Leather briefcase recommendation to go with suits

Submitted by mcdownloading t3_115g5sd in BuyItForLife

I want to upgrade my work look from a beaten Timbuk backpack to a leather briefcase. I was eyeing Montblanc because I have one of their wallets and it looks brand new after 8 years of daily use. What’s your experience with Montblanc briefcase or do you have suggestion for other brands? I’m mainly looking for a minimalist briefcase, thanks!

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EyeRes t1_j91cuaj wrote

I think their simpler briefcases are very sharp looking and have likewise had very good experiences with their wallets. I haven’t had one of their briefcases, but I don’t see a reason to think they’d wear poorly.

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[deleted] t1_j91tddg wrote

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fazalmajid t1_j92osmv wrote

Use Saphir Rénovateur or Collonil leather cleaning spray. Myron Glaser of Glaser Designs advised me to use unscented Nivea lotion to moisturize the leather every couple of years or so.

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Environmental-End691 t1_j9494jo wrote

If it is a hard, smooth, and shiny leather, you can use saddle soap to clean it a few times a year.

If it's softer and more grainy/textured, I'd probably use some of the other products mentioned - for my old soccer boots, I used mink oil fairly regularly to help with waterproofing and conditioning along with polish after every game to keep then looking sharp. I could usually get 2 or 3 good competitive seasons out of them with this maintenance routine.

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fazalmajid t1_j92mwlu wrote

I have several Montblanc bags, and while they are good quality, they are poor value. You will get the same craftsmanship from Picard, also made in Germany, for a much lower price. I bought my first briefcase in calf leather from them circa 1994, and it still looks new.

Otherwise Frank Clegg and Glaser Designs are great choices as well and they will make it bespoke for you.

Have a look also at this epic Styleforum thread

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mcdownloading OP t1_j939l3c wrote

Picard looks like similar style to Montblanc too. Thanks for the recommendation!

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Junior_Ad2955 t1_j91cyk3 wrote

Clayton and Crume makes some awesome briefcases

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ricardo9505 t1_j91dbc4 wrote

In NYC we have many shops. I've had my original one for 20 yrs still looks good, give her a 2x annual leather conditioning. Montblanc is great quality. Either way make sure to look at the stitching, size, comfort, adjustability.

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Hallelujah289 t1_j948tsv wrote

I think leather briefcase is the type of item that tends to be thrifted and can be found secondhand. If you’re interested in that direction

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AM14762 t1_j9780xg wrote

Might not exactly match your request, but I'd propose to take a look at the i-clip wallet. You have leather, space for many cards and it saves a bunch of space compared to any conventional Wallet.

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