Galen Leather A5 Leuchtturm 1917 Notebook Folio

Those kraft paper boxes from Galen Leather are always so enticing. Inside, there is always some wonderfully constructed leather case to cradle a notebook or piece of technology. Or both. So when this box arrived, I couldn’t wait to lift the cover and see what was inside.

Squeee!!!! I already own a 3-pen case made from the Crazy Horse leather that I have carried everyday since I got it but have been wanting to try their green Crazy Horse leather for some time. The A5 Leuchtturm 1917 notebook folio ($119) is the perfect companion to my pen case. Oh, the green leather is stunning. And the crazy horse leather is pre-destressed which means you don’t have to worry about scratching it or scuffing it. That first scratch is already on the material.

The leather is solid but supple. The case will provide a firm writing surface and protect your notebook and associated ephemera while the leather is also pleasing to the touch and flexible.

Inside the case, on the lefthand side are slots for business cards or credit cards, secretary pockets for papers, larger loops for cords and larger tools, a key ring and a removable 4-pen loop board. The slot on the right for the A5 notebook is split at the top make putting a hardcover in easier. The interior material is a microsuede but the pockets on the left are leather. There are even leather patches on the elastics built into the case.

When the pen loop board is moved, there are more spaces on the interior for squirreling paper ephemera. I couldn’t wait to try loading it up with some of my goods. Since elastic is the one element most likely to wear out faster than anything else in this case, I’m glad that the pen board is removable. I hope that Galen Leather will offer replacement boards in the future (or board repair) since the case will probably far outlast the pen board.

Without the pen board, I used the top slots to hold two pens. The slots are a bit a loose but if the pens have clips, they can be clipped to the elastics. Then the inner pocket on the left can be used to hold a notepad.

With the pen board filled, and even more pens in the additional slots, including a Wacom Pen and the cable, I have the case filled to capacity. In the secretary pocket, I put my Traveler’s Notebook-sized Ink Journal and the notebook is my Ink Journal Tomoe River Endless Recorder.

The more I think about this case, the more ways I can think to put the pockets to use. I think, without the writing board, a phone will probably fit in the front pocket.  That would make this a great case for meetings and conferences. Load it with a notebook, biz cards, your phone, a pen and pencil, some 3×5″s and maybe tuck your bank card/hotel card and a few dollars in here and you would be set for a whole day of seminars, meetings, etc.

I haven’t used the key fob yet but I really like it. It’s a great use of leftover leather and I love that it clips into the case. For me, my car key is an enormous key/alarm pod that would not comfortably fit inside the case but I may try to utilize the fob with the clip in my bag.

With all the pens inside, I was able to zip it shut with no issues. I love the super tough zippers that Galen Leather uses on their products. I never have any issues with them sticking.

Based on my previous experience with the Crazy Horse leather pen case, I am confident that this case will soften with use making it easier to over stuff it, should the need arise. Of the cases from Galen Leather, this is probably my favorite thus far.

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DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by Galen Leather for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.