I love my leather valise from Carl Friedrik in dark chocolate. The only problem is that it’s not also black! I have been casually looking for a used bag of sufficient style and design but that wasn’t going to cost me what the CF bag did.
Last week I found a Montblanc 4810 Westside double gusset briefcase style valise. Never used. Came in the original box and MB’s cotton cover. These sell for a bit over $1500 and the seller asked for $650. I didn’t want to spend over $300, so I offered that fully expecting a no. I didn’t even get a counteroffer: they just accepted it. It arrived today and is in mint condition. I’m pretty sure I am fully good on leather work bags now… unless there’s an oxblood one out there!