Bought this on your recommendation and mentioned you and your channel! They aged it for me a bit, and hand delivered it (I live in Seattle). Can't wait to use it.
Thank you for watching, I'm glad it was helpful! You will find it much nicer in your hands than pictures and words can convey. I hope you enjoy it and get decades of satisfying use from this remarkable piece of leathercraft!
Jim, another great timely review! I had just seen this on their website and thought it was a gorgeous bag, and here you are with the review. Well done and thanks.
The secret to patina for natural veg tan leather is leather oil/ conditioner and sun light. There is no quicker way to create that natural color than to continuously oil, condition and then allow the sun to do it's thing.
Hello James, thanks for all your videos! Regarding this piece, I like the craftsmanship and ok with the price. The 2 buckles though is what stopping me from purchase. I'd prefer magnets or studs. Could you recommend something like that?
Thank you for this great review. I am falling in love with this bag but I prefer the Russet color. It is a beautiful very functional bag. I bet you get a lot of compliments on this bag. I have a question though, how do you take care of the brass hardware in this bag and other leather bags you have? Do you use some product to protect the brass hardware from corrosion and tarnishing? If so, what product do you use? Thanks
Mr. Crane I have my natural large messenger to, and I alcohol cleaned a small portion of the strap. Indeed, the varnish came off and it’s a nice buff finish. Did you just use alcohol soaked rags or did you spray the bag and then wipe it off and elaboration on the cleaning method or is it not rocket science?
Hello, I used a rag that I periodically wet with rubbing alcohol. I didn’t spray down the whole bag at once. The process took time, don’t rush it, and you’ll be Okay.
Dear James, I am debating between this and HEIRLOOM MESSENGER. The pro of Business Briefcase 2 to me is that it is a standard briefcase which can be used not only in casual but also very formal occasions. While, the con of it I cannot get over is its roller lock system which may become a pain each time when I reach out for something in the bag. So, the easy latch on HEIRLOOM MESSENGER indeed attracts me. However, it cannot be used in very formal situation for example with suit, right?
The Heirloom Messenger Bag's quick release latch is certainly easier and quicker to get into, but it is a bit more casual looking. The Business Briefcase 2 is more formal looking as you point out. I don't have any problem with the double buckle design, yes it takes a bit longer to get into, but it's not a bad compromise in my opinion. Also if you got the Heirloom Messenger in a darker color, say dark brown or black, it would look much more formal.
Dear James, do you think it is good or bad idea to add that quick release latch to the center of Business Briefcase 2 to make it both buckle and latch accessible depending on the situation of the use? Today when I am at airport grabbing my ID out of the wallet in my bag, I was imaging how difficult this can be if I am using a two buckle bag.
Dear James, this is Farid again. One of my friends wants to buy a bag from the leathershop and he is between the Briefcase 2 and Companion messenger bag. I could not help him, because I don’t have any of them and based on your reviews, I like both of them. He is also an MD and wants it for his daily use. Could you tell me which one you like more and why? Many thanks.
The briefcase 2 is really just that, a briefcase which means the interior is really only suited for papers, folders, tablet or laptop, but nothing bulky. The Companion messenger is capable of swallowing up bulkier things, so it really depends on what they plan to carry on a daily basis. They are both really well built and will last a lifetime for sure!
Dear James, thank you for this nice video. First, I got Colonel Littleton No. 50 bag and it is wonderful. I just started to use it. I'm going to buy another bag/briefcase that can accommodate one day stay at hospital for my 24 hours calls. I need your nice recommendations as usual :) 1- I saw this video and the bag looks interesting. Specially because it can be up to 8 inches depth. I also saw the version 1.5 on the site in black and it looks a little more professional to me. I think the leather is a little different, the other one is Latigo. I saw you've had the version 1 as well and I think it is Latigo like version 1.5. What is your opinion about business briefcase1.5 vs 2, both about the leather difference and practicality. 2- I saw 2 other companies who have nice bags that accommodate my needs. One is American based - American made (Custom hide) and one is American based - Mexican made (Buffalo Jackson). I think custom hide uses the Veg Tanned leather and Buffalo Jackson uses the mixed Chrome Tanned - Veg Tanned leather. Custom Hide has almost the same price as Moose Briefcase and Buffalo Jackson about half the price. Have you had experience with these 2 companies? what is your opinion? Best, Farid
I like the leather on both Business Briefcases. The Leather Shop only uses high quality leather in their creations, so it really depends on which color you prefer. I've owned a Custom Hide briefcase, in fact I believe it's still around here somewhere. I have no issue with Custom Hides leather, I did have a minor issue with the build quality but that purchase was about 15 years ago...things may have changed by now. I've owned Buffalo Jackson pieces before... I'll never purchase from them again. There is nothing I admire about the company whatsoever. They love to wave the flag while selling very inferior, poorly made products using the least desirable leather attainable...in my opinion.
