Disclaimer: some of the links on Journaling Now are affiliate links.
If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps keep the blog running!
The Komal’s Passion Leather Journal is not like the others. I can’t say for sure how true the “handmade” claim is, but it certainly gives you that feeling. It feels like you’re holding something special.
I bought this journal almost two years ago, taking it with me in backpacks and luggage on trips and walks, and apart from the normal wear and tear you’d expect, it has held up perfectly over time.
I’m an avid fountain pen user, and I purchased this journal primarily for that reason, and the thick paper allows me to indulge in my writing without any worries. Of course, you can faintly see the previous page, but there’s no bleed-through, which was a huge relief.
Obviously, for mixed media, watercolors, and any other tools that make the pages very wet, a regular journal will never be enough, and you’ll need to get a specific notebook that can handle watercolors.
That said, I love this journal. It’s sturdy, the paper is of high quality, and the way it’s bound allows you to open it 180 degrees without forcing the spine, which is always a plus. Moreover, it’s not expensive at all—in fact, it’s very affordable.
It’s perfect for a beginner journaler or an experienced one who’s looking for something with a different vibe.
Honestly, I had to try hard to find any “cons” in this case.
3 pros:
- Stunning Design: I love the embossed double dragon adds and the feeling of holding an “antique” journal in my hands.
- Durable: As I mentioned, after nearly two years of use, the journal hasn’t missed a beat—the cover is still pristine, and the shape is perfect.
- Tick Paper – 125 gsm: The paper is solid, durable, and fountain pen-friendly. Even with my Pentel liquid gel 0.7 and other heavy ink-flow pens, I’ve never had any issues. If the ink is very wet, you might see a bit of feathering, but personally, it has never ruined my experience.
3 cons:
- Unusual: It doesn’t have a bookmark, an elastic band, a pocket on the final page or any other features that typical entry-level journals usually have. If you’re looking for a traditional notebook, this might not be the journal for you.
- Unlined Pages: It’s a blank-page journal, like all the others in the series. Personally, I prefer blank pages, but if you’re looking for a dotted or lined notebook, unfortunately, this isn’t the journal for you.
- The clasp is a bit shaky: The metal side clasp (also vintage and very cute) isn’t “tight”—it’s not a lock, and it often opens. It’s never been an issue for me, but if you’re considering this journal and it’s important for you that it stays securely closed, you might want to add an elastic band.
Alright, we’ve reached the end!
If I’ve piqued your interest, you can find Komal’s Passion Leather Journal at the Amazon link below!
Let me know if you decide to purchase it and if you liked it.
And if you want to explore the rest of the series, you can check it out at this link.