I'm having a hard time making the decision, because it's a custom book cover. So If later I decide I don't want to use Apica notebooks, then I have a cover that doesn't fit anything. Thoughts anyone? The size of the Apica is 7"x10", which doesn't seem to be a standard size.

Should I just bite the bullet and do it?

Well my thought is there are two ways to look at it:

1) You can go with a more standard size, something like 5.xx by 8.xx which Apica has a version of so you could use some Rhodia's, Clairefontaine's, Apica's, Exacompta and so on.

2) You bite the bullet and rest assured that you enjoy your Apica notebooks as much as you do.

If it were me, and I use the Apica 7x10's, I would just get a cover for the Apica's. I've used a few journals and I like most of what I've used (Clairefontaine, Black'n'Red, Apica) but Apica is most conducive to what I like so I use it the most.

Apica won't be going anywhere anytime soon since I've seen them all over Japan on the last trip I was there (before I was even into FP's). All things considered I have a feeling that if you were to invest in a cover for the Apica 7x10 you'd use them plenty even if it came time that you didn't use it as your primary writing medium.

-Zac

True Zac...I've also got a stock of about 12 Apicas to work through. I also use the ones with 100pages in them. I do like them a lot, but there is always that off chance that something better could make it into the market, which would make my cover obsolete.

I'm definitely leaning towards ordering one. I have a cover for the small pocket moleskines that never gets used. Maybe it needs to go on the market place.

thanks. Any other comments still welcome.

Since the RenArt custom covers are so reasonable, I'd go ahead and get one. Apica is readily available with Taylorsintherockies, if you continue beyond your current 12. You'd likely be able to resell it if later it doesn't suit your needs.

I like Apica well enough. I have a bunch of them to go through, myself, though in assorted sizes. I plan to keep plenty of the CD5's on hand though, no matter what else comes along. Hm, I wonder if Renaissace Art can make a cover that small...

If I might ask, where can you one order the RenArt Apica covers? I haven't seen any when I was browsing? Care to link me?

Thanks,

Zac

I was going to just do them as a custom book cover. You just send them the measurements of the book. They'll cost around $35

If I really liked the Apica pads then I would buy a large stack of them as I did when I bought Moleskines and use them for years to come. The trouble is that as you have pointed out tastes change so I would add a second vote for going for a standard size with the caveat that Ren-Art covers really are made to fit so you can't guarantee that supposedly standard sized pads will be the same. Either way, buy a pad and stick to it.

Hello Zac,

here's the link, they sell direct, not sure if they have resellers...

http://www.renaissance-art.com/

Definitely go for it! I bought their large size refillable notebook and loved the unique, handmade quality so much, I recently ordered one of their messenger bags. I know of few places - on the net or otherwise - that one can have an article made to one's specifications for a reasonable price. BTW, the leather they use is the wonderful, full-grained, thick hide that one only sees on saddles and chaps these days. It can be used and abused, and it only gets better looking!

Steve

I have two covers from Ren - they are fantastic quality and great value. Just do it! You will love them.

I have bought a moleskine cover and refillable journal from them. I don't use Moleskines anymore so I don't use that cover. It's in the marketplace for sale. The refillable journal is for sale because I just love the Apica notebooks. You are right, the journal covers are wonderful quality. I have no hangups about purchasing from Ren-Art because I've experienced their amazing product first hand.

My doubts have surfaced because I would have to order something custom, which is specific to fit the Apica. If I stop using the Apica notebooks, my leather cover becomes obsolete.

I've got to just get over it and order. I'll cut my losses later if there are any. Right now I really love the Apica paper and style. It works for me.

I think I'll be ordering a new cover tomorrow.

Oh, I'm doing just that! For my journal, I've started using a Japanese notebook and bought enough refills to last years of writing. I ordered a ren-art custom-made cover to protect the card-paper cover. The ren-art cover so reasonably priced it is lesser than the cost of international shipping.

Just ordered the cover. Can't wait to get it. Thanks for all the replies.

I didn't have to wait long. The cover arrived today. It was shipped yesterday by Fedex 2 day, but it only took 1 day to get here. Amazing.

The cover fits the Apica notebook like a glove. Maybe even a little too snug because the notebooks covers are a little flimsy, it was hard getting it in. Maybe the leather will stretch over time. I also had Arthur add a marker in the journal cover so i could mark my journal page. It's all really nice. I'm very impressed with the journal cover and equally impressed with Renaissance Art's stellar service.

That's great to hear. I have a sampling of Apica notebooks on the way. If they work out as well as I hope there may be Renaissance Art custom cover in my future.

UPDATE: Any chance of a picture?

I'll work on some pictures and a review for this weekend.

I also want to note, I got to test the Apica notebook with a medium nib Pelikan. The Pelikan writes pretty wet and the Apica paper didn't feather at all. Not only did it not feather, but the drying time was faster than with the XF nib I was using with the same ink. Go Figure!

I really wish this company would offer something I'd buy.

If that a matter of preference? Like the styles aren't what you like? just curious.

I like the style, but I don't buy leathergoods (even shoes) in black or brown.

I really wish that they would move to the UK so I could avoid import duties!!

I just posted up my review of the cover.

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=59567