What to look for in an attache case?

[Lyle]

Admit it, you've seen more obscure topics than this in the "Community Discussion" section.

I've wanted an attache case for several years now as I have more and more junk to carry back and forth between the home and office. My wife has informed me that this will be my birthday present from her this year, and I just need to go pick one out. So my question is -- especially for those of you who own attache cases and have some experience in using them on a regular basis -- what kinds of things should I be looking for?

I know that I'd like for it to be reasonably lightweight. I've always imagined it having some kind of leather covering, but that's not a must. Note that I'm not looking for something to carry a notebook computer in; this would be to carry papers, maybe a book or what have you.

 

[poisoned hawk]

get the thinnest one you can find, that will make you assess the junk you carry around, thus your life will be steamlined🙄

 

[MongoTheGeek]

Blowguns, and a poison needle hidden in the handle.

 

[combatcolin]

Small strip of gold coins hidden around the edge.

 

[ejb190]

On a serious note, make sure the latches are of good quality. A jammed latch means prying it open and prying means scatching up the finish.

I have the plans to make an attache case out of wood, but I thought the whole thing looked a bit heavy.