Hello everyone from Canada!
I'm currently designing a new briefcase for myself and bumped into a slight problem. After watching the Hackney Briefcase Tutorial I had some questions with regards to the reinforcement methods.
Traditionally I have done the same method of Peter. The steel bar is attached to the exterior leather by a rivet which gets sandwiched between a contra piece of leather before another piece is glued to the underside of the steel. I've always done it so the reinforcement flap closest to the handle is larger and the lower flap is smaller. Has anyone else done the same thing and noticed a difference or is it sort of style thing? I like how his method gives a gentle slope to the briefcase but was wondering if it had a specific reason.
Bonus question is how come the flap isn't reinforced with a lengthwise strip of say box calf at the front? I've seen it done on handbags and have liked the results myself. Just wondering if it was because the leather was strong enough or it was a personal choice.
Hope you understand my long winded question!