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Any recommendations on a nice briefcase? I need something for everyday use and that will last me for years. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Likely very different to what you are thinking, but still absolutely love the one that I had made - viewtopic.php?f=10&t=10657.

I'm sure that she would be happy to do a more traditional briefcase as well.

Many people I know swear by Saddleback. They also have an amusing video on how to make a knock off of one of their bags on their YouTube page.

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Milgauss 116400GV
Navitimer AB012312
Speedmaster 3570.50
Frederique Constant 306G4S6

WTB/TF:
JLC 1548420

Hermes makes some great document bags for men, plenty big for a laptop and other business essentials. It will last you for a long time as the quality of the leather is second to none.

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NAVITIMER WORLD (SILVER)
PATEK PHILIPPE 5980 (BLACK)

I am among them. Just with it sitting next to me right now. 3 years old and a daily user. Cared for as Dave at Saddleback recommends. I have become quite addicted to their stuff. Belts, iPad cases, notepad holder etc.... Great at everything they do!!

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Chronomat, Steel/Gold, MOP Dial, 2-tone band (2008)
Super Avenger Black Baton Dial (2009)
Bentley B04 GMT Silver Dial (2013)
Avenger Blacksteel Baton Dial (2014)

BoneDoc, that looks fantastic. Which model is that?

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Milgauss 116400GV
Navitimer AB012312
Speedmaster 3570.50
Frederique Constant 306G4S6

WTB/TF:
JLC 1548420

Large Classic Briefcase in Dark Coffee Brown
Link:

http://www.saddlebackleather.com/briefcase?sc=8&category=301406

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Chronomat, Steel/Gold, MOP Dial, 2-tone band (2008)
Super Avenger Black Baton Dial (2009)
Bentley B04 GMT Silver Dial (2013)
Avenger Blacksteel Baton Dial (2014)

I really appreciate the input guys!

Roff, that is an amazing piece, thanks for sharing. I think I'm looking for something a little slimmer.

This thread brings back memories. Years ago (in my early professional career) I bought a fine leather briefcase and tried to protect it from the real world. It was crushing when it got marred from plane flights, hiding in the trunk/boot, and other violent abuses. Then the patina grew on me. When #1 was replaced, I couldn't wait for #2 to get a patina because it reflected the battle-hardened experience of the bag carrier. Over time, I gave up on leather and went for the confident, casual, unpretentious look of a black canvas Land's End Classic Briefcase. They are lightweight, tough, flexible, have a helpful pocket configuration, and they can personalize it with your initials. They do get a patina of use if you work them hard and long enough.

I still occasionally carry my Land's End Classic; however, thanks to an early retirement and great health & fitness, my main case is nylon ripstop backpack for multi-day back country expeditions.

I fondly remember those leather case days. Enjoy the hunt for and use of fine leather, but you may end up with canvas in the long run.

Desert Hiker

I am weird but I like Rimowa , incl their briefcase

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"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

Have a look at Tumi. They have a wide offering of different shapes, sizes and materials. They also carry a lifetime warranty. If anything ever breaks, it will get fixed free of charge. Tumi's products are a little pricey, but they last forever.

http://uk.tumi.com/family/index.jsp?cat ... &size=1000

I have this one and love it: http://uk.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?pr ... c=paramNav

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Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000

I've gone through all the leather bags like Hartman, Saddleback and others. I got tired of leather and especially the weight and recently went for a Tom Bihn Ballistic nylon that suits my every need. They are a small company in Seattle. I use a Korchmar aviator's pilot's case as a trial case. For travel I like Red Ox out of Montana. Not fancy or expensive, but seriously functional, lightweight and practical.

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SHARKMAN

I second the Tumi option. Their ballistic nylon will take anything you can throw at it. I have everything from a gym bag, backpack briefcase, tri-fold suit carrier all the way to full on sets of luggage. Ranging from their Alpha and Alpha Bravo line to ther somewhat cheaper yet just as sturdy and well made T-Tech line. The warranty can't be beat as bozman52 said. If anything breaks at all they will fix it free of charge. They do have leather options but you are getting into Saddleback and custom work prices IMO. I am not really a leather guy and cannot attest to the longevity of their leather products. But some of the ballistic nylon pieces I have had for almost 10 years now and the look practically new. Good luck with the hunt and post some pictures when you decide. I purchase most of my Tumi products from ebay as you can find new stuff with tags for almost half off if your patient and get lucky.

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White Dial Super Avenger with Batons
Grey Dial Breitling Bentley 6.75

Past:
Black Dial Super Avenger with Numerals
Countless "high priced" cheapos

I almost went for Tumi, but needed a daily bag which was wide enough to carry a a couple 3-4" 3 ring binders. Tom Bihn makes one with removable dividers - the accordion-style or stitched in dividers in the main interior don't meet my needs. I ended up getting this one in all black, plus the shoulder strap, which has been a perfect solution - http://www.tombihn.com/briefcases/TB0730.html I added some Red Oxx monkey fists for all zippers. It's one heck of a lot more useful, lighter and far less costly than the last $1k+ Hartman I had.

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SHARKMAN

My ballistic Tumi wallet has really help up some abuse ofer the last two or so years, and their luggage is great. No experience with briefcases however.