A Bookish Review Of The Midori Traveler’S Notebook

[sannidh]

Finally, giving in to all my desire, I went for a midori traveler's notebook. This is a regular sized notebook with a brown leather jacket.

 

I have also replicated the content with some additional pictures in my blog, as the images are/will be reduced to a small thumbnail after a short-while by the image hosting service. Below is a link to the same:

Midori Traveler’s Notebook Review

Lately, along with a fair bit of travel, my focus has shifted towards acquiring various paraphernalia, genetically consistent with the core fountain pen ecosystem, while the pen themselves are in transit . Having used parker notebooks with the usual ivory coloured paper, for my travelogues; I was fascinated by the idea of a notebook enclosed in a traditional manner within a leather jacket. To my limited knowledge and much elation, the Midori Traveler Notebook came out to be much more than that. I came in touch with the Midori brand, when I had got myself an aluminium multiple ruler. As per their website, Midori is a 65-year old Japanese company specializing in paper products and creative design stationery. You may also bump into MD Paper, while searching for quality paper products across Asia.

From the perspective of paper, the company also makes stitched notebooks along with the flagship Traveler Notebook. And the core part of the notebook i.e paper manufacturing remains with Midori, Japan. Traveler Notebook comes in two different sizes – Passport & Regular acorss two standard colour variants – black & brown. (Additionally a blue - special edition is being released in April - 2015). The one being reviewed here is a regular sized traveler notebook.

 

PRESENTATION (6/6)

 

One of the enchanting parts of the notebook is the multi-tier packaging. Nothing expensive, but enticingly ‘differentiated’! A polyethylene plastic wrap, diaphanously enclosing a package wrapped in traditional brown paper, increases the excitement for unwrapping the gift. A note on the Traveler’s notebook in traditional Japanese paper, reveals a consistent purpose and description. It does reveal that the brown leather jacket is handmade in Chiangmai, Thailand, whereas the notebook is manufactured in Japan, thus referencing and embellishing quality

 

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag127/soniknitr/mtn/mdn%20001_zpsn3bkbpwx.jpg

 

At the backside of the package, rests some information regarding manufacture of the notebook and the leather jacket – from the countries of JAPAN and THAILAND respectively, along with product/bar codes and other compliance details in Japanese script. The brown package is fastened with a reddish-brown elastic band.

 

Opening the package, unveils a notebook enclosed in a white cotton bag. Additionally, one spare elastic band (orange) is provided in a poly-pack. You can also remove the reddish-brown elastic band from the outer enclosure.

 

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag127/soniknitr/mtn/mdn%20005_zpsvgrigln6.jpgI had also ordered a 64-page refill along with the notebook (Refill#001), which has a simple wrap with a coloured stamp conveying the details of it.

 

DESIGN (6/6)

 

A leather enclosure secured by a single brown elastic band going through a perforation at the back of it, expresses the sense and simplicity part of it. The cover is made from cowhide leather, with an elemental texture and it acquires grace with time. It’s supposed to scratch, acquire colour over time to transform into your signature companion.

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag127/soniknitr/mtn/mdn%20007_zpsbewykgcf.jpg

 

The enclosure carries one single stitched notebook with blank pages (Refill#003). There is a series of two strings running across the notebook and the leather cover through multiple perforations on the it and those are anchored by a small tin clasp placed at the top-left end of the notebook system. The elastic band fastens the notebook while the rather loosely held non-elastic one is meant to be a bookmark. The only embossed mark on the leather jacket is at the botton-left side of the back cover, which states MIDORI & MADE IN THAILAND.

 

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag127/soniknitr/mtn/traveler%20ends_zpsgtncgrzr.jpg

 

So, the primary ecosystem for the traveler notebook consists of two categories of refills – notebook and accessory. Notebook refills come in 64 pages (both sides) across blank (003), lined (001), grid (002), monthly planner (005), lightweight paper (128 pages, 013) and kraft paper (014). Accessorizing your traveler with sticky notes (022) or film album (023) or a pen-holder (015/016) is pretty easy once you purchase the refills and they may be priced between $4 to $10. There are several other inserts that are available for the traveler. You can find a complete list here.

