A few weeks ago, I entered a giveaway from Quo Vadis to win one of three notebooks in their “Robert le heros” series. Shockingly, I received an email a few days after entering saying I won! After reading so many lovely notebooks reviews, I thought I’d post a quick review of the notebook I received.
I chose the blue covered notebook – it is advertised as the 4 x 6 size and has paper measuring 4″ x 6 7/8″ which is a very easily portable size. The cover is advertised as “leather like” and although it certainly isn’t leather, it is very nice and soft to hold.
The notebook has 96 sheets of acid-free, pH neutral Clairefontaine paper. I’ve heard great things about this paper, so I was very eager to try it out! This notebook is also PEFC certified, which according to the included insert means that the paper is made only from pulp from renewable forests.
The notebook is held closed by a color coordinated elastic band – I personally love the deep teal band contrasting with the light blue notebook.
I was also pleasantly surprised that the notebook stays open on its own. While not completely flat, I think with a bit of breaking in, it’ll be good to go!
Now, on to the paper. Because let’s face it, no matter how pretty a notebook is, it’ll never get used if the paper isn’t up to par. I was very happy to see a clean, white page when I opened this book; as much as I love recycling it is always a put-off when I open a beautiful notebook and see the greenish tint to many recycled papers. Instead, I was met with a clean, white page with an evenly sized top and bottom margin.
Of course, a pen test was essential. While I (unfortunately) don’t have every pen out there, I did my best to come up with a sampling of pens that should cover most user’s preferences. So we have:
I tested a ballpoint, Sharpie Ultra Fine (marker), Sharpie pen, Lamy Safari fountain pen with 1.1 italic nib, FriXion 0.5mm, Pigma Micron 01 (0.25mm nib), Pilot Precise V5, Staedtler Triplus Fineliner, Gelly Roll fine point, and the Marvy LePen.
The paper was very smooth to write on and there was little to no feathering with any of the inks. But how would it do with bleed/show through?
Honestly, not as bad as I had thought it might be. The Sharpie marker bled through, but I don’t think anything less than card stock would prevent that. The Pilot V5 also bled through slightly. The rest of the pens had quite a bit of show through, but not unbearable. I’m not sure if I’d be able to use both sides of the page – I’ll have to test more over time.
Overall, I think this is a great little portable notebook. I had some trouble finding a direct retailer online, but depending on the cost I think I’d buy this notebook in a heartbeat!
Do any of you use Quo Vadis notebooks or planners? This little notebook has made me eager to try more!
Pssst: I did receive this notebook for free, but it was from a giveaway and was in no way in exchange for this review. In fact, Quo Vadis doesn’t even know I’m reviewing this product!
