In-hand shot of the large-sized Doane Utility Notebook.  The all-black color scheme is excellent, and it's what I'll opt for in my next Doane order, but I think I prefer the smaller-sized pocket journal. — In-hand shot of the large-sized Doane Utility Notebook. The all-black color scheme is excellent, and it's what I'll opt for in my next Doane order, but I think I prefer the smaller-sized pocket journal.

Doane Paper Utility Journal: Large Size

October 13, 2014

For the past two months, I've been using the same daily notebook and still am not close to filling it up. While some of this is due to a couple projects I have going in which I've been experimenting with various methods of note-taking and organization, it's mainly attributable to the fact that I've been using this big Doane Utility Journal instead of my usual pocket notebooks.

I won't mince words. Here are my thoughts on what I'm referring to as the "Big Doane" notebook, and I think I'll probably feel the same way about the big "Arts & Sciences" Field Notes that I haven't cracked open yet.

First, this is an attractive, well-constructed notebook with great paper. As far as pocket notebooks go, this is the best paper for fountain pens that I've come across thus far. (N.B. I have several Backpocket Journals in my backlog that I've been waiting to try, so I imagine that this notebook will be dethroned by those.) This is even better paper for pencils. I think it's because this paper is ever-so-slightly textured; it's immensely satisfying to write in this notebook with a Blackwing 602.
The size throws me a bit. I'm used to being able to take my daily notebook with me in my pocket everywhere I go. This book doesn't fit. I think this would be a good choice if you're someone who carries a purse or a messenger bag with you most places (or even cargo shorts/pants), but it's not as convenient as the standard 3 x 5 pocket notebook.
I probably won't use this as a daily notebook (for task lists, etc.). I like pocket portability. I do, however, plan on using the remaining two that I have as travel journals for upcoming trips I have planned, or for research.

Here's a size comparison with a Field Notes "Drink Local" edition.

I tested this notebook out with a variety of pens and pencils.  Most performed well, but I really, really like writing on this paper with pencils. — I tested this notebook out with a variety of pens and pencils. Most performed well, but I really, really like writing on this paper with pencils.

As you can see, there is only minimal bleed-through with two very wet writing fountain pens:  Sailor Jentle Apricot in a music nib, and Montblanc Jonathan Swift Seaweed Green in a wet Omas 360 fountain pen. — As you can see, there is only minimal bleed-through with two *very* wet writing fountain pens: Sailor Jentle Apricot in a music nib, and Montblanc Jonathan Swift Seaweed Green in a wet Omas 360 fountain pen.

The Mongol Reborn

October 10, 2014

Or, more accurately, simply rediscovered. My apologies for the brevity of this post, but I'm headed back out on the road today and couldn't wait to show these off, as they came in the other day. The finish on Papermate's Venezuelan Mongol pencils leaves a lot to be desired, especially in terms of the lacquer, but they are cool, and they are round. It's next to impossible to find real vintage round Mongols (like Steinbeck used) these days, at least at a decent price. As a cheap user pencil, the Papermate Mongol seems decent enough. Full review soon.

From a distance, they look like fairly accurate reproductions.  They do have Pink Pearl Erasers, like the Papermate Mirado Black Warriors. — From a distance, they look like fairly accurate reproductions. They do have Pink Pearl Erasers, like the Papermate Mirado Black Warriors.

Up close, however, you can start to make out the cheap lettering and the thin lacquer on the pencil.  I have a few original Mongols, so I'll do a side-by-side comparison after I have some more time with the pencil. — Up close, however, you can start to make out the cheap lettering and the thin lacquer on the pencil. I have a few original Mongols, so I'll do a side-by-side comparison after I have some more time with the pencil.

Notebooking Strategies

October 7, 2014

I'll be the first to admit it, I'm a "process junkie." A lot of times I get more wrapped up in what I'm writing in and what I'm writing with than in what I'm actually writing. The end result is the same thing that a lot of people in this community complain about: having a dozen pens inked up and another dozen half-finished notebooks with sharpened pencils scattered everywhere. I finally got tired of this, and lately I've been working on developing a coherent, clutter-free system for collecting my thoughts while still providing some enjoyable variety in terms of the products I use on a daily basis.

