Moleskine Cahiers Or Alternatives

May 2, 2011

I've tried writing in my Moleskine pocket-size cahier with my Parker 51, and I see what people mean by the feathering and the skipping. Is there a journal-type notebook out there similar to the format of the cahier (small, thin, paper cover) that has more FP-friendly paper?

Thanks!

May 2, 2011

I've tried writing in my Moleskine pocket-size cahier with my Parker 51, and I see what people mean by the feathering and the skipping. Is there a journal-type notebook out there similar to the format of the cahier (small, thin, paper cover) that has more FP-friendly paper?

Thanks!

I make my own - if you like grid paper, the really thin paper in pads that have been on sale for $1 at Staples works really well. Otherwise, you can use printer paper at any weight you like. The covers are made from card stock (the heavy stuff), and I design cover art and print it out. I sew them up using waxed linen, but you could use anything, really, or even staple them. Total cost: less than fifty cents apiece.

May 2, 2011

Clairefontaine makes something that would fit your needs. But not as cheap as the above poster's option...

May 2, 2011

I know what you mean about the Moleskins. Recently I've had some really good results with the special additions for chapters/Indigo in here in Canada. They were 50% off to boot! I've had the same experience everyone else has talked about with the standard Moleskins - including bindings coming apart.

Recently I have been using Quo Vadis Habana. I feel that not only are they are more cost effective than moleskin, but I love the size and the CF paper. If you can find them, give them a try.

May 2, 2011

Clairefontaine's Life Unplugged notebooks would be an option. Here's Goulet's listing:

http://www.gouletpens.com/Small_Red_Green_Clairefontaine_Staplebound_Duo_p/c734169.htm

It also comes in a larger size.

But, like someone said, you can make one yourself using paper of your choice. It's very easy to make.

May 8, 2011

I've tried writing in my Moleskine pocket-size cahier with my Parker 51, and I see what people mean by the feathering and the skipping. Is there a journal-type notebook out there similar to the format of the cahier (small, thin, paper cover) that has more FP-friendly paper?

Thanks!
I make my own - if you like grid paper, the really thin paper in pads that have been on sale for $1 at Staples works really well. Otherwise, you can use printer paper at any weight you like. The covers are made from card stock (the heavy stuff), and I design cover art and print it out. I sew them up using waxed linen, but you could use anything, really, or even staple them. Total cost: less than fifty cents apiece.

I got sick of scanning every entry I make in my Moleskine and knowing that I can't take out the pages neatly and not having the choice of paper. So I tried making my own:

Bought a "Star Art" A6 spiral-bound sketchbook (110gsm, 60 pages, HKD11.00)

Took the paper out by cutting the binding

Stuck it in the printer and printed grids on both sides

Went to the stationary, bought metal rings and bound them using 1 ring on the top and 1 on the bottom — that way, I don't have rings blocking my hand whilst I write (else I would've just gotten a leather folio…)

Works brilliantly. Going to try to staple/superglue a bit of paper/folder/whatever to the Star Art front/back covers to make a pocket for loose paper.

May 8, 2011

I like the small Apica notebooks as a carry-around notebook. Every pen I've used with them works beautifully, except for the Kaweco Sport Classic which occasionally skips for some reason. The Apica has soft covers which means I can cram it in almost anywhere in my bag or in a pocket. It's ruled, but the lines are fairly narrow, which I prefer. Lots of pages, so it lasts for awhile. I think I paid $5 for my last one.

Edited to add the Pentalic, which is mentioned in another thread, with a stiffer cover and an elastic closure band.

Edited May 8, 2011 by PaperDarts