Custom Messenger Case

[JRCHolsters]

Here is a Messenger case I just finished for a client. He was wanting something more refined than a messenger bag,, yet not so rigid as a briefcase. He wanted to have a case that was soft and compressible to a degree and still be able to protect his laptop. Finally, he was looking for something in a natural color, so that it would wear and create it's own character, but also be trimmed out in something to make it stand out. With all of the contradictions laid out, this is what I came up with for him.
It's made of Horween Excel in natural color and finished out with Cherry Elk hide, bonded to Horsehide. All edges are left natural and burnished with beeswax. It uses a firm Horsehide newspaper pocket on the back to add stiffness in order to protect the computer. There is also an easy access pocket on the back to hold pens and a notepad. The front closures do not use keepers, so he can access the compartments quickly. The rear compartment is sized for his laptop and the generous front compartment is divided. The gusseted divider is also a document folder compartment that uses friction straps for ease of use. While designed to predominantly be used with the shoulder strap, it has a collapsing fishtail handle. The shoulder strap is one length of horsestrip wrapped to allow for adjustment and the shoulder pad is 3" wide. I am sure I am forgetting something, but I will let the pictures tell the rest.

[blues]

That's an impressive piece of work. Much nicer than anything I've ever owned or had cause to own. The beauty and utility is its own reward.

Well done!

[Totem Polar]

That is excellent. You're a leather genius.

[SLG]

I've never been a natural color kind of guy. Until now. That is just incredible. Any idea what it weighs?

[JRCHolsters]

I've never been a natural color kind of guy. Until now. That is just incredible. Any idea what it weighs?

Thanks! I kind of felt the same way. I think the accents really offset the case nicely. The case weighs 3-3/4lbs and the strap adds 12oz to the package.

[SLG]

Thanks! I kind of felt the same way. I think the accents really offset the case nicely. The case weighs 3-3/4lbs and the strap adds 12oz to the package.

That is very reasonable. I thought it might be around that, which is a nice change from the 6-8# cases that are out there. I don't currently have a need for a case like that, but I'm trying by the minute to come up with one.:-)

[blues]

That is very reasonable. I thought it might be around that, which is a nice change from the 6-8# cases that are out there. I don't currently have a need for a case like that, but I'm trying by the minute to come up with one.:-)

Well, once Jim fits the ballistic panels and lets you know what calibers the case is effective protection against I'm betting you'll have your order in.

[JRCHolsters]

That is very reasonable. I thought it might be around that, which is a nice change from the 6-8# cases that are out there. I don't currently have a need for a case like that, but I'm trying by the minute to come up with one.:-)

It is a nice weight and still has a good reinforced feel and functionality. It's all about picking the right weights of quality leather to do the specific job you want. Some cases are beasts, weight wise, but need to be. I personally am leaning towards the lighter weights and offset trims. I am doing one for myself with Alligator trim.... now if I can ever find the time to finish it.

[Dagga Boy]

I ve gone a bit nuts on the Saddleback Leather stuff lately. It is beastly weight wise due to using the largest pieces of leather possible with as few a seams as possible. It is what I wanted at this point in life. I wish I had seen this before I started down that road as I would much rather give Jim the business. I own some very cool nylon custom briefcases and bags that have been awesome over the years for a variety of work. Now being in a different world, the monster leather briefcase stands out. I now have a large matching duffle and a back pack for travel. I also just purchased a 100 year old Swiss pack saddle that is being modified into a very cool very vintage back pack. Leather that wears and shows life is very cool.

Great work JR.

[SeriousStudent]

Wow, that is beautiful work, Jim!

Another family heirloom piece.