Best products from r/notebooks

I bought this one from kikk-k, it's the large watermellon "live what you love" time planner. This was USD$79.99 when I ordered it a couple of months ago, but right now it's 20% off for USD$63.96 - nice!
I also bought the Rapesco 6-hole punch off of Amazon & I just marked with tape the place to punch specifically for the Kikki-K & my own custom inserts I wanted to start/have started making for myself (slightly different dimensions than the Kikki-K). There's a tutorial on google/youtube if you look for it! :) also I have just a regular hole punch and just use a Kikki-k page as a template of where to punch the holes. I really love the quality of this planner & the ability to literally put WHATEVER I want in it and can change it all the time. I would say just the beginning investment of the leather organizer can be an investment, but right now with the sale, these last for a long time I've heard if you take good care of them! Also you can always just buy more inserts from Kikki-K or other places that sell A5 6-hole punched inserts like on Etsy. Maybe try the personal size if the large is too big? Slightly less expensive too I would expect.
Hope this helps!
-K
[EDIT: phrasing]

I'm going to start off with a very quick "don't buy" recommendation - Moleskine. The paper is terrible for fountain pen use.

Now, on to the good stuff.

I don't think you can go far wrong with Rhodia Webnotebooks. Some complain of feathering, though I suspect they may be using broader nibs with wetter inks. I've seen others complain about ghosting, possibly due to the same reason. Ghosting hasn't a problem for me though that may be because I prefer EF or F nibs.

Or the Leuchtturm1917 range. Another classic FP friendly notebook.

Both are readily available from stationery stores and online. They're great notebooks. And with the elastic that they each have, you have a readily available pen holder too. (Though maybe not as a permanent solution for your fanciest, most expensive pens.)

Spread your wings a little wider and you might want to think about something a little less mainstream. I really enjoy how it feels to write in a Maruman Menomosyne "Inspiration" pad. It is one of my favourite papers to write on, though a touch too spendy for me to feel comfortable using it for my daily scrawling.

Then there's Midori. The paper in their infamous Travelers Notebook refills is well regarded. However you need to watch out for getting oils from your hand on the paper and, occasionally, there are pages where the paper finish hasn't fully taken. In both cases you can see excessive feathering and ink 'burps'.

Around the midpoint of last year I tried the Midori MD Cotton Notebook in A5. That replaced the Leuchtteurm that had been with me fro four or five months and stuck with me for the rest of the year. I'd be well into my second if it hadn't been for the next, and final, recommendation.

Last, but not least, my current daily writer is the Tomoe River based Hobonichi Cousin. I believe that this is the thinnest FP friendly paper you can find. It ghosts, but with paper this thin I'm not sure what else you would expect. And it can take a little longer to dry than the other options here. It is definitely a paper that you want to consider carefully if you don't want to hang around a little waiting for ink to dry. Blotter paper, or a pencil board/writing mat, may help. (I use a pencil board and, when I'm in a rush, drop it in between the pages I was just writing on. I haven't suffered any disastrous smudges yet.)

It is a dream to write on and, being so thin, you get a serious amount of pages in a small amount of space.

The Hobonichi isn't to everyone's taste. And we're almost halfway through the year so it's a bad time to invest in one. Instead, look at the Nanami Seven Seas Tomoe River Noteook. Same paper, same writing experience. I may end up with one of these next year instead of a Hobonichi.

Hope that has helped. Whatever you end up with I hope you enjoy it.

I don't know what your price range or tastes are nor where you're located, but here's what I use: My absolute favorites are a Midori Traveler's Notebook Passport size with a pen holder and a TWSBI Diamond 580 with your choice of bottled inks. I'd recommend Sailor Souten with its beautiful blue color, lovely shading, and awesome red sheening, not to mention it being well behaved on the Midori paper.

My Nanami Standard notebook was getting beat up after a couple weeks of use and I didn't want to spend a fortune on the covers sold in the shop specifically for these notebooks. They're beautiful covers, don't get me wrong but I want to spend my money elsewhere like fountain pens or more notebooks.

