This is a well-made, solid messenger bag that appears will last for many many years. The leather is thick. The workmanship appears to be excellent. I use this as my everyday carry briefcase, and it looks good and performs well. As other reviews have stated, the initial smell is bad. It is a combination of incredibly intense tanned leather smell and some unknown chemical. I brought it to work after I got it, and everyone in a 50 foot radius asked who bought the new shoes. It even started making me nauseous being close to it. Yeah, it's that bad. Trust me.... leave it hanging in the garage for a week. It will still smell after a week, but much less than before. After a couple weeks, it won't smell any more, and it will just do the job for you. I really do like this bag. It isn't cheap, but I am very pleased with the value. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a high quality messenger bag / briefcase -- and who doesn't need it for a couple weeks while it airs out.