High-end Leather Briefcases
Picture this: you're in the elevator, about to step into a boardroom filled with senior executives.
Your heartbeat quickens - but with a Von Baer briefcase in hand, you're unshakable.
Our cases are handmade from the finest full-grain vegetable-tanned Italian leather, from Tuscany, Italy - the best money can buy.
No.1
Men's Leather Briefcase
$1,995
Essential
Modern Briefcase
$1,595
City
Leather Laptop Bag
$1,595
Elegant
Slim Leather Laptop Bag
$1,495
No.2
Leather Messenger Briefcase
$1,695
City Large
Leather Laptop Bag
$1,795
Exquisite
Slim Leather Laptop Briefcase
$1,495
10X
Leather Laptop Travel Bag
$1,695
Voyager
Leather Carry-on Bag with Wheels
$1,995
AS FEATURED IN
Why Choose Von Baer?
Expertly Handcrafted Leather Products
Full-Grain Vegetable-Tanned Italian Leather
Strong Hardware for a Lifetime of Use
Luxurious & Durable Cotton Lining
Personalize With Embossed Initials
Exquisitely Rich-Hued Leather for Refined Tastes
Buying Guide
A Von Baer Luxury Leather Briefcase. For Professionals.
- Each Von Baer briefcase is handcrafted from full-grain, vegetable-tanned Italian leather, produced in Tuscany using traditional methods perfected since 1961. Our leather is naturally robust, richly textured, and designed to age beautifully - developing character rather than wearing out.
- Our briefcases are structured where it matters, maintaining their shape in professional settings, while remaining practical for daily use. Inside, you will find fine Italian cotton linings, padded laptop compartments, and thoughtful organisation for documents, devices, and essentials.
- We use solid brass hardware, reinforced handles, and protective metal feet to ensure our cases offer durability through your years of travel, meetings, and everyday carry.
- Our designs balance classic tradition with modern functionality, so they look as appropriate in a boardroom today as they will decades from now.
- Each Von Baer briefcase includes certified documentation of leather origin, reflecting our commitment to transparency, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
If you are unsure which style best fits your work or travel needs, our team is always happy to help at service@vonbaer.com.
How to Choose Between Our Briefcase Features
Structured vs. Soft Silhouette
Boardroom or brainstorming session - which one rules your week?
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Structured: Rigid frame, stands upright, 3.5-4 in depth, 3.5-4.5 lbs. Best for formal authority.
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Soft: Flexible but reinforced, 2.5-3 in depth, 2.5-3.5 lbs. Best when approachability matters and in creative settings.
Black vs. Brown Leather
Courtroom or cross-sector meetings? Color sets the tone.
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Black: Full-grain, 1.5-2 mm, dyed through. Formality that suits law or finance.
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Brown (espresso): Vegetable-tanned, 1.8-2.2 mm. More versatile, develops richer patina. Avoid lighter tan unless you want casual.
Slim Profile vs. Expanded Capacity
Commute-light or carry-all?
| Option | Volume | Specs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slim | 6-8 L | <3 lbs empty, 15.5 in laptop sleeve | Light daily carry |
| Expanded | 10-14 L | 4-5 in gusset, lockable zips | Long days, travel gear |
You can view all laptop briefcases here, and our lockable briefcases here.
Classic vs. Contemporary Hardware
Tradition or modern edge?
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Classic: Brass/steel, cool to touch, 50,000+ open cycles. Subtle in boardrooms.
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Contemporary: Gunmetal/titanium, <0.5 lbs added weight. Sleek in tech or design.
Types of Von Baer Leather Briefcase
Von Baer Structured Executive Case
Rigid, reinforced, sharp edges. 15-16 in wide, 11-12 in tall, reinforced leather handles (20+ lbs capacity). Ideal for promotions, investor meetings, or Midtown power plays. Not for café hopping.
The Von Baer No.1 Briefcase is a good example of this, with a structured edge and large lockable main compartment that brings traditional briefcase design into the 21st century.
Von Baer Slim Portfolio Briefcase
Minimalist, under 3 lbs, 2.5-3 in thick. Carries laptop + briefs, nothing else. Great for presentations; poor for overnight travel. Hidden slip pocket is the "if you know, you know" feature.
