Miquelrius Notebooks

[Poetman]

What's the deal with miquelrius' notebooks? I've seen one or two reviews of them on line, and I'm looking for some forum feedback. According to their website, they make a bunch of different colors and sizes, but I can't seem to find what sies are available for a plain black cover. Also, how does the paper compare to Moleskine. I like Moleskine pocket size quad ruled notebooks, but their larger notebooks don't work well for me. So, what's the deal with miquelrius?

 

Thanks All!

[biffybeans]

I bought one a while back. It was a squared one with a flexible cover. Bought a second one with a leatherette cover. Both bled so badly with the first stroke of the fountain pen that I got rid of them lickety split and never looked back.

 

 

What's the deal with miquelrius' notebooks? I've seen one or two reviews of them on line, and I'm looking for some forum feedback. According to their website, they make a bunch of different colors and sizes, but I can't seem to find what sies are available for a plain black cover. Also, how does the paper compare to Moleskine. I like Moleskine pocket size quad ruled notebooks, but their larger notebooks don't work well for me. So, what's the deal with miquelrius?

 

Thanks All!

 

[excarnate]

I bought one a while back. It was a squared one with a flexible cover. Bought a second one with a leatherette cover. Both bled so badly with the first stroke of the fountain pen that I got rid of them lickety split and never looked back.

 

 

What's the deal with miquelrius' notebooks? I've seen one or two reviews of them on line, and I'm looking for some forum feedback. According to their website, they make a bunch of different colors and sizes, but I can't seem to find what sies are available for a plain black cover. Also, how does the paper compare to Moleskine. I like Moleskine pocket size quad ruled notebooks, but their larger notebooks don't work well for me. So, what's the deal with miquelrius?

 

Thanks All!

Hmm, my wife has a full-sized (letter-sized) Miquelrius notebook, grid, maybe 200 pages microperfed, black poly cover,wirebound, it works perfectly with fountain pens.

 

I have one of their tiny (smaller than the Moleskine pocket size) notebooks, it also works perfectly fine with fountain pens. I have a couple different models I haven't tried yet, if I remember I'll draw a few lines in them and see how they react.

[vagabond]

I am using a green 6"x8" Miquelrius leather-look grid notebook for my current journal/everyday notebook. I like the way the paper feels under the nib, the grid size, and the overall performance (no feathering). However, I have found a couple cons to this notebook. I don't know if I'd call it bleed-through, but I have found that my writing shows through enough to be a little annoying on the other side of the page. It's useable (certainly no worse than Moleskine, and with less feathering), but I think I'll probably write only on the right hand pages. With three hundred sheets, that's not a big handicap, but it is annoying because, dang it, I like to write on both sides of the paper. The second problem is that it isn't very comfortable to write on the left hand pages due to the thickness and binding style. Of course, since I'm only going to be writing on the right hand pages...

 

So far, I like Apica notebooks better than anything else I've used. I just wish they came in grid! I think next I'll try a cloth-bound Clairefontaine with grid and make a protective cover for it. I'd better get busy on those three hundred sheets in my Miquelrius!

[joker354]

I am using a green 6"x8" Miquelrius leather-look grid notebook for my current journal/everyday notebook. I like the way the paper feels under the nib, the grid size, and the overall performance (no feathering). However, I have found a couple cons to this notebook. I don't know if I'd call it bleed-through, but I have found that my writing shows through enough to be a little annoying on the other side of the page. It's useable (certainly no worse than Moleskine, and with less feathering), but I think I'll probably write only on the right hand pages. With three hundred sheets, that's not a big handicap, but it is annoying because, dang it, I like to write on both sides of the paper. The second problem is that it isn't very comfortable to write on the left hand pages due to the thickness and binding style. Of course, since I'm only going to be writing on the right hand pages...

 

So far, I like Apica notebooks better than anything else I've used. I just wish they came in grid! I think next I'll try a cloth-bound Clairefontaine with grid and make a protective cover for it. I'd better get busy on those three hundred sheets in my Miquelrius!