I found this on Amazon and it's great. It comes in a few different colors and a small notebook is included. I'm pretty pleased with the fit and on first inspection, it seems like a durable product.

Thought I'd share an alternative to the expensive covers.

https://www.amazon.com/Kokuyo-Systemic-Refillable-Notebook-Cover/dp/B001J5PC6W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1466228799&sr=8-2&keywords=Kokuyo+a5

Edit: word

If you only use one side of the page Mnemosyne has a great a5 graph (the backs are blank though). Their notebooks have survived really well with me: Maruman Mnemosyne Inspiration 5 mm Grid 6.3 x 8.3" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001A1VB74/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mHp9Bb7XTNWN8

Maruman also has a student-ish line of board backed graph notebooks:
Maruman A5 spiral notebook grid ruled 80 sheets N247ES 5 volume set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MMW8M7M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3Hp9Bb1GSDT60

Rollbahn seems to be really high quality and the rings are no joke. They’re not hugely thick though so you may need a few for the year (unless you just do weeklies):
Roruban Pocket Memo A5 Dark Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007B8N2YA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_GIp9BbZ2AXW0S

I really love the nockco a5 spiral top bounds, smaller dot dash and easily landscapable. A little less sturdy: https://nockco.com/paper/dotdash-spiral-pad-2-pack

The Studioneat Panobook is supposed to be amazing. I cannot offer a personal opinion as mines still in the mail: https://www.studioneat.com/products/panobook

You could also look into a notebook case to reinforce a flimsier option you like (such as the Rhodia): KOKUYO SYSTEMIC A5 ノ−V685B−M GRAY https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S0GQS3O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NMp9BbFNEMBQF

If you don’t need spiral bound I’d suggest:
Clairfontaine essentials book
Rhodia goalbook
Anything Life
Anything Apica CD

I personally really prefer spirals so they truly lay flat, so my day to day I tend to use my mnemosynes the most, I just dig the paper a lot.

I'm in my second year of college and spent a lot of time trying to figure out what sort of set-up and format worked best for me and so far I've really enjoyed using an A5 notebook cover with a bunch of cahier notebooks in it (Midori Traveler's Notebook style, which allows you to put multiple cahiers in one cover). A5 is a good size for writing on tiny lecture desks and is generally a pretty good compromise between portability and writing space.

Specifically, I tend to use A5 Muji Journals which come in a variety of formats, but I use blank due to the way I take notes (mindmapping). You can get packs of 3 or more on Amazon depending on the format you prefer.

https://amzn.com/B00I6Y0MH8
https://amzn.com/B00I6Y0MH8

I enjoy taking notes this way because cahiers are generally pretty cheap and the Muji books have decent paper but the leather cover makes them look fancy and keeps them in good shape.

I've spent some time looking into this for my own filofaxes (one planner, one university notes), but unfortunately I've not been able to find anything. Filofax paper isn't very good for fountain pens, as a general rule.

The two things I use:

• A4 bank paper, halved and then hole-punched myself. The paper is very lightweight (45gsm) but also very sturdy and takes fountain pen ink well - although it's probably too thin for felt tips, I would imagine.
  
• Dotted A5 from dotgrid.co., again hole-punched myself. The paper is thick and sturdy at 104gsm and I've never had any problems with bleed through or the like. It can take watercolour pretty well, too.
  
  For my hole punch, I use the Rapesco adjustable punch. It's a bit annoying because you have to effectively punch every sheet twice (you have to punch one set of three and then turn it around and punch the other set) but it does the trick. I usually sit down for an hour or so of cutting, punching, and filing sheets in my two filofaxes every month. It's a bit laborious, yes, but the end result is pretty much perfect for my needs so I don't mind!

I'm not sure how big your pages are, but a good sturdy notebook with nice paper that I really love would be the Leuchtturm Master: https://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Leuchtturm-Master-Ruled-Notebook/dp/B002BWDKQQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469827744&sr=8-1&keywords=leuchtturm+master

Unfortunately it may not be enough paper depending on what you're looking for, but it will certainly hold up if you decide to get two or three and copy your text in volumes. Hope this helps!