The design of the notebook is primarily based upon an Add-On model: base + spares like the Gillette razor-blade model. But again Sony too sells the PlayStation at a loss and makes up for the same with the entire gaming ecosystem.

 

PERFORMANCE (6/6)

 

The enclosing elastic band can be replaced with another by pulling it out from the inside of the back-cover.

Adding a notebook is easy, by using one of the spare elastic bands to connect the new notebook with the existing one, which needs securing the band around the spine of both these notebooks.

 

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag127/soniknitr/mtn/mdn%20014_zps6pujgcto.jpg

PHYSICS OF IT (4/6) – RELATIVELY SPEAKING

 

A very portable one, the dimensions (13 X 21 cm) match closely with the standard parker notebook. However, given the availability of pages (192 in parker) and an absence of a pen-holder, the parker does score some brownie points here. If you are looking for pure table-top writing experience, then parker can be more appealing, given its solid frame. The leather cover does offer a lot of flexibility when you are travelling and it’s meant for traveler.

 

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag127/soniknitr/mtn/mdp%20comp_zpswhmmm4aj.jpg

 

ECONOMIC VALUE (4/6)

 

The traveler notebook and a 64-page refill cost me around USD 35, with free shipping from Japan. While the price might still be low for a comparative analysis (with other shops), the economic value of the notebook does not do very well against the likes of competition - parker costs less than one-fourth of the same. Then again, you have to purchase refills typically costing anywhere between $4 to $10. That’s midori’s ecosystem for making money. The Add-On model!

 

OVERALL (5/6)

 

The design and vogue part of the traveler is exquisite. And yes, the MD paper is nice, thick and smooth for all your beloved fountain pens. Since, it was another Japanese product, I tested a Sailor Pro Gear Sigma Slim (Medium) with it. And it did run like a dream, laying quite a fine wet line. The thickness and texture of the MD paper makes even a relatively wet ink dry up pretty fast (sailor jentle ink dried within 6 seconds). However, that again comes with an little although unnoticeable bit of feathering, unlike the parker notebooks . However, there is no bleed-through for the paper.

 

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag127/soniknitr/mtn/mds%20001_zpstbof40zu.jpg

 

It was fun reviewing the Midori Traveler Notebook. Hope you enjoy the review and find it useful.

 

Thanks,

Sonik

Edited March 16, 2015 by soniknitr

[da vinci]

A very interesting post, thank you

[sannidh]

  On 3/15/2015 at 9:13 PM, da vinci said:

A very interesting post, thank you

Thanks da vinci

[Sabin]

Where did you get the Parker notebook and how good is it for fountain pens?

[sannidh]

  On 3/16/2015 at 12:58 AM, Sabin said:

Where did you get the Parker notebook and how good is it for fountain pens?

Sabin - I found the parker notebooks pretty good for fountain pens. Almost zero feathering or bleed-through.

I bought them from an Indian ecommerce site called flipkart. (They are imported by Luxor India, for sale in Indian subcontinent only)

 

Best,

Sonik

Edited March 16, 2015 by soniknitr

[inkypete]

Hmmm - I want the Parker notebooks too!!!!!

[SujiCorp12345]

Nice review. I just picked up one of these Midori notebooks a few days ago and am liking it so far. One of the B&M shops I go to sells Midori sized Tomoe River notebooks, which is great since in my experience, nothing has beaten Tomoe River paper.

Edited March 16, 2015 by Suji

[hari317]

Very nice review, Sonik. I liked the way you have laid out the review, you had my attention throughout. very well done! I am not into notebooks, but your review has me interested and I will have to look around.

 

Best

Hari

[sannidh]

  On 3/16/2015 at 2:47 AM, inkypete said:

Hmmm - I want the Parker notebooks too!!!!!

The Indian edition (imported) are available at ebay but the pricing seems just exorbitant ($35, ). I got the same at less than $7 (was running on a 50% discount at flipkart).

[sannidh]

  On 3/16/2015 at 2:58 AM, Suji said:

Nice review. I just picked up one of these Midori notebooks a few days ago and am liking it so far. One of the B&M shops I go to sells Midori sized Tomoe River notebooks, which is great since in my experience, nothing has beaten Tomoe River paper.

