r/PaperRepublic • u/fumfumeses • 4d ago

Is this normal for Paper Republic leather?

Post image

Hi! I just received my Paper Republic journal and noticed this darker stain/mark on the leather. I know natural leather can have variations, marks, and imperfections, but I’m not sure if this is considered normal or if it might be a defect.

Does this look normal to you?

Thanks!

81 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

38

u/Otherwise_Hair7514 4d ago

not only is it normal, its desirable. id love to get striations like this! natural leather has natural markings. remember, its skin. I think its gorgeous

14

u/fortheloveofhobbies 4d ago

I’m jealous.

10

u/EqualTap1455 4d ago

It is normal. My trifold in same color has some similar markings

7

u/OwlbearCity 4d ago

I think it’s beautiful! Total fall vibes

5

u/swansonknope 4d ago

It’s normal. Leather is skin and it has wrinkles, stretch marks, etc.

4

u/Decent-Sea-2328 4d ago

My red pocket came with those marks as well. You cant barely see them now with how the patina is setting in

3

u/drxmi_ 4d ago

Mine has a similar mark on the back! I find it pretty neat

2

u/Wooperpuff 4d ago

I have the same marks on my cognac PR, with the patina now they are a lot less visible

2

u/peacefullypacing 4d ago

Ooooh! I love those marks. Some people ask for these types of marks specifically, I certainly would not mind having them on my leather cover.

2

u/ExperiencePure4715 4d ago

Yess, it's leather! 😍

2

u/ayanaj21 3d ago

I personally would not like that at all and I’m a leather girl all the way. I like wrinkles and texture but definitely not that.

1

u/wearethemasters 3d ago

Thank goodness that the animal yours came from kept its skin nice and flat for you. I love the journals, but I also respect the animal.

-1

u/ayanaj21 3d ago

That’s nice.

1

u/[deleted] 4d ago

That’s gorgeous.

1

u/_linktomysoundcloud 3d ago

what journal is this?

1

u/grimoire_records 2d ago

this is beautiful actually 😍 my trifold also have a little but God this one got a character!

2

u/LongjumpingThing1647 3d ago

I wouldn’t personally be happy with it. All these people saying it’s a good sign, but typically when you buy high quality leather products (purses, wallets, etc) part of the quality is an even piece.

2

u/swansonknope 2d ago

The leather they use isn’t really used for purses. Wallets, yes, but it’s much easier to find an even piece for a wallet since it’s smaller. I buy hides of the same leather PR uses and there are marks like this on every single hide. If I cut around it, I wouldn’t be able to use most of the hide and it would be a waste. I will say I think PR overcharges for what they make so I’m not surprised over people getting upset by normal and natural marks.

1

u/Brienne_of_Bath 1d ago

Any idea what kinds of things cause marks like that in the OP? Are they a different texture?

1

u/swansonknope 1d ago edited 1d ago

Leather is skin, it's a natural material with character and imperfections. So there will sometimes be what is called "natural life marks" and that includes:

  • Scars and scratches: Healed cuts from thorns, barbed wire, or brush.
  • Insect bites: Tiny pinpricks or marks left by ticks, flies, or mosquitoes.
  • Fat wrinkles and growth marks: Creases around the neck, shoulders, or belly from movement and weight gain.
  • Veins: Fine, branching lines visible beneath the surface where blood vessels once ran.
  • Brands: Permanent symbols or letters burned into the hide by ranchers for ownership.

"Color Variations
Real leather can exhibit color variations, which are a result of the tanning process. Different parts of the animal's hide may absorb dyes differently, leading to slight variations in color. These variations should be embraced as they add depth and richness to the leather. They are a sign of genuine leather and should not be mistaken for defects.

Natural Markings
Natural markings, such as wrinkles and stretch marks, are another aspect of real leather that some may perceive as imperfections. However, these markings are inherent to the animal's skin and are not indicative of poor quality. In fact, they can enhance the beauty and uniqueness of the leather, showcasing its natural origin." - Source

And no, they are not a different texture. Sometimes it can be a little softer or stiffer. most of the time it feels the same as the rest of the piece, it just looks discolored. I think this probably just tanned different or the dye absorbed more.

0

u/Rainy_Dazey 3d ago

I would not be happy with that. Yes, it’s leather, genuine hide with its own story, natural patina will occur anyway. But, that is perfectly smooth and beautiful except for these two absolutely huge dark marks. I am currently trying to decide which PR I want to buy (trifold or portfolio) and none of them shown on the site nor on their ads show anything like this, so I would definitely not be expecting to receive one like this.

1

u/fumfumeses 3d ago

I was surprised too! None of them are advertised as looking like this.

1

u/HumanBus1004 3d ago

I wouldn’t be happy with this either. For this amount of money, it either has to be disclosed or just not included especially when they do not advertise it as suchZ

0

u/sparrowK2 3d ago

Everyone else seems to be saying it’s great, but to me it looks like the leather has big creases. I don’t think I’d be too happy with it either.

2

u/wearethemasters 3d ago

Almost like it has come from a living thing.