James Crane many thanks. About Custom Hides, I saw some reviews online mentioned different problems with the build quality and those reviews are from 2014-2016, then it looks like that they may still have some build quality problems. Thank you again for your wonderful advices.
Dear James, I have some questions about 2 other briefcase makers. I really appreciate if you can advise me on them, of course if you are familiar with their products. One is Coal Creek leather (coalcreekleather.com). They have single and double gusset briefcases made from Veg tanned leather from Wickett & Craig full grain leather. How do you like this leather (compared to your favorites, Horween Dublin and CMX)? Also what do you think about the craftmanship? The other one, that I really like the outside design, is Castle Hill Leather (castlehillleather.com) English Single Document briefcase. It is made of Horween Dublin English Tan leather. Eric - the owner - has also a store on Etsy. I didn't find any reviews in internet for his products. Many thanks as always for your thoughtful recommendations. Farid.
I would have no hesitation purchasing from either of these makers. Wickett and Craig leather is fantastic. I own several pieces made from it, mostly from Bexar Goods. I haven't owned a piece from Coal Creek, but if their photos are accurate, their construction is fine and commensurate with the price. Same with Castle Hill, I haven't owned a piece from them either, but their products certainly look very nice to me!
More chance of sagging and stretching of the leather using a single piece. The design of the gusset is structural and to maintain longevity and prevent the leather from stretching out from use. It's actually quality.
Executive Loyalty thank you for watching! In this video I am wearing the Air Blue Automatic Bravo pilots watch on the optional bracelet, made by Deep Blue Watches.
@@ThereIsNoGodOnlyUs im suprised too. Cost and labor are about the same. Peened would surely add more complexity and esteem but im happy w my heirloom messenger even considering this.
Mr Crane - thank you for your videos. this review helped me decide to buy a moose brand n natural finish. I'm in it for the long haul. best wishes
James, thank you for the video. I purchased the same bag in the russet finish. Cant wait to get it.
Been contemplating hard between this business briefcase and the heirloom (to take... working in a doctors office) so hard to decide!
Bought this on your recommendation and mentioned you and your channel! They aged it for me a bit, and hand delivered it (I live in Seattle). Can't wait to use it.
Thank you for watching, I'm glad it was helpful! You will find it much nicer in your hands than pictures and words can convey. I hope you enjoy it and get decades of satisfying use from this remarkable piece of leathercraft!
Beautiful bag. Wow. The leather shop by far is my favorite.
Thanks for the comment Alexis, I agree with you!
Jim, another great timely review! I had just seen this on their website and thought it was a gorgeous bag, and here you are with the review. Well done and thanks.
Thank you, my pleasure!
The secret to patina for natural veg tan leather is leather oil/ conditioner and sun light. There is no quicker way to create that natural color than to continuously oil, condition and then allow the sun to do it's thing.
not exact. veg tan leather darkening just under sunlight even without oiling
Hello James, thanks for all your videos! Regarding this piece, I like the craftsmanship and ok with the price. The 2 buckles though is what stopping me from purchase. I'd prefer magnets or studs. Could you recommend something like that?
Thank you for the videos, James. You should also try basader from NE
Thanks for the suggestion.
I'd be interested in seeing how the bag looks today.
Sorry Mr. Rauf, I no longer have the bag.
Very cool video, thanks so much for sharing. Wonder if the leather shop could make one without the middle divider and have one big open area
Leather Head The Leather Shop is known for customization, simply contact them and discuss your specific needs.
Thank you for this great review. I am falling in love with this bag but I prefer the Russet color. It is a beautiful very functional bag. I bet you get a lot of compliments on this bag. I have a question though, how do you take care of the brass hardware in this bag and other leather bags you have? Do you use some product to protect the brass hardware from corrosion and tarnishing? If so, what product do you use? Thanks
Mr. Crane I have my natural large messenger to, and I alcohol cleaned a small portion of the strap. Indeed, the varnish came off and it’s a nice buff finish. Did you just use alcohol soaked rags or did you spray the bag and then wipe it off and elaboration on the cleaning method or is it not rocket science?
Hello, I used a rag that I periodically wet with rubbing alcohol. I didn’t spray down the whole bag at once. The process took time, don’t rush it, and you’ll be Okay.
Dear James, I am debating between this and HEIRLOOM MESSENGER. The pro of Business Briefcase 2 to me is that it is a standard briefcase which can be used not only in casual but also very formal occasions. While, the con of it I cannot get over is its roller lock system which may become a pain each time when I reach out for something in the bag. So, the easy latch on HEIRLOOM MESSENGER indeed attracts me. However, it cannot be used in very formal situation for example with suit, right?
The Heirloom Messenger Bag's quick release latch is certainly easier and quicker to get into, but it is a bit more casual looking. The Business Briefcase 2 is more formal looking as you point out. I don't have any problem with the double buckle design, yes it takes a bit longer to get into, but it's not a bad compromise in my opinion. Also if you got the Heirloom Messenger in a darker color, say dark brown or black, it would look much more formal.
