Which Do You Prefer: Seven Seas Writer Or The Paperforfountainpens.com Notebook

[Portia_of_Belmont]

I have fallen in love with Tomoe River paper and am thus in the market for a notebook I can use for journaling. The two I've found are the Seven Seas Writer by Nanami and the blank notebook from PaperforFountainPens.com. I tend to lean towards blank notebooks with soft-ish covers, but between these two I have to choose blank with hard cover or ruled with soft cover. And there lies my dilemma.

 

So, I'm hoping some of you who have tried either or both can shed some light on their other features. For example: Which lies flatter? Which was easier to find a leather cover for (rather than the gfeller covers -- I prefer Oberon Design, but am not sure either will fit)? Whether the thicker Seven Seas is much heavier than the thinner blank notebook? Y'know...all those little intangibles obsessives like us...well...obsess about.

 

Your input is greatly appreciated!

[MyriamV]

I've used both and would definitely place the Seven Seas at the top of the list IF it came with white paper. It's currently made with the cream paper only. I prefer white because it makes the ink colors show better, but that's personal preference and my only "problem" with the Seven Seas. Other than that, the fact that the pages are ruled makes writing much easier, no need to hold a guide sheet under the page to make sure your lines stay straight. It also lays flatter, making it easier to write from one edge of the page to the other. With the PaperForFountainPen one, it's hard to write all the way to the binding because it doesn't lay down as flat as the Seven Seas. Both notebooks are solidly built. The soft cover of the Seven Seas does make it neat to hold the notebook and feel the paper bend. I don't quite know how to describe it, it just feels... neat. I haven't looked for a cover so I don't know about their availability. I'm sure somebody else will be able to help on this.

 

In short, if you don't mind writing on cream paper, I'd highly recommend getting the Seven Seas.

[dspeers58]

I like both,and it depends on whether you want a hardcover notebook or a softcover notebook. The binding on the Paperforfountainpens is a great binding and has lots of paper. Lovely notebook. (I do not know if they have softcover choices and I have not had any experiences with them). The binding on the Nanami is soft (on the Seven Seas that I have), and the notebook is excellent. The paper is excellent on both. Both offer great service!!

[ethernautrix]

A month ago, I finished writing in the Seven Seas notebook, and now I'm using the paperforfountainpens notebook. I like them both. I did, however, just order three more Seven Seas (one's a gift), cos it took me six months to fill it (instead of the usual four or five weeks), and I prefer ruled paper. I do like the hard cover of the PFFP notebook. They're both very, very good notebooks (I love writing on the TR paper), so I guess, um, get one of each. I know that isn't helpful, but I'm not sure which is more important to you, the hard cover or the ruled paper.

[Portia_of_Belmont]

Yesterday afternoon, I emailed Dave at Nanami Paper to ask whether he was planning to offer blank, unlined Seven Seas notebooks. He said nothing is definite, but he is looking into being able to offer them in the next couple of months. So, I guess I'll wait until later this fall to see if that pans out before ordering. Lord knows I have enough notebooks at home to keep me busy while waiting...

 

Thanks for all your input!

[deejcarter]

The Hobonichi A5 covers fit the Seven seas notebooks.

[mhguda]

Like most here, I too use and like both. Maybe it's good that both leave something of a wish, so that both can keep supplying us with this best in the world paper... but if PFFP's notebooks were a little wider and lay a litter flatter, And have about 100 more pages, they'd be my ideal notebook. Or if the Seven Seas were white and unlined - maybe dotted if there must be something to provide guidance for the pen. I like both the soft- and hard cover options, and I've found that the cheap plastic covers on the Nanami site can be used on the Paperforfountainpens notebooks, although they are a little too wide. But that way, not only is the notebook protected but I have a pocket. Dave and Jay, keep up the good work! Keep the notebooks coming!