Von Baer Heritage Hand-Stitched Briefcase
Saddle stitching with waxed linen thread, 1.8-2.2 mm veg-tan hides, brass locks. 4-5 lbs empty. Perfect for milestone purchases - think Savile Row in leather form. Heavy if you're chasing weight savings.
Von Baer Travel-Ready Leather Briefcase
Weather-resistant, 16 x 11 in laptop sleeve, under 4 lbs, padded handles (20k cycles), YKK or RiRi zips. Built for weekly flights; keeps dignity intact from Centurion Lounge to client dinner.
We have a full range of travel briefcases here.
Von Baer Convertible Briefcase with Shoulder Strap
Hand-carry or cross-body. 20-22 in strap drop, hardware rated 1,000 lbs tensile. Best for walking commutes. Less formal in strict boardrooms - so take the strap off when needed.
The Von Baer 10X Laptop Travel Bag is a great example of this, with a design that includes side handles, a shoulder strap, and backpack handles. Perfectly balancing style and practicality, perfect for travel or commutes.
Quick Decision Table
| Scenario | Best Type | Key Specs | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boardroom Leadership | Structured Executive | 15-16 in wide, 3.5-4 in depth, 3.5-4.5 lbs | Rigid lines, stands upright, signals authority |
| Client Pitches | Slim Portfolio | Under 3 lbs, 2.5-3 in thick, 15.5 in laptop sleeve | Light, clutter-free, presentation-ready |
| Milestone Purchase | Heritage Hand-Stitched | 1.8-2.2 mm full-grain, saddle-stitched, 4-5 lbs | Patina over decades, heirloom craftsmanship |
| Travel Weeks | Travel-Ready | <4 lbs, 16 x 11 in laptop sleeve, water-resistant | Flight-proof, organized, durable |
| City Commutes | Convertible Strap | 20-22 in drop, 15 lbs load, detachable hardware | Hand-carry formal, strap for long walks |
Von Baer Briefcase FAQs Before You Buy
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Full-grain vs. top-grain? Full-grain tensile strength: 18-22 N/mm. Top-grain: 12-16 N/mm. Full-grain lasts decades, top-grain looks uniform but wears faster. We always recommend full-grain vegetable-tanned Italian leather here at Von Baer (see this range).
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Will it fit a 15-inch laptop? Needs internal pocket of at least 16 x 11 x 2 in, 10 - 12 mm padding. Always check exact sleeve dimensions.
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What design details work in boardrooms? Dark hides, structured edges, logos under 1 in, 6-8 SPI stitching. Anything louder belongs at SoHo House, not Skadden.
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Does embossing initials delay delivery? Personalization tends to add 1 working day to the expected delivery date, but see the individual product pages for more details. Browse all custom briefcases here.
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How do I protect it in heavy travel? Reinforced corners, hydrophobic finish, routine conditioning (5-7 ml every 3-4 months). Simple maintenance = long life.
How Is Von Baer Leather Different?
Not all leather is the same.
Since 2015, we at Von Baer have dedicated ourselves to high-quality real leather.
Here's a 30-second summary of how to choose a better leather product:
- Leather comes in different grades: full-grain, top-grain, and split/bonded - which represent how much of the original product is used (less product used = cheaper).
- Full-grain is the best grade of leather you can buy: exceptionally durable, developing an elegant patina, and having that beautiful real leather smell.
- Cheaper grades are less durable, age poorly, and don't have that authentic scent.
- Leather is processed through "tanning", which makes it durable and water-resistant.
- The two main methods for this are "vegetable-tanning" and "chrome-tanning".
- Chrome tanning uses harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment and produce a worse quality leather.
- Vegetable tanning is the best method, being more eco-friendly, and producing leather with a better patina and scent.
That's why here at Von Baer, we only use full-grain vegetable-tanned Italian leather, sourced from the finest tanneries across Tuscany, Italy.
It ages beautifully over time, developing a unique patina, making it more durable and luxurious than lower-quality leather.
It's also why we developed the leather standards trademark Cuoio Superiore (meaning "superior leather" in Italian).
Learn more about Von Baer here.