Rough Paper Notebook?

[Papersaurus]

Hi everyone!

 

I've been looking for hours (or more truthfully, days at this point) for the perfect notebook and I thought you guys might know better where to look than I do.

 

I'm looking for a notebook/journal for note-taking (with a FP of course , and maybe some doodling) and also novel writing. I have a few characteristics I'd like to have (by decreasing order of importance):

 

1) Textured paper: That is the single most important feature I'd like to have, smooth paper is a complete deal-breaker for me.

 

2) Hardcover and sober: Something akin to a moleskine would be perfect.

 

3) Cream paper color.

 

4) Fast-drying paper.

 

5) Lined.

 

6) Around A5 sized

 

7) Reasonable show-through.

 

8) Available in Europe and not too expensive (ideally, 5-8€)

 

Do you any of you knows where I could find such a rarity?

 

Thanks a lot!

Edited November 22, 2013 by Papersaurus

[Johan.Witt]

It all depends on what exactly you envision as "textured" or "rough". You might want to look into hardbound watercolor sketchbooks. Some are made with cold pressed watercolor paper, which has a very small bit of tooth to it. (I certainly would not categorize it as "rough", but you may.) Daler Rowney makes one using cream colored paper.

[Papersaurus]

It all depends on what exactly you envision as "textured" or "rough". You might want to look into hardbound watercolor sketchbooks. Some are made with cold pressed watercolor paper, which has a very small bit of tooth to it. (I certainly would not categorize it as "rough", but you may.) Daler Rowney makes one using cream colored paper.

 

Thanks for your reply!

 

"Rough" is probably a bit strong of a word, I would say as long as it has some texture, I'm happy. But drawing paper is a good equivalent too, actually I have a drawing pad where I write sometimes and it's pretty good, I'll see if I can find it and I'll post the reference.

 

The Daler Rowney was pretty much what I was looking for but ... the pages are micro-perforated . They really can't make it easy .

[The Good Captain]

I would go for the A5 Leuchtturm. Perhaps not as 'rough' as you might like, but great books. I plan to use nothing else, at that size.

[Tanzanite]

Letts has some nice notebooks which are not as smoothe as Rhodia, Leuchtturm and Oxford. I have a Noteletts Edge. The paper is cream coloured and the cover comes in various colours and in A5+ and A6+.

[Papersaurus]

Thanks everyone for replying, I know I'm a bit difficult .

 

I would go for the A5 Leuchtturm. Perhaps not as 'rough' as you might like, but great books. I plan to use nothing else, at that size.

 

How would you rate it in term of smoothness? From a few reviews I've read, it's not exactly clear (but I really like the colors they offer, it's quite tasteful).

 

Letts has some nice notebooks which are not as smoothe as Rhodia, Leuchtturm and Oxford. I have a Noteletts Edge. The paper is cream coloured and the cover comes in various colours and in A5+ and A6+.

 

That's odd, I found something bad about it but I don't remember what , but in addition of that thing-I-will-surely-maybe-remember, I don't like markings and logos on all the pages, it feel out of place in a way.

 

---

 

To not finish on a disappointed note, I read the review of TWSBI's notebooks ( http://fpgeeks.com/2013/06/twsbi-notebooks-review/ - Damn that gal has a nice handwriting), and it seem to be very close to what I'm looking, it doesn't have cream paper and it's slightly more expensive than I was planing, but I can live with that.

Edited November 25, 2013 by Papersaurus

[The Good Captain]

How would you rate it in term of smoothness? From a few reviews I've read, it's not exactly clear (but I really like the colors they offer, it's quite tasteful).

Not as smooth as Rhodia/Clairefontaine but I actually quite like that. Having said that, I do like the Clairefontaine notebooks as well.

[Johan.Witt]

Stillman & Birn make hardbound journals using ivory colored paper. Their Gamma book might be just the thing: http://www.stillmanandbirn.com/specs.html

[thedeacon]

I would go for the A5 Leuchtturm. Perhaps not as 'rough' as you might like, but great books. I plan to use nothing else, at that size.

+1 Leuchtturm is my preferred notebook by far. It has a little tooth to the paper, just enough to give a bit of feedback. It does not feather and it promotes a good dry time since the paper is not slick as glass.

[Papersaurus]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

 

Quite a few fan of Leuchtturm here! I'll see if I can see one in person when I'll go in the capital.

 

Stillman & Birn make hardbound journals using ivory colored paper. Their Gamma book might be just the thing: http://www.stillmanandbirn.com/specs.html

 

Did you use one? Isn't 150gsm a bit too thick?

[farmerjohn]

I would say the most economical route would be make your own books theres a 4 part DIY write up on making your own notebooks/journal whatever

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/45081-diy-how-to-guides-and-resources/

 

 

the size is all about how big the paper you start with conversely you can make a book much wider if you only fold the last inch on top and if you want lines you can print them onto the paper before you bind it

 

I made a journal to practice with some 20lb printer paper I had around the house some dental floss and some other quickly gathered materials made the journal in less than an hour(have not put a cover on it yet)

 

now I have a good feel for what I am doing I am going to make one out of nicer 32 ish lb paper my dads company uses at the office so I can get some reams for free

 

here is what a hour of my time while watching a movie produced ( lots of room for improvment but I was trying to learn the technique

.......or not cant figure out how to post pictures from my PC

Edited December 1, 2013 by farmerjohn

[FountainPenCowgirl]

In addition to Leuchhturm, I'd suggest TWSBI. Performance is similar to L, slightly more tooth (in my experience). Both have been solid, reliable options for me (very picky when it comes to journals), with what I think you're describing as preferred finish.

 

ETA: I see you found TWSBI. Again, based on what I think you're describing, TWSBI would be slightly ahead of L. as a recommendation. Really nice performance overall, too.

Edited December 2, 2013 by FountainPenCowgirl