Selfish to want a Saddleback?

[Smjodo]

I really don't need one. I don't want a man-purse (although I could probably use one to carry all my daily crap - cell, wallet, keys, etc.).

I travel sometimes, carry a laptop sometimes, workout sometimes, bring work home sometimes - but I can't realistically justify paying the price for one of these babies.

All that said - I Still Want One. Am I being selfish?

Given my multipurpose lifestyle, can anyone reccommned a model so I can further indulge my fantasy? I'm going to break down eventually.

 

[Prince]

Nope not selfish to me. I think I want one just as bad. But I'm still trying to convince my wife.

I've been eyeballing the coffee medium briefcase.

And no, you don't need one. A paper bag would hold your stuff. But want... yeah, I want one.

 

[dklaiman]

I think you're both being selfish. Now if you bought yourself one and bought me one, too, ...

That, or if you both like the same one, buy them as a gift for each other.

 

[Walker]

If it is, then I am one selfish SOB

 

[breadstick]

I can honestly say that, if I had the money, I would buy almost everything they make. I have the small wallet and I can tell that I will be giving it to my kids one day.

 

[johnmrson]

No, I don't think so.

 

[professorchaos]

Is anyone going to go hungry if you get one? If not, then it isn't selfish enough to loose any sleep.

 

[pauls51]

The guilt will subside when you have it in your hands!

 

[Smjodo]

I can feel the guilt fading

Any opinions on the best multipurpose bag (travel, business, laptop, gym etcc.)?

 

[ezmike]

I've been looking at their site on and off for the past three days and I have to tell you, their products look incredible. I'm in the market for a new briefcase or whatever and I have a hard time deciding when I cannot see it and touch it in person. Maybe someone who owns some of their products can help me out here.

Forget about the "why" and "what" do I carry back and forth to the office daily. It varies. I do know that I do not want any of their Large bags (I'm 5' 10" 170 lbs and not a bodybuilder) so that narrows it down to the medium size. I just cannot decide whether it is a briefcase, thin briefcase/laptop bag or satchel. Does anyone out here own one?

It's either a Saddleback or Levenger product.

All opinions welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

[Smjodo]

I'll add to your request becasue I've been thinking of the backpack instead of the briefcase. I'd like to hear from someone who owns the backpack as to it's varsatility. Help anyone?

 

[chsreason37]

I've been eyeballing many things from there lately. I don't mean to hijack your thread, but I wonder if anyone on here has one of their duffels? I just really admire the ruggedness of their products. I plan on purchasing a wallet soon

 

[Doc4]

I've been eyeballing many things from there lately. I don't mean to hijack your thread, but I wonder if anyone on here has one of their duffels? I just really admire the ruggedness of their products. I plan on purchasing a wallet soon

I've got one.

Okay, obviously the standard high quality construction is there as with all the other products, and the leather and all that ... freakin' half a cow, man.

Two minor quibbles:

"I thought the inside would be bigger" ... From the outside, it looks big. Once you get inside, it works out to less available volume than you'd think. And the two outside pouches (like the rest) are stiff so it's hard to pack them as fully as you'd want. Maybe once the leather breaks in (after a decade or so) the bag will be more pliable and volume will increase.

"I can't pick it up if it's not closed" ... the handle is connected to the top flap, which is hinged only to the 'back side' so if the bag is not strapped down, you can't lift it by the handle without spilling out the contents. That may or may not be an issue for you.

 

[chsreason37]

"I thought the inside would be bigger" ... From the outside, it looks big. Once you get inside, it works out to less available volume than you'd think. And the two outside pouches (like the rest) are stiff so it's hard to pack them as fully as you'd want. Maybe once the leather breaks in (after a decade or so) the bag will be more pliable and volume will increase.

Would you say the volume inside is more towards a two- or three-night weekend trip--or perhaps larger? Thanks for the input. The handle/top flap wouldn't really be an issue for me I don't think.

 

[Big Kev]

I should not have looked at their web page... I am going to get my self a new wallet, or some thing. I really dig the suit cases, but I don't think the wife would agree with the price.

 

[Doc4]

Would you say the volume inside is more towards a two- or three-night weekend trip--or perhaps larger? Thanks for the input. The handle/top flap wouldn't really be an issue for me I don't think.

Some people pack for a weekend like they are mounting a winter invasion of Russia, and others can live for a month on a toothbrush and two pair of undies.

But generally I'd peg it for a weekend trip.

 

[flabajaba2213]

It's either a Saddleback or Levenger product.

All opinions welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Mike

My father has a Levenger briefcase that he loves. I have a levenger wallet ( this one, a gift from my aunt http://www.levenger.com/PAGETEMPLAT...?Params=Category=15-529|Level=2-3|pageid=7185 ) that I've been using for about 3 years, and it is still in amazing shape. I can attest to the quality of their products. However, I would personally still go with the saddleback for a briefcase, just because I like the design better.

 

[Doc4]

I really don't need one. I can't realistically justify paying the price for one of these babies.

All that said - I Still Want One.

This is like the mantra of this place. Your second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, &c ... razor, brush, aftershave, soap, cream, strop, pen, watch, scotch, knife, ...

... getting a $1,000 custom damascus straight when a $50 vintage will do just the same job ... a $400 Plisson instead of a $50 C&E ...

... hey, this place is all about enjoying the wise disposal of your disposable income. Just make sure the income you are disposing of is actually disposable: if you are single that's relatively easy, but if you have a wife and kids, you have to be "fair" ... we all do ... and sometimes denying yourself that prized item.



(And sometimes getting it!! )

 

[Smjodo]

Usually, this stuff just flies under the radar- but at that price (and for what it is) it seems like extra justification is needed. Hey, if you drop 500 beans on root canal - oh well. But dropping it on something to carry your crap in, well, that's another story.

Even so, I just appreciate something that looks that good and is seemingly that well made. I suppose we all do.

 

[fidjit]

I'm going through the same "internal turmoil" at the moment myself. Can I justify almost $600US ( $700 AU with conversion rates and fees and shipping etc ) on a bag ( medium briefcase Coffee)

Now I will use this every day for work and on weekends as a gadget bag....but heck I've got about 6 other nylon satchels and backpacks already

Yes the money could be used for school fees, or dance lessons, or towards one of my kids braces but........

*** am I working for if I can't spend some money on myself ????

And no, it's not coming at the expense of food on the table.

Now in an attempt to see if I can save some $$ I've looked at all the alternatives, found some other guys that make similar bags ( even one based in Australia ) but none of them look as good ( to me ) as the SBs and I have no idea how robust or well made they are. At least the SB are a known quantity.

My last "hope" is I'm just started talking to a local leatherworker to price what it would cost to make one up for me. I'd rather support local business and a local artisan if possible.

It allows me to customise it a bit, I'll probably use slightly lighter leather and remove some of the D rings. These seem to be the two main "complaints" that pop up. Also maybe a half pocket and 2 quarter pockets on the divider rather than the two halves in the SB (Any other suggestions those who have one ?? )

But even so, I don't expect a local artisan to be cheaper than an SB especially when he'll be doing a one off custom job.