null

Classic Briefcase

Large Classic Leather Briefcase

10.00 lb

16.00

16.00

10.00

$689.00
(428 reviews) Write a Review
SKU: 01-10-0001
100 Year Warranty
This is a tan full grain leather briefcase in side view with baseball
This is a full grain leather briefcase in the jaws of a crocodile in Australia.
This is a full grain leather briefcase hanging from a shipwreck in Indonesia.
This is a top view of the full grain leather briefcase with the flap open to see what it can hold. The lining is tan.
This light tan brown full grain leather briefcase has a belt strap on each side.
These are the details of the full grain leather briefcase laptop bag.
The backside of a full grain leather backpack that has details detailed out.
This is the greatest dog of all time, Blue, with a red brown full grain leather briefcase.
This is a light brown full grain leather briefcase with a penguin in Antarctica.
This is a red brown full grain leather briefcase on a rowboat in Bled Slovenia.
This is a dark brown full grain leather briefcase being stomped on by an elephant in India.
This is a dark brown full grain leather briefcase during planning out a trip.
This is the front view angled of a large dark brown full grain leather briefcase.
This red brown full grain leather briefcase has two straps on the sides and one in the middle.
This is a black full grain leather briefcase with two belt straps that come off.
This is the front view of a large tan full grain leather briefcase with two straps.
This is the light tan interior of a full grain leather briefcase.
This is a dark brown full grain leather briefcase with a flap over the front.
This is a dark brown full grain leather briefcase that has the shoulder strap attached so it makes into a backpack.
This is a brown full grain leather briefcase at Machu Picchu.
This is an end of day shot of a full grain leather briefcase in front of a fire.
This is the back of a black full grain leather briefcase that has two straps.
This is the back pf the tan full grain leather briefcase with the shoulder strap laying down in front of it.
This is a tan full grain leather briefcase in the cockpit of a pilot's KC10
This is a dark brown full grain leather briefcase at Victoria Falls in Africa during dry season.
This is the interior of a light tan brown full grain leather briefcase with two gussets.
This is a dark brown full grain leather briefcase on Easter Island.
This is a red brown full grain leather briefcase in front of parliament in Budapest, Hungary.
This is the front view of a large red brown full grain leather briefcase with three straps.
This is a light brown full grain leather briefcase with refugees in Darfur.
This is a black full grain leather briefcase on drums.
This is a dark brown full grain leather briefcase in Japan.
This is a full grain leather briefcase on the Great Wall of China.
This is the front view of a black full grain leather briefcase with two side straps and a middle strap.
This is a full grain leather briefcase and suitcase in Prague.
This is the front view of a large red brown full grain leather briefcase that is a classic one.
This is a red brown full grain leather briefcase in front of a wooden door.
This is the interior shot from above showing how much can fit inside of the black full grain leather briefcase.
This is a red brown full grain leather briefcase at a well in Uganda.
This is the back side of the red brown full grain leather briefcase that has two straps.
This is a dark brown full grain leather briefcase on a ship.
This is a full grain leather briefcase with a harmonica and amp next to it.
This is a tan full grain leather briefcase in Phuket with a monkey next to it.
This is the interior of a dark brown full grain leather briefcase really full.
  • 16"X12"X9"
  • Weight: 7 lbs

Full grain leather briefcase by Saddleback Leather.

Materials in Our Leather Briefcases

The materials in our leather briefcase are full grain leather, pigskin lining, 316 stainless steel hardware, and German industrial marine-grade polyester thread. Our leather is tough and resilient, and our pigskin lining is super strong. Our hardware is 316 stainless steel and is rated to hold up to 750 lbs. Our thread is UV-resistant and German industrial marine-grade polyester thread. In addition, our hidden reinforcing straps ensure that the bag will never stretch and those straps will never deteriorate. This is over-engineering.

Full Grain Leather is the Key to a Good Bag

Full Grain Leather is the key to a quality leather briefcase. If you take off the top part of the leather (grain) it's like taking the shingles off of the roof. They get rid of the toughest and most resistant layer of the hide. When tanneries get a leather hide from the slaughterhouse, it's really thick. So, the tannery splits the top half with the grain from the bottom half. Now they have two hides to sell. The tough and beasty hide that still has the full amount of grain (full grain) is expensive, and that's what we buy. The bottom half is great for making low quality budget leather briefcases or laptop bags that will dry out and fall apart in a short time.

Full grain leather briefcase in front of camel roadkill.

Lining in Our Leather Briefcases

We glue and sew tough, strong pigskin leather to the cow leather. And the pigskin is even stronger than the cowskin. We've chosen this instead of using a shiny pretty fabric lining. We want all of our real leather bags to be durable, rugged, and sturdy.

Natural leather briefcase with patina.

