A leather journal is more than a notebook — it’s a companion for writing, planning, sketching, and recording your daily life. Choosing the right size and style is essential, especially when selecting a handcrafted A5 or A6 leather journal cover that you’ll carry and use for years.
Whether you journal every day, travel with your notebook, or prefer a compact EDC setup, this guide will help you choose the perfect leather journal based on size, craftsmanship, and your lifestyle — all while showcasing the full-grain Pueblo, Crazy Horse, and Tochigi leathers we use at Craft & Antler Co.
Why Choosing the Right Leather Journal Matters
A well-made leather journal cover protects your notebook, improves your writing experience, and lasts for decades. Full-grain leather ages beautifully, softens with use, and develops a rich patina that reflects your life’s story.
Choosing the right journal also affects:
- how portable your setup is
- how much writing space you have
- how easy it is to refill
- how it feels in daily use
If you’re choosing between A5 and A6 journal covers, this guide breaks everything down clearly.
To explore our full range, browse our handcrafted leather journals.
A5 vs A6 Leather Journals — Which One Is Best?
Both A5 and A6 are popular sizes, but they serve very different purposes. Here’s how to choose the right one.
A5 Leather Journals — The Most Popular All-Round Size
A5 journals (148 × 210 mm) are ideal for anyone who needs a good balance of space, structure, and portability. They’re large enough for comfortable writing, yet compact enough to fit into bags and backpacks.
Best For:
- daily journaling
- long-form writing
- planners & notebooks
- work meetings
- students & professionals
Why Choose A5:
- generous writing surface
- fits most notebook brands
- easier to organize notes
- comfortable for both desk and on-the-go use
Explore our A5 leather journals.
A6 Leather Journals — Compact, Minimal & Travel-Friendly
A6 journals (105 × 148 mm) are perfect for those who value portability. They’re pocket-sized, lightweight, and perfect for quick notes or travel.
Best For:
- everyday carry (EDC)
- travel journaling
- minimalists
- quick notes on the go
- writers who like portable tools
Why Choose A6:
- ultra-portable
- fits in jacket pockets, pouches, and handbags
- great for lists, sketches, field notes
- perfect companion for travel days
Explore our A6 leather journals.
Choosing the Right Leather for Your Journal
We craft all our journal covers from premium full-grain leathers that age beautifully and last a lifetime. Each leather offers a different feel, texture, and look.
Pueblo Leather
- velvety, matte texture
- develops a dramatic patina
- rustic yet refined
- perfect for writers who love character
Crazy Horse Leather
- rugged, durable, scratch-friendly
- pull-up effect with colour depth
- excellent for everyday use
Japanese Tochigi Leather
- smooth, traditional veg-tan
- elegant and timeless
- develops a warm, glossy patina
- ideal for minimalists and professionals
Each leather behaves differently, but all soften over time and develop a rich patina that makes your journal uniquely yours.
Refillable Leather Journals — Built to Last
All Craft & Antler Co. journals are refillable, allowing you to keep the same leather cover for years while replacing the paper insert whenever needed.
Benefits of Refillable Journals:
- eco-friendly
- cost-effective long-term
- customizable (different notebooks, planners, inserts)
- you never “finish” your journal — only the refill
Whether you prefer a thick grid notebook, lined paper, or a planner insert, a refillable leather cover gives you complete flexibility.
Which Leather Journal Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Choose A5 if you want:
- lots of writing space
- a strong work or school companion
- a journal for daily reflections
- something comfortable for long writing sessions
Choose A6 if you want:
- a compact EDC journal
- something pocket-sized
- a lightweight travel companion
- a minimal, simple setup
Choose Pueblo if you love texture & patina
Choose Crazy Horse if you prefer rugged, rustic character
Choose Tochigi if you prefer a smooth, classic finish
Final Thoughts: Your Leather Journal Should Fit Your Lifestyle
A leather journal is a personal tool — something you’ll use daily or weekly, something that will age with you and carry your ideas, sketches, and stories.
The perfect journal comes down to:
- your writing habits
- your lifestyle
- your preferred leather
- your size preference (A5 vs A6)
- how you plan to carry it
Once you know the size and leather that fit your needs, choosing becomes easy.
Explore Handcrafted Leather Journals Made in Canada
Discover full-grain leather journal covers handcrafted in our small Canadian workshop — designed for writers, travelers, planners, and everyday creators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A5 or A6 better for daily journaling?
A5 is better for daily writing; A6 is best for portability and quick notes.
Are all your leather journals refillable?
Yes — all Craft & Antler Co. journal covers are fully refillable.
Which leather develops the best patina?
Pueblo and Crazy Horse develop the most dramatic patinas; Tochigi offers a cleaner, glassier aging.
Can I use any A5 or A6 notebook inside your covers?
Yes — our covers are designed to fit standard A5/A6 notebooks and most common refill brands.
Which leather is most durable for travel?
Crazy Horse leather is extremely durable and travel-friendly.