What makes paper republic leather journals so good?
1. The Leather: why paper republic leather is so special:
The journey to achieving the perfect leather begins on the grassy, cattle-filled fields of France. From there, we move to the rugged valleys of Tuscany, where in taking the best part of the cow (the shoulder from the hides of these farm-reared French cattle) the tanneries can begin their craft.
Tuscany is where the family-run tanneries from whom we source our leather, and not just any leather – the best full grain, vegetable-tanned leather you will find today.
We really mean it.
We visit the tanneries regularly: there’s no middle-man, no unnecessary steps, just the best Vachetta luxurious leather.
That’s what makes paper republic leather so good – the Vachetta leather is untreated: “vegetable-tanned” means that absolutely no chrome is used in the tanning process – only natural, non-chemical extracts (the chemical chrome-tanned leather industry makes up 98% of the world’s leather production, and we’re proud to be in the 2% of the natural, non-chemical method). Full grain means that the leather is made from the best, most durable part of the hide (below the hair).
This method of ancestral tanning is a slow and artisan process: it takes on average two months to tan and dye a cow hide – it’s not a science, it’s an art; a mystery. Each tannery uses different ingredients and techniques which they jealously keep a secret. Even the quality of the water influences the final look of the leather.
The result is a full grain aniline leather finish. This term aniline means the leather is dyed only with soluble dyed, which retains the leather natural grain and does not cover the surface with synthetic elements, but retains the natural beauty of the hide.
2. The paper: paper republic notebooks
Next we visit the bracing Nordic forest regions in the wilderness of Sweden – home to millions of acres of sustainable and increasing numbers of trees. In less than 100 years, Sweden’s forest assets have doubled, and since the felling rate is less than the growth rate, the volume of forest continues to increase each year. This makes Sweden special when it comes to selecting sustainable and natural paper production.
For our paper republic notebooks, our paper is sourced from trees that are pulped and manufactured on site in Sweden and by a producer who adheres to the necessary Forestry Regulation (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC) of replacing trees felled.
This paper is also non-treated, which means no artificial coatings on the paper. It is also non-bleached, so it retains its wonderful natural cream colour without the need of using damaging chemicals to make a fake white finish.
The notebook paper is 80gsm, but due to the quality, it is actually “thicker” than this and has a 20% higher volume than what is known as the standard 80gsm paper thickness. It’s the crème de le crème of paper.
3. Your order: Personalising your paper republic journal
Then back to wonderful Vienna, to our busy little workshop nestled in the historic 18th district where your order pops up on our screens.
The paper republic leather crafters (who have studied leather design and craft all over the world) review your order and then cut and prepare your personalised leather journal selection and colour of leather based on your selection.
We have different sizes to choose from. Each size has been designed for all your daily needs and we have a range of accessories which allow you to carry all your essentials with you each day.
- A card and cash holder is an insert which allows to carry cash and cards.
- The zip pocket is a plastic insert which has a zipped pocket for smaller items.
- Extra ribbons allow for more refills to be easily added.
Each leather journal is cut to size and the leather inspected.
Based on the colour of ribbon you choose, we select the correct one and then cut it to length and assemble your leather journal and paper notebook.
From here, your leather journal is packaged into its box and sheaf and a final inspection is given to ensure all your extras and accessories have been added, and if you ordered a kit it will be put into our beautiful wooden cases.
When all that is done we pop it in your delivery box, put on the label, wish it luck and wait for our friendly delivery man to come and then it’s on its journey by land and air to your door, patiently waiting to become a major part of your daily life, and a friend forever.
Below are real examples of the ageing process and how the patina develops over time into a wonderfully rich leather finish unique to your paper republic journal.