 

I have an A6 spiral with lined rule, color borders, perforations and title block. It has a clear polyprop cover. The paper is ok. It is not nearly as smooth or thick as the Clairefontaine, Rhodia or my Japanese notebooks. The pages have considerable show through and a little bleeding.

 

I only use it with my gel and BPs now. Sometimes with my cheap Sailor FP, because it has a pretty fine nib.

 

Personally, I will probably always opt for something else in the future.

 

Eric.

[lucentstreak]

I am using a green 6"x8" Miquelrius leather-look grid notebook for my current journal/everyday notebook. I like the way the paper feels under the nib, the grid size, and the overall performance (no feathering). However, I have found a couple cons to this notebook. I don't know if I'd call it bleed-through, but I have found that my writing shows through enough to be a little annoying on the other side of the page. It's useable (certainly no worse than Moleskine, and with less feathering), but I think I'll probably write only on the right hand pages. With three hundred sheets, that's not a big handicap, but it is annoying because, dang it, I like to write on both sides of the paper. The second problem is that it isn't very comfortable to write on the left hand pages due to the thickness and binding style. Of course, since I'm only going to be writing on the right hand pages...

 

I have only recently swapped my daily journal to a Miquelrius flexi plain 200 page journal. So far, the paper does feel good under the nib, a little toothy but not that offensive. Compared to moleskine - it holds ink better but the bleed through is quite... I guess I'll leave it up to you compare. I was initially looking for a notebook that would actually be able to withstand Lamy 2000's wetness but this one just seemed to make the mark barely. I'm still deciding if I should write on one side or both.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2883451057_613fa6cf89.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2883424433_b64e84af3e_b.jpg

 

 

[JakobS]

I have a Miquelrius flexible grid 200 page journal, writing on it shows it to be a rather smooth experience with no feathering, but I have to agree that many inks will bleed through, those that I have used so far are Lamy Black, Noodlers Polar Black, Diamine Monaco Red, PR Naples Blue, and perhaps Pelikan Brilliant Black. Lamy Black in an Esterbrook J with a 3550 nib had the least bleed through, but still rather obvious. If you are interested in Miquelrius I would stick to their spiral bound notebooks, they take ink incredibly well with no feathering, and no bleed through. I bought my flexible notebook at Barnes and Noble, but the ones on Pendemonium show a elastic band to close them which mine does not have, so I do wander if perhaps that version's paper maybe different?

Edited September 24, 2008 by JakobS

[biffybeans]

Yeaaaaaaah. That's what I'm talking about. That is just so completely unacceptable to me.

 

 

I am using a green 6"x8" Miquelrius leather-look grid notebook for my current journal/everyday notebook. I like the way the paper feels under the nib, the grid size, and the overall performance (no feathering). However, I have found a couple cons to this notebook. I don't know if I'd call it bleed-through, but I have found that my writing shows through enough to be a little annoying on the other side of the page. It's useable (certainly no worse than Moleskine, and with less feathering), but I think I'll probably write only on the right hand pages. With three hundred sheets, that's not a big handicap, but it is annoying because, dang it, I like to write on both sides of the paper. The second problem is that it isn't very comfortable to write on the left hand pages due to the thickness and binding style. Of course, since I'm only going to be writing on the right hand pages...

 

I have only recently swapped my daily journal to a Miquelrius flexi plain 200 page journal. So far, the paper does feel good under the nib, a little toothy but not that offensive. Compared to moleskine - it holds ink better but the bleed through is quite... I guess I'll leave it up to you compare. I was initially looking for a notebook that would actually be able to withstand Lamy 2000's wetness but this one just seemed to make the mark barely. I'm still deciding if I should write on one side or both.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2883451057_613fa6cf89.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2883424433_b64e84af3e_b.jpg

 

[lucentstreak]

Yeaaaaaaah. That's what I'm talking about. That is just so completely unacceptable to me.

 

Hi there biffybeans,

 

on hindsight, it ain't -that- bad. (I know - I'm being the optimist here)

The bleed through doesn't form any obstruction to the written text only mild shadowing in the background...

