Basic Large Clothbound Notebook (8 1/4"x 11 3/4") BLACK 192 Pages

Generally, I prefer squared or narrow ruled notebooks, because I feel it helps constrain my writing somewhat, helping me to get the most use of the space. This notebook, though being neither, is still great. The paper is amazing, and as someone who writes a minimum of 10-15 pages a day with fountain pens, I can really appreciate its incredible smoothness and lack of bleed-trough. The pens I use for writing are mostly Japanese fine nibs, so they're not exactly wet pens to begin with, but even the more aggressive pens I have do very well with the paper. While I could understand how some might be put off with the large size (particularly if they're looking for a smaller, journal size notebook) I'm very happy with it. I normally write at a table when I'm doing so for extended periods, so the softcover works well. However, I would be concerned with the lack of a hardcover when using fountain pens other wise. Overall, this is a great notebook with fantastic paper (especially so for fountain pen users) at a decent price.

This paper is nice and smooth. Dry times are not long and it doesn’t feather at all. Writing on this paper is like a dream.

Arrived on time, as advertised, no issues. Exceptional product for note taking with a fountain pen. Handles ink perfectly. Great purchase.

By all accounts, these are wonderful notebooks. The paper is incredibly smooth, and seems to be tailored for fountain pen use. No bleed through, and no feathering. I use a Parker Sonnet for my note taking, with Blue-Black Quink. Unlike some other brands of paper, Clairfontaine introduces limited fading of the ink after a few days. The page size is a little bit large for my purposes, but those that prefer a larger page will love it. The cover is a conservative, faux leather patterned cardboard with cloth binding. The company logo unobtrusively embellishes the front. I was able to write on the front and spine of the notebook with a silver sharpie marker. There is also an elastic band to hold the book shut that appears to be well made. I would buy Clairfontaine again, but in a smaller size.

The smartest thing about these notebooks is that, once you removed the elastic band, they can be recycled. The paper if fountain pen friendly and a pleasure to write on.

This notebook is great except for one tradeoff: while there is almost no bleed-through and pages are very opaque, the ink does not dry quickly enough for a lefty like me. I use Uniball Vision Elite and Uniball Air pens. I love these pens! But for the ink to dry quickly enough, the paper must absorb the ink to some degree. I must live with a certain amount of bleed-through to the backside of each page to avoid smearing ink with my hand as I write. This notebook's pages are thick and don't absorb ink. So the ink sits on the page until it dries, which takes longer than works for me. I wanted to like this notebook, but I know deep down that I'm going to end up throwing it away due to this problem. I'm surprised that this is not an issue for right-handers writing with fountain pens. I've been careful not to drag my hand over my writing, turned the page, and then found ink that was transferred between pages whose surfaces meet because the ink is still wet. I guess the paper is too high quality?

Great notebook, good price. Will order again.

I was looking for an alternative journal that accommodates fountain pens and is a good size for extensive writing. It is simple and aesthetic. Perfect!