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This is a review of the refill book made to be used with Hahnemuhle Diary Flex.

 

This sketchbook system comprises a PVC carrier , with interchangeable refills.

 

The book refills come in either 100gsm Plain, Lined , or dotted.

 

This review is on the 100gsm Plain version.

 

I paid SGD$9.45 for this , from a local arts supplies store.

(not cheap at all :mellow: )

 

Shrinkwrapped

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6242.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6243.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6245.jpg

 

logo on the rear cover

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6246.jpg

 

closeup

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6244.jpg

 

flyer jacket

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6249.jpg

 

closeup

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6250.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6251.jpg

 

All their refills (plain , lined or dotted) come with a sturdy polyester ribbon pagemarker.

They are also all red in colour to match their black & red PVC carrier

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6252.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6247.jpg

 

The ribbon marker is about slightly over an inch longer over the diagonal of the page .

This is the correct length of ribbons in books.

Can be longer (which can then become too long) but not shorter than an inch .

The logic is to allow a comfortable grip on the ribbon, using it to turn to that page.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6248.jpg

 

Unfortunately, the edge of the cut ribbon is not sealed.

So being polyester, it will fray in no time.

This can be easily resolved by using the flame of a cigarette lighter to melt the edge with one or two touching passes.

(careful , polyester burns very easily)

 

 

The book is stitched. :thumbup:

which means it will open flat and stay flat open.

you see the mull glued over the spine like this

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6253.jpg

 

The stitches are fine nylon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6255.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6257.jpg

 

The head bands are also red

to match their black & red jacket

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6258.jpg

 

In the above pic, you can see there are 10 signatures

Each one has 4 Folios

So there is a total of 160 writing pages as stated in their flyer.

 

 

the paper test comes next ...

Edited by TMLee

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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Here comes the test of the paper...

My usual way of testing ..

with inks

and with watercolour washes

 

 

The paper is smooth :thumbup: (which is what made me decided to buy it and try it)

Its ivory , or natural white as they describe on their official webpage.

 

Here the inked outlines are drawn using NOODLERS Black (waterproof)

I used a #6 steel nib that is an Archt's grind. (purchased from PEYTON STREET Pens)

Its a very wet nib and have been enjoying its use since I got it months ago ... :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

So you see thick lines vs thin ones.

Then they are painted with DALER & ROWNEY Pocket Watercolour Set

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6262.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6263.jpg

 

The 100gsm paper handles the wetness well. No problems.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6264.jpg

 

There is warpage from the wetness , this is to be expected.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6265.jpg

 

Here you see the tint of the paper compared to ordinary white copier paper laid underneath

My assistant helping to hold down the warped paper.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6266.jpg

 

There is no feathering on the reverse side

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6267.jpg

 

closeup

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6268.jpg

 

 

now testing with inks

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6269.jpg

 

From my experience, HERBIN Orange Indien seems to bleed on many papers.

I dunno why. Maybe its just me,

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6270.jpg

 

Here is the reverse page.

Generally all okay ...

The green dots are not bleedthru. they are stained from the wet page opposite

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6271.jpg

 

Except for HERBIN Orange Indien here ...

You can just make out tiny traces of bleedthru

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6272.jpg

 

 

 

Further ink tests ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6274.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6273.jpg

 

Not all my fountain pens are filled with all inks

so I used bamboo toothpicks to dip into some of the inks and draw them dots

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6276.jpg

 

Reverse side

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6278.jpg

 

Some bleedthru but only on some inks like the purple ones and the orange ones

But these are the result of inks applied with a toothpick , where it deposits a droplet of that ink which took a while before it dried off.

It shldn't happen with a fountain pen.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/HAHNEMULHE%20-%20Diary%20Flex/DSCF6280.jpg

 

 

Positives :

- smooth paper (no fibres caught in tines)

- heavier paper at 100gsm (more sturdy)

- stitched (opens flat)

 

Negatives?

No negatives really ..

- the bleedthru is not really that intolerable , so I am not listing it as a definite negative

- shadow is discernible but only with dark inks., even so,

This can be easily solved by placing a black sheet of paper underneath

 

:D

Edited by TMLee

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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Great review, thanks for all of the details and the lovely illustrations to boot. I didn't know this brand and now I'm quite tempted to check it out!

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Great review, thanks for all of the details and the lovely illustrations to boot. I didn't know this brand and now I'm quite tempted to check it out!

 

 

 

:thumbup:

 

For everyone's benefit, do share your experience here, if and when you try it . :D

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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  • 5 months later...

This is a review of the refill book made to be used with Hahnemuhle Diary Flex.

 

This sketchbook system comprises a PVC carrier , with interchangeable refills.

 

The book refills come in either 100gsm Plain, Lined , or dotted.

 

This review is on the 100gsm Plain version.

 

I paid SGD$9.45 for this , from a local arts supplies store.

(not cheap at all :mellow: )

 

Shrinkwrapped

fpn_1508474329__dscf6242.jpg

 

logo on the rear cover

fpn_1508474468__dscf6243.jpg

 

 

closeup

fpn_1508474527__dscf6246.jpg

 

flyer jacket

fpn_1508474591__dscf6245.jpg

 

closeup

fpn_1508474681__dscf6244.jpg

 

fpn_1508474730__dscf6249.jpg

 

fpn_1508474761__dscf6250.jpg

 

 

 

All their refills (plain , lined or dotted) come with a sturdy polyester ribbon pagemarker.

They are also all red in colour to match their black & red PVC carrier

fpn_1508475068__dscf6252.jpg

 

fpn_1508474864__dscf6247.jpg

 

The ribbon marker is about slightly over an inch longer over the diagonal of the page .

This is the correct length of ribbons in books.

