In Person: DOPP by Buxton Leather Briefcase – $95.00 – $129.00 ($270)
Available through the flash-sale site Jackthreads. Returns are for store credit only, and you’re on the hook for a $5.95 return shipping label. Can’t seem to find these anywhere else. The $270 “retail” price seems inflated. Bag first appeared in yesterday’s UNIQLO suit review.
All leather is not created (well, processed) equally, and the latest promo video from Saddleback Leather covers that and then some. That said, not everyone wants to commit to a 100 year relationship with their briefcase, or, pay for that privilege. So “dating” a cheaper case might work for some. Problem is, if you want leather, it can get sketchy around a hundred bucks or less. Yet this option from DOPP by Buxton feels, flexes, and moves much better than other cases in that price range.
Some shine? Yes. Plastic looking/feeling? Nope.
There’s a little bit of that too-perfect shine, but it’s not blinding like plenty of cheap leather/pleather briefcases. And when you get it in your hands, it feels like the real thing. A lighter-weight, smooth real thing, but still the real thing. The stamp of “Genuine Leather” means it’s not the best stuff, but it doesn’t feel stiff or overly uniform. The case shown here has picked up a few dings in the first week of use, and they’re not making the case look cheap. They’re probably, if anything, helping out the look.
Hardware is a darker grey chrome.
Hardware is a darker, gunmetal grey chrome, but it’s still pretty shiny. Thankfully, there’s not a ton of it on the case. The zipper pulls do have uneccessary “DOPP” branding on them, but they’re easy to ignore, as is the stamped logo plate on the front.
17″ in width so it’s on the medium to larger size, and the double zip top opens to two poly lined compartments with plenty of room. One compartment is split into two via a slightly padded laptop divider, and the other compartment has a few extra pockets on the interior of the outside wall. Does come with a shoulder strap.
The minimal handles will be appreciated by some.
One of the more welcome styling details are the handles. There’s no bulky, padded grips on these things. Just two thicker strips of the case’s material, cut an inch or so in width. Very easy to grab, and they stay the heck out of the way.
This isn’t something you’ll pass down to an heir. Far from it. But many of us don’t care to think that far into the future, especially when all we want is a decent looking briefcase that won’t put the rent in jeopardy.
Anyone seen these anywhere else online other than Jackthreads? Have other inexpensive leather cases that you’ve had good luck with? Those suggestions are welcome in the comments.
Joe…. does the “matching your leathers” suggestion apply to one’s briefcase as well?
You can. Some do. Some just have one briefcase and let it roll.
I happened to be wearing black shoes that day when we took the quick shots. So, it was more circumstance than editorial. Plus, I thought it looked kinda good with the black Neumoras.
The buckles on those neumoras really tie in with that bag—very nice detail! In regards to matching leathers, its all about comfort and confidence. If you feel it works with what you have, go with it.
I didn’t even think about the buckles. As far as “comfort & confidence”, to me, that translates to: “don’t think about it too hard.” 🙂
How does a stamp of “genuine leather” mean it’s not of quality? Just wondering.
Funny how it works out that way sometimes. Agree 100%!
genuine leather or “corrected grain” leather is usually just a bunch of scrap fibers taken from discarded leather cuts. this gets made into a pulp and then a bonding chemical like latex is added to make it all hold together.
i wouldn’t trust the saddleback leather 101 thing; it’s more marketing than good information
I bought a Samsonite leather briefcase years ago for less than $100. The first one I bought had some flimsy hardware and broke within a few weeks. I put their warranty to the test and called them up. The told me to mail it to them. I expected them to replace the hardware, but they sent me a brand new and higher quality bag. I’ve had the new one for several years and its aged just fine without cracking or ripping. It looks exactly like a tan version of this one http://shop.samsonite.com/Samsonite-Leather-Flapover-Case-Double-Gusset/dp/B004YZD0JK.
Joe I’m loving this! Will definitely cop.
That’s not always the case though. Sometimes genuine leather is just the lower section. Bonded leather is scraps “bonded” together. Thus, bonded.
And… bonded.
yes, i’d agree. there is a ton of information/ misinformation on leather quality because it is a complex subject. a cool article might be something like “tiers of leather” where you find 3 similar products using different leather grades and good information on the type of leather used. it’s a polarizing topic on this here internet.
That’s why I didn’t list the rest of their definition. There’s no denying the better grades come before the Genuine Leather. That’s not to say Genuine Leather is of low quality.
Well put.
While that’s true, if you’ve used any of their bags, you wouldn’t doubt that claim. My large briefcase has travelled with me around the world in the past 5 years without a hiccup. Just like my Leica cameras that are over 60 years old. Quality costs money but they’ll last a lifetime!
Interesting review and some interesting comments. Yes, you do pay for quality and having got quality it is worth looking after it. For ths quality leather I recommend Heritage Leathercare available from http://www.heritageleathercare.co.uk
Just received mine. Looks great. Leather feels great. Hope it ages well. Theres some interesting info on Dopp if you search online; The Charles Doppelt Company made travel kits for the US Army during WWII.