Hey! I got the exact same one directly from Galen Leather and it looks like yours colorwise. I agree about the warping making me crazy. I now mainly use it unclosed to carry my journal and pens from one room to another, but that is not the point of buying a portfolio, right? Oh my, I will try closing it and carry it with me for a while and see if the material gets a bit softer or something, so that it doesn't warp that much, but as you, I am a little concerned about the zipper ripping out. My 80-year-old father said that back in his days they made leather shoes go softer and wider by peeing on them, but I don't feel like this is an option I want to take, haha! 😀
Hey thanks for stopping by and for your comment! Good to know about the color consistency and variation. Just out of curiosity were you expecting a darker color based on the Galen Leather website product photos on the Honey Ochre? I love the portfolio and I think it's so close to being perfect at this price point. I agree with you on the portfolio use and wanting to actually use it as a portfolio and not just open pen storage from one location to another. Whether my subjectivity on lessening the warping by turning the pen clips actually works or not, I think I've come to live with the warping. I've put it through the ringer on purpose since this review to see if the zipper or stitching will burst, but so far it's actually held. I think the leather has softened a little but I don't know if that is just wishful thinking on my part. Your father's suggestion is a first me, although like you I'm not inclined to try it! lol
Hi @citizenslaps. Thanks for stopping by. It's been just about a year now with this portfolio and yes I'm debating now oiling it to get the richer colour (and also hide some of the ink stains). Thanks for the suggestion. Have a great day!
HI Marie, thanks for stopping by and for the kind feedback. Yes this was my first video. I should probably update the thumbnail. Thanks for joining me on my stationery journey. Warm wishes and have a wonderful day!
Thanks for the review! I have several Galen Slim Covers in various sizes and colours. The Crazy Horse Brown is quite an orange brown in my opinion and the Crazy Horse Tan is more of a true brown. Both (as well as the Crazy Horse Green) can really vary in colour from piece to piece in my experience, as is the nature of leather. I don’t have anything in the colour you have, but I would guess it varies too. The warping and damage to my notebook would drive me mad - I knew I stuck to the slim covers for a reason! I’m also a lefty and the way I write means the zipper just wouldn’t work for me. I do like you little ink marks you’ve acquired that give your notebook character.
Thanks for stopping by Meghan and the info on the color variations. I'm still torn on the portfolio nicking my notebook. As you say, I'm justifying it with calling it 'character'. It was nice to carry so many Knick knacks on a recent camping trip. The zipper scuffing my wrist drove me nuts at times... I concur. I have a slim cover from Popov Leather which I really love (my wife did too and now she's the proud owner of it). I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Galen Leather Slim. It sounds like you're a fan!
@@StationeryAt4 Oh, man! I haven't looked at the Popov Leather notebook covers in quite awhile. I think they used to only have the Field Notes size. The thought of having a Horween leather cover for my A6 Hobonichi is very tempting. The front pockets look useful but not too obtrusive. Hmmmm.
Such a great review, thanks for sharing! I'm considering getting one because I like the idea of having everything in place that you can grab and go for a portable desk.
I found the same issue re pens so lucky I love Kaweco pens which are smaller and leads to less bunching when closing Glad to hear Wonder pens are selling them I bit the bullet on shipping and ordered it from Turkey
I have all the same complaints as you on the folio and I used to turn the clips to the side as well. From a durability perspective it is quite durable, it was my main project notebook for a couple of years on a project where I had to travel every week and it held up to being thrown in laptop bags, other carry on bags, day to day heavy use, etc. I don’t use it anymore because I’m wfh now so no need to carry all the things together plus I prefer the leather of my sourjourner folio.
Good to know about to the Sourjourner. I'll see how my journey goes with the Galen portfolio. Somedays I love it for its transportability and other days I barely use it. Have a great day!
I got one of these in black and I use it daily. I think if I were to get another, I'd go with the Forest Green color. I love mine so much that I don't really feel the need for other covers. I was attracted to these covers because they use silver colored zippers instead of brass colored ones (I'm a major sucker for silver trim on things).
Nice! I think I'm going to have to get another darker brown one because my wife is eyeing mine... I'm partial to brass myself but truthfully it all looks good doesn't is? Thanks for stopping by!
I love my Galen Leather A5 and it’s my daily companion. Mine is green. I also bought a 40 pens case and a smaller 12 pen carrying case. I think they are great value for money. I can get my iPad mini in it as well. I put it in the book rather than under the pens. When I pull my leather case out in the meetings people are impressed. I’ve been using it for about 18 plus months. I do turn my clips to the sides on the pens. I take the book out and take notes in the meeting, and don’t see it as an issue. Love it and highly recommend it
Hi Brighton, Thanks for stopping by. I've been looking at the Green one for my wife - she loves a nice rich green. I imagine it's quite beautiful in person compared to the online pics? Neat idea on the iPad. I don't have a tablet but it never occurred to to use the folio like that. How do you like the pen cases? I've been thinking of getting some this year from Galen Leather - especially the 12 pen case. Warm wishes and have a wonderful day!