The Best Hardware for Leather Briefcases

Our custom hardware is 316 Stainless Steel. If you are a metallurgist, then I'm sure you just gasped. It's the metal you want to be used when your life depends on it. The testing laboratory told us that our clips were rated to hold up to a 750 lbs. bag of cats.

Thread That Doesn't Fall Apart

Our thread is unbelievably strong and UV resistant German industrial marine-grade polyester thread. It doesn't deteriorate when the sun hits it like nylon thread does. And we use the thick double ought version of it. It's the same thread used on ship sails and parachutes (things your life depends on).

Hidden Reinforcing Straps

Polyester is good and bad. The good is that it doesn't stretch and never deteriorates. The bad is that it never deteriorates. When it comes to polyester in your sheets and blankets, you won't sleep as well. But, when it comes to polyester straps sewn into the stress points of a bag, it's the best there is to get that extra strength.

Backpack Feature

The classic leather briefcase converts into a laptop backpack with a shoulder strap with two shoulder pads. Clip one end of the strap onto a d-ring on the bottom, run the strap through the o-ring, and clip it to the opposite side and you've got yourself a backpack. Now your hands are free to carry the wife and kid's luggage.

Leather briefcase that converts to backpack mode.

Removable Side Straps

You can remove the side straps to use as an emergency size 36 full grain leather belt, tie-down, or tourniquet (hopefully you won't need that). But on the bag, they are great for holding wet umbrellas and blueprint tubes to the top of the flap.

Leather briefcase with removable straps, in front of a male kangaroo.

D-Rings on the Bottom and Side

The d-rings on the bottom are designed to strap on blankets, dirty boots, fly rod tubes, or blueprints. And you'll use these d-rings to convert your leather briefcase into backpack mode. The d-rings up top are great for clipping keychains, carabiners, or extra gear too.

Saddleback Leather Classic Briefcase in Chestnut leather.

Removable, Adjustable Shoulder Strap

The shoulder strap is adjustable (40" - 65") and it's removable. You can take it off to tie down the Christmas tree to the roof of your car. The shoulder strap comes with two strap pads for backpack mode.

Saddleback Leather briefcase at the South Pole.

False Bottom Secret Compartment

There is a hidden flap on the bottom of this leather briefcase for hiding passports, extra cash, your collection of rubies, or whatever else you don't want anyone to know about. This false bottom can be a lifesaver in itself.

Extra Hole for Just in Case

A small detail, but the main center strap has a hole all the way at the tip for closing when your laptop bag is really overstuffed. This gives you that much extra space in your leather briefcase, for "just in case." Comes in handy when you need it.

Pockets in the Classic Leather Briefcase

There is a pocket on the side, a pocket on the back, and pockets on the inside. From a place for your pens to a spot for your wallet in case you lose your pants. With two main compartments inside, you can take two laptops if need be, with room for chargers and accessories. These quality leather briefcases will protect your belongings and your reputation.

Videos

Classic Leather Briefcase Explained by Dave

Large Sized Briefcase Comparison

The Classic Briefcase in depth description and explanation on design

How to Knock Off a Saddleback Leather Co. Briefcase

(428)
5 Stars Write a Review
  • 5
    Very Satisfied

    After several years of owning all sorts of bags, I finally decided to buy the Classic Briefcase in (L)Carbon. The quality of the bag is amazing, and it is definitely what I expected. I will say that no one can prepare you for the smell of the leather once you've unboxed it. The smell says quality, more than the look itself. I highly recommend this bag. My only disappointment is that I waited so long to pull the trigger. The weight of the bag is over emphasized. I'm 6'3", and I find the bag to be lighter than I expected. If you are wondering if this purchase makes sense, just wait until it arrives. You won't regret your buying decision. Thanks Dave, you guys to do an awesome job!!

  • 5
    After years of waiting/coveting...

    I've longed for a Classic Briefcase since I first saw a little banner ad for Saddleback on some long-forgotten blog about 5-6 years ago. After realizing that I would never let go of that dream, my super-awesome wife said this Christmas was the time. Made the purchase Thanksgiving weekend to ensure it would arrive before Christmas. It arrived 3 whole days later. Couldn't wait for Christmas, so I've been carrying it for a little more than 3 weeks now. I purchased the Classic Medium in Tobacco. I know I'm supposed to avoid single-word reviews...but I'll throw "awesome" out there. This bag is intoxicating. I can't not look at it. I've taken it with me when there is absolutely no practical reason to do so. I love carrying it, I love opening it, I love packing away to leave the office at the end of the day. The tobacco leather is already getting some nice wear - scuffs, dings - making it look even better already. Even with the weight of this bag, plus my gear (laptop & cables, notebooks, canvas gear wrap) it's remarkably easy to carry. I've not rigged it as a backpack yet. The configuration of the inner pouches/pockets will likely cause you to reconsider your everyday gear in the bag, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. A little reprioritization here & there is good for the soul. I find that the attached inner lanyard for keys is a little in the way, but I can see where it could come in handy. All should note that bag has no padding to protect your gear. While the leather itself will absorb a good whack, it's not going to protect like the foam-lined ballistic bags we're used to. For a bottom cushion for my laptop, I folded up a bandana, which so far has done nicely without affecting space. This is a bucket list bag. Just wonderful.