Can be longer (which can then become too long) but not shorter than an inch .

The logic is to allow a comfortable grip on the ribbon, using it to turn to that page.

fpn_1508474909__dscf6248.jpg

 

Unfortunately, the edge of the cut ribbon is not sealed.

So being polyester, it will fray in no time.

This can be easily resolved by using the flame of a cigarette lighter to melt the edge with one or two touching passes.

(careful , polyester burns very easily)

 

 

The book is stitched. :thumbup:

which means it will open flat and stay flat open.

you see the mull glued over the spine like this

fpn_1508474963__dscf6253.jpg

 

The stitches are fine nylon

fpn_1508475121__dscf6254.jpg

 

 

fpn_1508475179__dscf6257.jpg

 

The head bands are also red

to match their black & red jacket

fpn_1508475213__dscf6258.jpg

 

In the above pic, you can see there are 10 signatures

Each one has 4 Folios

So there is a total of 160 writing pages as stated in their flyer.

 

 

the paper test comes next ...

 

Reattached pics from my hardisk ...

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

instagram

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here comes the test of the paper...

My usual way of testing ..

with inks

and with watercolour washes

 

 

The paper is smooth :thumbup: (which is what made me decided to buy it and try it)

Its ivory , or natural white as they describe on their official webpage.

 

Here the inked outlines are drawn using NOODLERS Black (waterproof)

I used a #6 steel nib that is an Archt's grind. (purchased from PEYTON STREET Pens)

Its a very wet nib and have been enjoying its use since I got it months ago ... :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

So you see thick lines vs thin ones.

Then they are painted with DALER & ROWNEY Pocket Watercolour Set

fpn_1508475394__dscf6259.jpg

 

fpn_1508475454__dscf6260.jpg

 

The 100gsm paper handles the wetness well. No problems.

fpn_1508475567__dscf6264.jpg

 

fpn_1508475604__dscf6263.jpg

 

 

There is warpage from the wetness , this is to be expected.

fpn_1508475692__dscf6265.jpg

 

 

Here you see the tint of the paper compared to ordinary white copier paper laid underneath

My assistant helping to hold down the warped paper.

fpn_1508475751__dscf6267.jpg

 

 

There is no feathering on the reverse side

 

 

 

closeup

fpn_1508475838__dscf6268.jpg

 

 

now testing with inks

fpn_1508475886__dscf6269.jpg

 

 

From my experience, HERBIN Orange Indien seems to bleed on many papers.

I dunno why. Maybe its just me,

fpn_1508475930__dscf6270.jpg

 

Here is the reverse page.

Generally all okay ...

The green dots are not bleedthru. they are stained from the wet page opposite

fpn_1508475978__dscf6271.jpg

 

Except for HERBIN Orange Indien here ...

You can just make out tiny traces of bleedthru

fpn_1508476039__dscf6272.jpg

 

 

 

 

Further ink tests ...

fpn_1508476116__dscf6273.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not all my fountain pens are filled with all inks

so I used bamboo toothpicks to dip into some of the inks and draw them dots

fpn_1508476173__dscf6276.jpg

 

Reverse side

fpn_1508476254__dscf6278.jpg

 

Some bleedthru but only on some inks like the purple ones and the orange ones

But these are the result of inks applied with a toothpick , where it deposits a droplet of that ink which took a while before it dried off.

It shldn't happen with a fountain pen.

fpn_1508476307__dscf6280.jpg

 

 

Positives :

- smooth paper (no fibres caught in tines)

- heavier paper at 100gsm (more sturdy)

- stitched (opens flat)

 

Negatives?

No negatives really ..

- the bleedthru is not really that intolerable , so I am not listing it as a definite negative

- shadow is discernible but only with dark inks., even so,

This can be easily solved by placing a black sheet of paper underneath

 

:D

 

Reattached pics from my hardisk

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

instagram

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Some doodling ....

 

fpn_1508476411__dscf6851.jpg

 

 

the reverse side

fpn_1508476453__dscf6853.jpg

 

 

fpn_1508476498__dscf6852.jpg

 

Used the wrong blue.

The pectoral fin has the right blue

 

NOODLER'S Bulletproof Black ink drawn with a size 6 steel nib Archts Grind.

The nib is held close to vertical in order to get fine lines.

DALER ROWNEY Watercolor Pocket Set

and testdriving my new ESCODA Round 6 Versatil Traveller's Pocket paintbrush.

That is one serious paintbrush ! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

 

I am a watercolor newbie :blush:

Didn't know brushes can make such a huge difference ! :blush:

 

 

another sample page ...

Totoro and friends ...

fpn_1508476869__dscf6854.jpg

 

 

haven't coloured in Chibi Totoro yet ...

:D

 

Same ink and watercolour combinations

 

I also think this drawing needs some foreground painted in .

They look floating !

 

The excellent ESCODA brush just makes you wanna paint more...

Yes, good instruments make a real difference...

Edited by TMLee

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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some more samples, this time trying out more dense colouring with NOODLERS Black ...

to see how the paper handles it ...

fpn_1508508909__dscf6855.jpg

 

All the black parts are coloured in with NOODLERS Bulletproof Black

using a #6 steel nib in architects grind

fpn_1508508967__dscf6856.jpg

 

fpn_1508509092__dscf6857.jpg

 

fpn_1508509138__dscf6858.jpg

 

The backside of the page.

warpage yes,

but No bleedthru nor feathering ...

fpn_1508509221__dscf6859.jpg

 

 

decent paper :thumbup:

 

:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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  • 4 weeks later...

I came across the diary flex at a camera shop. Bought the cover and notebook set $16.98 and refill dot grid $6.98. Virtually no ghosting and behaves fairly well with fp ink. I am impressed. Now I want to stock up.

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