14 inch Briefcase Bag

There were few complaints about this bag that made me wonder if it would be a good choice for me. The price was in the right range for what I was looking for, and from all the pictures I can see the bag was made from a leather that had a little worn look to it. Some of the biggest complaints had to do with a strong odor from the inside of the bag. I'm here to say that I had none of those problems and that I want to discuss the very important parts of the bag that I have found quite useful in his first couple weeks.Let's start with the odor issue. Pulling the bag out of its carton from Amazon revealed a bag in a plastic container and having all of the buckles and brass and similar parts wrapped with additional plastic wrap. I paid particular attention to odor as I opened the plastic bag and retrieved the leather from inside. Absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. I then began to remove the small pieces of plastic wrap around the buckles and tabs and other areas. Took me less than five minutes to get them all off and in that time I worked very closely with the bag having it sometimes 16 inches away from my head. Still no issue.I opened the bag a number of times to see if something would with upward from the inside, and in a way I guess I was disappointed that there really wasn't anything unusual. So I did what might have been an odd act when I shoved my whole head into the open bag and inhale deeply. ", Now I smell something at the very bottom. Pulled my head out, so to speak, and turn the bag upside down so I can get better access at the bottom. Several snips later and nothing to report as a strong odor. What odor I did smell, when I stuck my head in the whole bag, was a combination of tanned leather and what I assumed was a residual of the glue used to hold the liner to the bag. Based on this there would be no reason for me to return the bag or tell my Amazon friends to not consider buying this bag.So let's talk a few moments about how the bag works and what I've found in using it roughly a week. The exterior of the bag is a slightly worn brown leather that I would characterize as a cross between a cowboy saddlebag and the lawyers case bag. I use a saddlebag analogy simply because I've owned several saddles and related saddlebags. In fact on one of my larger motorcycles I used a set of leather bags for the saddlebags and the leather was very similar to this. In short, if I saw this the same price on a shelf I would likely about it.The interior of my bag has a green canvas lining. There are three large compartments dividing the long way of the bag into equal components. I don't believe any of them can be removed but they are all large enough to accommodate a number of different products. As an example the middle tier is a bit wider than either of the outside. Measuring it reveals approximately 3 inches of room, and more importantly I would measure it by what type of laptop or tablet could I use in this bag. I just bought the Lenovo flex three, 14 inch. This is a two and one computer that allows the user to go from closed position, to the normal position with the keyboard, a tent position so that the keyboard faces backwards in the screen forward-– a good way to use the computer for a demonstration or PowerPoint presentation. And finally a tablet style. The middle compartment on this bag means that regardless of what position my laptop is in it will be fairly secure in his bag.While on the topic of protection in the bag I should add that there is a stone in double thickness piece of elastic that is approximately 3 1/2 to 4 inches long and then almost 7 inches when stretched tight. This elastic piece covers the middle section and is held in place with Velcro. Simply stated, once you get your laptop/tablet or two in one computer in the bag it will be held in place by the Velcro strap over the middle compartment.On the side compartments both have plenty of room for small book or a group of papers (8 1/2 X 11) such as a complicated contract, will or other legal matter. Along with the side there is a zipper on both compartments that allows room for several thin items which would be no larger than the 8 1/2 X 11 size of standard paper. (NOTE: if you have a carry concealed permit then each of these compartments would easily carry one of the guns designed to carry. Of course that is not politically correct to say when I might damage and anti-gun individuals ears or eyes and having to hear or read such a statement on the validity of the product.)One last thing to mention is a small leather patch on the outside which can easily hold a smart phone, or many other small personal devices.If you need a decent leather pouch with the messenger style (meaning you have a relatively long but adjustable shoulder strap) then this is a good back it has a carry handle and I don't use the shoulder strap much so I either take it off or simply leave it in the back this is not to cure bag with any type of special locking system. You access the inside by removing two leather straps held with buckles on what I would call the front of the bag. I say this in case someone puts expensive equipment in the side such as a laptop. Even if you have the bag shut using the buckle system it won't take a thief but a second or two to get around that system it into your back the addition is very attractive, though, and that goes along with the overall look of the bag itself.I would have no problem recommending this bag to a very good friend or a family member that I liked well above others. Thanks for your time and I hope this is helped.

So this is a super-awesome bag. Putting my desire to be "Indiana Jones" aside it is exactly as described. I got mine on a timed deal, and if I had the opportunity to I would have gotten a bigger size but still not disappointed with it. Leather outside and canvas inside which both hold up. Though it seems at first blush that the buckles and stitching won't hold up they are quite strong. The negatives are simple. First, know the size you're getting. I got the 15" and it isn't really big enough to hold any laptop (business or personal). Second, limited outside pockets. As I transition from student to professional I still find myself wanting that "easily accessed" outside pocket/holder. This bag doesn't have that, but it is easy to adjust to storing everything inside and having the cover unlatched. Third (and slightly connected), the outside/front pocket is almost useless. While I do find uses for it; the completely independent from the rest of the bag front pocket isn't really large enough to serve a valid purpose. Lastly, the shoulder-strap isn't padded. Most over-the-shoulder bags have some sort of a "sliding padded rest" that relieve the direct pressure points pain, but this doesn't. While I can't say that an overloaded bag doesn't feel uncomfortable I can say that it is hard to over-stuff the bag to the point of discomfort. While this means limited storage (for the size I got) it also means that you are ensured to not over-stress the bags hinges and seams.Long story short... If you are looking at this you are looking for a specific look and feel, and you will not be disappointed with the bag, and even then you will most likely find something you love.

I like the bag - especially for the price. Only smell I can detect is the smell of real leather.Took one star of because it scuffs easily. I use a little shoe polish to take care of that.Using as a daily briefcase for work. Classy.

We ordered this item as a birthday present for an 18 year old going off to college. Please allow me the time to break down our experience with this product.First of all the package was delivered in a timely fashion. The packaging was amazing and protected the leather of this item. Every possible precaution was taken even to the point of wrapping the metal buckles in protective film and the pocket being filled with packing foam.Upon opening the packaging we were greeted with the most amazing smell! Everything was in perfect order and the bag even contained a hand signed note inside thanking us for our purchase.The product itself it very well designed. The functionality of all the compartments complement the hand made beauty of the piece. I almost felt loss over having to give the item away so I will likely be buying my own in the coming weeks.I cannot comment on durability as we've given the item as a gift. I will update this review if it is found to fall apart under the rigures of college life. The only part that looks like it may be an issue is the carrying handle as it is attached to the bag with a few metal fixtures. I will trust in their strength until proven otherwise.The smell is so powerful the recevier commented it filled his bed room and that he loved it.