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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.

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.

In Notebook Review Tags Doane, Notebook Review, Pocket Notebook
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