Writersblok Bamboo Paper

[WillSW]

Even though I didn't really like regular Writersblok pads (not very good paper, a bunch of tiny feathering), I saw their new bamboo paper and thought it may be a similar find to bagasse, plus the notebooks are nice and simple. I don't have time to write a full review, but the paper isn't very great, pretty similar to their regular stuff. If you really like the notebook design, and want that nice narrow ruling, it's good enough to write in. But if you're looking for something to go with your Rhodia, get an Apica instead.

[WillSW]

I have changed my opinion, I like it a lot! I also forgot to scan the pages I wrote, so I'll sum it up in easier to read text.

 

The Bamboo Writersblok is a nice alternative to Moleskine, if you're not married to the elastic strap, bookmark ribbon, or back pocket (though these can all be added yourself pretty easily). It has a slightly textured, flexible cover. Each page has a Writersblok logo, though it takes 2 seconds to cover up with a thick dash.

 

Pros:

Lays flat

Very nice simple design (and comes in white, if you like white, as well as green, black, and red)

Thin ruling lines, just shy of .25" apart.

Paper is friendly, at least for fine-nibbed pens and if you don't go over your lines twice

Paper is not bright white (though still white)

Affordable (2 for $8, if I remember correctly, for the 5.5"x8")

Rounded corners

Waterproof cover

 

Cons:

Show-through, though not at all enough to interfere with writing on both sides of the page (again, I only tested fine nibs)

Does not like more than one layer of ink

Small logo on each page (though easy to cover)

Now, too many pictures:

 

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/willsw/bw6.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/willsw/bw9.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/willsw/bw5.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/willsw/bw8.jpg

[WillSW]

The rest of the photos:

 

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/willsw/bw3.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/willsw/bw1.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/willsw/bw7.jpg

[Jules]

Thanks for the review! And the pictures. Especially the pictures. I see them a lot in one of the bookstores that I frequent and I generally just ignore the notebooks/brands that I've never heard of -- can't afford to waste money testing new journals out, unfortunately. I'll take a closer look next time I'm there.

Edited October 12, 2009 by Jaylin

[dcwaites]

I bought a couple of these recently. I had to, they were bound together.

 

I am not that impressed. The paper quality is not that great, rather similar to the 'Ditto' house brand notebooks I bought from Big W recently. The feathering and bleeding properties are almost identical. The only difference is the paper colour, and the price on the 'Ditto' being a lot less.

 

From now on I will be sticking to Clairefontaine, Rhodia and Apica. (See new signature below...)