When we think of “notebook systems,” our thoughts immediately jump to the Traveler’s Notebook or something like a Filofax or a Plotter, but the truth is that there are many different systems out there with different levels of complexity. One of the most straightforward for those who prefer their core module to be a standard notebook without a lot of formatting is the Midori MD system/series. We recently built out our Midori MD offerings to include not just the standard MD and MD Light Notebooks, but the Midori series of covers as well as accessories such as sticky notes and notebook dividers.

Undyed natural leather after a few years (and this is relatively clean). Note: This is not a Midori-brand leather cover, but is made from similar undyed leather and provides a indication of how the Midori leather covers will age. Size shown is B6 slim.

Last week, we added several additional MD notebook covers in Midori’s signature goat leather, a soft undyed leather that will develop its own unique texture and patina over time depending on how you use it. (This cover is SUPPOSED to get dirty and ink stained!) We stock these covers in sizes that include B6 Slim, A6, A5, and A4, and recently added a vertical A5 leather sleeve (shown at top), which allows you to carry notebooks up to size A5 in the center pouch and writing instruments and other accessories in the front pockets. For those who prefer something other than leather, we stock Midori covers made from a heavy duty Japanese paper, which will last a long time and age and patina in a somewhat similar manner, as well as standard PVC plastic sleeves.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands sold.

Up until a couple of years ago, I used to be fastidious about keeping my gear clean and free from marks, tears, scuffs, etc. For example, if a pristine leather notebook cover, briefcase, or pen somehow got a ding or scratch on it, I literally couldn’t carry it anymore because all I could do was “see the damage.” This hang-up obviously hampered my enjoyment of the hobby, especially since I’m a “user” as opposed to a collector. What pen or bag, or notebook - if it’s actually used for its intended purpose - isn’t going to receive the inevitable battle scars?

Note the difference between my relatively new Galen Leather 12 slot Hard Pen Case and this years-old Nanami Paper Cafe Note Gfeller leather cover.

So how did I get over this issue? I started collecting and using natural undyed leather. How did this help? Because the scratches, stains, dirt, and signs of wear are features, not defects, given that it’s literally impossible to keep this leather clean, and that’s the whole point. If you want to use the product at all, you have to get over it getting dirty, really fast.

Natural Undyed Leather Ink Splats — Once upon a time these black ink spots and the grey halo around the edges of the notebook cover would have driven me crazy.

Natural leather changes color over the years and months you use it. Even the oil on your hands will cause it to change color and develop the signature grey-bronze patina, and if you’re lucky you’ll also accumulate a few ink blotches and splashes along the way. While it may be hard at first to watch that pristine surface gradually disappear, I found that my hesitancy to truly “use” my other products vanished along with it. Case in point: check out these pics of this old Baron Fig wallet (which used to be “grey”).

These days, I’ve largely moved on from black and dark brown, and actually appreciate leathers in lighter finishes such as tan, natural undyed, and even grey and yellow, specifically for the patina they accumulate over time. Fortunately, natural leather notebook covers, portfolios, and pen cases are fairly easy to come by. In addition to the Galen Leather product line, Nanami Paper carries undyed Gfeller leather covers for their “Seven Seas” and “Cafe Note” series, and of course there’s the classic Midori MD natural goat leather covers that we sell in our own shop. To me, nothing is more satisfying than showcasing a well-made, well-worn, yet still-perfectly-functional piece of gear that bears your own signature finish, made unique by your own years of use!

Other than the Galen Leather Hard Pen Case, which I received from my friends at Vanness Pens, I purchased all products featured in this post with my own funds. This post does not contain third-party affiliate links. T.G.S. is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!