I've never been able to use organizers, so the Hobonichi Techo is not an option for me (putting aside the fact that I really, really want one, just because...). I've explored various "systems": I like the bullet journal system, and Getting Things Done was a revelation, but neither provided everything that I needed on a day-to-day basis. What I've settled on is a mash-up of both, taking the filing, organizational, and information processing aspects of GTD and merging them with the monthly/daily task list elements of the Bullet Journal System.

My current notebook carry:  Iphone 5, Doane Paper large Utility Journal; Twsbi softcover notebook (lined), and Doane Paper pad. — My current notebook carry: Iphone 5, Doane Paper large Utility Journal; Twsbi softcover notebook (lined), and Doane Paper pad.

So here's what I've found myself using the most and how I've been using it:

Daily Calendar: Iphone with Outlook. I need the automatic reminders of deadlines and meetings, (especially for things people schedule without my knowledge). While I'll sometimes write a particularly important appointment down on my "daily list" in my pocket notebook (sort of an "I'm writing it down to remember it now" thing), given the nature of my work an electronic calendar is really the only thing that's foolproof enough for me to use.
Daily Notebook: What I call my "Daily Notebook" is where I keep my Daily/Weekly/Monthly "Task Lists" of things I need to complete during those time frames. This doubles as a sort of "daily journal" that I can look back on and revisit what I accomplished on any given day. I also keep other short lists here, such as grocery lists, housework lists, bills to pay, used books, music and video games to be on the lookout for, etc... This notebook is almost always a pocket notebook such as a Field Notes, Word. Notebook, Backpocket Journal, or Doane Paper Utility Journal although I am currently using the slightly larger-size Doane Utility Notebook now. While I love Doane products, I'm not sure how I feel about the larger Utility Notebook, because my Daily Notebook should go everywhere with me, and pocket-size works better for this purpose.
Work Notebook: I take a lot of handwritten notes during the typical workday, generally in meetings. These can last a while, and go on for pages. It's more comfortable to take these notes in a larger book. Borrowing from the Bullet Journal, I don't use a different notebook for each subject, but rather devote the first few pages to an index, number the pages, and just start a fresh page for a new meeting/telephone call. Currently I'm using a TWSBI lined notebook with the soft cover and elastic closure. I love the paper for both pen and pencil, and the notebook seems like it has lasted forever.
Scratch Pad: I always carry around some sort of writing tablet or notebook with perforated pages that I can use to sketch out ideas, outlines, and/or drafts. If I need to save the material, I'll tear it out and scan or file it. If not, I'll shred and recycle. Lately, this has been a pad of Doane Paper or a perforated Fabriano Grid Notebook. The pads of Tomoe River Paper sold by Nanami are also excellent, but tend to get bent out of shape and don't hold up well in a briefcase.

What's your "system"? In talking with various people in this community and reading stuff that we've all posted, I've learned that most people have them, and many people develop a system on their own that works for them. I find this process fascinating because it provides pretty clear insight into how we think and process information. Please share if you want!

I've focused a lot on product reviews recently, so I thought I would shake things up a bit with some different content. You may also have noticed that my posting has been sporadic over the past few weeks, and that's due to a heavy work travel schedule that's left me very little time to test out new things and brainstorm on some new ideas. This won't last forever, but my traditional Monday-Weds-Friday posting schedule is probably going to suffer in near future, so bear with me.

Ticonderoga Laddie: The Fat Pencil Review

October 3, 2014

Upon my return from my trip I had two packages waiting for me. One contained these:

A fresh dozen of Ticonderoga Laddie mini-jumbo pencils with erasers, plus my lone eraserless version.

The Laddie is Dixon's "mini-jumbo" pencil. It's slightly larger than the typical no. 2, with a thicker graphite core, but not nearly as big as the "My First Pencil" Ticonderogas. I haven't tried those out yet, but I think I'd probably find them too wide, as my handwriting can be on the small size.

