(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
The Yamamoto Ro-Biki notebook is a non-standard notebook in terms of size and materials, but it really pays off in the end. When I first saw the Ro-Biki, I was pessimistic about the weird size and assumed I would never be able to find a use for a notebook of that size. But, after looking at the months and months of notes I take for work, I realized that my notes naturally fit the tall and slender shape of the Ro-Biki even though the page was wider. So, I decided to purchase one of the Ro-Biki notebooks to see if the size would work for me.
At 3.6 x 8.3 inches, the notebook has a similar size to the Traveler's brand notebooks. Tall and skinny, it works great for jotting down quick notes but also still fits into most pockets as long as vertical space isn't an issue. Since the size is basically a Field Notes with three extra inches on top, it was really easy to become comfortable with the size.
The Ro-Biki only contains 30 sheets (60 pages), but that's still a few more than you find in a standard Field Notes book. Yamamoto explains that the paper is from recycled materials, but I honestly can't tell a difference from other papers of the same thickness. What I can tell you, though, is that the Ro-Biki recycled paper is a stellar performer with any pen and ink combo you throw at it. This paper is exceptional!
The paper feel is smooth with the slightest amount of texture that you can feel when writing. The version I chose has a 5mm reticle grid pattern that has really grown on me. They make a standard graph paper, but only in 2mm or 4.5mm sizes. Like dot-grid, the reticle pattern provides a lot of structure on the page if you need it, but it also easily melts away if you don't need the lines and intersections.
The cover is made of an interesting "wax-infused kraft paper" that is delightful to touch and handle. Even though it is wax infused, I don't get a sense of waxy fingers after I've touched it. This has happened to me with some waxed canvas goods I've used in the past, and I can't say I enjoyed that experience. I'm glad that the Ro-Biki notebook cover has the protection of wax without the waxy feel. Another positive of the wax is that it gives the cover a nice sheen, and it will also develop over time as it picks up oils, dirt, and other particles from your journey.
The notebook is held together with a great-looking stitch, and I've had no issues with the notebook staying open and also feeling well-constructed. This book will hold up to back pocket and bag use, and the additional strength that the wax gives the cover will ensure it stays intact until you finish filling the pages.
The Yamamoto Ro-Biki was a notebook I quickly overlooked when it was introduced on JetPens, but I'm glad I took the time to look again. This is a notebook format that I have quickly become a fan of, and the paper quality will keep me coming back for more.
If reticle grid isn't your thing, Yamamoto has several other options that range in paper style and cover art. The Ro-Biki notebooks cost $9 a piece, which is a bit pricy compared to other small pocket notebooks. But, given the extra sheets, the taller size, the materials, and the superb paper quality, I think this is a fantastic price for what you get. These have easily shot to the top of my favorite notebooks, and I can't recommend them enough!
(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
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