Custom Mitchell Classic Briefcase

[razumny]

I think that if I chose to go with a Mitchell, I would choose the same distressed leather. Otherwise, I would panic over every scratch and blemish. That's one of the reasons I went with a Saddleback product. Not sure if I'll ever go with a Mitchell, but it's a beautiful product.

That was part of my reasoning, plus, I have one (non-Mitchell) that is in tatters now, which is in a light, distressed, leather. It simply wears so much better than my dad's old black beater.

[razumny]

Ok, guys, I got another update from Dave today, and it looks like the case might be done in time to arrive before I leave for vacation in Italy next Saturday. If it does, you can betcha I'll be bringing it.

Here are some more photos:


Above: Details on the front pocket

Above: Front flap details being stitched

Above: Front buckle straps are ready

Front buckles are stitched

[Yanks27]

Looking good. The Mitchell acquisition bug is at a feverish pitch.

[razumny]

I just got confirmation the briefcase has been finished, and am awaiting payment instructions for the remainder of the cost, and expect it to arrive shortly after I return from my vacation next week.

[camjr]

Looking forward to seeing the finished product!!

[razumny]

Looking forward to seeing the finished product!!

You and me both, brother

[Steve V.]

I have no use whatsoever for a brief case and I WANT ONE OF THESE

Me too!

Steve

[razumny]

I got confirmation; it's on its way!

[razumny]

So, it finally arrived, and I opened it with much trepidation:


The box, about to be opened


The biggest zip-lock bag I've ever seen!


The front of the bag


The inside of the bag. Do I see something glimmering in a pocket?


Yes! Dave had even sent me a matching billfold wallet.

I'll start to use it shortly, and will update the thread with further photos and my opinion on it in due time.

[cpeter47]

Now that is a bag any man would be proud to carry around. It looks great raz.

[BrewCommando]

Congratulations on acquiring such a work of art, razumny.

How long did you spend sniffing it? I just got a Renaissance Art leather iPad messenger bag and a new leather chair and have been sniffing them both far more than I probably should (not sure if there's an FDA guideline).

[razumny]

Congratulations on acquiring such a work of art, razumny.

How long did you spend sniffing it? I just got a Renaissance Art leather iPad messenger bag and a new leather chair and have been sniffing them both far more than I probably should (not sure if there's an FDA guideline).

So far, about half an hour. That number is likely to double many many times over the course of the next few years...

[Mr B]

Attachment 252552
Above: The hides for the outside (the darker one) and inside of the case on the clicker press, ready for cutting.
Attachment 252553
Above: The flap is being cut
Attachment 252554
Above: All the parts have been cut
Attachment 252555
Above: Skiving the edges
Attachment 252556
Above: The top part of the divider is being stitched

I am a sucker for watching the build process of custom items! Love this!

[Isaac]

Please continue to post pictures of the bag in use, and how it will break in. PLEASE!!!

Thanks and killer looking bag :)

[camjr]

Well played, sir!

[razumny]

OK, fellas, I've had it for nigh on 24 hours, and it's time for a quick first thoughts post.

First off, I'd just like to recap the specifications as they were sent to Dave:

Model: Classic Briefcase w/iPad pocket
Exterior: Rustic Ranch
Interior: Light brown
Hardware: Polished Nickel
Stitching: Light cream/beige
Logo: Small, centered between the straps

Now, then, that taken care of, with no further ado, here are my First Thoughts:
Leather: The interior and exterior leathers are incredibly supple and soft, and feels great to the touch. The exterior leather is naturally of a thicker gauge than the interior leather, and both feel buttery soft.

Outside, front to back: The front has the two straps and the buckles. The lid has been cut to allow the strap to pass up without causing the leather to bend and buckle. The small Mitchell logo is centered nicely between the straps, and looks great. On the top the handle sits nicely, made from the same leather as the rest of the exterior. In the back, there is a pocket, closed by velcro, which is large enough to take just about anything you might want to put in it.

Inside, front to back: As the lid is opened up, you have immediate access to the front pocket, which has a pocket for business cards, two pockets for wallets, cellphones etc. and a number of loops for pens, as well as a keychain-hook. The next pocket is the first of three full-depth pockets, and also has a pocket for an iPad. The second full-depth pocket has a divider, and the third one has a zippered pocket (the only zipper to be found on the entire rig).

Without having had the chance to use it for any amount of time, I will say this: The Mitchell Classic Briefcase is an impressive bit of kit. It's beautifully made, and the leather is supple and soft to the touch. I have no doubts that this briefcase will be in service with me for many, many years to come.

[Walker]

Congrats on your purchase! Mitchell briefcases are an heirloom you'll enjoy for a very long time. I went with a Saddleback for various reasons but always loved the look of a Mitchell. Maybe someday i'll get both!

[stuy119]

That's a sexy piece of leather.

[Yanks27]

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger, if nothing else than for the free billfold.

[razumny]

Frankly, the free billfold is nice, but I don't think it will see much use with me, other than when we're on holiday. I love my day-to-day wallet too much for that.

That said, the briefcase is amazing, and I find myself carrying it between floors in our house just to feel it in my hand, or over my shoulder.