Review: Clairefontaine Hardcover Book

From the Lincoln Stationers website:

"Clairefontaine Hardcover Book

96 blank or ruled sheets (192 pages)
Exceptionally white ultra smooth vellum, 24 lb. pH neutral, acid-free paper, sturdy binding sewn with linen thread with laminated hard - waterproof covers.

Size: 6¾" x 8 5/8""

Note: My measurements put this book at 6 7/8" x 8 3/4"...



Larger and wider than a large Moleskine.



I look at any journal, and I can't help but compare it to the form factor of the Moleskine. Yes, the Clairefontaine has a hard cover. Yes, it has what is probably the most well known fountain pen friendly paper. No ink I have ever tried on it has feathered or bled. It's a slick surface, so inks do tend to take a little longer to dry on it. (Use blotter paper)

It's not my first choice for paper for two reasons; I'm not partial to bright white paper, and though the surface is very smooth, I can detect a slight drag when I write on it as though the paper has been coated with something.

It's got bright white paper compared to the Moleskine's ivory, and there is no elastic closure/back pocket. Plain and simple, it's a hard core book from a company that's serious about quality.

I like that there is a plain papered option. Great for drawing and doodling. Light watercolor washes are just ok on this paper. I wouldn't specifically recommend this paper for watercolor work.

Both the cover and the paper have squared edges. I prefer rounded edges on the paper because squared paper can dig into your hand as you reach the bottom of the page.



I'm getting used to books wider than a large Moleskine, but hold a gun to my head and I prefer a thinner journal.

The main reason for my wanting to try this book was to see whether or not it lies/opens flat. Sadly, it doesn't - the cover lies flat, the pages do not. If you are writing on a flat surface, (which I almost never do) you will have to write in/out of a hump. It's not a horrible hump, but it's still a hump. If you write on your leg like I do, (holding one side of the book flat at a time) then there's almost no hump at all.



While this book might not fit my specific needs, it's still a very well made book that contains some excellent quality paper. This book appears to be made sturdy enough to take a significant amount of abuse and should last a long time. The average retail price is about $13.



Buy them Here and Here.