Okay, I'm writing a review because I read a lot of the reviews before I decided to buy this item so hopefully this will help someone else trying to decide whether or not to purchase this item. I was looking for a checkbook holder for our checks that are SIDE TEAR style checks and from the description and pictures it looked like this one would work to be able to insert side tear checks. Well....it does work but not without a little bit of maneuvering. The slot to insert the book of checks is a little too small to just stick them in. You insert the checks by slipping in the last paper flap at the back of the book of checks, right? Well I had to trim to edges of that back paper to make it more narrow so it would fit. Then I had to work harder than I would have liked to get it to slide in all the way so it was in the right place to be able to use the plastic flap (that divides the checks when you're writing a check with the duplicate carbon copy). Anyway, long story short, it works but it just takes a bit of effort to make it work. The leather is fine and really for how cheap the price is I really can't complain. If you want something nicer then you'll have to pay a bit more is all!

I got this in black and am very pleased. I wanted a check book cover that had slots for credit cards and a protector sheet for recording checks written. This fit the bill exactly. The leather is nice. It is not too thin and not too thick. I guess I would have preferred a little bit thicker leather, but hey, what do you want at this great price! There are plenty of slits, a zip pocket and room for a check book, register and my debit card. I mostly use my debit card, but record each purchase as I make it. This came with an extra plastic sleeve for more credit cards, but it was so flimsy and cheap I threw it away. I did not want or need it anyway. The only thing I would like is a place to store a pen, but not a big deal. Highly recommend.

It is genuine leather, a bit on the thin side, but probably quite sufficient for the task. A checkbook cover is a simple thing; it's not necessary that it be as strong or thick as shoe leather.

The item is appropriately sewn together and finished. It smells wonderful.

I'm a person who really loves real leather goods, and so I'm quite happy.

No complaints whatsoever but I haven't used it yet.

BOTTOM LINE: A pretty decent looking and functional product of seemingly good construction but certainly a damn good bang for the buck (in my opinion). I could upgrade the durability but that is TBD.

This is precisely what I was looking for in a check book holder: something functional, well made, and unassuming in appearance. It's a basic, no-frills checkbook holder. Other than one very small pocket into which you could slide something thin, like a credit card, it's very much the same layout you get with the free, cheapo vinyl covers you get from the bank. The leather on these, however, is very nice. It's supple, soft to the touch, and yet so far has proven to be rather durable. I think it would likely scratch if subjected to abuse, but I've run into no difficulties along those lines.

Another reviewer mentioned that he had to trim the backing on the back of his checks to get them to fit. I had this experience as well. It took about 12 seconds. The dimensions and inside workings look to me to be entirely standard, much the same as freebie checkbook holders. I think the difference in having to trim the check backing with this checkbook holder comes from the fact that the leather does not stretch and give like vinyl. I suspect that over time I'll see a bit more give and this will become less of an issue. In any event, it's the most minor of inconveniences, and it's certainly better than having your checks slide out because the holder isn't sufficiently snug.

In sum, if you're looking for a basic checkbook holder with quality leather and an understated look at a very reasonable price, this would be a good choice.

UPDATE

Having had this now for well over a year, I can confirm that the leather has softened up to the point where new checks slide in easily with no need to trim the backing. It's holding up very well.