A5 (Soft Cover) Notebook Recommendations

[kansaskyle]

I have an A5 leather folio inbound, and I'm curious what y'all would recommend for soft notebooks that I could slip into the folio? It is basically an oversized Midori with bungy-type cords to hold up to three notebooks. Given this construction, I'm thinking a thinner notebooks with say 50 to 100 pages would be best versus a 200+ page thicker notebook.

 

The seller is including a Muji notebook that I haven't heard of before, which I'll happily try out and see how it does.

 

I prefer unlined paper with a soft cover since it will be going inside the leather folio, and I'm curious if y'all have any suggestions.

 

Thanks!

[FountainPenBibliophile]

I have an A5 leather folio inbound, and I'm curious what y'all would recommend for soft notebooks that I could slip into the folio? It is basically an oversized Midori with bungy-type cords to hold up to three notebooks. Given this construction, I'm thinking a thinner notebooks with say 50 to 100 pages would be best versus a 200+ page thicker notebook.

 

The seller is including a Muji notebook that I haven't heard of before, which I'll happily try out and see how it does.

 

I prefer unlined paper with a soft cover since it will be going inside the leather folio, and I'm curious if y'all have any suggestions.

 

Thanks!

 

Hi!

 

I found these on Jet Pens:

 

http://www.jetpens.com/Life-Renover-Notebook-A5-Plain/pd/13878

 

Assuming they use the same paper as the other Life Notebooks, they are very fountain pen friendly.

 

There is also the Midori MD Blank. They are pretty cheap at Amazon. There are only 4 left but they usually restock them. They do have 60 more pages but they aren't too thick. I use them in my A5 traveler's notebooks. They are very fountain pen friendly as well:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Midori-notebook-ruled-line-x3000/dp/B003CT47ZK

 

I hope this helps!

 

FPB

 

Oh yeah, I have tried the Muji and I know they are purported to be fountain pen friendly, but I personally do not care for them. I can't stand any bleedthrough and I have experienced it using any size nib and even with so called "safe" inks. They just do not wow me. They are, however, very affordable. Maybe I just didn't hit the nib/ink sweetspot.

Edited June 28, 2016 by FountainPenBibliophile

[migo984]

What about a Clairefontaine A5 exercise book or cahier? Very fountain pen friendly, plain, ruled or Seyes-lined. 96 pages, card/flexible covers, side stapled. Widely available at reasonable prices.

 

Just an example here:

 

http://www.notemaker.com.au/clairefontaine-essentials-a5-15x21cm-cloth-bound-notebook-black-ruled-23114?default=22919

 

Other styles of Clairefontaine notebooks (eg Age Bag or 1951 etc) are available. You're bound to find one to suit.

[inkypete]

What about a Clairefontaine A5 exercise book or cahier? Very fountain pen friendly, plain, ruled or Seyes-lined. 96 pages, card/flexible covers, side stapled. Widely available at reasonable prices.

 

Just an example here:

 

http://www.notemaker.com.au/clairefontaine-essentials-a5-15x21cm-cloth-bound-notebook-black-ruled-23114?default=22919

 

Other styles of Clairefontaine notebooks (eg Age Bag or 1951 etc) are available. You're bound to find one to suit.

 

My recommendation too - these are my everyday notebook including for use in a variety of leather covers I use. Great quality, consistent paper grade and reasonable price.

[kansaskyle]

Thank you for the recommendations.

 

I opted for a Life Noble and a Midori MD notebook from Amazon since they had free shipping, and I had a gift card balance with them. Jetpens offered similar items too with free shipping over $25.

 

I didn't have luck finding Claire Fontaine exercise book or cahier from a US vendor, but I did see a Claire Fontaine notebook from Goulet Pens that would work. They look to be slightly bigger than a standard A5, but would probably fit. I will likely give this one a try at some point.

 

So, I have three notebooks to try (Muji, Life, and Midori) and see what I like. Who knows, I may not even like the larger A5 format compared to my FauxDori with standard Midori-sized inserts; however, experimenting is part of the fun!

[SpecTP]

the Seven Seas Nanami A5 are actually much thinner than an equivalent Clairefontaine or Leuchtturm and has nearly twice the number of pages (480)

[FountainPenBibliophile]

You're gonna think I'm nuts, but, I have been playing with some Moleskine Volant notebooks, and though they are not a true A5 (pretty close), they are pretty fountain pen friendly. I am able to use vintage flex on them with no feathering or bleed. I know Moleskine can be hit or miss, even within the same notebook but so far so great. If you can get them at a cheap price (check Amazon from time to time) then don't hesitate to pick up a couple. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

FPB

[Joe in Seattle]

I use the Midori MD. So close to perfect.