[framos917]

What's the deal with miquelrius' notebooks? I've seen one or two reviews of them on line, and I'm looking for some forum feedback. According to their website, they make a bunch of different colors and sizes, but I can't seem to find what sies are available for a plain black cover. Also, how does the paper compare to Moleskine. I like Moleskine pocket size quad ruled notebooks, but their larger notebooks don't work well for me. So, what's the deal with miquelrius?

 

Thanks All!

I use Moleskine mostly, however about 2 weeks ago I found a small 3 1/2 by 4 inch Miquelrius notebook at Barnes and Noble. It was only $3. It as a red Polyprop cover, with 4 color coded sections. The sections are color coded on the paper edge, shows up great. The Paper is slick to feel, graph with a rectangle at the top of page for page description. It has the small Miquelrius logo, at the bottom of each page. I bought just to see what they were like with out spending a lot for a bigger journal. I found it easy to use, functional, and takes ink well. I use various colors of Private Reserve bottled ink. The paper was slick and heavy enough for me that it was no bleed through. Worked out well. I will continue to go with Moleskine, however I am sure I will buy more of these as the need and opportunity comes up.

[vagabond]

lucentstreak--Your photos show exactly what I'm seeing in my notebook.

 

JakobS--I suspect you are right; my wife had a spiral Miquelrius that seemed to work great. Unfortunately, I'm not fond of spiral notebooks, so I'll probably either give Clairefontaine a try or go back to making my own notebooks if I can find some satisfactory paper. If I could ever find loose leaf Apica paper in grid format so I could make my own notebooks with it, I'd be in heaven!

 

Of course, being che...er, frugal...I will have to finish out the Miquelrius on the right hand pages before moving on.

[Ondina]

We use a wide range of Miquel Ríus Notebooks at home. The paper, not being as luscious as Clairefontaine/Rhodia ones, is simply the best ink taking paper around and is recommended go get some now if your haven't tried them yet. The paper takes ink like no other. And stays on it -200 year warranty at least for any European made ink-.

Is true that shows some hints of the other side of the paper and that with some inks a hint of bleed through occurs.

 

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q347/Ondina_2008/MiquelRus003Medium.jpg

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q347/Ondina_2008/MiquelRus005Medium.jpg

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q347/Ondina_2008/MiquelRus007Medium.jpg

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q347/Ondina_2008/MiquelRus010Medium.jpg

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q347/Ondina_2008/MiquelRus011Medium.jpg

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q347/Ondina_2008/MiquelRus012Medium.jpg

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q347/Ondina_2008/MiquelRus013Medium.jpg

 

This one is an Clairefontaine caiher. Also shows a bit.

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q347/Ondina_2008/MiquelRus014Medium.jpg

Nothing intrusive at all on any of them. All my inks are European brands but for the black and brown shown here, Noodler's black and Standart Brown respectively. Waterman's blue and the usual house mix of burple are the other two. Noodler's seems to show more and have a hint of bleed through, specially the brown. It does not interfere with what you write on the other side of the page at all in most cases.

 

This is a high quality paper and the range of products is very good. On the other hand, and really liking other papers, the only Apica I've used -sent for a traveling journal-, bled through badly. Roger can have a saying on this.

Go get a Miquel Ríus.. like for yesterday!

Edited September 24, 2008 by Ondina

[Zoe]

Ondina, when you say "European inks" which are you referring to using?

 

I have used two Miquelrius notebooks, the smaller spirals, #4, with just about any ink in any pen, and had little to no bleeding, or seepage.

 

In fact, I was thinking of picking up a few more when next I am in a city.

[biffybeans]

FWIW - perhaps the paper they use in the spiral bound books is different than the ones in the small glue bound books. Because I'm serious. My bleedthrough was horrible.

 

Remember, YMMV when it comes to nib widths & inks.

[Zoe]

Biffybeans, I did read your recent blog entry or more than one and my pens are not that much different than yours; Pelikan m200, Safari variants, Parker Dufold (new), and about 60 others, although I only use about 10 of them regularly--Sensa Meridian, Libelle, etc.

 

I think of paper the way I think about skin--some of it is smooth, others scratchy.

