Paper Review: Ajoto Pocket Paper B6

Paper Review: Ajoto Pocket Paper B6

Ajoto created a Kickstarter to produce and release three notebooks featuring great paper for writing and drawing as well as notebook covers. I only backed the Pocket Paper notebook portion because I don’t need anymore notebook covers but I can always use more paper.

The notebooks use Italian paper and are made in England. The paper are acid-free with a neutral pH so what you write should stay put.

Each Pocket Paper notebook ($22 each) shipped in a paperboard wrap with information about the paper type, recommended uses and specifications. The paper wrap covers are a good way to visually differentiate between the three paper types but it seems like a lot of packaging. Of course, its all paper so it can be recycled or composted.

The notebooks were created at an unusual size. They measure 105 mm x172 mm which is a little smaller than B6 size. These books fit in my B6 cover but the Ajoto notebooks  are about an inch narrower and half and an inch shorter than a standard B6 notebook. If you’re not attached to a specific notebook size or cover, these Pocket Paper notebooks have a small paperback book feel in the hand. They are not too big, not too small so it might be a sweet spot.

However, I am less tempted by notebooks that are a weird size. There are so many “standard sizes” in the world that when someone steps in with a “we have the perfect size” notebook spiel. Shaving a half an inch from a notebook is not going to revolutionize my writing or journaling habit. Stop trying to convince me that it will!

Okay, paper size rant is over.

All three notebooks feature a black paper cardstock cover that folds flat and exposes the bound and glued spine. The paper cover and sewn bindings do genuinely lay flat and the simple black cover and exposed spine have a minimal, Japanese vibe.

Under the black paperboard cover is another cardstock cover that creates the front of the notebook.

The paper type is embossed on the cover page of each notebook to make it easier to identify the notebook once its been separated from the packaging sleeve. The overall construction for all three notebooks is the same, its just the paper that is different.

Ajoto No. 1 Pocket Paper:

Of the three notebook paper types, the No. 1 is the most papery texture to me. Its a little bit toothy but not rough. The icons on the cover recommend it for pen, pencil and fountain pen so its probably the most all-around paper of the bunch. The notes from the web site say that this paper is from Italy, is 120gsm and the No. 1 notebook includes 114 pages.

In writing tests, I found the paper to hold up to a wide variety of tools and had only slight show through, even when using broad brush pens. For someone looking to do more artistic or collage-y note taking, journaling or planning, I think the No. 1 is a good option. It reminds me of a good quality sketch paper. It wouldn’t hold up great to watercolor washes but brush pens, pencils, colored pencils, gel pens and fountain pens all perform well on the paper.

Ajoto No. 2 Pocket Paper:

The Ajoto No. 2 Pocket Paper is another Italian paper but this paper is much smoother and silkier. If you love Rhodia or Clairefontaine, this paper has a similar feel. The paper is 100gsm and the notebook includes 126 pages.

While Ajoto claims this paper is bleed proof, I found that there was a lot more show through with the No. 2 than the No. 1 notebook. There were even some signs of bleed through potential.

If you are a fan of super smooth, almost glossy writing paper, then the No. 2 will be your choice from the Ajoto line. Super smooth paper has never been my favorite. I feel like a little tooth or texture in the paper helps me to slow down a little and not rush making my writing neater and my thoughts more composed.

Ajoto No. 3 Pocket Paper:

The Ajoto No. 3 Pocket Paper notebook is another Italian paper but this one is specifically recommended for creative endeavors as the paper is felt textured and weighs in at a hefty 190gsm. With such thick paper, there are only 62 pages though.

I would compare this paper, which they recommend for pen, pencil and brush, to a multimedia art paper. Its not quite as heavy or treated as a watercolor paper but its definitely suitable for light washes or ink or paint and other art making tools.

In close-up, it is clear to see that there is a distinct texture on this paper. For very fine gel pens, there could be potential to pick up paper fibers or catch the tip in the paper but I have no issues when testing my variety of gel pens and fine fountain pens.