Having bought three different leather covers for this exact notebook, I ended up with this. The first two didn't quite fully cover the A5 notebook, even though the second one promised it would and even showed the notebooks it came with fully covered in the photo on the web site. When it arrived, the books measure about 3/8" narrower than a proper A5 notebook and the Midori book edge was maybe flush with the leather cover edge, maybe even stuck out a bit. I was disappointed.

This last one, the one linked to, it is full coverage. I bought two, one with a proper Midori notebook in it, and a second one with three Midori slim notebooks in it, both are properly covered and protected. I'm sure there are others, but this one works for sure.

If you find others please link. I like everything about the ones I have except that they don't come in black. I might prefer black but after a couple of mis-steps, I'm not ordering anything more without being certain they fit properly.

Great notebooks. I won't buy anything else now.

I have the LIHITLAB Smart Fit Multifunction Cover Notebook A5 Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BBNNYGM/ My crossfield fits perfectly and it has both a pen slot that holds a pen securely while offering some protection as well as a pocket for odds and ends.
At $20 I don't think you can do better for the price.

Thank you for your response and advice! I found it on amazon here : https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002BWDKQQ/ref=pd_aw_sbs_229_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7NSW7S4S5CJQ03XF68YE&dpPl=1&dpID=81%2B02VwtBKL

I am LOVING that it has a table of contents and is numbered. I usually have to create my own table of contents and number the pages manually, this is awesome.

Question: if I bent the notebook in half so I am only looking at the page I am working on, like is usual for spiralbound, will it break or otherwise be affected?

That is my only concern, and I’d be ready to buy it!

Depending on what type of science courses you take, I'd recommend our stuff. Our paper is water-resistant, so you can spill on it without consequence. It works great with ballpoint pens, as well.

Let me know if you want a little sample book to try out.

I've also heard good things about these types of notebooks (1, 2, 3). I've tried something very similar to the Scientific Notebook Factory one and liked the feel of the paper.

Congrats on the new job! And that is awesome news. It means a lot that you are so excited for the notebook. And yes I do! You can find the Wanderings Notebook on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C6MRKLG
.
Or in Canada at https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01C6MRKLG/

Mine didn't come until college. I was in school for engineering, and up until that point I'd been just using whatever was handy for notes - composition books, standard-issue spiral bound notebooks, loose-leaf paper in binders. None of it really did it for me.

And then, for my chemistry class, we had to all purchase the ubiquitous lab notebook. What a concept! What an amazing thing! It's... a book, man, like y'know? A book. Cool!

So then, after that gateway notebook, I got myself a Moleskin (back when they didn't suck so much) and went through that, and stuck with using them on and off through the years.

However it was my discovery of Field Notes, and then the pocket notebooks concept in whole, that really got me started down this path. I went from a user to a collector, a snob, and an evangelist.

Welcome to the addiction. My name is Tim. We have a good time around here.

Thanks so much for the suggestion!!

Just to be sure, is

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002BWDKQQ/ref=pd_aw_sim_229_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41sauwmw48L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL130_SR130%2C130_&refRID=1SPS4RT2TVWKH9MRJZR0

the right one? (I'm on mobile and I don't remember how to hyperlink) my apologies.

Is the price okay too or do you have a site that you shop from that you would like to recommend?

I'm the same way with perforated pages and game items. XD You might want to look into getting something like this and keep it on you/in your pen case so you can always make more perforated pages when you want. :)

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: White Lines Brand?


|Country|Link|Charity Links|
|:-----------|:------------|:------------|
|USA|smile.amazon.com|EFF|
|UK|www.amazon.co.uk|Macmillan|
|Spain|www.amazon.es||
|France|www.amazon.fr||
|Germany|www.amazon.de||
|Japan|www.amazon.co.jp||
|Canada|www.amazon.ca||
|Italy|www.amazon.it||
|India|www.amazon.in||




To help add charity links, please have a look at this thread.

This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

I can't find anywhere that indicates how wide the rule and grid pattern are. It looks quite wide to me. The design / packaging certainly matches that of the Leuchtturm (cream cardboard band and elastic to keep it closed).

