About a year ago I stumbled upon a company that makes manly products with an "old world" quality and feel about them. Saddleback Leather Co. is a great company, owned and operated by awesome people! I love the stories to be found on their website, especially the tribute to Blue. If you have looked at their website, you will understand why I immediately fell in love with their stuff. I wanted one of everything the moment I explored their site.
Well, the wait is over! I finally found myself able to purchase one of their beautiful pieces (graduation money) and went with the Medium Moleskine Cover in Dark Coffee Brown. Below are some pictures to give you an idea of what the product looks like after a week or two of generous use - I think it is absolutely beautiful! The beauty marks this thing has picked up already are amazing!!! I can't wait for years of use to set in. After all, Dave says that your leather is the ugliest it will ever be the moment you get it.
The front of the cover, closed
The back of the cover. Notice the cutout for the Moleskine strap.
The marine grade thread is SUPER tough! I really like the look of this journal cover...notice the scratches in the up close pictures here - beauty marks :)
Simple and elegant logo:
The inside of the front flap, the Moleskine simply slides in here. It is a good and snug fit.
The tribute to "Blue"
The cover is made of full grain leather (boot leather) that is fully tanned and lined with pigskin. This thing is so tough that they have a no questions asked 100 year warranty!
You can see the contrast between the supple full grain leather and the pigskin lining.
I LOVE the look of the worn in spine. Also, my Lamy Safari fountain pen has snuck in this picture. It's an awesome option if you are interested in writing with a fountain pen.
Officially, there are 2 ways in which you can store your pen with the cover. The first is pictured below, which is the way that I store my fountain pen. I use the elastic strap as intended and simply slide the pen underneath it on top of the journal.
The second option is to diagonally wrap the elastic band across the journal and slide the pen beside the pages of the Moleskine. There is a "shelf" (as Dave calls it) that is a little wider than the Moleskine, in order to store the pen this way.
All in all, I would 100% recommend Saddleback Leather products. I have no affiliation with the company, other than being a happy customer. These products are amazing. If you like the smell of genuine leather and the idea of having a product that will outlast you, check out Saddleback Leather Company.
