Filofax

[jenna]

My nitpick:

The standard Filofax paper is not FP friendly. I use the "Cotton Cream" version of the calendar paper, which is better. For note paper, i have FP friendly paper cut and hole punched by a local print shop.

 

Having paper cut/punched by pros is a great idea!

[Anne-Sophie]

I used a Filofax the same model as Indigoskye.

 

It is indeed beautiful but the pages are too small for my big handwriting, a pain since I had to DIY them because Filofax paper is expensive and not fountain pen friendly.

 

I also needed to buy a stronger punch than the plastic one sported on Indigoskye picture which cannot reliably punch one page and is too heavy to use as page marker.

 

Between the paper problem, the weight of the leather for such a small writing surface, I gave up using it everyday in my purse.

 

I replaced it by a lightweight binder type thing which looked half letter size/A5 but could only house personal/A6 pages.

 

I have owned a Cordura Tom Bihn Field Journal Notebook since May of last year, very versatile, has room for my pens, takes half letter size paper and readily available inserts.

It is made in the U.S.A, very strong, lightweight and it zips.

Tom Bihn Field Journal Notebook

Not affiliated with the company other than a very happy customer.

Edited October 5, 2012 by Anne-Sophie

[dapv]

I've been thinking about the Field Journal from Bihn. Has anyone tried anything from McKinley, take a look:

 

http://www.mckinleyleather.com/leather-organizers/Small%209%20x%207%20Planner_Organizer.asp

[ArchiMark]

FWIW, have used DayTimers, Franklin Covey, Filofax Cuban A5, Malden Personal, Time/System (TimeDesign), and Levenger Circa planners...all are good for various reasons; different styles/designs, so, personal preferences come into play...

 

As for Filofax's, they are very nicely made and designed, with lots of insert options...

 

While I like the flexibility of the planners I've used, at same time, I've found that the very flexibility I liked in principle, also, creates other issues; pages can get lost and binders tend to get very full, bulky, and heavy. So, at beginning of 2012 I decided to try using a 5.5 x 8" Rhodia Webnotebook. After getting over my initial fears of lack of flexibility in organizing and re-organizing binder over time, I've found that the bound book approach works very well and is much more portable as I move around during the day at work.

 

I've divided the book into sections with little tabs printed out from a Brother labeling printer. One section is for a calendar; I created by drawing lines on page similar to typical calendar pages. Another tab is for notes, useful for all the meetings I go to. Have a few more tabs, with last tab is 'Index'. This is critical section to have in any paper planner or jounal one uses, if you want to be able to retrieve notes info at a later date. I put page numbers in one column and then I put a title next to it describing what's on that page.

 

I find that one book lasts me 6 months. Nice thing is that when I complete a book, I put a timeframe label on the spine and then put the book on my shelf.

 

If you miss the nice leather feel, you can get leather covers from various sources...

 

Anyway, just my 2 cents.....

 

[dapv]

So, ArchiMark, interesting idea. You found the Rhodia Webbie more liberating and yet more specific to your need. I wonder if you also considered the Rhodia planner (week on left page, notes on right page) which comes in 4x6, and 6x9?

[indigoskye]

I used a Filofax the same model as Indigoskye.

 

It is indeed beautiful but the pages are too small for my big handwriting, a pain since I had to DIY them because Filofax paper is expensive and not fountain pen friendly.

 

I also needed to buy a stronger punch than the plastic one sported on Indigoskye picture which cannot reliably punch one page and is too heavy to use as page marker.

 

Between the paper problem, the weight of the leather for such a small writing surface, I gave up using it everyday in my purse.

 

I replaced it by a lightweight binder type thing which looked half letter size/A5 but could only house personal/A6 pages.

 

I have owned a Cordura Tom Bihn Field Journal Notebook since May of last year, very versatile, has room for my pens, takes half letter size paper and readily available inserts.

It is made in the U.S.A, very strong, lightweight and it zips.

Tom Bihn Field Journal Notebook

Not affiliated with the company other than a very happy customer.

 

There was no punch pictured in my photo. That is a plastic today bookmark. I own a very sturdy six-hole metal punch called a Resco. It can punch either filofax personal or pocket holes. It has a setting for Mulberry binders too. I do admit that I don't use the filofax as an everyday diary. This is my writing journal where I hold all my research notes when I go out to write with my Neo and I use it to take notes when I go to seminars. It is light enough to carry for those occasions. My information is either printed via my computer or with my small handwriting. I have plenty of room for what I write in it. I like the paper in the filofax, but I don't write in it with a fountain pen. I've owned the filofax for around a year and continue to use and enjoy it.

