Muji B5 Buff Notebook Review

[blackcat99]

First time I have done a review so not sure if this covers everything - anyone want me to try something with this paper please let me know !

 

These are the standard B5 notebooks from Muji (not the charcoal ones)

 

I found them to have very nice paper in, with a bit of showthrough - that would cause a few problems if you wanted to write on the other side of the page, but not impossible

 

First picture is of several fountain pens writing on the page:

 

http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b519/blackcat991/2_zps0cb400c9.jpg

 

2nd picture is of the show through:

 

http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b519/blackcat991/1_zpsd0644613.jpg

 

Picture of the actual books:

 

http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b519/blackcat991/3_zps823c3b95.jpg

 

And lastly a cover you can purchase in Muji to go over the book:

 

http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b519/blackcat991/4_zpsc1f955a1.jpg

 

Cheers

[mm1624124]

Thank you!

 

I love these unassuming notebooks. Except for a peel-off sticker on the back of the notebook, it is completely autonomous. There is nothing fancy about cover or paper as far as aesthetics, but the paper is VERY good for fountain pens. I attribute the show through due to the paper weight. The lines on the paper are uniformly spaced so that up/down left/right is up to the user--a symmetry that appeals to me.

 

Is the notebook in your review saddle stitched?

[blackcat99]

Thank you!

 

I love these unassuming notebooks. Except for a peel-off sticker on the back of the notebook, it is completely autonomous. There is nothing fancy about cover or paper as far as aesthetics, but the paper is VERY good for fountain pens. I attribute the show through due to the paper weight. The lines on the paper are uniformly spaced so that up/down left/right is up to the user--a symmetry that appeals to me.

 

Is the notebook in your review saddle stitched?

#

 

Hi, yes these are saddle stitched .....

[WillSW]

I keep a few of these around. They're cheap, good quality, good looking, and pleasant for notes. Thanks for the review.

[BMG]

I also prefer notebooks (and just about every other type of product) that are not marred by the manufacturer's logo.

 

I have many Muji products, including some old notebooks, but not any of their more recent offerings. I'll have to check these out when I'm next in a Muji store.

[muskets]

I ordered a pack of these and one of the covers - they look like they'll be good for keeping in my bag for notetaking!

[mm1624124]

I ordered a pack of these and one of the covers - they look like they'll be good for keeping in my bag for notetaking!

 

 

If you haven't tried one of the covers, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I recently ordered an A5 notebook cover to try and it fits the Midori notebooks perfectly. The denim tag material and smell are addicting. I think my two oberon notebooks covers may have gotten the boot.

 

Edit to add that I already have the B5 notebook covers to marry with the Tsubame 200 sheet notebook. :cloud9:

Edited December 25, 2012 by mm1624124

[muskets]

Agh, they make covers that'll fit Midori MD notebooks? That's it, I'm doomed x.x The Midori paper is my favourite by far

[mm1624124]

I was fiddling around with the muji notebook as displayed by blackcat99 and must report that there is some minor feathering when using a pen that lays down massive quantities of ink (i.e.: broad, wet nibs with heavy flow). I couldn't perceive any bleeding, though. I prefer XF-M nibs, so this isn't an issue for me. And for those who care, the line on the paper does not absorb ink so the line shows through for any lettering that crosses it.

 

The cheaper 5pk/$3.95 notebooks have yet to display any abhorrent behavior. Hubby eyed my cache and nabbed two for his own uses. I tend to clean out the store's stock whenever I can. :embarrassed_smile: So, he is a lucky fellow.

 

Agh, they make covers that'll fit Midori MD notebooks? That's it, I'm doomed x.x The Midori paper is my favourite by far

 

I know...I know... I am so captivated by Midori that I find reasons to use them and then buy them and then find MORE uses for them...I simply love the japanese notebooks--all that I have tried, but it has come down to zen of simplicity, economy, austerity, and modesty, which Muji, Tsubame, and Midori embody. They are not my perfect, idealized notebooks but the wabi-sabi aesthetics are hard to resist. Whatever it is they lack, I've learned I never really *needed* after all.

 

"The emptiness of spatial arrangement that reduces everything down to the most essential quality."

[muskets]

I know...I know... I am so captivated by Midori that I find reasons to use them and then buy them and then find MORE uses for them...I simply love the japanese notebooks--all that I have tried, but it has come down to zen of simplicity, economy, austerity, and modesty, which Muji, Tsubame, and Midori embody. They are not my perfect, idealized notebooks but the wabi-sabi aesthetics are hard to resist. Whatever it is they lack, I've learned I never really *needed* after all.

 

"The emptiness of spatial arrangement that reduces everything down to the most essential quality."

 

Yep, you got me. If I like the cover when it arrives (hopefully tomorrow), then I'll have to send out two more orders - one to Muji for an A5 cover, and one to The Journal Shop for an A5 grid-paper MD notebook...

[inkypete]

I ordered a pack of these and one of the covers - they look like they'll be good for keeping in my bag for notetaking!

 

 

If you haven't tried one of the covers, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I recently ordered an A5 notebook cover to try and it fits the Midori notebooks perfectly. The denim tag material and smell are addicting. I think my two oberon notebooks covers may have gotten the boot.

 

Edit to add that I already have the B5 notebook covers to marry with the Tsubame 200 sheet notebook. :cloud9:

Agree. A dear friend in NY was kind enough to send me a few of the A5 covers. they are fantastic, especially given the price. Ridiculously cheap. They fit the Clairefontaine A5 essentials prefectly. Just great value, very practical, very well made and a little different. Highly recommended!!!