Thanks Suji for your feedback. I love the paper, especially the classical make of it. Next time, I will check this Tomoe River paper.

[pavoni]

What an excellent review. Great detail and style.

 

As a 54 year old professional male, I am not normally one to follow 'fashion' and so had largely ignored, what I had interpreted as, the 'hype' surrounding the Midori notebooks.

 

At work, for the past 5 years, I have made extensive use of my, very grown up, A5-sized Montblanc Agenda. It has served me well and I very much enjoy using it. Before this, I was a 20-year veteran of filofax.

 

I have been after a jacket pocket-sized notebook for some time, something I would always carry about myself and use for quick lettering practice and penmanship in general. Something that I could use with ease whenever out shopping with the family, or when on holiday, or simply when out on my own not in my normal work capacity.

 

On Friday whilst in London, I stumbled across the passport version of the Midori notebook. After 30 minutes of procrastination, I bought it and a spare refill. I rushed from the shop into a nearby coffee shop, unpacked the Midori, inserted the spare refill and......................well, I instantly became hooked! It just feels ........... It just does!

 

The simplicity, the feel, the whole idea of this wonderful little notebook makes for a very seductive package. I will certainly buy a 'spare' one when I return to London on Thursday. In the meantime, I watch out for the experiences of other users and as such, was really pleased to have come across the excellent review above.

 

Many thanks for sharing so generously soniknitr

 

Pavoni.

[sannidh]

  On 3/16/2015 at 7:44 AM, hari317 said:

Very nice review, Sonik. I liked the way you have laid out the review, you had my attention throughout. very well done! I am not into notebooks, but your review has me interested and I will have to look around.

 

Best

Hari

Thank you Hari for both your feedback and encouragement. Half of my Pilots came into my hands because of your detailed-oriented and engaging reviews.

 

It was kind of my first premium notebook (unless you consider parker), so I was never sure how to review it. Then I realized it came into existence because of my fps, so why not review it like a fp . Midori paper has a different feel, love the way the nib writes on it. So might be worth a try (even a notebook will be nice to try).

 

Regards,

Sonik

[da vinci]

  On 3/16/2015 at 8:26 AM, pavoni said:

What an excellent review. Great detail and style.

 

As a 54 year old professional male, I am not normally one to follow 'fashion' and so had largely ignored, what I had interpreted as, the 'hype' surrounding the Midori notebooks.

 

At work, for the past 5 years, I have made extensive use of my, very grown up, A5-sized Montblanc Agenda. It has served me well and I very much enjoy using it. Before this, I was a 20-year veteran of filofax.

 

I have been after a jacket pocket-sized notebook for some time, something I would always carry about myself and use for quick lettering practice and penmanship in general. Something that I could use with ease whenever out shopping with the family, or when on holiday, or simply when out on my own not in my normal work capacity.

 

On Friday whilst in London, I stumbled across the passport version of the Midori notebook. After 30 minutes of procrastination, I bought it and a spare refill. I rushed from the shop into a nearby coffee shop, unpacked the Midori, inserted the spare refill and......................well, I instantly became hooked! It just feels ........... It just does!

 

The simplicity, the feel, the whole idea of this wonderful little notebook makes for a very seductive package. I will certainly buy a 'spare' one when I return to London on Thursday. In the meantime, I watch out for the experiences of other users and as such, was really pleased to have come across the excellent review above.

 

Many thanks for sharing so generously soniknitr

 

Pavoni.

Pavoni

 

Do you mind me asking which shop you located the note book in? Am hoping it was City rather than west end 😊

[sannidh]

  On 3/16/2015 at 8:26 AM, pavoni said:

What an excellent review. Great detail and style.

 

As a 54 year old professional male, I am not normally one to follow 'fashion' and so had largely ignored, what I had interpreted as, the 'hype' surrounding the Midori notebooks.

 

At work, for the past 5 years, I have made extensive use of my, very grown up, A5-sized Montblanc Agenda. It has served me well and I very much enjoy using it. Before this, I was a 20-year veteran of filofax.

 

I have been after a jacket pocket-sized notebook for some time, something I would always carry about myself and use for quick lettering practice and penmanship in general. Something that I could use with ease whenever out shopping with the family, or when on holiday, or simply when out on my own not in my normal work capacity.