 

My favourite papers remain Clairefontaine (the 8x11-1/2 6155s); Moleskine Sketchbooks (heavier weight paper); my new Canteo (lovely, lovely, lovely), and the Apicas.

 

And as far as ink is concerned I have and use most of the inks available on the market.

 

The single journal I've had bleed through and disappointment with is the Exacompta re-fillable journal paper (a pity because I love the look of the leather cover).

[biffybeans]

Did you happen to see my review of the ePure? I don't love soft covered journals that don't lie flat, but that paper is niiiiiice. (Unlined)

 

Biffybeans, I did read your recent blog entry or more than one and my pens are not that much different than yours; Pelikan m200, Safari variants, Parker Dufold (new), and about 60 others, although I only use about 10 of them regularly--Sensa Meridian, Libelle, etc.

 

I think of paper the way I think about skin--some of it is smooth, others scratchy.

 

My favourite papers remain Clairefontaine (the 8x11-1/2 6155s); Moleskine Sketchbooks (heavier weight paper); my new Canteo (lovely, lovely, lovely), and the Apicas.

 

And as far as ink is concerned I have and use most of the inks available on the market.

 

The single journal I've had bleed through and disappointment with is the Exacompta re-fillable journal paper (a pity because I love the look of the leather cover).

 

[Zoe]

I did.

 

And I was and remain tempted to buy yet another journal. But, right now I have about 10-odd untouched.

Did you happen to see my review of the ePure? I don't love soft covered journals that don't lie flat, but that paper is niiiiiice. (Unlined)

 

Biffybeans, I did read your recent blog entry or more than one and my pens are not that much different than yours; Pelikan m200, Safari variants, Parker Dufold (new), and about 60 others, although I only use about 10 of them regularly--Sensa Meridian, Libelle, etc.

 

I think of paper the way I think about skin--some of it is smooth, others scratchy.

 

My favourite papers remain Clairefontaine (the 8x11-1/2 6155s); Moleskine Sketchbooks (heavier weight paper); my new Canteo (lovely, lovely, lovely), and the Apicas.

 

And as far as ink is concerned I have and use most of the inks available on the market.

 

The single journal I've had bleed through and disappointment with is the Exacompta re-fillable journal paper (a pity because I love the look of the leather cover).

 

[Ondina]

Ondina, when you say "European inks" which are you referring to using?

 

I have used two Miquelrius notebooks, the smaller spirals, #4, with just about any ink in any pen, and had little to no bleeding, or seepage.

 

In fact, I was thinking of picking up a few more when next I am in a city.

 

Hi, Zoe. You got me up the chair to the bureau at the living

 

EU made:

Herbin ( Eclat de Saphirè, Violette Pensé, Perle Noir, Rose Cyclamen)

Waterman : Florida Blue, Green, Havana Brown, Red, Violette, South Seas.

Rorher & Klinger Salix and Scabiosa

Aurora: black

Mont Blanc: black, blue, blue-black

Lamy : green, blue. Only use this two mixed with a drop of black.

Pelikan: black, blue-black

Inoxcrom: blue

Parker: blue-black

Sheaffer : some blue carts.

 

US made:

Noodler's black

Noddler's Standard Brown

Private Reserve Ultrablack (used only for mixes as last resource before going down the drain).

 

All used on any paper with similar results. The one that behaves well, does everywhere and the ones that don't...no use trying on others. I mentioned because just a few days back a big department store chain had an ad sign by the Miquel Ríus paper stating " the manufacturer guarantees the archival qualities of its products for at least 200 years" And in small letters "in combination with any EU made ink". Probably talking about ferrogalic inks?

[Blade Runner]

I've used the spiral bound Miguelrius available in the US, and it's very good paper. I like the little texture and no feathering or major bleed with my stuff.

[savarez]

I must agree with the previous posts concerning MR spiral bound notebooks. It's not Rhodia or CF, but it has always been FP friendly with the variety of inks and nibs in my rotation, and the A4 spiral notebooks are micro-perforated, so I can remove the pages, punch them, and transfer them to my Circa.

 

I think it is clear that the flexible journal notebooks must have different paper.

 

Edited September 24, 2008 by savarez