It's no secret, I'm a paper and journal freak.

When I find a certain paper or pen, I buy in bulk. There is something special about handwriting notes. Don't get me wrong; I'm a digital Queen with love for technology. But when it comes to writing, I like to take my time and feel the drag of a good pen across great paper. 

Normally, I'm more about the pen and paper and less about the binding or the journal itself. Heck, I spend a lot of time outdoors and write wherever I am. Small note journals in my Jeep have grease smudges on them. My daily Evernote Journal has coffee rings and ink smudges. It's always about the paper and the pen. It matters. 

A few weeks ago I heard that one of my employees at ICD High Performance Coatings was taking a hobby to a new level. Kati Kavanagh is her name; everyone just calls her "Kav." She makes handmade leather journals in a rustic yet classic style. Once I saw her website, I had to give one a try. SoJo Leather Company.

Boasting high paper quality, I ordered one. A journal turned into three. I really couldn't decide on size or leather color. The paper SoJo uses is on the mark as being quality, testing my staple Lamy fountain pen felt great. Just the right amount of drag with minimal ink bleed. 

I am not usually one to like a leather journal, but these covers are soft and substantial. Each comes with different and well-working leather strap wraps. SoJo offers a beautiful hand and CNC burned artwork as well. The smaller of the three I acquired has nothing on the cover, just a great flap with brass snap. Its purpose will be to sit in my Jeep glovebox for keeping track of service notes.

The second I ordered is a medium size with one of my favorite John Muir quotes hand burned into the leather.

SoJo delivered my journals in perfect wrapping and branding, parchment paper and string. My third journal is the biggest they offer, although I'm sure they will custom make anything you wish, with one of my favorite "Fast 'n Curious" logos. The racing fox logo.

Kav has since left my employ to make a go in this venture of love and creativity. I wish her luck, and I'm happy to see the entrepreneurial spirit in her.

There truly is something special about leather, the way it weathers and smells brings back lots of memories for many people. These journals are special, handmade and packed full of great paper. For off-roading and overlanding, we need something durable to go on our adventures. You are writing down your adventures, aren't you? If not, start today. Find a great pen and get a journal from these folks. 

Website: http://www.sojoleatherco.com/