 

On Friday whilst in London, I stumbled across the passport version of the Midori notebook. After 30 minutes of procrastination, I bought it and a spare refill. I rushed from the shop into a nearby coffee shop, unpacked the Midori, inserted the spare refill and......................well, I instantly became hooked! It just feels ........... It just does!

 

The simplicity, the feel, the whole idea of this wonderful little notebook makes for a very seductive package. I will certainly buy a 'spare' one when I return to London on Thursday. In the meantime, I watch out for the experiences of other users and as such, was really pleased to have come across the excellent review above.

 

Many thanks for sharing so generously soniknitr

 

Pavoni.

 

When I went through your big-hearted feedback with your graduated experience with notebooks over the years, I became super-happy and was instantly lost for words to phrase a suitable reply. Being a recent notebook convert (having used only parker before), two things made me very happy - making the right choice and managing to do a decent review of the traveler.

 

The way you described opening the package of your midori traveler passport, I went through a similar set of emotions. Without having lunch till late 4:00 pm, I started unwrapping the package and taking pictures simultaneously, so that not even a single piece of memory is missed afterwards.

 

The blue limited edition is being released in April-2015 (mid), I am not sure whether you will like to go for that.

 

Many thanks for your extremely generous feedback, Pavoni.

 

Regards,

Sonik

[pavoni]

  On 3/16/2015 at 12:45 PM, da vinci said:

Pavoni

 

Do you mind me asking which shop you located the note book in? Am hoping it was City rather than west end

 

Hi da vinci, it was Foyles (the bookshop) at Charring Cross Road. One of the female assistants admitted to being a fan so it was good to speak to someone who understood what I might be after. It was one of only two left. They are waiting for a delivery this week!

 

I'm based in Manchester. This afternoon I nipped out of the office to one of our well known art shops. Whilst they hadn't any notebooks in stock (not many stores do or have for some time) I consoled myself by purchasing one of the brass pencils with a rubber/eraser (I use pencils as much as I use fountain pens), a blank refill pad, and one of their famed metal (folded) rulers.

 

I have since been on the web and looked to see how others use their Midori notebooks. Seems most get fun from customising. I just need lots of refills. The paper meets my expectations. I want a spare passport notebook however. I am so taken by the compact and pocketable nature of the passport version, I am not sure whether I will get the full-sized notebook.

 

Pavoni.

[pavoni]

  On 3/16/2015 at 1:14 PM, soniknitr said:

 

When I went through your big-hearted feedback with your graduated experience with notebooks over the years, I became super-happy and was instantly lost for words to phrase a suitable reply. Being a recent notebook convert (having used only parker before), two things made me very happy - making the right choice and managing to do a decent review of the traveler.

 

The way you described opening the package of your midori traveler passport, I went through a similar set of emotions. Without having lunch till late 4:00 pm, I started unwrapping the package and taking pictures simultaneously, so that not even a single piece of memory is missed afterwards.

 

The blue limited edition is being released in April-2015 (mid), I am not sure whether you will like to go for that.

 

Many thanks for your extremely generous feedback, Pavoni.

 

Regards,

Sonik

 

Hi Sonik, I REALLY liked your review. As with the excellent Hari (always writes superb reviews), I was captivated by your review from the moment I started reading it. I actually read it twice

 

As for the blue limited edition, I have put my name down for an e-mail notification when they are in stock. I very much like the passport size and I understand that the blue will only be in standard notebook. I really LOVE the brown version I have and can see it taking on an absolutely fabulous look in time. These notebooks improve with age (according to experienced users). The quality of the leather is really good but it is something one has to own to fully appreciate. By contrast, my Montblanc A5 Agenda, which must have been about 10x the cost, feels awful. Still, that is for work and my Midori is me

 

I have just had an e-mail reminder from Pinterest (love the site) and there are a number of boards with photos and videos of Midori notebooks on there, among which someone has posted a gorgeous picture of a blue notebook (Japanese user). Again, I think the blue will actually age quite well, though not look as fabulous as the brown.

 

Now that you have started this thread Sonik, let us know how you get on with your notebook as you become better acquainted.

