My First Briefcase

[JRCHolsters]

Here is the first case I have ever attempted. A customer asked me if I would be willing to give it a try for him. Not knowing what I was getting myself into, I said "sure, why not", LOL.

It was a lot more intensive than I imagined, but in the end I am happy with it and I learned a lot about this side of leather crafting. I hope you enjoy it.

It is made from Horsehide, Chromexel and red buffalo calf. It has 3 main gusseted pockets, a newspaper pocket on the back and a gusseted accessory pocket on the front.

[billybopp]

That's a big briefcase! Looks really nice, and very well made. It's a great color combination.

I always wonder on bags with straps that go all the way around, did you do anything special to protect them from wear when the bag is resting on the straps?

And ... Just as something fun to think about ... If you were to do one again, what would you do differently?

Bill

[JRCHolsters]

Thanks Bill.

It is pretty big. I built it to the customers specs. He is a lawyer, so I guess he carries a lot of paper.

On the straps, I thought about putting some kind of feet on the case, but couldn't really find anything that I thought was suitable. The straps are 7oz horsehide, so they should hold up well. if there is an issue, i would just replace them for the customer.

What would I do different???? Charge more, lol! Seriously, I ruined 3 gussets while making this case. The lining really proved to be the hardest part. I also found I really had to think my way through the process in order not to get ahead of myself. I would probably forgo the lining, unless a customer really wanted it. Not really sure what I would do different in design, as I would custom build them to customer spec, but I do know that I learned a lot about the steps involved. I would probably try to refine the process a bit more.

[MonicaJacobson]

Wow, it's beautiful!

[JRCHolsters]

  On 10/17/2014 at 1:48 AM, MonicaJacobson said:

Wow, it's beautiful!

Thank You Monica. I really appreciate that.

[blue duck]

Top Shelf!

I was quite interested in the what would you do different answer. What happened with the gussets, if you don't mind sharing?

Can see where the lining is a pain, but that puts the whole case into a different class than an unlined one. Just my 2 cents.

[JRCHolsters]

  On 10/17/2014 at 2:29 AM, blue duck said:

Top Shelf!

I was quite interested in the what would you do different answer. What happened with the gussets, if you don't mind sharing?

Can see where the lining is a pain, but that puts the whole case into a different class than an unlined one. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks!

The problem I was having with the gussets was a thickness issue. Every time I tried to sew everything together, The work would slip and the needle would bunch up the sewing. There was the thickness of the horsehide divider with lining, being overlapped with the gusset leather, also lined. I actually partially machine sewed and partially hand sewed the case. I have to admit that I was very discouraged several times. In the end when it all started coming together, I was very happy with the project.

[5 Spice]

Looks great. I like the contrast colour for the lining, too. Nice work.

[JRCHolsters]

  On 10/19/2014 at 8:49 PM, 5 Spice said:

Looks great. I like the contrast colour for the lining, too. Nice work.

Thanks 5 Spice. The red buffalo calf really looks nice. It also has a butter smooth feel.