Cambridge Briefbag
4.1
5
23
23
Not the same beautiful bag
I received this bag in 2006, and I loved it. It was a beautiful medium cordovan (with a light sheen as shown in the photos) that aged quite well. When a piece broke over six years later, the wonderful customer service at Levenger not only located my order, but immediately sent a replacement. To my disappointment, the leather on the new bag is an entirely different color---what I can only describe as a drab mud color that does not look nearly as good as the bag in the photos and the bag I originally received in 2006. I will be returning the replacement bag as I would rather have my 2006 bag (even defective) than the current reincarnation. I have attached a photo comparing the two. The 2006 bag is on the right.
May 23, 2013
The bag stains your clothing
In 2006 I was given a beautiful Levenger Briefcase for my MBA graduation but returned it to upgrade to the Cambridge Briefbag. It was amazing and I loved it. Earlier this year I notice a tear in my zipper and contacted your company to see how I could repair it and to my surprise I was sent a new one. It was great until I realized it was staining my lab coats, kaki pants, jeans, and whatever I wore. I did notice the leather was different than my first. I return it because I thought it was defective. Since I have gotten two more bags with the same type of leather, all of which stain my clothes. With the wonderful help of your sales representative Rivera Lee it was brought to my attention that the bag leather was modified and a warning was placed on your internet catalog site but not your normal print catalog.
I just don't understand, even though this leather is beautiful how can you expect a customer to use it with a white lab coat, kaki pants, jeans or even a $1200 suit? Do you just walk around with your arm extended and never wear the shoulder strap? It is just not consistent with what I have come to expect with the Levenger product. By the way, your service department with individuals like Rivera Lee are also what make Levenger so special.
July 14, 2012
Not the same leather as the old Cambridge
Very pleased with Levenger's customer service - when the zipper on my original Cambridge briefbag (absolutely loved this one) broke, Levenger quickly replaced with a new Cambridge briefbag.
The new replacement briefcase has a completely different kind of leather than the old briefcase. The old briefcase was made of a lovely leather that was smooth, shiny and glossy - exactly like the stock photos on Levenger's website.
The new briefcase is made of completely different leather - a matte, waxy oiled leather. This leather has stained several pairs of khakis, and shirts and my drycleaner is unable to get the stains out. Most of the photos on the website clearly show the old, glossy leather vs. new oiled matte leather.
Definitely not the same leather that was originally used for the Cambridge. Be careful with your clothes/papers.
June 7, 2012
Finally, a bag that does it all
I'm not going to lie to you; I have a bag fetish. I have searched high and low, bought and returned myriads of bags, only to covet the Cambridge Briefbag at the Levenger's store in Tyson's Corner (Washington, DC). Admittedly, the retail price turned me off, but lurking in the rear of the store was one Cambridge Briefbag that was on clearance. I still did not act, and I've waited months to pounce, but finally relented and purchased the Cambridge Briefbag, along with the Bomber backpack as a "lite" version to carry essentials to smaller venues. The Cambridge Briefbag fits EVERYTHING I have into one bag. It's discreet - no branded tags, titles, or designer names embossed into the leather. In other words, I don't see myself coming and going with all the other bags that all the other people out there in bag world are carrying. The greatest compliment I can pay Levenger is that I have consolidated everything I have down into this one bag. Finally, the perfect bag.
May 10, 2012
Great
I have used this for almost three years. It has traveled by plane, car and boat. I carry a macbook pro an ipod and a ipad along with files, notebooks, chargers and cables. This bag garners compliments on its looks and it is tough as nails. It is by far the best case I have ever bought in the forty years I have been working and would recommend it to anyone. The more it is used the better it looks. I do not mistreat it and it is going to retire when I do.
March 20, 2012
Better Than I Ever Expected
I recently purchased the Cambridge briefcase to replace a worn canvas bag that was way past its prime. My wife refers to the splendid Cambridge as my "big boy briefcase." It is a classic leather briefcase, and I got several rave comments on my first business trip with it this week The tobacco color is perfect, and the briefcase is not as shiney as pictured. It has an out of the box patina that takes away any sense that it is brand new, ostentatious, or too perfect to use. The case is organized well, and the two outer sleeves are generous but don't bulge out like saddle bags. It is, in fact, rather sleek in appearance. Also, it is not heavy and is easy to carry. The handles are well constructed and will hold up over the long haul (I do not use the shoulder strap). I have had an association with Levenger for several years and know the product line well. I have come to expect a lot from Levenger products, but the Cambridge surpasses even my elevated expectations.
March 17, 2012
bag stains my papers
The briefcase is above average for style and function. My complaint is that whatever oil was used for the leather is STILL staining my papers after 6 months of use. DO NOT put your valuable papers or anything you do not want stained in the bag.
I am very hesitant to recommend this bag!!!!
November 30, 2011
Strong enough for woman!
I've had this gorgeous tobacco briefcase for almost a year. I get compliments every time I use it. The quality is fabulous. It seems this bag is marketed to the male population, but I personally love it. The Levenger bags for women are too small. This bag allows me to carry my laptop plus several files. I do agree with a previous review about the shoulder straps being too thin especially when the bag is full.
August 4, 2011
Exceeds Expectations
I am very happy with my recent purchase of the Cambridge Briefbag - I love the traditional old world styling, removable laptop sleeve, thick sturdy leather and plenty of storage. The leather polishes up well and minor scratches buff out easily. While I have only owned the bag a few months, it appears very well made and should last several years of everyday use. Before purchasing, I researched the tannery (Tustings) and watched a video on how the bag was made. I even purchased a matching wallet and card case from levenger and have already recommended the bag to a friend.
March 19, 2011
ELEGANT BRIEF-BAG
I have been a Levenger shopper for a while. This item has been the most expensive one. I have other two excellent leather bags, but this one is the most I have received complements from everyone. You can packed in it just about anything you want. One fixture I really love is the two outside extra large stash deep pockets!! The Include laptop leather sleeve is perfect for my Imac. I have no problems with workmanship as some may have. I agree that is in the high end and for the money you can get something similar, but then again this is the one for me. I have even custom made a brass plate tag for my constant traveling.
March 14, 2011