Saddleback Classic Briefcase Review: Is It Worth the Price?

When it comes to high-quality, durable leather products, Saddleback Leather's Classic Briefcase is a standout contender. Marketed as one of the most rugged and durable leather briefcases available, it promises a blend of longevity and rugged aesthetics. But is it worth the hefty price tag? Let’s dive into an in-depth review of the Saddleback Leather Classic Briefcase to see if it lives up to its reputation.

DISCLAIMER: The mentioned brand sent this product for FREE. However, we are NOT PAID to do this review. All statements and expressions made about the products are Tanner Leatherstein’s independent review. The brand did not get to see the final video until it was published live. They also agreed to our terms and conditions that we will post our honest review about the brand and/or product and that we might disagree with the information provided in their shop or website.

As we already know, this is Crazy Horse leather, left completely unfinished. The tone reveals nothing but pure, natural beauty, with oils seeping deeper into the leather, highlighting its nubuck base. Infused with oils and waxes atop the nubuck, this finish requires exceptionally clean leather. It embodies the classic distressed look of Crazy Horse leather, exuding a rich substance and remarkable quality.

Here, we can observe the hair cells, the pores of the skin, and the fine fibrous structures, indicating that some sanding has been done. This Crazy Horse look is achieved on a nubuck base. Technically, this is top-grain leather, though it’s often marketed as full-grain, which can be a bit confusing. The sanding isn’t meant to remove imperfections but to create that distinctive distressed effect. Despite this, the leather retains most of its original grain, making it understandable to label it as full grain. It’s a very high-quality leather choice, but due to the slight buffing, it falls into the category of top grain leather.

The lining for this project is pigskin, touted as more durable than cowhide. While its fiber structure supports this claim, the hair intensity is much lower, resulting in fewer, more widely spaced pores. This makes pigskin less desirable and relatively cheap in the leather market, one of the most affordable options derived from animals. Commonly used as a lining material in shoes and bags, pigskin doesn't appeal to me aesthetically. Personally, I would prefer cow or goat lining for a finer appearance. However, this is more of a matter of personal preference than a significant flaw, and I felt it was worth noting.

There's an astonishing amount of leather in this project. After some careful calculations, I estimate that the main body of the bag uses 24 square feet of this beautiful Crazy Horse leather, while the lining requires 8 square feet of pigskin. The leather alone costs about $100. The hardware and assembly, given the rugged craftsmanship and heavy-duty accessories, add another $130 to the total. So, altogether, it costs around $230 to create a bag like this.

The price of the Saddleback Leather Classic Briefcase is $690. Given the estimated production cost of $230, this price point seems reasonable, especially considering Saddleback’s threefold markup on leather and labor. The cost reflects the high-quality materials and craftsmanship involved, making it a fair deal if you appreciate the rugged, durable style of the bag.

In terms of durability, the Saddleback Leather Classic Briefcase is almost indestructible. During my review, I found it to be one of the most challenging bags to damage. The construction is so robust that it feels like the designers anticipated and prepared for any potential abuse the bag might face. This aligns with Saddleback Leather’s reputation for over-engineering its products to ensure they stand the test of time.

The craftsmanship, while rugged, is consistent with the brand’s design philosophy. During a visit to Saddleback’s workshop in Mexico, I saw firsthand the heavy-duty nature of their products. The Classic Briefcase fits right in with their range of durable leather crafts, from old-style trunks to robust belts.

In summary, the Saddleback Leather Classic Briefcase is worth the investment if you value rugged durability and a rustic aesthetic. The Crazy Horse leather and substantial hardware make it a durable option for those who need a heavy-duty briefcase. While the pigskin lining may not be to everyone’s taste, it does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the bag.

For those who prefer a refined look and feel, this briefcase may not be the ideal choice. However, if you’re looking for a reliable, well-constructed leather briefcase that can withstand the rigors of daily use, the Saddleback Leather Classic Briefcase is a solid investment. Its high price is justified by the quality of materials and craftsmanship, and it stands as a testament to Saddleback Leather’s commitment to producing durable, high-quality leather goods.