Large Genuine Leather Legacy Journal/Sketchbook with Gift Box - 380 Pages - 9" x 12" - Rich Dark Brown

I just received my journal today. It has that hand-made, craftsman look, but is good quality work. First off, the gift box it comes in is very nice, and features thick cardboard to protect your journal. The leather that is used is a bit more than 1/16" of an inch, feels good, and has a nice, but not overwhelming, leather smell. A small Rustic Ridge logo is embedded into the leather on the back. The color is nice, and you can see slight signs of the 'grain.' The wrap-around tie is about twice as thick as the leather, and wraps around the volume twice. The paper is also very rustic, and isn't very smooth. I have a lot of experience with paper over the years, and even though I haven't tried it (as I don't want to use it yet), this paper may bleed a bit with a marker or fountain pen. In addition, I would be worried that cotton fibers may come off the paper and clog up the nib of a fountain pen. A pencil will probably wear down quicker because of the abrasiveness of the surface. Though, with the creme color, it is probably too dark for a pencil. A ballpoint pen works fine with this surface. This journal, in the 9 X 12 size, has a wow-factor and is distinctive. My only concern is the (basically) string stitching holding the 5 signatures together (it's 2" thick at the 'spine'). It's not very robust. I feel like I'll have to baby it. Therefore, if you're going to carry it around, you need to be mindful that it is the weakest link of the book. I would keep it in the box if you can. If you intend on using it to record something for posterity, know that this string will deteriorate, as it does in hardback books, over time. The acid-free paper should hold-up well and not yellow. So, after you're done writing it it, I would put it in a Ziploc bag to keep it out of the air (and maybe bugs, if it's in your attic) and help preserve it. Overall, this is a nice product, and has a good presentation- I do recommend it.

You can choose to believe the all hype from all the glowing reviews from other users, but if you do not, know this: The customer service from this company is quite excellent.This product originally arrived with some very minor issues. Issues that were unforeseeable, and possibly impossible to prevent. I was on the fence about how I felt about it because of it. I was not sure if I should take the time and effort to even write a mail out to the seller to describe it - it was that minor. In the end, I decided I would just live with it. Rustic Ridge contacted me instead! I decided to write them, and tell them about the situation, not really expecting anything - after all, I decided I could live with it. Boy, was I surprised! The issues were definitely NOT standard to the product! These journals are made from genuine leather, and thick quality paper (I finally took a razor to one, scraped and discovered there was more than one layer) so each item will most likely not look the same - as each have their own character marks (this wasn't my issue). So it is only normal to consider that there may be other minor issues that come up (I doubt that the issue I experienced is likely to occur again).This product is exclusive to the Rustic Ridge company (their unobtrusive logo is imprinted on the rear center bottom of the back of the leather journal), and while you may find similar journals out there, I doubt you will be able to find a journal as sturdy and well reviewed as this one in this size and material.My experience with the Rustic Ridge company:Suffice it to say that my expectations of how the company would resolve my issues were well exceeded! Their representative, Liz, sent me a prompt response and resolution that took my time and situation into consideration. A resolution that was no-nonsense, no hassle, and just plain... correct. This is the way that all companies should do business, and I would not hesitate to buy from them again. They simply care about their customers. Personally, I feel that they should just print out what their standard business practices are, as they are already doing it - (and would simply get much more volume from potential buyers when they are assured of it in print). But, that is just my own opinion.Hope this helps.Will post updates if any more points arise.

Well formed and crafted…ready to fill with Wonders, Wonderfully. ;)