Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

Saddleback Review – Thin Briefcase, One Year In

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Saddleback Leather Co. Medium Thin Briefcase – $411.00

Editor’s Note: Our arts & culture correspondent, Ben Madeska, has been carrying around his Saddleback thin briefcase for over a year now.  Many thanks to those of you who requested an update.  Click here for the first review.

Sixteen or so months in and there really isn’t much to update from my original take on the Saddleback Medium Thin Briefcase. One year of wear looks pretty close to one month. I’ve carried it every day to work through all four seasons.  The only care I have given it is once at the one-year mark I wiped it with a wet rag and applied leather conditioner.
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I’ve taken it on multi-state car trips and the occasional flight with no problems.  It’s kind of ridiculous how well it’s holding up.  Other than the expected scuffs and scratches, the only noticeable wear is on the shoulder strap clips that attach to metal d-rings on the bag, which have worn a bit from the metal-on-metal friction.  I don’t use the strap daily so it’s not a major issue for me, but it is noticeable.
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Overall, the leather has softened up a bit, but it still feels like it could stop a knife.  The leather strap for the buckle has broken in well and after a few months of use I cinched it up to the next hole to close it tighter.  No worries about anything falling out or rain getting in.
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Honestly, it’s almost boring how little this bag has changed.  It only looks better.  I’m starting to think the 100 year warranty may be underselling it.  At this point, I can’t imagine ever buying another briefcase.
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Comments

  1. Just a tip, some oiling and waxing can greatly cut down those scuffs. Not sure if it’s still possible to get them back to normal, but try some Kiwi wax polish on it (And a lot of buffing).

    …unless that rough and tough look is your thing, of course.

  4. I use Obenauf’s Heavy Duty LP on my Saddleback- it conditions, protects, and waterproofs beautifully without synthetics or chemicals, leaving a breathtaking bag that will age gracefully (and slowly).

  5. I always wanted a Saddleback, but the price was too high. Since this is a site for affordable style, I wanted to suggest Vagabond Traveller. I have a 17 inch brief of theirs, looks JUST like a Saddleback (I’ve gotten many compliments from people thinking it was SB) and feels just as sturdy, though lacking the warranty..

  6. Hey Joe, hope you don’t mind me pinging you here! Loved your write-up, thanks so much for taking the time to do that. Please shoot an email to ihaveaquestion@saddlebackleather.com with info about your shoulder strap clips and a pic if possible. We need to get those switched out. Dave has a new clip, hot-off-the-press, I think you’ll like it! ~Susan – SBL CS

  7. How do you feel about the weight of the briefcase? I’m looking into it but my main concern is the empty weight. Also, how does it handle as a backpack with the strap conversion.

  10. Weighs in at a little over 4lbs. It’s never been an issue for me, but coworkers have commented that it seems heavy. The backpack conversion is pretty slick. It’s easy to do, I just haven’t had much call to use it that way.

  12. I got the wallet in tobacco brown about a year ago. I really like how the color is aging.

  14. I’ve been using my large briefcase for about the same timeframe…same results! Very pleased with the sturdiness, expansion capability (when I cram lunch, running shoes, etc. in there!), but I wish I could get it to stand upright a little more easily. It kind of leans over when sitting on the ground.