My guess though is that not everyone will like how textured the paper is. Of the three notebooks, the No. 3 is the roughest. Proceed accordingly.

Literally, on the flip side though, because this paper is thick and dense, there was no show through or bleed through with any of the pens I tested.

In conclusion:

Of the three Ajoto Pocket Paper notebooks, I’m most likely to recommend the No. 1. It is the most all-around, in my opinion. For those who like smooth paper, the No. 2 is a good option. The No. 3 notebook is one I would only recommend to someone looking to make art, paint, or do other intensive activities with their notebook. If you’re just taking notes or bullet journaling, the No. 3 might be too much paper, not enough pages!

Overall, I have no real complaints with the notebooks other than the slightly odd size.

Have you tried the Ajoto Pocket Paper notebooks yet? What’s your impression of them?


Pens used in the testing of these notebooks, in case you want to see the whole mess!

DISCLAIMER: Some items included in this review were purchased with funds from our amazing Patrons. You can help support this blog by joining our Patreon. Please see the About page for more details.

Re-Review: Endless Recorder Notebook

Re-Review: Endless Recorder Notebook

While in Baltimore, I was able to speak to Bryce at Luxury Brands, the US Distributor for Endless products about the Endless Recorder notebook (A5, $24.99) featuring the Regalia paper. He mentioned that the manufacturer had retooled the paper to try to address some of the issues with the first batch, specifically the absorpu8tion of hand oils that then rejected ink. This was a big issue for a lot of folks so Endless applied new coatings to the paper to help reduce this issue.

I grabbed a new version of the notebook to test it and see if I had different results than in our original review (see also our previous Regalia vs. Cosmo Air Light review).

Overall the structure and extras included with the notebook have not changed. It comes with a plasticky guide sheet, two ribbon bookmarks and a thank you card. The standard A5 size is available in lined, dot grid, graph and blank and features the same number of pages (192pp) and elastic closure. The only adjustment was made to the paper coating, its still the same 80gsm Regalia Paper.

Since I was specifically looking for ink resistance, I tested a wide assortment of pens from gel to fountain to felt tip and brush. I wanted to cover the whole page so that my hand was laying on the whole sheet, really rub that hand moisture in (says the girl with bone dry, ice cold hands… but hey! efforts were made!)

But my discovery was actually a slightly longer dry time for the inks, hence the smudges around the Pentel Touch Brush Pen tests. Can you believe it?!?! This is probably not as a big an issue for right handed people but artists, sketchers and lefties might want to be warned that there could potentially be a protracted dry time. If you’re used to some of the other premium fountain pen papers like Tomoe River, it won’t be a surprising characteristic but one you should be aware about, just in case. No one likes unintentional smudges!

The transfer or show through on the back was minimal overall and both sides of the paper can be used with most daily writing tools. There is a little show through but I had no issues with bleed through with the samll assortment of tools I tested.

Is the change a vast improvement? For some, I think definitely. For me, I’m still not crazy about this paper. There’s a bit of a powdery feel to it and not in a toothy, texture-y way. If you’ve ever tried stone paper,  I feel like the Regalia paper has a similar tactile quality. It’s not stone paper but it was the only comparison I could come up with, So, the short answer is that Regalia still hasn’t moved into my top 5 papers. It ticks all the boxes for most people though and the improved ink adherence will only advance their favor.

Do you use Regalia paper? Do you have issues with dry time or ink resistance? Would you consider trying it if you haven’t yet?

DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by Endless Stationery for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

Link Love: Life Changes

Link Love: Life Changes

While recovering from my awful cold last week, I also turned my life upside down. I put in my notice to quit my real jobby-job to do focus on being a pen nerd, freelance designer and general layabout full-time. I will have completed my transition sometime in Mid-April.

Being a full-time entrepreneur is something I’ve always wondered if I could make work and I finally realized, “If not now, when?” So, the good news, for you my lovely readers, is that I will be able to put more time and energy into new stationery products, more pen shows, and more content here and on Patreon. Yes, really! You are now my job!

