Miscellany: Korchmar Monroe briefcase review

We're starting to have more in-person trials now, and it's giving me the opportunity to deploy my trusty Korchmar Monroe briefcase (officially an "attaché case") in tan leather:

Briefcases in general, and this Korchmar in particular, are relics from a bygone era. Most lawyers nowadays use nylon or leather shoulder bags to carry their hearing binders and laptops, not a heavy 5" thick wooden box that needs a big flat surface to open.

On the other hand, I do like the way a classic briefcase organizes and displays its contents, and it certainly looks a lot cooler than a boring old laptop case. There's also a small bit of added security from the dual combination locks - they won't deter a real thief, but should dissuade a passerby from looking through your papers:

According to Korchmar's website, these briefcases are no longer made in America (instead being produced in Korchmar's factory in the Dominican Republic), but they still use full grain American leather, brass hardware, and white pine. From my experience, they are built to last - the leather is in good shape even after schlepping from courthouse to courthouse for the past few years:

The downside to Korchmar's old-school construction is the price - usually around $600-$700. That's pretty expensive, but perhaps worth it if you use a briefcase for work and need something tough as nails - I think it is.