I have looked longingly at the products on Galen Leather’s website for a long time, so when they contacted me and asked if I would like to review one of their products I jumped at the chance!
Based in Istanbul (Turkey), Galen Leather was founded by Zeynep and Yusuf Perens. At first, they concentrated on leather goods such as leather journals, notebook covers and portfolios, but they have since expanded to include wooden writing boxes, pen stands, brass accessories, fountain pens and so much more. Sadly, Zeynep passed away in 2019, but her brand and legacy live on with her brother, Yusuf, and husband, Yunus, along with their team.
Yusuf very kindly gave me free rein on what I wanted to pick from the website to review. With so many fantastic products to choose from, it was a difficult choice! In the end, I chose the Leather Zippered Extra Large Folio in Crazy Horse Navy Blue (£120 / €138 EUR / $149 USD).
These zippered leather portfolio cases are handmade and available in a range of sizes (A5, B5, A6, B6 and TN) and a variety of colours (brown, forest green, navy blue, smokey, black, purple, honey ochre and undyed).
The outside is 100% vegetable-tanned cow leather in a distressed navy blue, while inside is a velvet-lined interior which has a wonderful suede feeling to it. The portfolio is opened and closed using a YKK zipper which feels and looks like it is very robust and can take a lot of use.
This extra large portfolio is designed for notebooks up to B5 size. As you can see from my photos, I often use mine for either my B5 Life Writing Paper Notepad or with my A5 Hobonichi Cousin (complete with cover & cover-on-cover – yes, it’s very protected!). It can even hold a small iPad or tablet! It also has the capacity to hold pens & pencils, small notebooks, business cards, credit cards and more. There’s even a removable keychain in there. The pen holder at the bottom left-hand side is removable, so can be used separately.
The portfolio came in its own protective box, ensuring it arrived with me safely. It can take 1-2 weeks for handmade products to be dispatched due to many of them being handmade to order, but I can wholeheartedly assure you that it is most definitely worth the wait!
So, do I recommend Galen Leather? Most definitely! The craftsmanship in these portfolios is second to none. It’s a product which is going to last a lifetime. I already have my eye on a few other items on their website (fountain pen ink, a wooden multi washi tape dispenser, as well as some of the brass items).
You can order directly from their website, or, if you prefer, via Etsy. Sign up for their newsletter and get 5% off your first order.
This post is the twenty-third edition of my Supporting Small Businesses series. In today’s economic climate, I think it is even more important to continue to support small businesses.
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The item in this review was supplied to me free of charge, however, this has in no way influenced my opinion.
What a lovely (and practical) folio you chose! I really like the color!
It’s beautiful, isn’t it? They make so many wonderful products, as well as selling fountain pens, ink, notepads etc.
Beautiful choice! I love handmade leather goods, they last a lifetime! It’s definitely worth the investment and I love the color you’ve selected. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
It looks like a very useful thing to have and I love the colour 🙂
Very nice folio and a beautiful colour.
I too appreciate handmade leather items, and this is such a lovely color! Thanks for sharing it with me.
I haven’t heard of this brand, but I will definitely check them out as this cover may come in handy in the future. The product looks like it is good quality. Thank you for sharing this small business.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
Beautiful, and just the kind of thing I used to carry all the time when I was working.
They’re very practical, aren’t they? They have so many products to choose from.
Since I am a HUGE fan of just about anything leather, Nikki, I can imagine the thrill you have in having and reviewing this product. BRAVA to you and them both for appreciating such craftsmanship and passing on the good vibe.
Thank you! Galen Leather really are a great company and they product some wonderful items.
That’s a wonderful choice and it looks like all your tools fit perfectly into it! I have a daughter that would love that, thanks for sharing and for doing all the leg work in finding it.
A beautiful product in material, colour and workmanship. Thank you for sharing about this small business.
What a beautifully crafted portfolio, and I absolutely love the colour you chose! xxx
That is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
It looks a lovely item to own. I like leather products.
It’s gorgeous! I fancy a small one like this to keep my book from getting maimed in my bag. I have a large one I bought in a charity shop for music which was a great bargain…not sure if it is real leather or not though!
Gorgeous. Practical doesn’t have to mean ugly. I’m sure it will be well used.
This is beautiful! Very practical too xxx