LEATHER JOURNAL REFILLABLE Writing Notebook - Lay Flat Lined Notebook, Handmade Leather Bound Diary for Men & Women, Best Gift for Travel Diary, Creative Writing & Notebooks to write in, Large 6x8

I ordered this notebook as a way to keep my notes from being a disorganized pile of clutter. You see, I run a D&D campaign online for my friends, and I have the most time to think of ideas while at work, but the least access to my online storage medium to record those ideas. For months, I had been taking scraps of paper such as the backs of those WE I.D. calendar pages, to keep my notes on for digital transcription after my shifts. But there were many I had not yet gotten to, and as a result, I was left with an enormous, disorganized pile that I frequently lost things from.After receiving this journal 3 days ago, I've already used it three times to keep three separate sets of notes. And I could not be happier.The quality and beauty of the leather cover are astounding, and though one page had a small printing error (there appeared to be a thin splotch of toner in one corner of a page in the center of the book), every page is high quality,and thick enough to prevent poke through from applying too much pressure with the pencil. Their durability also keeps the page from scrunching up when erasing, so that's a plus for people who sketch in notebooks or make frequent errors.I will definitely purchase another if I have need for one, and expect to need to order a refill for this one within 80 days with how much I'm using it.

I can carry what I like -- in fact, I was originally going to purchase a heavily touted $145.00 refillable leather journal when I ran across this one. I ordered this on a whim, fully expecting to discard it in favor of a more expensive/embossed/"classy" journal. Ain't gonna happen -- I love this thing. Simple, rugged, exactly what is advertised, and as near perfect for my needs as I can imagine. I can absolutely imagine that a battle-worn, bloodstained version of this thing was rattling around in Hemingway's pack in Spanish bullrings and battlefields or being scribbled on in Caribbean beach bars. Kinda reminds me of Indiana Jones's hat, now that I think of it. If you're looking for some polished, embossed, impress-the-club bit of fancy to decorate your desk, this might not be your cuppa. But if you want a good-looking, simple-as-camp-coffee, go-anywhere, heavy-supple leather cover for your writing I'd recommend giving this one a try. I'll be giving these as gifts. Big thumbs up. Hope they never change.

This is a beautiful notebook. The leather is soft and supple. I like ruled paper, so the notebook included with the purchase is fine by me. I journal daily and this notebook makes it a pleasure to do so. By the way if you are wondering about using a fountain pen with this notebook's paper, it should be fine. I write with a fine point fountain pen with black ink and there is not bleed through on the pages. PS. I know I will be using this journal constantly so I ordered three refills for it right away. Highly recommended.

I love love this journal. It smells wonderful and the lines on the pages are perfectly spaced out to write. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I am soo soo happy I bought this one. I had looked at others but didn’t want a bulky journal. This one is perfect. I love the leather so much I wish they made a jacket for bibles. I’d be the first to buy it. Excellent product.

This notebook has its pros and cons.Pros:The leather work seems quite nice. My wife asked me where I found that old thing. I took that as a compliment.I like the design. Wrap the main leather around first then secure it with the wrap and thread the tie. A ritual that's part of writing whatever deserves to be writ. Rituals build character.The leather is thick enough to keep its shape vs some others that are far too "floppy".The paper in the included notebook is heavy enough that with the fountain pens that I use there is very minimal shadowing and no bleed through.Cons:Other than the thick paper I don't care for the included notebook at all. That's ignoring that the tanning oils soaked and stained the covers.I do not like or want lined paper - I much prefer dots as do a lot of other "writers". Also the lines on this notebook are very bold. Kindergarten bold.I do not like or want white paper. The high end notebook makers understand this but this wasn't a high end price either.The paper is rather rough even with a normally smooth nib.It's missing things I've become accustomed to like pre-numbered pages, front index, etc.The sellers statement that "any A5 journal refill will fit" may be true BUT if those refills are not about the same thickness and cover dimensions as they supply as original equipment things go down hill. I have an inordinate number of A5 refills and most are only 30 sheets that look rather lost in such a large cover. Thicker versions are available but sadly enough greatly resemble what Abundance Gifts supplies down to and including the stupid lines.For now I've inserted a "Scribbles That Matter" journal in the leather cover. Unfortunately it has a hard cover which make for a very tight fit. This presents a new problem as it will not flatten when in use. With the provided insert the lying flat happens because one or both covers are free to slide in the leather. When it fits tightly the leather folds under the insert. But since it gets all wrapped up when not in use I've decided that temporarily I'll allow the right side to go free and avoid this problem. Meanwhile I've got a piece of masonite slightly longer than the height of the journal I'm using and I'm certain that slowly but surely the leather strap will stretch enough - it only needs to go about 1/8" of an inch.In fairness to Abundance Gifts they delivered what they advertised so I'll offer up three stars.Update: The fine folks at Amazon delivered unto me a Rhodia Goal Book containing 224 numbered pages of dotted, ivory colored, 90 gsm Clairefontaine paper. It includes a table of contents in front (six pages worth) and some calendar stuff if you're into the BUJO thing. The paper is spectacularly silky smooth PLUS it's soft covered so it slips right into this leather holder. Lies perfectly flat. The Goal Book is not cheap with prices ranging from $30+ down to the $21.16 that I paid here at Amazon. I'm going to order another of these Abundance Gift notebooks just to get the leather cover. In my opinion it's the best designed and executed holder for a true A5 journal. I still don't like the paper but I'll use it for my daily to-do list and up my rating to four stars.

The journal arrived promptly and in perfect condition. It’s a gift, so I didn’t open it, but did inspect it as best I could through the bag. It looks quite nice. In fact, my wife & I liked the look so much that we decided to order another one for another gift. Also, a nice touch was that the seller contacted me to insure that everything was ok with my order. I know many companies do this, but usually it’s a form e-mail. Although this likely was too, it felt more personal that the e-mails I usually get.