The Pen Addict

Review: Clairefontaine Basics Notebook

Like the recently reviewed Twin Book, the Clairefontaine Basics is a notebook I received compliments of Exaclair, Inc.  This 5 3/4 x 8 1/4, 96 page, staple bound beauty looks to be another great addition to the Clairefontaine product line.  The 90g lined paper has a smooth satin finish, and while I didn't find it to be as smooth of a page as the Twin Book, the paper is still some of the best around.

I ran an array of inks across the first page of the journal, from fountain pen, to ballpoint, liquid ink, gel ink, and even highlighter, and not a single one of them feathered or bled through the page.  I didn't even bother take a picture of the backside of the page because there wasn't so much as a dot of ink to see.  It was stark white from top to bottom.

One thing I did notice about this paper was that I felt it had a little more tooth than the Twin Book paper (which has the same specs), and even the Rhodia pad that I use frequently.  Now let me be clear - this is still top-notch paper.  Comparing it to other similar items in its product line is like saying I prefer the black Mercedes over the silver one.  I am obviously a fan of micro tip pens, and that is where I noticed it.  Anything 0.5mm in width or greater I didn't.

The cover of this notebook is made out of cardboard, but it is thick enough to where I think it will be very durable.  I like this style of cover more so than hardbound notebooks or journals.  It is sturdy enough to write on your lap with, but it still retains some flex for when you might need it.

There are only few companies out there who just get it, and Clairefontaine is one of them.

Review: Clairefontaine Twin Book

This great new Clairefontaine Twin Book notebook was provided to me for review by my good friends at Exaclair, Inc.  I was really happy to see it included in a recent package of goodies from them, and promptly set forth to put it to use.

I like to keep a journal, but it is notes and ideas based more than diary style, so the Twin Book setup is right up my alley.  The notebook is essentially divided into two sections by the first half of the book having notched out pages, making for 48 pages in each half.  This makes for a clean division between the two.  What I have already started using this notebook for is blogging notes for The Pen Addict, and my new fantasy baseball blog called NL Only.  I like to jot down ideas for future posts as I have them, or plan out and research articles that may get fully fleshed out down the line.  The way I used my journal, I went from page to page in order, and just tagged my entry as "blog" or "baseball" or some other tag.  I could have been proactive and hacked up my journal, or added tabs, but I'm lazy, so the Twin Book is coming in more than handy.

The dimensions of the Twin Book also suit my needs perfectly.  I have always been a fan of the traditional Mead Composition Book, and this notebook is approximately the same size.  It has a soft, staple-bound cover, and the cover is scored on the binding on both the front and back to allow for the cover to bend back and stay put easily.  Little features like that makes this a wonderful notebook to use.

What is a Clairefontaine review without talking about the paper?  If you are not familiar with their 90g paper that populates many of their products, then you should pick some up because you are in for a real treat.  It is silky smooth to the touch, and holds all types of inks very well.  I completely forgot to photograph the back of the ink sample page, but trust me when I say that the only ink I could even see through the paper was from the Sharpie Ultra Fine permanent marker, which is to be expected.  The other pens I couldn't see through the page in the slightest, and that included the Sailor Ink Bar and Platinum Preppy fountain pens.  You may have a little see through with a wide nib fountain pen or bold gel or liquid ink pen, but I think even that would be minimal.  The Clairefontaine paper is exceptional.

I plan on the Twin Book being one of my main companion books in my backpack.  The setup, size, and paper quality are exactly what I am looking for when it comes to a notebook, and I plan on using it heavily.  Big thanks to Karen and Stephanie for sending me these samples.  It is much appreciated, and there is more to come!

Review: Clairfontaine Wirebound Notebook

Another one of the great samples sent to me by Exaclair, Inc., the Classic Clairfontaine Wirebound Notebook is a highly portable little number, loaded with the silky smooth Clairefontaine paper.  From the Exaclair site, Clairfontaine paper is:

    * Extra white and exceptionally smooth
    * Ink-friendly – never bleeds, smears or feathers
    * Acid-free & pH neutral – paper will not yellow or deteriorate with age
    * Opaque – no see thru – use both sides of the page
    * Strong – does not tear

I have to agree with the above wholeheartedly.  I had no issues with any pen I tested in the notebook, especially my favorite micro-tip pens.  The paper is so nice it really makes the bright colored ink pop off the page.  Between the Rhodia I reviewed earlier and this Clairfontaine, I am going to have a serious notebook order to place before too long.

Notebook Reviews Coming Soon...

I received a slew of goodies from the fine folks at Exaclair Inc., the U.S. distributor of Clairefontaine, Quo Vadis, Rhodia, and more.  I haven't had a chance to give them a full once-over yet, but I hope to do so in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, here are a few pictures of the notebooks I received, with more photos to be found on my Flickr page.

Quo Vadis Habana Notebook

Rhodia Gridded Notepad

Exacompta Space 17 2009 Weekly Planner

Clairefontaine Spiral Bound Notebook