 

I was looking at a review of the Field Journal Notebook on a blog the other day. Tom Bihn is well known for making well constructed bags. I'm not sure if it is something that I would use, but if you like the look, I am sure that it would hold up well for many years.

[Anne-Sophie]

Apologies Indigoskye, I should have made the picture bigger. :embarrassed_smile:

 

It is indeed a ruler not the punch I was talking about. They have the same design.

There is no doubt the Filofax is a beautiful object and great for reference.

 

I tried to get into Circa or other similar systems.

 

For many years, when I was in school, I used an organizing notebooks with a different pages color for each day of the week.

 

So we are talking many years trying to find something that would fit my requirements for weight, page size, flexibility and the need for a note taking system I could take in the field (birding, plant and wildlife observing), journaling on the go and in an office setting.

 

The Field Journal Notebook is just perfect for me.

Edited October 7, 2012 by Anne-Sophie

[cedargirl]

I have an A5 size Dayrunner with a nice burgundy leather cover. I used to use it all the time for work in the 1990s and early 2000s- mainly for the diary, project management and planning, quick jotting down of ideas or new plans and for contacts. It was great at the time.

I never found it very useful for more bulky note taking. For this I had a leather case that took legal pads and regularly removed the notes for proper filing.

But I now find smart phones and iPads/tablets for synchronised calendars, contacts and quick short notes much more versatile and far more practical, especially for work.

I still use the Dayrunner and other notebook case, but more for personal use with plain or ruled paper only. They still stir the muse. But no more preprinted diary/contacts/planning pages.

Good luck with whatever you decide to use.

[indigoskye]

Apologies Indigoskye, I should have made the picture bigger. :embarrassed_smile:

 

It is indeed a ruler not the punch I was talking about. They have the same design.

There is no doubt the Filofax is a beautiful object and great for reference.

 

I tried to get into Circa or other similar systems.

 

For many years, when I was in school, I used an organizing notebooks with a different pages color for each day of the week.

 

So we are talking many years trying to find something that would fit my requirements for weight, page size, flexibility and the need for a note taking system I could take in the field (birding, plant and wildlife observing), journaling on the go and in an office setting.

 

The Field Journal Notebook is just perfect for me.

 

No worries, Anne-Sophie. I'm in the process of developing new notebook processes since I'm sick to death of electronic planners that never work when I need them. I work outdoors and sometimes am without electric for a few days on the job. Those smart phones and tablets are all but useless to me. I take my smartphone, but I have to leave it off and only use it for emergencies. I've been rediscovering paper and to my joy, it works much better for me out in the field and for personal projects. I should have never let the tech muse take me away.

 

For those that might be interested in the Tom Bihn Journal, I read a nice review of it recently complete with youtube videos of the product. Tom Bihn Field Journal Notebook

[ArchiMark]

So, ArchiMark, interesting idea. You found the Rhodia Webbie more liberating and yet more specific to your need. I wonder if you also considered the Rhodia planner (week on left page, notes on right page) which comes in 4x6, and 6x9?

 

Thanks...

 

Didn't want the Planner setup as I go from meeting to meeting during the day at work. So, my primary focus is on capturing notes from meetings. So, like all the note pages together as sometimes meeting notes go more than one page and don't want notes interrupted by day schedule page.

 

Calendar is secondary issue as I use Lotus Notes on laptop and similar on iPhone at work for this. So, I just divide up pages in calendar section I set up into 7 boxes to have a week on a page. Just enough room to jot down my meeting times as backup and convenience in case I'm not by laptop or have phone with me..

 

Hope this makes sense...

[dapv]

Well ... still pondering, but I'm thinking a slimline to be used more as a general notebook. I'm still apprehensive about the rings; will they last given how slight they are, will they always be in the way ... I like the size, but would prefer three rings. I know ... they don't make it.

[indigoskye]

Well ... still pondering, but I'm thinking a slimline to be used more as a general notebook. I'm still apprehensive about the rings; will they last given how slight they are, will they always be in the way ... I like the size, but would prefer three rings. I know ... they don't make it.