While I was digging around, these popped up: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07168XGHT?psc=1

They look kinda interesting too. Good luck!

Ever consider one of these ZLYC fauxdori covers? I have the green one and it's awesome. Midori inserts fit perfectly. I also have a Word notebook in there which hangs over a tiny bit, but I actually sort of like it because the covers are so fun. These ZLYCs are shockingly great quality especially for the price. If you really want to go all in, you can get a set with a passport size and regular size for $40 total. The value is kind of insane.

If you're willing to try a slightly different style of notebook, I found I prefer Rhodia's paper over Leuchtturm. Rhodia has a wirebound notebook that is larger, but at a good price. I've tried many notebooks, but keep coming back to Rhodia. I even got some coworkers onto them as well. I work in academia, so we use a lot of notebooks. Rhodia uses Clairfontaine paper, and they make notebooks as well. Something similarly sized/shaped as the Leuchtturm is their clothbound notebook.

I got a Seven Seas The Writer for Christmas and I LOVE it. I too use it for journaling and general brain dumps.

I picked one of these up to use as a cover for it and it works like a champ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001J5PC6W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you're up to trying a new kind, I have a pocket size notebook you could consider. It's 4"x6" and has bound pages so you can tell if anything has been removed.

SymbolNote Pocket Planner: Grid

I would be super appreciative of any feedback.

I got a set from Amazon instead by ZLYC: for $37 at the moment

When I got them, the original was still more expensive, but right now it would be similar (this is for one, not a set).

Quality-wise, the ZLYC ones were a bit disappointing. The leather is okay, but not great and the included elastics look nice but are quite large. Similarly, the included paper is okay for pencils, but rough and feathers with ink.
By comparison, I had a look at the Midori one at a local bookstore and it definitely felt much, much nicer.

Since the refills are a non-standard size, you can either order them online or cut down more standard sizes. Alternatively, the copies (also called fauxdori in reference to midori) can be found in standard sizes.

Personally, I went back to leuchtturm hardcover notebooks in A5, but that is personal preference.

Kokuyo also makes these smart ring binders that are refillable! The paper is pretty much the same (plus holes) and as an added bonus, you get to rearrange the pages!

In case you weren't aware, Lihit Lab makes notebook covers as well. I have one and find it quite useful.

Amazon link: https://smile.amazon.com/LIHITLAB-Smart-Multifunction-Cover-Notebook/dp/B00BBNNYGM/ref=pd_sbs_229_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8NH6HPC1E69C5S287DX9

Maybe a Maruman? This one is $22 for a 5-pack of notebooks, 80 sheets each. Definitely good quality paper too.

https://www.amazon.com/Maruman-spiral-notebook-sheets-N247ES/dp/B00MMW8M7M/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=a5+grid+notebook&qid=1566850761&s=gateway&sr=8-14#customerReviews

I've been using a Zlyc brand Fauxdori, been quite happy with it. Quality is ace and fits all the Midori brand inserts fine. Default package comes with a large size, passport size and pen sleeve for $40.

https://www.amazon.com/ZLYC-Refillable-Handmade-Travelers-Notebook/dp/B00ME26WYU/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1478469510&sr=1-1&keywords=zlyc+traveler%27s+notebook

I got a Rhodia spiral bound grid ruled notebook recently and it has nice margin/header format too. The paper is smooth (not too smooth though) and bright. Bleed through hasnt happened yet. Using medium Pilot Varsity disposable fountain pens.

For the poor college student:

There are kukuyo campus notebook knockoffs at Daiso for 1.50. the Quality isn't bad and for most notes: pencil, pen, etc it's fine. I don't rec if you're going to use fountain pen for your notes.

pencils: rOtring goes on sale on Massdrop quite often. You should be able to pick up 2 for $30ish.

pens: Uniball signo all the way if you are ok with caps. If not the standard G2 are great all around pens.

Since I don't like actual bound notebooks and prefer looseleaf, I bought this thing called a "notebook binder" and just buy refills for it.

