Saddleback Review – Thin Briefcase, One Year In

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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