  • 5
    It will live longer than I will...

    A quick review. I bought the XL because I wanted something that I could use for any occasion- traveling, business, etc. It has exceeded my expectations and more. The trouble is I don't use it enough to break it in. The leather and craftsmanship is top quality, but like most shoes- you have to use them before they'll mold. Everywhere I go people compliment me on it. It's truly one of the sharpest, masculine bags out there. I can throw it around and it keeps taking a beating. I hope to build more character over time, but I do not regret the purchase one bit. It's the details, the quality and the dedication to putting forth a product they can proudly stand behind that makes Saddleback Leather my go to website- I've bought a wallet, briefcase, iPad Holder and Notebook/Planner and I have yet to ever be disappointed. I bought these when I was 28-29, I'm 30 now and they will surely outlast my career.

  • 5
    Some Things To Get Used To

    I've owned my Tobacco Large briefcase for a year now, and I might be able to give a little insight that others haven't given... I had spied these bags for a year before biting the bullet and getting one. I loved the style and look of the original briefcase, and just before I purchased, they rolled out the old tobacco color (my favorite). The bag is beautiful, no doubt. A medium probably would have suited my female 5'9" frame a little better but I wanted to be able to use this as my primary laptop bag. Well, one year later and it's still that bag. It gets nearly daily use (albeit thrown in the trunk of my car and lugged to work and back home). There are no real signs of wear and tear just yet - merely scratches to the exterior of the bag. I haven't conditioned it yet, but I'd imagine these would buff out pretty easily. The chosen "marks" used on the bag are fairly discrete and pretty cool looking. There's only a few that I've seen, but I like this look. Now...practicality. As many, many, many, many people have mentioned - it's just heavy. It's not heavy in the sense that I'm picking up a 15 lb bowling ball - it's heavy for a bag. A bag that is supposed to be used often. Any backpacker or traveler knows that every pound you carry counts. That makes this bag wildly impractical. Coupled with all the new restrictions on size and weight for carry on luggage...well...hey, I admire people who can and do travel with this. It would not be my first pick. I'd rather use a leather reinforced waxed canvas backpack and replace it occasionally for sake of weight and ease. Carrying this as a briefcase...well...with a laptop and a few accessories, carrying it by the handle causes my hand to go numb. Seriously. Carrying it with the strap slung over a shoulder causes the bag to hit my leg constantly when I walk and it hurts. Seriously. I decided to just use it as a backpack - but a few problems still exist. I forced the O ring at the top of the bag under the handle so it wouldn't dig into my back. Setting it up in backpack mode means that the strap slides through and it slides through a lot. You have to grab both straps at once and swing it over on to your back. I've definitely hurt my shoulders with this motion. Also, if you have medium to long hair - it WILL get caught and ripped out between the O ring and the strap. Be careful and move your hair over one shoulder. I wish they made static backpack straps for this with better padding for the shoulders. I know, I know...I should have just gotten a backpack. But I like this look and style. I actually rarely get compliments on the bag. Maybe it's because I'm a girl carrying it around? Maybe it's because the bag only comes with me to work and home? Maybe it's because I'm in Los Angeles and no one cares? It doesn't matter to me, but I don't have the same experiences as others with the bag. Bottom line - it's okay. It seems to be well made, but it's not very practical. I consider it my expensive and fanciful laptop bag. Now if only I can rig it with straps that don't slide...then I'd be really happy. I see that the backpacks here are still 5lbs. That's still a lot when you have severe weight restrictions with airline travel. Ah, well. Buy it because you love it and have to have it, not because you're looking for a replacement bag.

  • 5
    Large Classic DCB

    Awesome! If I had one word, that would be it. Since there is room for a bit more... Let me fill in a few gaps that aren't in these other reviews. The natura pigskin, to me, is amazing. I personally wouldn't be interested in the stiffer non natura. Don't steer away if you think that is a lesser quality...it isn't, just softer. For me, that is great. I wrote off the "backpack" ability as a novelty I would have little use for... Wrong. Super easy, super comfortable, and just plain useful. This is a substantial briefcase. However, I like to be prepared...always have. If you are a minimalist, no need for the classic. It is great for travel. I throw the following in mine as standard: 15" laptop, iPad, normal 8.5 x 11 note pad, 3 folders with paper, iPhone, all chargers, wallet, passport, Franklin covey reg size binder, micro umbrella, med kit(Chapstick, Advil, allergy meds, vitamins),. Beautifully made with longevity in mind. After seeing my bag, and checking out the sit, my wife is now after one of the women's purses on here. Thanks Presidente Dave and Co.