
Thanks everybody. I’ve look at your suggestions online tonight, and maybe try to venture out into the real world and see what’s out there tomorrow.
I use a Kenneth Cole Out Of The Bag in the darker brown color. It has a laptop sleeve, an accordion file in the back, and an expanding zipper. I’m quite hard on bags and it seems to be holding up well.
