The first thing I noticed when I opened it was a strong chemical smell from the tanning process. However, after 5 days without daily removal, opening and turning, this odor was 90% gone and a typical leather product odor emerged. It is soft and flexible. The check book cover is well made and seems solid but I will update if it doesn't hold up. can even easily keep the passport behind the checkbook itself. Very functional, it can easily be used as a wallet if or when you need to take your check book with you. Having had many plastic checkbooks that fall apart I am very happy with this one and really hope it comes in handy. continuous.