 

I'm using a slimline in my bag right now, a brown Holborn, and it seems very sturdy to me. The six rings give the paper a little more stability than the three rings, but I'm sure if you looked around you could find a small three ring binder somewhere. In fact, the Tom Bihn one had three rings. Just find yourself a Rapesco six-hole punch and you'll get used to having those extra rings. Also, look closely at all the slimlines, some have bigger ring sizes than others.

[inkypete]

I used a Day Runner for years only because the paper was far better for FP use. I use an electronic diary now (Iphone) so no longer need a real doiary. I have had a couple of Filofax over the years. The binders are fantastic quality but the refills always seemed way too thin for FP use.

[Jimothy]

I have been a Filofax user since the mid 1980s.

 

I have tried other things, both paper and electronic, over the years but I keep coming back to my Filofax.

 

I'm currently back to the old favourite personal size, which is the one I have used for the better part of 30 years. It's not the original binder as it was stolen. I replaced that with another binder from a different brand. It didn't last. I've had my current binder for about 15 years and used it for at least 12 of them. The other years I was using A5 or A4 sizes.

 

The Filofax system is extensive and readily available. With a suitable punch you can also insert pages that you have gotten from elsewhere. I cannot receommend the system highly enough. The quality is absolutely top drawer and the batteries (unlike my BlackBerry) never, ever go flat.

[Bigeddie]

I have had some Filofax models over the years, the names elude me, but the most recent was a Mini size in leather, 6 ring zip around. This Filofaz briefly became my wallet, but I conld'nt get on with the paper or the format.

 

I would strongly urge you to consider the Midori. The system is much more open, with the larger size being the width of A4. This means cutting the edge off of A4 gives you a refill of the paper of your choice.

 

I dare you to look at this Flickr group and not buy one!

 

I now have the passport size with 2 zip pockets as my wallet, and the larger size as my everyday notebook.

 

A couple of photos from the group to wet your appitite (not my own! link to users below photos)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7291091258_7c4d1f5721.jpg

20120526_114241 by Rocketman3, on Flickr

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7291361124_45ca6bebc4.jpg

20120526_121226_0 by Rocketman3, on Flickr

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6514331047_e40f7c7f92.jpg

20111211_123721 by Rocketman3, on Flickr

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6776068395_c2074723d3.jpg

④TN storage_the side view by 天才魚丸, on Flickr

[SarahB]

I currently use a hacked Daytimer Jotter size. I use mine not for future planning but as an actual "diary" as we use the term in the U.S. - important things that happen, thoughts, ideas, etc.

 

The Daytimer Jotter pages are definitely not FP friendly.

 

I have been looking at the Filofax Pocket size with the belief that those pages are FP friendly, but it sounds like they may not be.

 

Can anyone let me know for sure whether Filofax pocket size planner pages are ok with fountain pens?

[dapv]

To use a FP I recommend you purchase the appropriate hole punch device if you don't have one, and then purchase known FP friendly paper based on how much tooth you want or don't want. FF paper is not FP friendly. Getting FP friendly paper recommendations is easy with this forum, getting the paper locally is no big deal. Plenty of folks have recommended a couple of different HP versions. I'm sure you could search the two FPN paper related groups and find some.

I currently use a hacked Daytimer Jotter size. I use mine not for future planning but as an actual "diary" as we use the term in the U.S. - important things that happen, thoughts, ideas, etc.

 

The Daytimer Jotter pages are definitely not FP friendly.

 

I have been looking at the Filofax Pocket size with the belief that those pages are FP friendly, but it sounds like they may not be.

 

Can anyone let me know for sure whether Filofax pocket size planner pages are ok with fountain pens?

[Anitropius]

My parents collect Filofaxes, so I've tried a lot of their models. Classic Standard? Check. Havanna Zip A5? Done. Guildford Mini Slimline? Don't ask.

 

My favorite is the Holborn Pocket, but I use it mainly as a wallet instead of a planner. The looks and leather's nice and all (but "floppy" - I'll get to that in a bit), and the rings hold enough sheets for me - but it's the pockets that seals the deal. There's almost too darn many of them. If you'd like something that can hold a lot of things whether they be notes, paper money, cards or spare change - then the Holborn's sweet.

