Midori Notebooks

[Kenlowe]

I love the idea of a Midori travellers notebook, the very nice leather surround which has been made by a craftsman and expertly finished, even the knowledge that with age the folder will look even better.

 

The idea that you have a number of notebooks all secured on their cords also looks very nice and I really want to buy one.

 

There are a few things holding me back and I would love to hear your comments:

 

1. They are not cheap when compared to other travelling notebooks, okay they may not have the leather folder, but 10x the price is a little expensive

 

2. I have heard that the paper is not so good, I know you can buy TR paper as inserts but with a travellers notebook I may want to glue stuff to the pages or sketch or paint. TR inserts would increase the costs too.

 

3. When an insert is full, being a Travellers notebook I would expect that I would want to keep the insert as a record, I take it out from the folder - but then what do I do with it? At least with a more conventional book I can mark it up as 'my trip to Venice' and it could go on the bookshelf.

 

4. I have seen some Midoris where the retaining band exits mid way across the back cover, doesnt this mean a knot of sorts just where you want to be writing?

 

My usual travelling notebook has cartridge paper and a rear pocket, alternating plain and lined pages at 10% of the Midori cost, doesnt look very smart but then neither do I.

 

 

 

 

[bogiesan]

go ahead and purchase one of the off brand notebook sets. Invest US$30-50 and see what you think of the form factors. there is at least one brand, I think it is ZYLCK, that packages both sizes in a set that is quite affordable.

 

YOu may find it fits your style perfectly or, like me, who mostly uses pocket sized molie clones and webbies, you may find the regualr size is just too darn big and the passport size is too darn small.

 

What to do with the completed inserts is a challenge for me since they come into my shelf system out of sequence. I may use a TN insert for an entire year before it is full while, at the same time, I have plowed through two or four pocket sized notebooks. As you fill up the TN inserts and need to store them, you can get branded binders and slip cases or you can just put them on your notebook shelf but, yes, the form factor does not have a spine where you can print or attach readily visible label.

 

Shop carefully, you do NOT need to get the Traveler's Notebook brand to see if you like the system.

 

https://www.amazon.com/ZLYC-Refillable-Handmade-Travelers-Notebook/dp/B00ME26WYU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1489237408&sr=8-2&keywords=travelers+notebook+zlyc

[SallyLyn]

Similar suggestion to the above.

To see if the form fits your needs fold several pieces of nice 8x11" paper and trim. Ends up being the size of the Traveler. You can do this with a variety of paper types. Carry around for a few days and see if you like writing in the narrower format. You can even make a light cardboard cover from some heavier paper or something like a cereal box. Looks strange but an inexpensive way to test form and see how you'd carry.

 

The Midori paper is actually quite good. Search for reviews on the thinner refill. Midori sells all types of refills even Kraft and sketching paper. Many make their own inserts using papers they prefer.

 

If you have a leather shop nearby might find a scrap of leather you like for a lesser price. I'd suggest getting a piece slightly wider than the Midori if you plan on carrying 3 or more fillers.

 

As for storage again look to something like a food box cutdown on a diagonal. You'll see pictures. You can mark them by topic and date to see on a shelf.

 

Don't forget, with Blank or grid/dot paper you can turn a Midori or even your bound notebook sideways and write page that way if you need to write in a wide/normal format. Midori paper is square so you don't need to turn but I dislike writing across the seam.

[Misfit]

Midori has a binder to store finished notebooks in the regular size. Michael's and other craft stores sell "photo" boxes in a variety of designs. I got a couple when they were on sale.

[Cryptos]

I love the idea of a Midori travellers notebook, the very nice leather surround which has been made by a craftsman and expertly finished, even the knowledge that with age the folder will look even better.

 

The idea that you have a number of notebooks all secured on their cords also looks very nice and I really want to buy one.

 

There are a few things holding me back and I would love to hear your comments:

 

1. They are not cheap when compared to other travelling notebooks, okay they may not have the leather folder, but 10x the price is a little expensive

For the cover it is a one-time cost. Over the period of expected life this works out surprisingly cheap. Also, many of the 'off-brand' homages are close to the same price anyway, if you want a leather cover that is.

 

2. I have heard that the paper is not so good, I know you can buy TR paper as inserts but with a travellers notebook I may want to glue stuff to the pages or sketch or paint. TR inserts would increase the costs too.

You've heard wrong. Midori paper is very, very good. I have found that in some cases - pen, nib, ink dependent - it is better than TR paper. As for sticking things in it... that's what a lot of people do with their Hobonichi diaries, and that's the thin TR paper.

 

3. When an insert is full, being a Travellers notebook I would expect that I would want to keep the insert as a record, I take it out from the folder - but then what do I do with it? At least with a more conventional book I can mark it up as 'my trip to Venice' and it could go on the bookshelf.

As noted, Midori do have a storage box for completed inserts.

 

4. I have seen some Midoris where the retaining band exits mid way across the back cover, doesnt this mean a knot of sorts just where you want to be writing?

There are a number of sites where people have given alternative ways of tying or other modifications to this, if it bothers you. I find it not to be a problem personally.

 

My usual travelling notebook has cartridge paper and a rear pocket, alternating plain and lined pages at 10% of the Midori cost, doesnt look very smart but then neither do I.

