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10 Best Leather Sketchbooks 2025 in the United States

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#1

Winner

RETTACY Blank Journal Notebook 2-Pack - A5 Sketch Book with 192 Pages per Pack, for Sketching, Drawing, 68 LB/100 GSM Premium Acid-Free Paper, Leather Hardcover, 5.75'' × 8.38'' (Black & Brown)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,223
Paper Quality
Size
Leather Type

Most important from
10765 reviews

Paper Quality
Compared to Moleskine, Rhodia, and Midori, the RETTACY journal offers excellent quality for the price, with thick, smooth paper that handles fountain pen ink without smearing or ghosting.
Size
Compact size and sturdy cover make it portable and convenient, easily fitting into bags or backpacks without adding bulk.
Leather Type
The brown journal has held up perfectly over two years, with only minor wear and tear, making it a reliable and durable choice.
Number of Pages
Generous page count provides ample space for self-reflection, allowing users to explore emotions, set goals, and document personal growth.
Cover Design
The journal is beautifully crafted with high-quality materials, adding an elegant touch and ensuring durability.

The RETTACY Blank Journal Notebook is a versatile choice for anyone who enjoys sketching, drawing, or writing. With a medium A5 size (5.7'' × 8.3'') and a total of 384 pages across two packs, it offers ample space for your creative needs. One of its standout features is the 100 GSM acid-free paper, which is thick and sturdy, ensuring that your sketches and notes won't bleed through or fade over time. This makes it suitable for use with various writing and drawing tools, including pens, pencils, and markers.

The leather hardcover, available in black and brown, adds a touch of elegance and durability, protecting your entries and making the notebook a cherished keepsake. The faux leather material offers a smooth texture, though some users might prefer genuine leather for a more premium feel. The notebook also includes practical features such as an elastic closure band, a pen holder, two ribbon bookmarks, an inner pocket, and drawing stencils, enhancing its functionality and convenience.

However, the thickness of the notebook (0.67 inches) might make it a bit bulky for some users to carry around daily. Additionally, while the faux leather cover is durable, it might not age as gracefully as genuine leather over time. Despite these minor drawbacks, the RETTACY Blank Journal Notebook remains a reliable and popular option in the market for sketchbooks and journals.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,223
Paper Quality
Size
Leather Type

Most important from
10765 reviews

Paper Quality
Compared to Moleskine, Rhodia, and Midori, the RETTACY journal offers excellent quality for the price, with thick, smooth paper that handles fountain pen ink without smearing or ghosting.
Size
Compact size and sturdy cover make it portable and convenient, easily fitting into bags or backpacks without adding bulk.
Leather Type
The brown journal has held up perfectly over two years, with only minor wear and tear, making it a reliable and durable choice.
Number of Pages
Generous page count provides ample space for self-reflection, allowing users to explore emotions, set goals, and document personal growth.
Cover Design
The journal is beautifully crafted with high-quality materials, adding an elegant touch and ensuring durability.
#2

Vintage Leather Journal Lined Pages with Key - Antique Handmade Deckle Edge Vintage Paper Leather Bound Journal - Book of Shadows Journal - Leather Sketchbook - Drawing Journal - Great Gift

Rating
9.8
Paper Quality
Size
Leather Type

Most important from
1913 reviews

Paper Quality
The pages are thick and perfectly lined, providing an excellent writing experience.
Size
The journal's size is perfect for those who appreciate a substantial writing canvas.
Leather Type
The leather is soft and smells amazing, making the journal a pleasure to handle.
Cover Design
This journal looks like something that came out of an adventure fiction novel, with its mystical and ancient appearance.

The Vintage Leather Journal by NomadCraftsCo is a beautifully designed leather sketchbook that has several appealing features. It is handmade with 240 lined pages that mimic antique paper, giving it a unique and vintage appearance. The journal measures 8.25 x 11.5 inches, providing a large canvas for writing or drawing. The binding is strong and sturdy, stitched by artisans to ensure durability, and it comes with a leather wraparound and a decorative key for added security and style.

