The pockets are poorly designed.  When the checks are in position they are so close to the middle/fold of the cover that it  doesn't close without forcing it and securing it with a rubber band! There's lots of unusable space at the bottom of the check pockets. If the pen (and mine is tiny) is in the slot, the cover won't close at all. The leather is nice, and the cover looks good, but it's not functional.  The reviews are so positive  -- did I just get a dud?