What do you think of this briefcase design?

[kolecho]

I am interested in getting one like this made in about 1.5mm "thin" tan bridle hide with brass zippers. Overall dimensions will be 17"x12.5"x7". This thickness will give the case a soft look while retaining the durability and patina of bridle leather which I like so much.

The case will be used when in-town as well as when I am travelling to keep papers and a laptop, hence its somewhat larger dimension. Key considerations are convenience (zippers and no fussy straps), durability (bridle), informal look (hence soft construction), patina (tan colour).

I will likely ask for asymetrical front pockets.

Thoughts?

[DD MacDonald]

Kolecho, I like the look of the case. Were it for me and I was having it made, I'd ask for a full width (open) pocket along the opposite side of the two pockets, its purpose being to hold a newspaper, boarding ticket, etc. The value of the open pocket is that you can stow and retreive a paper without undoing straps, flaps, zippers; making it easy to take advantage of a few spare moments

I have a Tusting clipper satchel with this type of pocket and it is a pleasure to travel with for these very reasons.

DDM

[SJX]

I have something very similar, except in canvas and leather, with a single middle pocket. It is a very convenient design although my particular bag is very heavy at 2 kg empty. Mine has a heavy brass zip on the main pocket, and that can scratch things like your laptop as it's being pulled out, or even your watch. I'd advise you to put in a less heavy-duty zip. Otherwise I think it's a great design, and I second the previous suggestion to have a open pocket for newspapers.

[kolecho]

Here is a rough sketch of what I have in mind. Looks a little square and bulky, but it will be soft and pliable when not filled up, so I think bulk is not an issue. Note assymetrical front pockets to expose one of the handle mounts, main zip that attaches to a round brass lock plate. All brass zippers to go with tan or havana bridle. Edges will be piped. I will have an open pocket at rear as suggested. The rear handle will also slip over trolley handle so it won't need a separate slot to slip the case over the trolley handle.


The other option is to get one like this made out of bridle. This one from Tramontano is made of softer leather (I think), so it cannot take as much punishement as bridle, especially when I am on the road with it. I am reviewing this option with Swaine Adeney now.

[DD MacDonald]

I'm a fan of the "flap top" model - the flap covers the top opening and pocket closures and has a neater appearance.

The downside is that it is marginally more intensive to access the interior which is why I favor an exterior open pocket. One advantage of the flap top is that it obviates the need for a zipper or other closure for the interior.

DDM

[kolecho]

I also like the flap over design with the two pockets covered by the flap (the lower picture). Let's see what Swaine Adeney say about making one bespoke as pictured.

[Mulberrywood]

Koleco,

Your design looks good.

I have a practical question:

How will you handle cushioning to protect your laptop? I have seen modern bags with cushioning both on the inside bottom and sides.

[kolecho]

Thanks. I prefer not to have cushioning built in to keep the case versatile. I'd get a separate laptop sleeve that comes with the maker.

[Mulberrywood]

Thanks. I prefer not to have cushioning built in to keep the case versatile. I'd get a separate laptop sleeve that comes with the maker.

Sounds like a good plan.

Laptops these days seam to be getting slimmer, lighter and tougher so perhaps cushioning is not as important as it used to be.

[BirdofSydney]

I like the first picture a lot (with symmetrical pockets), although i think it is a bit too bulky to be truly elegant - the patch pockets with only one compartment might look better. I appreciate that it will carry less, but in my experience, even my fairly slim case is very heavy when stocked to the brim. And a smaller case really just makes you more selective about what you really *need* to take with you.

For business purposes, if I have a statute book etc to carry, I will simply hold it in my free hand. In all likelihood, if I have taken it home in the first place, there's a good chance I'll be wanting to read it on the bus/train anyway.

For travel purposes, I have a rolling suitcase, which I can pack pretty full, but it's nice to have a very light brief - juggling it with case and suit-pack is hard enough without it being heavy.

The brilliance of patch pockets on the front of the case cannot be understated - it allows you to divest your pockets of nearly everything and still have those necessities to hand - like a lady's purse.

[novice]

Koleco
Have you considered a detachable shoulder strap? If so, any particular reason for not having one

[kolecho]

It will have a detachable shoulder strap.

[Aristide]

Is there a guideline or sentiment amongst you gentlemen regarding matching the colour of the briefcase with the colour of your shoes?