Zlyc Fauxdori - To Buy Or Not To Buy?

July 20, 2016

Before I start this post let me just say I am new to fountain pens and paper and all of this stuff, but I've watched a plethora of YouTube videos, browsed a large amount of websites, and done all I can so far to educate myself as to how all of this works. I have a fountain pen already that was a gift from my girlfriend (Parker Sonnet, Medium 18K nib), since then I've forced myself to relearn cursive handwriting and it has paid off. i think I'm ready to take the next step and buy a proper notebook for everything I write, as I've started to hand-write things much more than I used to prior to receiving this pen. After some research I've decided I want to buy a traveler's journal... Or rather, I think I want to buy one. I could really use both the passport size and the normal size, as I'd use both for a different purpose. That's when I came across fauxdoris, cheaper alternatives to the Midori. I came across this product in particular, and was wondering if anybody here on FPN has any experience with these? Two of the main reasons why I am considering this product is because A: The price and B: The dark green color option.

Now here's where things will get slightly more complicated - I've not even made up my mind as to whether or not I even want a traveler's notebook. I've been looking at Rhodias as well, and they seem practical for fountain pen use. Currently I'm using a cheap 99 cent store notebook and the bleed through is so terrible it's unbearable. If I buy a fauxdori and eventually buy some Midori inserts, how does the paper quality compare in terms of bleedthrough etc. to other brands? If bleedthrough and feathering are minimal I believe that this may be an acceptable buy.

Edited July 20, 2016 by SeekerTheSeeking

July 21, 2016

Hello!

The Midori paper I have used is very fountain pen friendly. I do believe I have the lightweight paper version that is actually 52g Tomoe? I'm not quite certain on that but the Midori paper is generally known to be really good with fountain pens.

I had 3 of the ZLYC. I did give them away. There is nothing wrong with them per se. I just preferred a different kind of leather. They are sturdy, but I found them to be thinner than I liked. I also noticed that the books that came with them were pretty fountain pen friendly if you order the regular Midori sized cover. The smaller covers contained a lesser quality paper that bled through. However, for the price, they can't be beat. I think you will be very happy with your purchase; plus, you can always return them if you don't like them as much.

I didn't have the green color. I had a tan/yellow leather and the other two were more of a sand dollar suede type leather with embossing. Again, very nice but just thinner than I preferred. I hope this helps your decision somewhat!

FPB

July 21, 2016

Does anyone know who makes the zlyc? It's interesting that not only does it appear to be a fauxdori but it even packages itself the same way - look at the cotton bag and the box shape for example. Just wondering.

July 21, 2016

Does anyone know who makes the zlyc? It's interesting that not only does it appear to be a fauxdori but it even packages itself the same way - look at the cotton bag and the box shape for example. Just wondering.

From what I've heard they're a manufacturer out of China, that could explain the very long Amazon titles as well, translations and such. If you order from Europe they ship from China.

Edited July 21, 2016 by SeekerTheSeeking

July 21, 2016

Hello!

The Midori paper I have used is very fountain pen friendly. I do believe I have the lightweight paper version that is actually 52g Tomoe? I'm not quite certain on that but the Midori paper is generally known to be really good with fountain pens.

I had 3 of the ZLYC. I did give them away. There is nothing wrong with them per se. I just preferred a different kind of leather. They are sturdy, but I found them to be thinner than I liked. I also noticed that the books that came with them were pretty fountain pen friendly if you order the regular Midori sized cover. The smaller covers contained a lesser quality paper that bled through. However, for the price, they can't be beat. I think you will be very happy with your purchase; plus, you can always return them if you don't like them as much.

I didn't have the green color. I had a tan/yellow leather and the other two were more of a sand dollar suede type leather with embossing. Again, very nice but just thinner than I preferred. I hope this helps your decision somewhat!

FPB

It does actually, just spoke to my girlfriend about buying the product, probably give it a month or so, give or take! Maybe I'll give it a proper review here on FPN (There is a review page right?).