I have lots of plans for new projects and I am looking forward to the future. I hope you will too. If there’s any reviews, content, extras or new products you’ve always wanted to see from The Desk, drop your suggestions in the comments or email me (use the “Ask the Desk” link to email me, if you want to be sneaky or if you want to hire me to design logos, products, collabs or anything!).

Pens:

Ink:

Notebooks & Paper:

Art & Creativity:

Other Interesting Things:

We need each other. Please support our sponsors, affiliates or join our Patreon. Your patronage supports this site. Without them, and without you, we could not continue to do what we do. Thank you!

Ink review: De Atramentis Peach (Scented)

As I continue to stroll my way though peach inks, this week’s review is De Atramentis Peach (45ml, $14.00). Now I don’t know how I missed it, but this is one of their fragrance inks. Normally that would be a detractor for me, but this one smelled very lightly of peaches. It reminded me of my favorite peach tea.

It is not, however, that Peach Fuzz Pantone look-alike. It is ripe, juicy, orangey-red peach. The ink itself is primarily orange, and with no fancy bells or whistles. It doesn’t shade that much, and there’s no sheen or sparkle. What there is, is a vibrant peachy orange that I really like.

In comparison to the inks I own, it came closest to Sailor Apricot, and not too far off of J. Herbin Orange Indien. Mont Blanc Lucky Orange wasn’t quite close enough.

The only problem I noticed, was that the ink seems to feather a bit on the Mnemosyne A5 paper, particularly in the ink splotches. In regular writing there are no issues though. Overall this wasn’t the ethereal peach color I was looking for, but it’s a nice orange and will be a great summery color!


DISCLAIMER: Some of the items included in this review were provided to us free of charge for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

Pen Case Review: Girologio Denim 10-Pen Case

Pen Case Review: Girologio Denim 10-Pen Case

I was so happy to be introduced to the new Girologio Denim line of pen cases. I am always excited to see materials, other than leather, used for pen cases. Leather is a great option for a lot of people but having a non-leather option available is also great.

The denim 12-pen case ($52.60) is a dark indigo, soft fabric (that picks up cat hair like crazy so I apologize in advance for the hair in the photos. I tried to get it off but its a futile effort here at Cat Cottage) and features a stitched brown leatherette patch logo on the back like on the pocket of a pair of jeans. Cute!

The first thing I noticed after I loaded the case is that the fabric case, filled with pens, is a lot lighter than a leather case is once filled. I know that’s probably a big “duh!” for a lot of people but I forgot how much weight is added to a pen case, just in the materials that are used.

I tested a variety of pen sizes from long, chunky pens like Lamy Safaris and Opus 88 Koloros as well as some of my smaller, more slender pens like my YStudio Resin Fountain Pen to make sure the smaller pens don’t fall out. Getting the bulkier pens into the case the first time might require tugging a little bit on the elastic to loosen up the elastic to make it easier to slide them in or out.

With the more slender pens, the zipper lip keeps the smaller pens from falling out but some pens are slender enough that caution may need to be taken to make sure they don’t fall out.

There are a variety of other case options available from Girologio in the denim line from 1- and 2-pen sleeves to a 96-pen briefcase! There’s a size for everyone.

Overall, I am really happy with this case. An adjustable elastic would make this case almost perfect — if I could just figure out a way to charm the fabric not to attract cat hair!


DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by Girologio for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

Link Love: Sick & Tired Edition

Link Love: Sick & Tired Edition

This week, I spent a lot of time googling things no one wants to search for:

  • Cold or Flu: How to tell the difference?
  • Bronchitis Symptoms
  • Will my insurance cover…?
  • Etc.

So, if you haven’t guessed, I picked up a virus. Or a bacterial infection. Either way, I have felt like crap all week. As a result, I have not spent much time online, in forums or reading any news in the pen community. What did I miss?

Pens:

Ink:

Pencils:

Notebooks & Paper:

Art & Creativity:

Other Interesting Things:

We need each other and I need some more Nyquil. Please support our sponsors, affiliates or join our Patreon. Your patronage supports this site. Without them, and without you, we could not continue to do what we do. Thank you!