@@StationeryAt4 The 12 pen case is excellent and will cope with all but the really big pens. The flap gets caught in the corner when you zip it up, if you are not careful. I've thought about trimming it a little, but I really don't want to take a knife to the leather. I have chosen the purple one because its easier to find at the bottom of my handbag. I have just realised my two colours are green and purple, the colours of the suffragettes. The green is lovely and ages well and for my A5 it really catches attention when I open it up in a meeting with all the multi-coloured pens. I love Benu and similar and I also have more sedate pens as well.
Super helpful review, thanks! I appreciate seeing the downsides to this portfolio. I have always been hesitant to get one because in photos it seems like they tried to make it do too much. I think I that combo of notebook cover and pen storage is not for me. Having a zipper constantly grab my bookmark would also annoy me. I actually quite like the Hobonichi covers. Most of the time I don't use a pen to hold the notebook closed with what they call the "butterfly stoppers," but I don't mind them being there. Anyway, I love the leather color you received. It looks like it will darken over time, with use and exposure to sunlight. :)
Rather than thinking of it doing everything think of it as giving you options. I don’t go to a meeting without it because it neatly fits in my purse and when I pull it out, it does not set up that technology vibe that a laptop does. If I want to show something I can pull out my mini iPad, show then put it away and continue to have a conversation.
Hi @PinkPandaMiranda. Thanks for stopping by! Yes I agree. Unfortunately top bound notebooks are not my thing. That being said almost a year later with this portfolio and I've come to like how it all has settled together. Have a wonderful day - cheers!
I chose the B5 size, and ordered direct from Galen to get the colour I wanted. I should have waited for Wonderpens to have it back in stock because FedEx just makes up a brokerage fee and it cost me an extra $60! I haven't used mine much but I have it set up with a B5 pad for letter writing. But yeah, the pens have left indents on my softcover B5 Leuchtturm notebook I bought for it. I also kinda regret not getting the A5 size because almost all my notebooks are A5, and B5's are hard to come by and there aren't as many style options.
I was debating the B5 just to have the extra space but then decided it wouldn't easily fit in any of the bags I own. I had a similar experience with a Galen Leather through FEDEx on another product. Serves me right for not being patient for the restock at Wonderpens... lol. Thanks for letting me know about the B5. I was wondering of picking up the larger size in the future but I just may shy away from it for now. Cheers!
No way! Well perhaps there is promise for mine to darken over time or it just highlights the color inconsistencies in dye processing. Thanks for letting me know.
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. I did this video a couple of years ago now. It's definitely taken on a richer patina however still with a very strong yellow undertone. Sunning it as you've suggested has helped.
Thank you so much for this. I was worried how tight it would be as I use Midori Codexes. It looks like quite a bit of trouble with the vanilla A5 books. Was contemplating switching over to regular Midori a5s just to use this.
Hi Darrell, thank you! I've been eyeing the midori codex for some time but have held off for the very reason they likely won't fit into the Galen portfolio. I've seen people get hard cover leuchtturms into these portfolios and am not sure how they're doing it with out serious warping. How do you like the Codex?
@@StationeryAt4 I think they may only use the two pen loops and not use the pen holder as that juts out too much. I am in love with the codex as a standalone journal. It is just so substantial and feels really good in hand. It feels identical to two standard Midori a5s on top of one another.
Hi @captironsight. Thanks for stopping by and giving me that suggestion. It's been about a year now with this product and I'm leaning towards oiling it up. Cheers and have a great day!
This was a great review. Thank you so much. I have been eyeing the undyed so I am glad you showed the Honey Ochre. This may be a consideration.
Thank you for the kind feedback. Warm wishes and have a wonderful day!
Also I’ve been told they’ve been working on a roomier thicker version, might be coming out around April 24
Really??! The temptation begins again... haha. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day!
I have a photo of the prototype I wish I could show you.
Your video sold me on the honey ochre color. Love it! My zippered portfolio should arrive in 2-4 weeks! 🎉
Thank you. Let me know what you think when you get yours. Warm wishes and have a great day!
@@StationeryAt4 just got it and it is gorgeous! Love this color!
Excellent review of this product, I liked and subscribed right away! Can't wait for more reviews!
Glad you liked it. Thanks for the sub!
Thank you for the information. I have been looking at these for a while. I think I will purchase it due to your review.
Hi Hernan, Glad I could help and thank you for stopping by. Hope you like your new Folio! Have a wonderful day.
I really enjoyed your thorough review of this portfolio. Very thoughtful comments on the product.
