Pioneer Large Journal - Packer McCarthy Whiskey - A5

When you run your hand over the rugged texture of this handmade Pioneer Journal in McCarthy Whiskey, you feel the character of the cowhide it was created from. Crafted from leather produced by the famous Australian Packer Leather Co., it will age beautifully, and the high oil content leaves a soft, supple feel to the journal.

At Grierson Studio, we know how difficult it is to keep a written record of your notes when your journal keeps springing shut as you try to write. That's why our Pioneer Journals consist of two Moleskine Cahier notebooks, with off-white coloured paper, that we have hand-stitched together so the journal lies flat when in use.

Featuring an Australian-made marine-grade elastic cord, the Pioneer Journal has been designed for durability and to withstand the rigours of everyday use.

This versatile journal allows the notebooks to be replaced when complete so you can continue to enjoy the leather cover and the unique character it will develop over time. We have three notebook styles: lined, dot-grid and plain. You can configure your notebooks in any combination to suit your personal preference.

The handmade leather Pioneer Journal comes in two handy sizes – pocket and large. Both sizes are lightweight, designed for effortless travelling, and made from the best leather.

Large Journal

• Leather cover - 22cm x 14.5cm A5 when closed
• Black 2mm marine grade elastic cord
• 330g in weight
• 2 x 80-page Moleskine Large Cahier notebooks
• 70gsm acid-free off-white paper
• A flap at the back of each notebook for storing loose notes
• The last 16 pages of each notebook are perforated and detachable

Custom laser engraving is used to achieve the highest quality images. It will never fade. We offer a 124 characters maximum, and the default font will be a Western typewriter style. The font and number of characters used can be changed for an additional fee. Graphics can also be added for an additional cost. Please let us know what you need; we are happy to help.

NOTE: As leather is a natural material, some journals may have minor scarring, barb wire scratches or insect bite,s which only adds to the authentic and rugged nature of our journals.

Leather Care & Patina

Packer McCarthy cowhide is a full-grain leather with a natural, lightly finished surface. Because it is minimally processed, it responds visibly to use — which is part of its character.

• Scratches & scuffs — Light surface scratches are normal on full-grain leather. Rubbing a scratch gently with a clean fingertip or a soft cloth will often reduce its appearance as the natural oils in the hide redistribute.
• Colour transfer — The dye in darker leathers (including this Whiskey shade) can transfer onto light-coloured fabric or paper, particularly when new or damp. This is a known trait of minimally coated leather and will lessen with time and use.
• Moisture — If the cover gets wet, blot (don't rub) with a dry cloth and allow it to dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight. Avoid soaking.
• Conditioning — The leather will benefit from occasional conditioning with a plain, unscented leather conditioner or a small amount of natural wax. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth; buff off any excess. How often you condition depends on your climate and how frequently you use the journal.
• Storage — Store away from prolonged direct sunlight, which can fade and dry out any leather over time.

What to Expect as It Ages

With regular handling, Packer McCarthy leather develops a patina — a gradual deepening of colour and sheen that is unique to each piece. Areas gripped most often will typically darken first. This is the leather responding to the oils from your hands and is considered a desirable quality of full-grain cowhide.

Because leather is a natural material, no two covers will age in exactly the same way.