Pentalic Notebooks

[inkspot]

I just discovered these notebooks: Pentalic

 

I figured they were too cheap to be any good, but bought one to try. The paper is slightly off-white, heavy, and takes ink beautifully! Even with my wettest writers. The elastic enclosure is a definite plus for me, and they were CHEAP!!!

 

The campus bookstore here carries:

 

3" X 4" - $1.95

4" X 6" - $2.95

6" X 8" - $3.95

 

I'm hoping to do a thorough review soon, but in the meantime, if you can get your hands on these books, I'd recommend giving them a try.

[jBeckett]

Pentalic is easily my favorite paper brand, not even taking price into account. Well, Maruman is actually a close second but still, any #3 would be very distant.

 

But yes, the paper is quite something, I can even use water soluble crayons/pencils with a waterbrush in them. My favorite from them is the Ecru sketchbook, which is actually a "vintage" yellow paper.

[waterman1924]

Ordered... Thanks

[cavalier3]

The Pentalics have been my sketchbook of choice for the last six years. The 4"x6" size is a perfect fit in a back pocket or a jacket pocket. They lie flat so you have an effective 8"x6" surface to work on. They're cheap (on sale I once got them for $3.00 each) and they come in multiple colors. The paper takes wash fairly well - at least better than the Moleskines.

 

There are a few things to gripe about:

 

1. The binding is a little weak so the cover can separate from the inner pages.

2. The back pocket is equally weak and can develop a hole.

3. Drawings can be seen through the other side sometimes. It is kind of translucent if you have a heavy hand with your sketches.

4. I have just discovered that the Noodler's Black ink that I have been using takes forever to dry on it and can smudge on the facing page even after days of drying.

 

I fixed the first two problems with linen binding tape and duct tape. The Noodler's problem is a bigger one for me so I am on the hunt for another waterproof ink or sketchbook.

[1984CJ]

 

4. I have just discovered that the Noodler's Black ink that I have been using takes forever to dry on it and can smudge on the facing page even after days of drying.

 

I The Noodler's problem is a bigger one for me so I am on the hunt for another waterproof ink or sketchbook.

 

I solved the problem of smudging in my journal by keeping a piece of blotter paper between the pages.

I bought a 24"x38" sheet of blotter paper and cut it down to fit the journal I am currently using. One sheet of blotter paper should last a long time like this!

I just discovered these notebooks: Pentalic

Thanks for the link. I am starting to look for a replacement for the, out of production, journals I am currently using.

[funkypeanut]

I picked up one of the little ones at Hobby Lobby for $1.99. They were in the check-out aisle, so it was an impulse buy, but it was a good impulse... this time.

[bxrgrl]

Anybody know what happened to these notebooks? I can't find them for purchase online! I shouldn't have waited for so long to buy a bunch, and now they're gone.

[WC Lee]

this what you looking for?

http://www.dickblick.com/products/pentalic-recycled-travelers-sketchbooks/

[bxrgrl]

Yes, thanks! I realized that they changed the name, and that's why I couldn't find them. They used to be Pentalic a la Modeskin, I guess because it's a Moleskine ripoff. A far superior Moleskine ripoff. Someone please slap me if I ever try to buy a Moleskine again.

[WC Lee]

you're welcome ... these sketchbooks are great, excellent paper and inexpensive too .. though I can't vouch for the quality of the stock now since I haven't use up the supply I got years ago.

[holgalee]

Sounds intriguing! I found a review of it by BiffyBeans, and she notes that the new version is not as good: http://www.biffybeans.com/2013/04/updated-review-pentalic-la-modeskin.html.

[ARbldr]

you're welcome ... these sketchbooks are great, excellent paper and inexpensive too .. though I can't vouch for the quality of the stock now since I haven't use up the supply I got years ago.

 

I got one from Amazon with another order earlier this year, the paper is still excellent.

 

With the $59 free shipping from Blick's, I just had an order come in with 8 of the sketchbooks, so now I have a supply for a while

[bxrgrl]

I just bought a bunch from this place:

 

http://www.creativecoldsnow.com/browse.cfm/pentalic-traveler-sketch/2,2744.html

 

In the photos they are very clearly the old version of the notebook. If the new version arrives I may have to return them.

[WC Lee]

 

I got one from Amazon with another order earlier this year, the paper is still excellent.

 

With the $59 free shipping from Blick's, I just had an order come in with 8 of the sketchbooks, so now I have a supply for a while

 

Yah, I'm thinking about getting some more but I already got toooooo many journals, notebooks, and sketchbooks ..... I got more than enough to last me a while, damn this journal/notebook/sketchbook addiction ....

 

I just bought a bunch from this place:

 

http://www.creativecoldsnow.com/browse.cfm/pentalic-traveler-sketch/2,2744.html

 

In the photos they are very clearly the old version of the notebook. If the new version arrives I may have to return them.

 

from what gather from reviews, the new version should be just as good as the old version, it looks different though. I actually like the way it looks now from what I can see from the images

 

Sounds intriguing! I found a review of it by BiffyBeans, and she notes that the new version is not as good: http://www.biffybeans.com/2013/04/updated-review-pentalic-la-modeskin.html.

 

I didn't get the same impression, from what I read, she really likes the sketchbook and notes that the new version only looks different with white paper whereas she prefer the cream color paper more.

Edited April 6, 2014 by WC Lee