Any fountain pen enthusiast knows that a fountain pen without a cool notebook to enjoy writing, is just… incomplete. And because we care about providing you with the best products available on the market when it comes to writing instruments, paper or any other accessories, allow me to present 5 cool notebooks you should have in your collection.
1. Maruman Mnemosyne N195A
Maruman is a notebook manufacturer from Japan which caught my attention 4 years ago. Fascinated with fine quality paper, I have tested a lot of notebooks over the years until I found this fantastic line from Maruman called Mnemosyne. The name of this line is closely related to the Greek goddess of memory and the notebook embodies such a nice mixture between the sleek design and high-quality paper. You’ll fall in love instantly. The notebook has high-quality 80 g/m² acid-free paper with 80 lined sheets. Each sheet contains a blank margin at the top with a space for the date and title. I use to practice my cursive hand writing on this notebook and every time I touch the paper with my pen, I feel a unique sensation, like a new beginning… I would add it to my notebooks collection again and again. This model is around 8€ and I think it’s a great deal.
2. Midori MD Notebook
Midori, the Japanese stationery brand is always a reference point when it comes to high-quality notebooks. Starting their journey in 1950 by producing writing paper and envelopes, the brand has developed a lot of design-focused products over the years and now I’m happy to present one of my favourite notebooks of theirs. Designed for simplicity, as the manufacturer claims, Midori MD Notebook is both aesthetically pleasing and inviting. The cream-colored cardstock cover is blind embossed MD logo in the front. Thread binding allows the pages to lie perfectly flat. To protect the threads on the outside, the binding is covered with a piece of mesh texture which is a nice feature. Even if the design of this notebook is not as elegant as expected, the manufacturer’s main focus was on the paper quality. That’s way you can enjoy a nice writing session paying attention only to the high-quality paper and your fountain pen… and trust me, your ideas will lay beautifully on Midori’s paper. This model is around 8€ and the price is quite low taking into consideration the quality of the paper and the minimalist design feature.
3. Clairefontaine – My Essential Notebook A5
Clairefontaine, the stationery specialist of France and also the manufacturer that made the first school notebooks in France is well known in the field as one of the premium brands when it comes to notebooks and top quality paper. Making paper since 1858 and stationery products since 1890, it is clear why they are leaders in this industry. Now, let’s dive in. Personally, I have a special relationship with the Clairefontaine notebooks and their high-quality paper because in my student years I used to write everything on them. The Clairefontaine “ My Essential Notebook” comes in an A5 format with a classic design providing a nice cover which evokes a vintage air due to its very pleasant texture. You can choose your favorite colour from a very wide range of colours in order to enjoy your notebook the way you deserve it.. completely. Some features of a classic notebook can also be found in this one like the rounded corners and the elastic strap to keep things secured. A subtle yet elegant detail can be noticed on the front cover displaying the Clairefontaine logo embossed in the lower right corner. The notebook has high-quality 90 g/m² paper with 96 lined ivory colored sheets which are ink friendly so you can enjoy a very fine writing experience. The price for this great notebook is around 13€.
4. Leuchtturm 1917 A5 Notebook
This notebook comes in a generous range of colours suitable for anyone’s taste, while the A5 size makes it easy to carry anywhere. A number of 249 pages are ready to be written and the ivory color of the 80 g/m² ink-proof paper makes the writing experience even more pleasing. Features include an expandable pocket, a blank table of contents, two ribbon page markers, elastic band so the notebook is kept closed and secured, stickers for labeling/archiving, and it opens flat making the writing experience very pleasing. I have to admit that I always have a Leuchtturm 1917 on my desk at home or at the office because I find it so practical. You will notice the excellent quality of the paper right away and I think it is a must have in anyone’s notebooks collection. The price for this A5 format model is around 18€ making it a decent price considering its features.
5. Montblanc Notebook #146
The Montblanc # 146 notebook is by far the most beautiful notebook you’ll ever see. With a sophisticated yet clean appearance, will impress anyone at the office or during business meetings. The notebook’s dimensions – 150×210 mm – make it super-portable and thanks to its distinguished aura the notebook will look absolutely fantastic on your desk. The notebook comes in two different versions – lined and squared – to meet everyone’s preferences. Manufactured in Italy and crafted with the finest Saffiano leather, the Montblanc #146 embodies luxury and sophistication at the highest levels. Features like high-quality 85g/m² paper, 96 sheets watermarked with the Montblanc emblem, silver-edged paper, are all signs that we talk about a fine notebook. Suitable for anyone who appreciates a luxurious writing experience, this elegant notebook will find its place in your collection for sure. The price for this masterpiece is 65€ and considering the high-standard manufacturing process and the fine materials used, in the end, the price reflects the quality of Montblanc products.
BONUS: Moleskine
Actually, on a list of notebooks, a Moleskine can’t be missed at all. The father of all notebooks, used by artists and thinkers over the past two centuries: among them Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway and Bruce Chatwin. The excellent paper quality and the almost infinite variants are making sure that your need for individualism is satisfied to every extend. Pricepoint for the A5 classic format: 30€
Bonus: Hieronymus
On the other end of the scale, you will find a product of incredible exclusivity. The Hieronymus A5 with leather cover made of only full-grain, flesh-side leather calfskins. The silky material for the endpaper is laminated by hand and forms a harmonious connection between the cover and the book block. Exclusive uncoated paper made of 100% cotton with a fine texture ensures comfortable writing and sketching. But all this, evidentially has its price: 300€