I tried these ["spiral notebook binders"](https://www.amazon.com/Kokuyo-Campus-Smart-Ring-Binder/dp/B0066LZLEC/ref=pd_sim_229_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41zklYlfOiL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=ZRDHP6SVGYA3R9J207G8) and I honestly hate them because it's twist to open and they kept opening >(

You could just buy your favorite one without perforations and buy something like this: amazon "wheel cutter perforation" and perhaps a metal ruler. With them you can make your own perforated pages.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07168XGHT

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

This fits all your requirements. This is grid square. It's A4 wirebound, perforated and paper is superb quality ( fountain pen friendly) 80 gsm paper. Has 80 sheets so 160 pages. It's within your budget too.
Rhodia Wirebound Notebook 8.8 X11.75 Inches Black Grid, Satin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DCBMQK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uC.ZBb2WSAXAT

I love the muji A5 notebooks that come in 5packs lined (6mm). They're pretty amazing...They're cardboard covers and not black, but they're really cheap so you can probably get a cover or something

https://www.amazon.com/MUJI-Notebook-6mm-Rule-30sheets/dp/B00I6Y0MH8

https://www.amazon.com/MUJI-Paper-Notebook-Rule-72sheets/dp/B00IQUFBJG/ref=sr_1_48?s=office-products&srs=9373349011&ie=UTF8&qid=1504660762&sr=1-48

Edit: Second link is a thicker notebook, first link is a 5pack of smaller notebooks

Maruman Mnemosyne Inspiration 5 mm Grid 6.3 x 8.3" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001A1VB74/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_v.qfAb5FQFHAJ

You can get Traveler's notebooks in different sizes if you're willing to look outside Midori. I'm rather fond of the Wandering's company designs. I have the large and traveler's notebook sizes and an A5 size from another brand.

My lab's standard notebook is pretty basic, but I like it a lot: National Brand Computation notebook. No table of contents, but it meets all your other criteria. I just use page flags to mark projects, but you could also dedicate the 1st page to a TOC, since the pages are numbered. Light yellow paper with green grid, handles every ink I've thrown at it.

I bought this one on amazon. Suits me just fine and didn't cost a fortune.

The smart ring binder is like a thin notebook and the pages can be rearranged.

Have you considered perforating the pages yourself with something like this? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001GLP39A

Just received this over the weekend. Fits the Large Moleskine Cahiers.

I got this from Zenok Leather on Etsy and it is a very fine cover. Came with 4 built in bands for notebooks.

I got the Hand-dyed mahogany color

Pen loops are the midori pen loops from amazon

How many lines does the Leuchtturm have? The image on Amazon shows that it is 17 lines, that seems very little.

You could also consider a notebook cover if you're really worried. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Kokuyo-Systemic-Refillable-Notebook-Cover/dp/B001J5PC6W/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1523895468&sr=8-5&keywords=kokuyo+notebook+cover

http://www.amazon.com/ZLYC-Handmade-Refillable-Travelers-Journals/dp/B00ME26WYU/ref=pd_sim_op_38?ie=UTF8&refRID=062CJZEBB2KV5PA4V17G

Muji makes thinner A5 notebooks that might work: https://www.amazon.com/MUJI-Notebook-6mm-Rule-30sheets/dp/B00I6Y0MH8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503364878&sr=8-2&keywords=muji+a5

and a thicker one that's slightly more expensive https://www.amazon.com/MUJI-Paper-Notebook-Rule-72sheets/dp/B00IQUFBJG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1503364895&sr=8-5&keywords=muji+a5

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016OT7P8/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00007LV4B

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000R80QCW/

They're the 5 pack of Muji notebooks. You can get them in stores if you live near them, on their website but that hasn't been working lately, and even on amazon.

White Lines Brand?

From what research I've done, this may be the solution to your particular problem:
https://www.amazon.com/Midori-Travelers-Notebook-Journal-Passport/dp/B003SNV0YQ

Here's a video of it being used so you can see what I mean:
https://youtu.be/JEds4O-RLWg?t=513