The distressed leather cover enhances its rustic charm, making it a keepsake item that can serve as a thoughtful gift for friends or family who appreciate vintage aesthetics or have an interest in the medieval style. Additionally, the manufacturer offers a 365-day replacement guarantee, which adds confidence in its durability and quality.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The journal is quite large and heavy (2.38 pounds), which might not be ideal for carrying around daily. The antique-style paper, although visually appealing, might not suit everyone's writing preference, especially for those who prefer smoother, modern paper. Despite these points, the versatility in pen use and the robust design make it a great option for those looking for an elegant and durable journal.

Rating
9.8
Paper Quality
Size
Leather Type

Most important from
1913 reviews

Paper Quality
The pages are thick and perfectly lined, providing an excellent writing experience.
Size
The journal's size is perfect for those who appreciate a substantial writing canvas.
Leather Type
The leather is soft and smells amazing, making the journal a pleasure to handle.
Cover Design
This journal looks like something that came out of an adventure fiction novel, with its mystical and ancient appearance.

Buying Guide for the Best Leather Sketchbooks

Choosing the right leather sketchbook can greatly enhance your drawing and sketching experience. Leather sketchbooks are not only durable and stylish but also provide a unique feel and aesthetic that many artists appreciate. When selecting a leather sketchbook, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here are the main factors to consider:
Paper QualityPaper quality is crucial because it affects how your drawings will look and how well the paper will hold up over time. High-quality paper is usually thicker and has a smoother surface, which is ideal for detailed work and various mediums like pencils, ink, and watercolors. Lower quality paper might be thinner and more prone to bleeding and tearing. If you use heavy mediums like markers or watercolors, opt for thicker paper (above 120 gsm). For pencil sketches, a medium thickness (around 80-100 gsm) should suffice.
SizeThe size of the sketchbook determines how portable it is and how much space you have for your artwork. Common sizes include A4, A5, and A6. A4 is larger and provides more space for detailed work, but it's less portable. A5 is a good middle ground, offering a balance between space and portability. A6 is very portable and great for quick sketches on the go, but it might be too small for detailed work. Choose a size based on where you plan to use the sketchbook and how detailed your sketches are.
BindingThe binding of a sketchbook affects its durability and how easily you can work on each page. Common types include spiral, stitched, and glued bindings. Spiral bindings allow the book to lay flat and are easy to flip through, but they might not be as durable. Stitched bindings are more durable and can also lay flat, but they might be harder to find. Glued bindings are less durable and might not lay flat, making them less ideal for sketching. If you need a durable and easy-to-use sketchbook, stitched or spiral bindings are usually the best options.
Leather TypeThe type of leather used for the cover can affect the look, feel, and durability of the sketchbook. Full-grain leather is the highest quality and most durable, developing a beautiful patina over time. Top-grain leather is slightly less durable but still high quality and more affordable. Genuine leather is the lowest quality and least durable but still offers a leather feel. If you want a sketchbook that will last and look better with age, opt for full-grain or top-grain leather. Genuine leather is a good option if you're looking for something more affordable.
Number of PagesThe number of pages in a sketchbook determines how long it will last before you need a new one. More pages mean you can use the sketchbook for a longer time, but it also makes the book thicker and heavier. Fewer pages make the sketchbook lighter and more portable but mean you'll need to replace it sooner. If you sketch frequently and want a long-lasting option, choose a sketchbook with more pages (around 100-200). For occasional sketching or a more portable option, fewer pages (50-100) might be better.
Cover DesignThe cover design of a leather sketchbook can be a matter of personal preference, but it also affects the book's durability and how it feels to use. Some covers are plain and simple, while others have intricate designs or embossing. A plain cover might be more versatile and professional-looking, while a designed cover can be more personal and inspiring. Consider how the cover design fits with your personal style and how you plan to use the sketchbook. A durable cover is also important if you plan to carry the sketchbook around frequently.

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