Clairefontaine Basic Large Clothbound Notebook (6 x 8.25) Green 192 Pages

I write a lot (and type even more). This is my new go-to notebook, even over Tomoe River ones (I know, sacrilegious):Plus: Perfect thickness for resting your arm on (without thinking) while writing and not curling the corner like Tomoe River paper. Excellent for writing on both sides of the paper (I used by F as well as M nibs); no bleed through and hardly any ghosting. Love the "cheap" cover. Love elastic to keep it shut in my bag. LOVE LOVE LOVE the 8 mm lines.Negative: I did not have any problems like I thought I would with the clasp for the strap. But I expected it to be a problem and just planned on taking it off--by the time I get to the end it won't be such a big deal (this is not a keepsake type journal in my opinion--just a daily use for writing).

I love writing with fountain pens, but it has been hard to find a reasonably priced journal made of fine enough paper to stand up to the ink of a fountain pen. After some Google searches and reading, I came across the Clairefontaine series of notebooks. This was the first that I tried. I like the medium size format and the fact that it was cloth binding and sewn. I have been putting it to daily and multiple times a day use with great satisfaction. I write on both sides of the paper and I use every line. The smooth texture is a pleasure to write on and I love that there isno bleed through. It is also durable since I take it with me on my day trips to the office.

I have seen a number of negative comments on this Notebook, and I would like to correct these negative notions. It is important to note that if you use a fountain pen, Clairefontaine paper is essential for consistent results. Clairefontaine paper is available in their own branded products like this notebook and also in Rhodia products. The first complaint I have seen, which is legitimate, is the metal fasteners in the back cover for the elastic closure. I just cut the metal fasteners off, glued them in with super glue, and covered that with card stock - problem solved! The second complaint regards the stiffness of the spine. The spine is stiff, yes, but not unmanageably so. I tend to work the pages open to loosen the binding a bit and this does not damage the notebook at all. The third and final complaint I have seen is that the cover stock is too flimsy. I use this notebook as a work journal, so am in it every day, and transporting it daily. Perhaps I care for my notebooks a bit more than some but have had no issue with the durability of the cover material. It is holding up just fine. I have given this product four stars only because of the metal fasteners, which have to be removed to make the notebook appropriately usable. I love these notebooks so much, I have ordered a couple of the letter size for my personal journals. Again, if you use fountain pens, then this paper is a must. It does not bleed through or feather. If a broad nib is used, the paper is translucent enough that there is some image shadowing if you write on both sides of the page. For this reason I only use one side of the page, a habit I have learned from lesser products that do allow bleed through on the toothier paper.

This is a very good journal/notebook. It is the perfect size, and it is sturdy. It has a heavy paper cover with cloth binding. I read an earlier review and they were complaining that it wasn't cloth bound... it is... it is not cloth covered, and it is not advertised as such. It has an elastic strap, which I remove, because I place these in a nice custom made leather journal cover. This is my main everyday journal, and I use a TWSBI fountain pen with it. It goes where I go. The paper is smooth but with just enough grit to grab the fountain pen ink and hold it. There is never any bleed through, and only the slightest ghosting... which I do not notice once I write on the opposite side. It is perfect. It is nice and fat, almost 1/2 an inch in depth, and there is plenty of room for my musings and observations. While this is not an inexpensive notebook, I consider it worth the money. In today's market of cheaply made goods, it's worth paying extra for something so old school and nice. For the money I have a book that lasts weeks or months depending...cheaper than one gross meal at a fast food joint. Put in perspective, these are not expensive at all. And in today's world of electronics, I find sitting at my desk writing with a quality pen in a quality paper notebook to be a relaxing and joyful experience. Relaxation and joy are not so easy to find, so simply.

I use these in an a5 hobonichi cover for collections, journaling and general writing. I write exclusively with fountain pens, with EF lamy Safari being my daily pen. Shows the ink beautifully and is smooth and lovely to write on. Coming in an A5 size and with an elastic is even more perfect. The price unbeatable for the quality!!

I love the Clairefontaine products. These smaller notebooks are perfect to toss in a knapsack or suitcase. The covers aren't much to look at, serviceable, but the paper is very smooth for writing. I hate scratchy paper and pens. Clairefontaine's paper is perfectly smooth to the touch and allows pens to glide effortlessly. The ruling is the equivalent of college ruled, which is perfect for my handwriting. I get lost with larger ruled paper.