The Executive Sketchbook

We chose Epsom leather, a cross-hatched leather similar to grades used by top-tier luxury fashion houses. Unlike softer leathers that can look worn and "slouchy" over time, Epsom is heat-pressed to create a rigid, scratch-resistant surface. Its fibre structure is also less porous, so oils from your hands don't soak in and oxidise the way they do with vegetable-tanned leather. The result: your Executive Sketchbook retains its crisp, professional shape and stays pristine far longer.

Because this is real leather, each piece has its own natural character: subtle grain variations, minor texture differences, and unique markings. This is normal and what makes each cover unique.

Epsom leather is durable and resists scratches, water spots, and everyday wear. Unlike vegetable-tanned leather, it doesn't patina easily, so it maintains its original appearance for years. For extra protection during your commute, use the included Transit Case to keep it safe inside your bag.

Epsom leather is low-maintenance. A quick wipe with a dry cloth is usually enough to remove dust. If you need to clean it, use a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth with water only. Never use alcohol-based wet wipes, hand sanitizer, or solvents, as alcohol strips the protective top coat and can dissolve the dye, leading to discoloration or a sticky texture. For stubborn stains, use a dedicated leather cleaner meant for finished leathers, and always test on a small, hidden area first. When not in use, keep your sketchbook away from direct, intense sunlight for prolonged periods to prevent fading.

Slide out the old refill, slide in a new one. A minimalist elastic loop keeps each refill securely in place, with no rings, clips, or bulky mechanisms. The leather cover is designed to last for years while you swap refills as needed. Each B6 refill is sold separately. Every refill comes with a built-in bookmark ribbon located in the middle of the book. To insert a new refill, open to this middle page and slide it into the cover. Then adjust to ensure the ribbon doesn't get caught by the elastic loop.

That depends on how you use it. For most professionals who write daily notes, one 80-page refill lasts 4 to 8 weeks. Designers and sketch-heavy users may go through them faster. We recommend keeping 2 to 3 refills on hand so you're never stuck waiting.

There are two main B6 sizes: JIS B6 (Japanese Industrial Standard) at 128 x 182mm, and ISO B6 at 125 x 176mm. Mixing them up is common. Our cover is designed for JIS B6, which is what our refills use. ISO B6 notebooks will also fit, but with about 3mm extra width and 6mm extra height around the edges, resulting in a slightly looser fit, so we don't recommend it.

Our 64 gsm Japanese paper works well with most pens you'd use in the office, including rollerballs, gel pens, and many fountain pens. Minimal show-through and minimal bleed-through.

All sales are final — we don't accept returns or exchanges for change of mind. However, if your item arrives damaged or has a manufacturing defect, we'll replace or refund it. Please report any shipping damage or missing items within 7 days of delivery.

Absolutely. The Executive Sketchbook is a popular choice for client gifts, executive onboarding, and team milestones. We offer volume pricing, custom packaging, and optional personalization. Email write@pensift.com with your requirements.