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Our purpose is not to change the world by loving orphans, single moms and ex-prisoners one at a time. It’s to work with a Love 41 community/family of loving and nurturing people to do it. If you want to but you’re not sure how, then join us on Facebook or sign up for our newsletter to learn more. We’ll help you get plugged in.
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Our leather is the strongest we can find (full-grain boot leather, but thicker), and the pigskin lining is stronger than cow leather. If I'm ever president, I will pass legislation that all leather briefcases are made with full grain leather. Our hardware is made of 316 Stainless Steel which is over-the-top strong. The thread is a strong industrial marine-grade polyester thread in which the sun doesn't deteriorate like nylon does when it hits it.
Full Grain Leather is used because it's the toughest leather we can find. It is the strongest leather that money can buy because none of the grain has been shaven off to get rid of blemishes and scars. Instead, we leave all the grain on there and cut around the bad parts of the hide.
The lining material we use in our briefcases is also super tough. We line our briefcases with pigskin leather. Pigskin is much stronger than cowhide. It is also smoother, so your laptop will easily slide in and out.
The stitching of our leather briefcases is done with the strongest thread available, marine grade polyester thread. This type of thread can withstand the elements and will not deteriorate in the sun as nylon thread does. Polyester is horrible as a bed sheet, but it doesn't get any better for an application like this. It is like hot sauce; it's great to dip your chips in, but not so great as an eye drop. That analogy might be a little out there, but I think you'll get it.
It is as simple as unhooking the leather shoulder strap, then pushing it through the O-ring on the top, and then connecting the ends to the bottom D-Rings, and now you have a leather backpack. These backpacks are perfect for times like a long hike, if you are also trying to carry your luggage, or if you just want to give your shoulders a break.
The large front pocket can fit smaller laptops, tablets, notebooks, files, and other paperwork. Behind that exterior pocket is a hidden pocket with almost just as large a capacity that you can use to carry another device in.
Inside, you will find that we placed two small side pockets for pens, pencils, pocket knives, etc. We put one on each end so it would be easier to grab whatever you need without fumbling around.
There is a side pocket to slide your water bottle right into without having to open up the whole bag. This makes it easy to carry and access your water without even taking the briefcase off your shoulder. And it is not just for water bottles; you can also use it to hold your phone, power hub, or whatever accessories you feel fit in there.
Below your main interior compartment is a strip of leather that makes a false bottom. This serves to add strength to support your laptop, as well as a hidden area. You can keep extra cash, a passport, ID, a gold coaster, whatever you like can go down there, and if you get robbed, they might take everything out of your briefcase, but they usually will not take the briefcase.
We placed a key strap that falls right into the briefcases, so it will be super easy to grab your keys and go. No more fishing around for your keys at the bottom of your bag.
Slim Leather Briefcase Explained by Dave
The Slim Leather Briefcase description and explanation of the design
How to Knock Off a Saddleback Leather Co. Briefcase
After much deliberation I purchased the Slim Briefcase in DCB. I was worried that the classic may be a bit large for hauling around to my day-to-day meetings. I love the color and the bag has worked out perfectly. I would say that the size is great for an EDC, unless you like to carry A LOT of extra stuff with you. It has plenty of room to fit my 13" MacBook Pro in either the front pocket or the pocket inside. I typically carry a 1.5" binder, the SBL medium portfolio (which is awesome by the way!), a couple of extra notebooks, the beartrap pen case, and a handful of other odds and ends, and there's still plenty of room to add my additional Surface, charger, etc. when I need them. The construction is excellent, the leather is beautiful and wears very well, and the overall size and functionality works perfectly for me. I also love the addition of the key strap/carrier inside. I feel like the size and style of the bag work very well for business meetings, while still maintaining the more rugged SBL look. It's also a nice size that encourages you to carry it, instead of leaving it behind in the office. I am very pleased with this bag and will undoubtedly continue to add more SBL to the home and office.
Briefcase is wonderful, so far. Heavy leather, heavy hardware. Looks like it will last. Heavier than my last one from Orvis that I received as a gift, but that one cut lots of corners on close inspection.
Perfect
I have lots of other saddleback pieces, just never bought one of the bags. I carry a laptop in the front pocket (14" hp), cables/chargers/lunch/misc in the middle, and my medium portfolio (love the Dusty carbon) in the back slit pocket. In very happy with most components of the bag. Unfortunately, the side pockets are so small that I can't fit anything in them. Wish they were large enough for a 20oz yeti. After about a month with this bag, I bought a three strap duffle as well.
I bought my bag in 2013 (the "Round Satchel", apparently no longer carried -- this is the closest match currently available and seems to be the same minus the front pocket) and after daily use for the last 6 years I feel like I can now give a thorough review! Positive: 1. The overall build of the bag is meant to last. The leather is thick, durable, and will probably last forever. 2. It's a handsome bag. I received many compliments on it when it was new! Cons: 1. It has built up quite a bit of scratches over the years, notable on the front from the buckle. Rather than adding the expected character of aging, I find it just looks... scratched up. (It's probably why I haven't had any compliments on the bag in the last few years.) 2. Every 3 years the metal clasps at the end of the should strap wear right down from friction, to the point where they will eventually fail completely. To their credit, Saddleback fixed and returned them as promised. (On the other hand -- who wants to send their strap in every 3 years? I'm due soon.) 4. As noted by others, the bag is quite heavy. I recently switched back to my old satchel this summer and was shocked at how much lighter it is, and and much more it holds on account of the thinner leather. (It's a generic bag with low-quality leather, but for comparison's sake it too has held up quite well after years of daily use.) 5. The extra loops at the sides and bottom bonk around, against the bag especially in colder weather (I live in Canada, and it's cold 6 months of the year) when the leather is stiff. It can be irritating at times when walking. (Hey, I told you this would be a thorough review).
