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.
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.