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Front Pocket Briefcase Explained by Dave
Front Pocket Briefcase & Thin Front Pocket Briefcase Comparison
Large Sized Briefcase Comparison
Front Pocket Leather Briefcase in depth explanation of the design
How to Knock Off a Saddleback Leather Co. Briefcase
You typically get what you pay for; I've had nice, but significantly cheaper briefcases; this is easily the best I've ever had. It looks amazing; it's durable; comfortable to carry and holds 2 large laptops and charging accessories; or 1 large laptop and books/notepads/ and charging accessories with a little room for other items (magazine, newspaper, etc). I'll say this; my personal laptop is very large (slightly larger than the MacBook the Large can hold). It fits in the Large size but it's a bit snug (not too snug where it's damaging anything). I'd recommend going to an XL Classic briefcase if your laptop is 17 inches or above. But it's hard to deny how great this thing looks.
I own a 2012 medium classic brief. The front pockets make the FPB classier and more formal.The FPB dimensions are better - less wide, and bigger in length and width. I was worried this bag would look too big on me, but because when it hangs on my shoulder it doesn't stick out as widely, it looks better. The lower profile handle is sleeker. The light color of the natura pigskin is easier to find things in, and it feels luxurious like suede. The only thing I don't like as much is the color and the finish! The old chestnut was redder and had a sheen to it. The new chestnut is mostly a medium brown. It only has that special red under certain lights. The sheen is much less now. I tried a couple different polishes/oils to bring some sheen back but it didn’t work. I'm not sure how the new finish will patina. It's still great leather. I'd love it more if I didn't have the old one! But it’s still worth the upgrade. If you liked your chestnut browner/less red and less shiny, this is for you.
I am an orthopaedic surgeon from Mumbai, India. I got a few smaller Saddleback items on amazon.com whilst I was in the US earlier this year and I loved them. I got this in medium from amazon as saddleback do not process payments on credit cards originating in India. Tobacco was easily my favourite. This briefcase, is perfect. I carry my Macbook pro, a few cables, some journals, my diary, sandwiches, water bottle and my Kindle. Having read all the reviews, I was prepared for a really heavy bag. However, its just right and given this quality I am not sure how it could possibly be any lighter. I don’t really see the need for the D rings and may get rid of them. Personally, I do not really see myself using this in the backpack mode as well. Will probably get rid of that O ring too. I do feel, it will look better (if at all thats possible!) without the extra shiny metal rings which I am unlikely to use anyway. All in all, a super purchase. Thanks Dave for giving us an incredible product.
I see so many reviews written by people when they just ordered something and they "can't wait to get it!!!!" Well that's crazy. Of course you like it or you would not have bought it. I waited almost two years to write this review because I needed to make sure my opinion was sincere. I bought this bag in the Tobacco color in August of 2014. I originally wanted to get the darker chestnut color, but when my brother showed me the beautiful patina on his Tobacco Saddleback wallet, I bought the same wallet and this briefcase in Tobacco. Some reviewers commented that the color is a little darker than what is shown in the pictures. This is true but if you look at the videos, the color is consistent with what you should expect. DESIGN: Loved the design when I bought it. Still love it today. As with any briefcase (or really anything new that you use every day - e.g., a car), there will be some time to adjust to it and how you are going to use all of the features. Yes, you need to open the flap to access the front pockets. Once you are used to this, it's not a big deal. Further, the leather on the flap and the belt have softened so nicely over the past two years (and 100+ business trips) and I'm so used to opening the buckles that I can now open any of them with one hand easily. The pockets on either side of the gussets are a little tight. The leather does stretch, but I still struggle a little bit to get a water bottle in there when my laptop is in the bag. I'm 32 years old and going on 60 so I still get a print newspaper every morning that I read at the office. The external back pocket is perfect for this. The two front pockets are great. I use one for computer cords and the other for pens/pencils/highlighters. I put ballgame tickets in the area behind the front pockets and this is the perfect place for keeping them from getting destroyed. I use the little key chain for my Secure ID token and I may be the only person in my office who has never lost that token as a result. It would be nice if the pads on the shoulder strap had something to better grip on my shoulder because it can slide (especially if I'm wearing a sport coat). USE: Is it a little heavy? Yes. Do I notice anymore? No. People pick up my bag all the time and comment on how heavy it is, but (1) I always carry a lot - and this bag facilitates that and (2) Too may people are used to carrying these wimpy little light weight bags and I've never had one that lasted more than 1.5 years - hence my decision to buy a bag that may last me the rest of my career. The bag always fits below the seat on any airplane (and I've been on over 100 since I've bought it) and the outside pockets can be convenient for pocket items that you need to remove when going through security. I've never felt the need to use the backpack option. WEAR AND TEAR: Mostly nothing but the good kind. I will say that because Saddleback doesn't paint or seal the edges of their leather (and I fully understand and appreciate why) the leather on the main belt used to seal the flap has frayed a bit on the edges. It's not enough so that anyone notices (except me of course) and it's not even a problem. I could just see some people complaining about that. I love the fact that it looks well-worn and the leather has softened beautifully over time. I always carry the bag with the front pocket side away from my leg and, as a result, the inside has been worn a little more and has developed a beautiful dark patina. I'm looking forward to the rest of the bag aging similarly. Overall: Very satisfied. I was never tempted to return or replace this bag - not a single time in two years. I do get a lot of compliments, but that shouldn't be the reason you buy it. If it is, you're making a mistake. Like any briefcase, it's not for everyone. But if you're looking for a briefcase that looks great and won't need replacement, and you can handle the other factors discussed above, this is an amazing buy. It has met every expectation I had.
Love love love this bag, I chose the Large and I'm so glad I went for a little more space. Not too big or bulky, perfect size for my laptop and its accessories plus a couple books/binders. I get complements and people asking about it everywhere I go. You will not regret your purchase!
