We've been looking for a reliable, quality manufacturer of "dyed" leather covers for the Seven Seas Writer and Standard notebooks, and finally found Herz of Japan, a Tokyo-based manufacturer with an astounding variety of leather goods produced by in-house artisans. Herz agreed to custom-fit these for our notebooks.
Herz is known for their high qualilty hides, complex designs (e.g. briefcases, wallets, randoseru, etc.) detailed craftsmanship and signature wide stitching. These covers, although simple, are equal in execution to the Gfeller covers that we also offer. The difference is that Gfeller utilizes only natural, undyed vegetable-tanned products, while Herz uses vegetable-tanned, aniline-dyed Italian skins. The texture ranges from "wrinkled" to smooth, with many variations in-between and even on the same cover.
Please note that these do not have the extra-long inner flap utilized in the Gfeller covers, but the minimal "Writer's Bump", if it is an issue, can be eliminated with a writing mat if necessary. The leather "weight" is comparable to that used in the Gfeller covers (about 2 oz leather). They fit the Seven Seas Writer and Seven Seas Standard notebooks perfectly, and can also be used on thinner A5 books like the Midori, Life and Apica.
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Posted by Perry on 10th Aug 2018
I purchased this as a second cover, already having a Gfeller for one notebook. The Herz is just as beautiful and it fits both the Seven Seas and the Midori MD notebooks. Definitely recommend.
Posted by Catherine on 4th Jun 2018
Ordered the HERZ cover to protect my Crossfield notebook and I could not be happier with this purchase. There are a few things I will need to get use to coming from notebooks/journals with elastic holder, one is being able to determine the front and back (so far 50/50) and two is not having a closure method e.g. tab or elastic holder. So far what has helped is using the blotting sheet as a page marker and semi hint of which side is the front but this will not work once I get towards the middle. Currently looking for someone local to engrave or hot stamp the front cover to resolve issue #1. Will order the black cover once available..
Posted by jason on 5th Mar 2018
First of all, Nanami Paper is great! Fast shipments, etc.
I bought both the Gfeller and the Herz cases for large A5 notebooks. I rated both 5 stars but they are a little different. The Gfeller has more of a glove fit, although they both fit perfectly. The Herz has slightly more overhang around the edges - so it's a preference thing.
I like the finished color leather better on the Herz than the Gfeller "naked" leather. The Herz does have a slight page bump as indicated for first/last few pages of notebook because the flap doesn't extend as far over the cover of the notebook - the Gfeller has a great design in that regard.
All in all, you can't go wrong with either. I bought both as I use them for different purposes.
Posted by Aikya Param on 15th Feb 2018
I wanted two years to purchase the HERZ A5 leather cover for my Seven Sease STANDARD A5 journal. I ordered the tan cover and I love it. I am even more delighted to use the book now. My plan is to have that cover always on the current book. I am completely satisfied.
Posted by Unknown on 2nd Dec 2017
I got the brown leather cover since that's all they had in stock. I would have gotten the tan if they had it, but the brown leather did not disappoint. This A5 cover is high quality and is built to last. The leather, finish, and stitching are top-notch. I expect it to outlive me, and I expect to be able to hand down to a grandkid. I do have three minor criticisms about it though. My criticisms are about the design -- not the quality. First, the cover fits very tightly requiring a bit of a struggle to get the journal inside; they could fix this by giving the sleeve pockets slightly more room length-wise. Second, it does not have bookmarks; I would like this product better if there built-in ribbon markers (or leather tabs in the sleeves similar to the tabs in the plastic cover they sell on this site). Lastly, the sleeves aren't that wide. Because the sleeves aren't wide, the pages near the front and back of the book will have a slight bump in them when you're pressing down on the pages and writing. Because of the bump, I recommend getting something solid to place under the pages (such as one of the writing mats sold on this site which I bought to go along with this cover). Since my criticisms are design-related and subjective and since the quality and construction are so good, I'm only deducting one star.
Posted by Brad on 29th Nov 2017
Have always used the Gfeller cover which remains outstanding. But this cover is in the same league - beautifully made and very subtle - looks great with the Seven Seas notebook. Don't know which one to use now! Only problem is I need a black coloured one now.
Posted by RJ on 6th Feb 2017
I debated over getting a cover for my new Seven Seas Standard and ultimately decided to take the leap.
Very, very pleased with the cover. I chose the Caramel color and have to say it is simply gorgeous! It well exceeded my expectations.
I shall be buying another to accommodate my second Seven Seas journal.
Posted by Amy on 6th Feb 2017
I have the gfeller cover for my hobonichi cousin but wanted a different cover for my seven seas writer. This herz cover (dark brown) helps me distinguish between my two major notebooks. I love both leather covers. The gfeller is aging nicely and this herz is just gorgeous. I highly recommend both covers if you're a notebook nerd like me.
Posted by Tassitus on 20th Jan 2017
Received my dark brown, notebook cover today, and I'm in love. I'm so happy I waited, while it was out of stock, and didn't go for anything else. It surpasses all expectations I had, while looking at the pictures.
It's a very tight fit -- extremely tight -- it took me some time to get the book in, and I had to be really careful, as I didn't want to bend the book cover. That's the only 'down-side' (it's not really a down-side). You just have to be careful and patient.
If/when this same type of cover is released for the café sized notebook, I'll buy it in a heartbeat.
Sometimes I pick it up, just to touch the wonderfully soft texture of the leather. Great quality all over -- I sensed right away this is for life!
Posted by Andrew on 9th Nov 2016
I ordered the dark brown version and am delighted with it. The leather and build are both of excellent quality, and I'm sure that it is something that will last and be used for many years to come.
To have a cover of such a cover compliments the notebook, which is also incomparable with regards to the the paper quality.
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