Thanks Freda. Appreciate the feedback
Hey! I got the exact same one directly from Galen Leather and it looks like yours colorwise. I agree about the warping making me crazy. I now mainly use it unclosed to carry my journal and pens from one room to another, but that is not the point of buying a portfolio, right? Oh my, I will try closing it and carry it with me for a while and see if the material gets a bit softer or something, so that it doesn't warp that much, but as you, I am a little concerned about the zipper ripping out. My 80-year-old father said that back in his days they made leather shoes go softer and wider by peeing on them, but I don't feel like this is an option I want to take, haha! 😀
Hey thanks for stopping by and for your comment! Good to know about the color consistency and variation. Just out of curiosity were you expecting a darker color based on the Galen Leather website product photos on the Honey Ochre?
I love the portfolio and I think it's so close to being perfect at this price point. I agree with you on the portfolio use and wanting to actually use it as a portfolio and not just open pen storage from one location to another.
Whether my subjectivity on lessening the warping by turning the pen clips actually works or not, I think I've come to live with the warping. I've put it through the ringer on purpose since this review to see if the zipper or stitching will burst, but so far it's actually held. I think the leather has softened a little but I don't know if that is just wishful thinking on my part. Your father's suggestion is a first me, although like you I'm not inclined to try it! lol
Hey, you should oil it to make it waterproof and it will darken it. I use Obenaufs although if you use the Saffir oil, it won’t darken.
Hi @citizenslaps. Thanks for stopping by. It's been just about a year now with this portfolio and yes I'm debating now oiling it to get the richer colour (and also hide some of the ink stains). Thanks for the suggestion. Have a great day!
Really thoughtful review! I’ve been eyeing this folio and will contemplate some more. Thanks!
Thank you for the feedback and for stopping by. Have a great day!
Is this your first video? Your channel is just the right balance of relaxing & informative content. I'm catching up on all of your videos.
HI Marie, thanks for stopping by and for the kind feedback. Yes this was my first video. I should probably update the thumbnail. Thanks for joining me on my stationery journey. Warm wishes and have a wonderful day!
Thanks for the review! I have several Galen Slim Covers in various sizes and colours. The Crazy Horse Brown is quite an orange brown in my opinion and the Crazy Horse Tan is more of a true brown. Both (as well as the Crazy Horse Green) can really vary in colour from piece to piece in my experience, as is the nature of leather. I don’t have anything in the colour you have, but I would guess it varies too. The warping and damage to my notebook would drive me mad - I knew I stuck to the slim covers for a reason! I’m also a lefty and the way I write means the zipper just wouldn’t work for me. I do like you little ink marks you’ve acquired that give your notebook character.
Thanks for stopping by Meghan and the info on the color variations. I'm still torn on the portfolio nicking my notebook. As you say, I'm justifying it with calling it 'character'. It was nice to carry so many Knick knacks on a recent camping trip. The zipper scuffing my wrist drove me nuts at times... I concur.
I have a slim cover from Popov Leather which I really love (my wife did too and now she's the proud owner of it). I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Galen Leather Slim. It sounds like you're a fan!
@@StationeryAt4 Oh, man! I haven't looked at the Popov Leather notebook covers in quite awhile. I think they used to only have the Field Notes size. The thought of having a Horween leather cover for my A6 Hobonichi is very tempting. The front pockets look useful but not too obtrusive. Hmmmm.
Such a great review, thanks for sharing! I'm considering getting one because I like the idea of having everything in place that you can grab and go for a portable desk.
Glad it was helpful! It's quickly become my favorite stationery accessory.
I found the same issue re pens so lucky I love Kaweco pens which are smaller and leads to less bunching when closing Glad to hear Wonder pens are selling them I bit the bullet on shipping and ordered it from Turkey
The Kaweco pens are awesome! I just lost mine again. I tend to be rough with them 😂
Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day.
I have all the same complaints as you on the folio and I used to turn the clips to the side as well. From a durability perspective it is quite durable, it was my main project notebook for a couple of years on a project where I had to travel every week and it held up to being thrown in laptop bags, other carry on bags, day to day heavy use, etc. I don’t use it anymore because I’m wfh now so no need to carry all the things together plus I prefer the leather of my sourjourner folio.
Good to know about to the Sourjourner. I'll see how my journey goes with the Galen portfolio. Somedays I love it for its transportability and other days I barely use it. Have a great day!
I got one of these in black and I use it daily. I think if I were to get another, I'd go with the Forest Green color. I love mine so much that I don't really feel the need for other covers. I was attracted to these covers because they use silver colored zippers instead of brass colored ones (I'm a major sucker for silver trim on things).
Nice! I think I'm going to have to get another darker brown one because my wife is eyeing mine... I'm partial to brass myself but truthfully it all looks good doesn't is? Thanks for stopping by!
If you're referring to the crazy horse I have one and I love it. It gains character fast and has a beautiful patina.
