I was disappointed :( after reading all of the Wonderful reviews I feel this Journal is �OVER RATED� The outer leather is BEAUTIFUL and the pages nice, big and thick. That is why I gave it 3 Stars BUT it fell short of 5 because the lock is useless! It�s hard to put in the hole, once it�s locked, you can TOTALLY look at the pages and read written entries. So where is the privacy and what�s the use for the lock??? The pages look unsecured in how they are held together, my 1st page is dirty looking and has marks and bleeding from the leather. The binder inside between the group of pages looks dirty also in the very back. My excitement level totally took a huge plung after examining this journal :(

This journal is beautiful and I love the hand-sewn bindings on the pages. The paper is high quality & I like that it�s unlined so you can sketch, as well as write. The lock is secure & attractive. I am giving it to my 17 year old granddaughter who is also an artist. I am sure she will love it! This is definitely a beautiful, quality gift!

I absolutely LOVE this journal, diary, or whatever. I am an artist so will use this for drawing and adding personal private notes. I solved the problem of being able to look at the writing by taking a 300 lb piece of watercolor paper and folding it over and around the leaves. Of course someone could remove it, but it would be obvious. Also, I don�t store it in an easily noticeable spot. I love how flat it lays. The paper is organic looking but very smooth. Exceptional product which zi will buy again. I will not refill it. I will buy another and keep this forever. I put one lock on my key ring but another on a different location.

I love it! It's bigger than expected. I read the dimensions but didn't take the time visualize them... Regardless, it is beautiful and looks as expected. The paper feels and looks like recycled paper but it is very smooth and the pen glides easily over the paper. I wish the lock were more ornate to match the look of the notebook but you can always order that separately....or the seller can look into doing that because I believe it would convince more people to buy it instead of looking for alternatives. Frankly, I did but decided to go with this one since it could theoretically be replaced and the design itself is beautiful. I'm glad I did. I am using it daily so I look forward to getting this notebook again in all the other colors. P.S. since the pages are so big I decided to write with the pages in the horizontal/landscape position and simply write in three columns. you could also write in two but with three you don't have to move your wrist as much as you write. Get it, you won't regret it.

when I was looking at the comments for one stare I was not sure what I would get. But what I got was what the pic was. it was perfect every thing in the picture. the only things that are bad are the keys are so unique if you lose them you can't open the lock. and the pages are bleach whight so they do not look old but still I would rate it a 5 out of 5. you should definitely get it. if you want something good to draw and keep your thoughts.