Three years ago, my first time to hear and bought a Midori Traveler's Notebook, then about one year ago I started making Traveler's Notebook and selling them on Amazon, and today I am going to write a post to compare the Midori and the fauxdori I made.
1. Packaging
The packagings are similar with kraft paper box.
Midori's box with elastic closure, and September Leather's with sticker label.
Both with a linen bag, instruction paper, and spare elastic.
2. Style
The obvious difference is, Midori's has a lead sealing and a small elastic bookmark, while September Leather's has a small leather piece that could protect the cover.
Midori's elastic closure comes out of the back while September Leather's comes out of the spine.
Inside the cover, Midori's elastic was tied with a knot, which may cause interference when writing; September Leather's elastics were fixed with metal pieces which let the notebook lays flat.
3. Insert
The Midori TN comes with one insert, September Leather TN comes with 3 inserts.
The notebook inserts are the same size, 21x11cm, with kraft paper cover.
Both inserts are stapled.
The Midori's insert is blank pages (refill 003), September Leather's are mixed with blank, lined and grid pages.
Midori's insert is little thinner with white paper, while September Leather's inserts are thicker with cream paper.
Both papers are in high quality, no bleeding or ghosting.
4. Leather Cover
The covers are made of genuine (full grain) cowhide leather, marks easily and ages beautifully.
The Midori's cover is 0.5mm taller, and its rough side is very smooth to the touch.
The Midori's cover is thicker and its edges were burnished.
5. Price
Both traveler's notebooks are available on Amazon.com, the price for Midori TN is US$32.00, and September Leather's is US$19.99. Midori's has a good review amount while September Leather's has a good average review score.(~by June 24, 2017)
Conclusion
Have to say, Midori Traveler's Notebook has the best quality, it should always the first choice for traveler's notebook lover. But, if you are a beginner and not sure if you like this system, a cheaper yet high-quality fauxdori (such as September Leather's Traveler's Notebook) would be a better choice.