 

Pavoni.

[da vinci]

  On 3/16/2015 at 5:36 PM, pavoni said:

 

Hi da vinci, it was Foyles (the bookshop) at Charring Cross Road. One of the female assistants admitted to being a fan so it was good to speak to someone who understood what I might be after. It was one of only two left. They are waiting for a delivery this week!

 

I'm based in Manchester. This afternoon I nipped out of the office to one of our well known art shops. Whilst they hadn't any notebooks in stock (not many stores do or have for some time) I consoled myself by purchasing one of the brass pencils with a rubber/eraser (I use pencils as much as I use fountain pens), a blank refill pad, and one of their famed metal (folded) rulers.

 

I have since been on the web and looked to see how others use their Midori notebooks. Seems most get fun from customising. I just need lots of refills. The paper meets my expectations. I want a spare passport notebook however. I am so taken by the compact and pocketable nature of the passport version, I am not sure whether I will get the full-sized notebook.

 

Pavoni.

Thanks Pavoni I will try and get there next time I am in town. Will also be in touch re Manchester at some point as I end up there every now and again!

 

Back on topic...

 

I have the full sized version. I am embarrassed to admit that I have only peaked inside the packaging. The cover looks great and I cannot bring myself to defile the book by using it! I will do so inspired by this thread!

[webgeckos]

Excellent review, thank you for posting it.

 

I recently bought one, and I am still contemplating the possibilities... (Use it at work for "stand-ups" and team meetings? Use it to daydream in? Use it with coffee and to try and do some urban sketching? Keep it as a daybook and fill it with quotes? Use as a book journal which I have never kept but think I ought to?)

[sannidh]

  On 3/16/2015 at 5:52 PM, pavoni said:

 

Hi Sonik, I REALLY liked your review. As with the excellent Hari (always writes superb reviews), I was captivated by your review from the moment I started reading it. I actually read it twice

 

As for the blue limited edition, I have put my name down for an e-mail notification when they are in stock. I very much like the passport size and I understand that the blue will only be in standard notebook. I really LOVE the brown version I have and can see it taking on an absolutely fabulous look in time. These notebooks improve with age (according to experienced users). The quality of the leather is really good but it is something one has to own to fully appreciate. By contrast, my Montblanc A5 Agenda, which must have been about 10x the cost, feels awful. Still, that is for work and my Midori is me

 

I have just had an e-mail reminder from Pinterest (love the site) and there are a number of boards with photos and videos of Midori notebooks on there, among which someone has posted a gorgeous picture of a blue notebook (Japanese user). Again, I think the blue will actually age quite well, though not look as fabulous as the brown.

 

Now that you have started this thread Sonik, let us know how you get on with your notebook as you become better acquainted.

 

Pavoni.

I was contemplating waiting till April to buy a blue one, but then I loved the brown (the classical leather shade in wallets, belts, shoes and my pen case too). I think I will order the blue one later with some refills once it's available. I would really like to observe and enjoy the ageing part - not only for these jackets but also for the paper-ink shading with time (like some of my dad's old notebooks when fountain pens were the only standard). Thank you for sharing the subtlety of the notebook, Pavoni (which I was quite unaware of).

 

If you get some time, can you please share a picture of the traveler, in its present state.

 

Do you carry the diary inside the cotton bag which came with it ? (I do so before I put it into my laptop bag )

 

Regards,

Sonik

[sannidh]

  On 3/16/2015 at 9:32 PM, webgeckos said:

Excellent review, thank you for posting it.

 

I recently bought one, and I am still contemplating the possibilities... (Use it at work for "stand-ups" and team meetings? Use it to daydream in? Use it with coffee and to try and do some urban sketching? Keep it as a daybook and fill it with quotes? Use as a book journal which I have never kept but think I ought to?)

Thank you webgeckos! Coincidentally, I am using the traveler while travelling (in train)

My company gives out a lot of exquisite diaries (leather ones too) - perhaps twice or thrice in a year to my extreme delight , so for business meetings, I stay with the company branded ones.

 

I can see that you have well-enjoyed your notebook. Thank you for sharing!

 

Best,

Sonik

Edited March 17, 2015 by soniknitr