I love my Galen Leather A5 and it’s my daily companion. Mine is green. I also bought a 40 pens case and a smaller 12 pen carrying case. I think they are great value for money. I can get my iPad mini in it as well. I put it in the book rather than under the pens. When I pull my leather case out in the meetings people are impressed. I’ve been using it for about 18 plus months. I do turn my clips to the sides on the pens. I take the book out and take notes in the meeting, and don’t see it as an issue. Love it and highly recommend it
Hi Brighton, Thanks for stopping by. I've been looking at the Green one for my wife - she loves a nice rich green. I imagine it's quite beautiful in person compared to the online pics? Neat idea on the iPad. I don't have a tablet but it never occurred to to use the folio like that. How do you like the pen cases? I've been thinking of getting some this year from Galen Leather - especially the 12 pen case.
Warm wishes and have a wonderful day!
@@StationeryAt4 The 12 pen case is excellent and will cope with all but the really big pens. The flap gets caught in the corner when you zip it up, if you are not careful. I've thought about trimming it a little, but I really don't want to take a knife to the leather. I have chosen the purple one because its easier to find at the bottom of my handbag. I have just realised my two colours are green and purple, the colours of the suffragettes. The green is lovely and ages well and for my A5 it really catches attention when I open it up in a meeting with all the multi-coloured pens. I love Benu and similar and I also have more sedate pens as well.
Super helpful review, thanks! I appreciate seeing the downsides to this portfolio. I have always been hesitant to get one because in photos it seems like they tried to make it do too much. I think I that combo of notebook cover and pen storage is not for me. Having a zipper constantly grab my bookmark would also annoy me. I actually quite like the Hobonichi covers. Most of the time I don't use a pen to hold the notebook closed with what they call the "butterfly stoppers," but I don't mind them being there. Anyway, I love the leather color you received. It looks like it will darken over time, with use and exposure to sunlight. :)
Thank you for sharing! I'll have to check out the Hobonichi covers. Have a lovely day!
Rather than thinking of it doing everything think of it as giving you options. I don’t go to a meeting without it because it neatly fits in my purse and when I pull it out, it does not set up that technology vibe that a laptop does. If I want to show something I can pull out my mini iPad, show then put it away and continue to have a conversation.
I think top bound notebooks definitely help with making it easier to use
Hi @PinkPandaMiranda. Thanks for stopping by! Yes I agree. Unfortunately top bound notebooks are not my thing. That being said almost a year later with this portfolio and I've come to like how it all has settled together.
Have a wonderful day - cheers!
I chose the B5 size, and ordered direct from Galen to get the colour I wanted. I should have waited for Wonderpens to have it back in stock because FedEx just makes up a brokerage fee and it cost me an extra $60! I haven't used mine much but I have it set up with a B5 pad for letter writing. But yeah, the pens have left indents on my softcover B5 Leuchtturm notebook I bought for it. I also kinda regret not getting the A5 size because almost all my notebooks are A5, and B5's are hard to come by and there aren't as many style options.
I was debating the B5 just to have the extra space but then decided it wouldn't easily fit in any of the bags I own. I had a similar experience with a Galen Leather through FEDEx on another product. Serves me right for not being patient for the restock at Wonderpens... lol. Thanks for letting me know about the B5. I was wondering of picking up the larger size in the future but I just may shy away from it for now.
Cheers!
That's interesting... I got a notebook cover in honey orchard dye directly from galen leather and it is quite dark. It's almost brown I'd say.
No way! Well perhaps there is promise for mine to darken over time or it just highlights the color inconsistencies in dye processing. Thanks for letting me know.
I could be wrong but I think I’ve heard that you can lay it in the sun and it might darken some.
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. I did this video a couple of years ago now. It's definitely taken on a richer patina however still with a very strong yellow undertone. Sunning it as you've suggested has helped.
Thank you so much for this. I was worried how tight it would be as I use Midori Codexes. It looks like quite a bit of trouble with the vanilla A5 books. Was contemplating switching over to regular Midori a5s just to use this.
Hi Darrell, thank you! I've been eyeing the midori codex for some time but have held off for the very reason they likely won't fit into the Galen portfolio. I've seen people get hard cover leuchtturms into these portfolios and am not sure how they're doing it with out serious warping. How do you like the Codex?
@@StationeryAt4 I think they may only use the two pen loops and not use the pen holder as that juts out too much. I am in love with the codex as a standalone journal. It is just so substantial and feels really good in hand. It feels identical to two standard Midori a5s on top of one another.
I use clairefontaine A5s. Works for me.
Slap some mink oil on it and I guarantee it will look darker.
Hi @captironsight. Thanks for stopping by and giving me that suggestion. It's been about a year now with this product and I'm leaning towards oiling it up. Cheers and have a great day!