Levenger International Pocket Briefcase vs $15 Franklin Covey's

September 7, 2008

I bought the one from Franklin Covey at Office Depot (my review at https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...=51682&hl=). It's pretty good but I think I would like one in bomber jacket leather. What's the difference between the the Franklin Covey's and Levenger's? Has anyone seen both in real life?

thanks!

September 8, 2008

I own the Levenger. However, it is an older model. It is a minimum of 15 years old, and may be 20. (I remember using it on some trips I haven't made in 15 years). It has held up well. It fits well in a suit-coat pocket, but not so well in a shirt, too thick. Looking at recent catalogs, they have reorganized the interior a bit. Mine has various leather flaps and pockets to hold things, but no clear ID window for example.

It has a pen slot in the center crease, but the pen has to be small diameter, absolutely under 0.4", 1 cm. I have a couple of pens that have about 0.375" max. barrel diameter, tapering to about 0.325" at end where cap would post. They fit, and the taper helps them start into the slot, but there is no room to spare and my larger pens don't fit.

The "wallet" feature was very handy when I travelled internationally on business. Many foreign currencies don't fit US wallets well. Now that I'm retired, I would prefer a much thinner one that fits a shirt pocket better, but still has a fold-over flap so the top face of index cards is not exposed in my pocket.

September 9, 2008

My wife gave me an International Pocket Briefcase for Christmas last year. I love it and take it everywhere. BUT -- I either slide it into a pocket on my cargo shorts, slip it into an interior pocket on a coat, or I hand-carry it. When you load it with some 3x5s and some credit cards and a driver's license, it fills out enough to make it a big load for a shirt pocket or back pocket on slacks.

September 27, 2008

I just ordered the Levenger Bomber Jacket one. I've had the $10 Staples Buxton pocket briefcase (not the wallet version) for a week and it's not bad but I really want the wallet version because now I'm carrying my wallet and Staples pocket briefcase in my back pocket. Quite a bulky fit so hopefully the Levenger will help consolidate the two.

September 27, 2008

I use the International Pocket Briefcase as a primary wallet, and absolutely love it. It is well designed and not too bulky. It carries a nice small Hero pen and my 3x5 cards.... I get some strange looks because it is an odd wallet, but it is exceptionally functional.