The notebook you show costs about $7, a Traveler insert around $5.50. The cost differential is not huge, I guess, unless you are writing the longer sequel to War & Peace.

 

 

 

 

The ethos around the Midori system is such that it encourages creativity. If you want a notebook you just pick up, write in and set down, then this system is probably not the best fit for you.

 

Look at the number of sites promoting the creative urges of aficionados. Check out instagram and the like for some pretty full-on art-fest stuff.

 

There are plenty of form factors for those of us seeking something personally agreeable in the note-taking department. There will be something for you!

[otw]

I would definitely try out a "fauxdori" in the same form factor as the one you're interested in. The biggest change will be adjusting to the dimensions. There are a lot of folks out there making their own inserts with whatever paper they prefer, or buying custom inserts. There are also pocket inserts available that will let you hold small items.

 

(Disclaimer: I am a Hobonichi user, and the A6 form factor was jarring to me at first. I love it now, but I would have been pretty sore at spending so much money on the notebook if I didn't. So why take the chance... Just give a fauxdori a try for a while.)

Edited March 12, 2017 by economicalpenster

[Kenlowe]

Thanks for your comments everyone, I appreciate the time taken for such comprehensive and articulate thoughts.

[otw]

Please keep us posted! I'd love to see your thoughts on the fauxdori/Midori should you decide to get one. I've been day-dreaming of purchasing one myself for purposes other than daily journaling...

[stonezebra]

Here's my experience with my self-made fauxxdori (https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/288017-mydori-or-my-fauxdori-handmade-mtn/page-2) post #35. Still using it everyday, made two for friends. They were inexpensive to make and fun. There are loads of tutorials available here and elsewhere, even on YouTube. Enjoy!

[Dark Side]

I've been eyeballing an off-brand traveler notebook myself: https://wanderersway.com/products/the-wanderings-notebook

 

I can't speak to the quality as I have not yet purchased one but that's the best price I've found and takes the same size inserts. They also make a pocket size version.

[Kenlowe]

Here's my experience with my self-made fauxxdori (https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/288017-mydori-or-my-fauxdori-handmade-mtn/page-2) post #35. Still using it everyday, made two for friends. They were inexpensive to make and fun. There are loads of tutorials available here and elsewhere, even on YouTube. Enjoy!

 

 

I think that this is the route I will take.

 

I have some good, thick 3mm leather in tan that was my school satchel, you can buy many different inserts, including Tomoe Rover.

 

There is some concern about whether I can be trusted with such a sharp knife to cut the leather to shape, father says I am a klutz and will have the car ready and running for a trip to the hospital.

 

I am not sure that I like the longer Travellers inserts and will be looking for something a little more conventionally proportionned, perhaps 6 x 8.5 inches so I would be cutting the leather about 14 x 9.5, I think I will need to buy a leather punch for the holes, I suspect a drill may not work so good.

 

Appreciate your support people, thank you.

[PaganArcher]

 

 

I think that this is the route I will take.

 

I have some good, thick 3mm leather in tan that was my school satchel, you can buy many different inserts, including Tomoe Rover.

 

There is some concern about whether I can be trusted with such a sharp knife to cut the leather to shape, father says I am a klutz and will have the car ready and running for a trip to the hospital.

 

I am not sure that I like the longer Travellers inserts and will be looking for something a little more conventionally proportionned, perhaps 6 x 8.5 inches so I would be cutting the leather about 14 x 9.5, I think I will need to buy a leather punch for the holes, I suspect a drill may not work so good.

 

Appreciate your support people, thank you.

A drill will work, but it helps to have a new bit so it's sharp. But, a punch does make things easier in the long run if you plan on making more projects.

[stonezebra]

I bought a single punch at the Tandy Leather store to keep things simple. I'm sure they can be gotten elsewhere too.

[john74]

I have been using a Midori traveler's notebook as my every day journal for the past 2 years (and filled 25 inserts so far).

 

1) Yes it is pricey. But I have tried other brands and even made my own leather covers. The leather used by Midori to make the its cover is very high quality (very supple) and ages very well (better than other covers I have tried). Since I use it every single day, it was well worth the money as far as I am concerned (it is holding up very well and I'll be able to keep using it for years to come).

 

2) I have tried many different inserts and the paper is very good. My favorite is the insert with the thin, TR-like paper (refill #013), but I actually prefer to get the TR paper inserts made and sold by Goulet now. Despite the fact that I use thin paper, I glue/tape a lot of stuff in my notebooks (photos, pamphlets, memorabilia, etc...) without any issues. Sketching is fine but using very wet media like paint) will wrinkle the paper though (best to use the thicker paper inserts for that).

 

3) You can buy binders from Midori to archive your inserts. I tried them and did not like them (and they were costly). For a while, I just lined my notebooks up on a shelf. But now, I just store them in an acid-free archival box.

 

4) yes there is a knot in the back that can be felt though the paper when you write. I solved that problem by inserting a writing board in the back of the notebook. I can't say that I notice the "bump" anymore. When I make my own covers, I have the elastic come out of the spine instead of the back of the notebook.

Edited March 14, 2017 by john74

[Kenlowe]

Thanks John, very useful.