I love the Laddie. It sits very comfortably in the hand, and Ticonderoga markets this product not only to school-age kids learning cursive, but to "those who like a slightly larger pencil." I'm not sure this would replace the other pencils I use on a daily basis, but yesterday at work it was the only pencil I used.

The core is extremely dark, sharpens to a nice point in my Carl CC-2000, and maintains that point, due to the thickness of the graphite. Of course, given how wide the core is, if you're one of those people who insists on having a super-sharp pencil point all the time, you may find yourself sharpening frequently. I didn't mind so much, as I made sure to rotate the pencil from time to time to maintain the point. It's somewhat unusual how smooth and dark these pencils are, given that they are made in Dixon's Mexico factory. My past experience with Mexican-made Ticonderogas have been mixed. The graphite typically is not as smooth and dark as the Chinese-made version. These pencils, however, are excellent.

Martin, one of the readers here, originally sent me a Laddie in a pencil trade. They come in two varieties: with eraser, and without. I enjoyed the eraserless version so much that I couldn't help but order a dozen with erasers included. The erasers are larger versions of the normal Ticonderoga eraser, and do a nice job. I have no complaints there.

My only knock on the Laddie is that they are somewhat difficult to find. Stores don't carry them, at least around me, and I had a heck of a time finding them on Amazon with Prime shipping included, but eventually I did. (Update - As of my last check, only the Laddie Tri-Write is Prime-eligible as a stand-alone item. You can still find good deals on the standard Laddie as an add-on item.) I hope Dixon is not going to quit making them, because if they are, I'm going to have to buy myself a gross.

A picture from one of my earlier "pencil comparison" reviews, which I think accurately demonstrates the size of the Laddie compared with a regular No. 2.

My Favorite Budget Pencil (This Week)...

September 26, 2014

And no, it's not the Chinese manufactured Dixon Ticonderogas, although those are nice, because the "warping" issue knocked them out of the top slot. I've either purchased or been sent so many pencils over the past year or so that I haven't yet gotten around to testing all of them out. This week, however, I sharpened up two Palomino Golden Bears, and I'm quite impressed.

Two Palomino Golden Bears after at least a week of fairly heavy use.  Check out how much pencil's still left! — Two Palomino Golden Bears after at least a week of fairly heavy use. Check out how much pencil's still left!

The Golden Bear is Cal-Cedar's mid-range pencil. Setting aside Blackwing range, the "classic" Palomino is the more expensive offering (at $12.95 per dozen); the Golden Bear clocks in at a bargain $2.95 per dozen (or $30.09 for a gross!), and the "budget" Prospector sells for $1.95 or $2.25 per dozen, depending on whether or not you want them in green or unfinished.

I have not yet tried the Prospector, but the Golden Bears are quality. They easily hold up to any office supply store pencil, and compare favorably to your standard Dixon Ticonderoga or General's Semi-Hex. The graphite core is dark and fairly smooth (just a touch grittier than the Palomino, which is to be expected at this price point), and the wood is still genuine incense cedar. My favorite things about these pencils is the point retention. They don't dull easily, and the cedar is such good quality that they seemingly last forever.

A quick writing sample.  The Golden Bear is roughly the same on the "darkness" scale as the original Palomino, perhaps a touch lighter. — A quick writing sample. The Golden Bear is roughly the same on the "darkness" scale as the original Palomino, perhaps a touch lighter.

To my understanding, these pencils are manufactured by Musgrave in Shelbyville, Tennessee (close to home), and have the telltale Musgrave "sharp edges." To those of you who have not used a Musgrave pencil, the hexagonal edges are not "rounded" like most pencils, and therefore can cause some problems for those who grip the pencil either too tightly or in a way which causes the pencil to dig into their fingers. I've not had this problem, however, and I like my Musgraves.

The Golden Bears are either blue or orange (the signature Palomino colors) and are fitted with the opposite color eraser on a brass ferrule with an orange stripe. The erasers are excellent.