 

The main issue that I have with it though is that the cover is very "floppy," as in the leather is very bendable. Too bendable. The pages are stretched because of the pressure, and a lot of sheets have been damaged that way, and in some cases they have fallen out of the planner. I can't actually plan this week because of this. :bonk:

 

I'm no expert on Filofaxes despite handling a lot of them, but do keep looking around.

[dapv]

Thank you for posting this. Access to your parents collection ... I'm very envious. I had not considered the Holborn Pocket until just know after reading your post. I have been talking myself into a Slimline, but now that I look at the pocket Holborn, that might do the trick. Although, I'm not a fan of enclosure mechanisms. Also, I'm curious as to what you did not like about the Guildford Mini Slimline [which is pocket-sized]? Thanks again.

My parents collect Filofaxes, so I've tried a lot of their models. Classic Standard? Check. Havanna Zip A5? Done. Guildford Mini Slimline? Don't ask.

 

My favorite is the Holborn Pocket, but I use it mainly as a wallet instead of a planner. The looks and leather's nice and all (but "floppy" - I'll get to that in a bit), and the rings hold enough sheets for me - but it's the pockets that seals the deal. There's almost too darn many of them. If you'd like something that can hold a lot of things whether they be notes, paper money, cards or spare change - then the Holborn's sweet.

 

The main issue that I have with it though is that the cover is very "floppy," as in the leather is very bendable. Too bendable. The pages are stretched because of the pressure, and a lot of sheets have been damaged that way, and in some cases they have fallen out of the planner. I can't actually plan this week because of this. :bonk:

 

I'm no expert on Filofaxes despite handling a lot of them, but do keep looking around.

[Anitropius]

Thank you for posting this. Access to your parents collection ... I'm very envious. I had not considered the Holborn Pocket until just know after reading your post. I have been talking myself into a Slimline, but now that I look at the pocket Holborn, that might do the trick. Although, I'm not a fan of enclosure mechanisms. Also, I'm curious as to what you did not like about the Guildford Mini Slimline [which is pocket-sized]? Thanks again.

My parents collect Filofaxes, so I've tried a lot of their models. Classic Standard? Check. Havanna Zip A5? Done. Guildford Mini Slimline? Don't ask.

 

Yeah, I'm blessed in some ways I guess, but you probably are in your way too.

 

My favorite is as I mentioned the Holborn Pocket, but I use it mainly as a wallet instead of a planner. The looks and leather's nice and all (but "floppy" - I'll get to that in a bit), and the rings hold enough sheets for me - but it's the pockets that seals the deal. There's almost too darn many of them. If you'd like something that can hold a lot of things whether they be notes, paper money, cards or spare change - then the Holborn's sweet.

 

The main issue that I have with it though is that the cover is very "floppy," as in the leather is very bendable. Too bendable. The pages are stretched because of the pressure, and a lot of sheets have been damaged that way, and in some cases they have fallen out of the planner. I can't actually plan this week because of this. :bonk:

 

I'm no expert on Filofaxes despite handling a lot of them, but do keep looking around.

 

Yeah, I'm blessed in some ways, just like you are in yours.

 

I forgot to mention that probably the best thing to do is to head to a store stocking a lot Filofax models and take a look for yourself and see if you can find a model that you think works for you. It's a bit like choosing an FP, we all have our preferences in size, material and ink capacity. But I guess the Filofax equivalent probably is binder ring size. Oh well. Slimline models don't have enclosure mechanisms, so perhaps that's where you should start. Thee Classic and Cuban Slimlines are awesome in my opinion and are wholeheartedly recommended! (their leather is fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine)

 

I really like my Holborn, but I've been REALLY careless with it, stuffing it down in tight pockets and the like, which might explain the paper tearing so I can't blame it on "floppiness" of the cover.

 

About the Guildford: Well, first of all I think that it's ridiculously overpriced for what it is. The Mini line is small. The Slimline is just as small, but thinner. Thus, the paper size is really, really small and the binder rings so minuscule that you'll be lucky to even fit a whole year calendar in it. And it's basically a really small piece of leather (nice leather, but still) with a binder rings on it. And it costs about 80 dollars where I live, which I think is a bit of a rip-off.

 

But then again, if you like to only have a few months at a time in your binder along with a few spare note sheets to carry around in almost any pocket, it's not too bad, but that's just not me I guess. Sorry, started ranting here, but I hope this answers your question.