Way to roll leather handles on leather straps?

[ballboy253]

Hey guys,

I was thinking about buying an item like the classic Filson Original Briefcase:
http://www.filson.com/products/origi...taProduct=1019

but I'm not a fan of the leather handles. They don't look like they fit naturally into a hand's grasp because of the stiffness and shape of the leather strap. Instead, I would prefer a leather handle that is rounded like so:
http://www.ernestalexander.com/shop/...ef?product=386

Could I just take the Filson briefcase to a leather worker roll and sew the edges of the leather handle straps? Does anyone have any other suggestions?

[Fred G. Unn]

Could I just take the Filson briefcase to a leather worker roll and sew the edges of the leather handle straps? Does anyone have any other suggestions?

I don't think so. I have the 257 and that leather is really thick and stiff. It depends on your needs but I think the 257 (now called Briefcase Computer Bag) is a more practical size anyway because the added depth easily allows for a laptop and charger. The roll clasp on mine seems comfortable enough.

If you're set on the Original Briefcase, how often will you use the handles anyway? I usually end up using the shoulder strap, but I'm usually carrying other stuff (instruments, carry-on bag, etc) as well. When you're talking about a bag that could easily last you years, I'd just get what you want. The extra $100 for the Ernest Alexander over 5 years is just pennies a day. That Ernest Alexander is quite a bit smaller though. 3.25" deep isn't nearly deep enough for all the junk I travel with.

Saddleback makes some amazing bags too, although quite a bit more $$$: http://www.saddlebackleather.com/Shop/Bags-Briefcases
I think Shomas recently got one, you could ask him about it.

[greg_s]

My requisite Duluth Pack suggestion:

http://duluthpack.com/school-campus/...bags?limit=all

[Shomas]

Yup. I got a large thin briefcase a few months ago and it is awesome. The handle is more of a rolled type and pretty damn comfortable, but I usually use the shoulder strap anyway.

[hornsup84]

I recently received the large classic Saddleback briefcase and it's truly a rolled leather handle. I switch between using the shoulder strap and carrying w the handle so that I don't damage or wrinkle my suit jackets, and this is by far the most comfortable bag I've carried using a handle, even with a lot of weight in the bag (I'd note that the bag itself is on the heavier side, according to some that bothers them, but I usually carry a lot of junk so not a big deal to me).