Dear James, do you think it is good or bad idea to add that quick release latch to the center of Business Briefcase 2 to make it both buckle and latch accessible depending on the situation of the use? Today when I am at airport grabbing my ID out of the wallet in my bag, I was imaging how difficult this can be if I am using a two buckle bag.
Zhiwu Wang I think that would be a great idea!
Dear James, this is Farid again. One of my friends wants to buy a bag from the leathershop and he is between the Briefcase 2 and Companion messenger bag. I could not help him, because I don’t have any of them and based on your reviews, I like both of them. He is also an MD and wants it for his daily use. Could you tell me which one you like more and why? Many thanks.
The briefcase 2 is really just that, a briefcase which means the interior is really only suited for papers, folders, tablet or laptop, but nothing bulky. The Companion messenger is capable of swallowing up bulkier things, so it really depends on what they plan to carry on a daily basis. They are both really well built and will last a lifetime for sure!
James Crane many thanks for sharing your knowledge and time :)
Dear James, thank you for this nice video. First, I got Colonel Littleton No. 50 bag and it is wonderful. I just started to use it. I'm going to buy another bag/briefcase that can accommodate one day stay at hospital for my 24 hours calls. I need your nice recommendations as usual :)
1- I saw this video and the bag looks interesting. Specially because it can be up to 8 inches depth. I also saw the version 1.5 on the site in black and it looks a little more professional to me. I think the leather is a little different, the other one is Latigo. I saw you've had the version 1 as well and I think it is Latigo like version 1.5. What is your opinion about business briefcase1.5 vs 2, both about the leather difference and practicality.
2- I saw 2 other companies who have nice bags that accommodate my needs. One is American based - American made (Custom hide) and one is American based - Mexican made (Buffalo Jackson). I think custom hide uses the Veg Tanned leather and Buffalo Jackson uses the mixed Chrome Tanned - Veg Tanned leather. Custom Hide has almost the same price as Moose Briefcase and Buffalo Jackson about half the price. Have you had experience with these 2 companies? what is your opinion?
Best, Farid
I like the leather on both Business Briefcases. The Leather Shop only uses high quality leather in their creations, so it really depends on which color you prefer. I've owned a Custom Hide briefcase, in fact I believe it's still around here somewhere. I have no issue with Custom Hides leather, I did have a minor issue with the build quality but that purchase was about 15 years ago...things may have changed by now. I've owned Buffalo Jackson pieces before... I'll never purchase from them again. There is nothing I admire about the company whatsoever. They love to wave the flag while selling very inferior, poorly made products using the least desirable leather attainable...in my opinion.
James Crane many thanks. About Custom Hides, I saw some reviews online mentioned different problems with the build quality and those reviews are from 2014-2016, then it looks like that they may still have some build quality problems. Thank you again for your wonderful advices.
can you do a review on the leathershop rucksack?
Dear James, I have some questions about 2 other briefcase makers. I really appreciate if you can advise me on them, of course if you are familiar with their products. One is Coal Creek leather (coalcreekleather.com). They have single and double gusset briefcases made from Veg tanned leather from Wickett & Craig full grain leather. How do you like this leather (compared to your favorites, Horween Dublin and CMX)? Also what do you think about the craftmanship?
The other one, that I really like the outside design, is Castle Hill Leather (castlehillleather.com) English Single Document briefcase. It is made of Horween Dublin English Tan leather. Eric - the owner - has also a store on Etsy. I didn't find any reviews in internet for his products.
Many thanks as always for your thoughtful recommendations. Farid.
I would have no hesitation purchasing from either of these makers. Wickett and Craig leather is fantastic. I own several pieces made from it, mostly from Bexar Goods. I haven't owned a piece from Coal Creek, but if their photos are accurate, their construction is fine and commensurate with the price. Same with Castle Hill, I haven't owned a piece from them either, but their products certainly look very nice to me!
James, thanks a lot. You are awesome.
Seems like an outstanding bag but I don't see why they couldn't use one continuous panel for the gusset.
More chance of sagging and stretching of the leather using a single piece. The design of the gusset is structural and to maintain longevity and prevent the leather from stretching out from use. It's actually quality.
Nice watch. Would you please tell us what it is?
Executive Loyalty thank you for watching! In this video I am wearing the Air Blue Automatic Bravo pilots watch on the optional bracelet, made by Deep Blue Watches.
Are the rivets tubular or saddlers style? Thanks
They are tubular cap rivets set using a press.
Thanks for the reply. That's what i thought.
You would hope for the premium price tag they would have used solid rivets instead of tubular.
@@ThereIsNoGodOnlyUs im suprised too. Cost and labor are about the same. Peened would surely add more complexity and esteem but im happy w my heirloom messenger even considering this.
Where did you get your key holder?
It is from Highlandhawker on Etsy.