It’s probably not fair to review this as you probably can’t get one. In fact, I probably can’t get another one either but it may be possible I’m already using one and don’t realize it. Of course, I can get a lot more for $20,000 but I probably won’t.

I got the notebook as a free sample when I visited the Anshan Green Apple Stationery booth during last year’s International Stationery & Office Products Fair Tokyo. Last month I finally decided to put it to use.

It’s a 64 page A5 sized notebook with a PU (polyurethane) cover that has been printed with a textured pattern. The company generally makes OEM notebooks and can print any pattern you want. (Minimum order 2,000 notebooks/$20,000.)

Close up of the cover.

The cover is surprisingly good. It’s durable (although I didn’t put it through much abuse) and is remarkably flexible.

Rolling up the cover to show off its flexibility.

I was also impressed with the paper which held up well even to wet ink and juicy nibs. There was a slight bit of feathering in places where ink blobbed, but not much. There was also very little show through or bleed through. For true pen/notebook addicts I’d say the paper is about as good as the paper in a Field Notes America the Beautiful edition.

Random pen and ink scrawl. You can see how it feathers in the blobby bits.

The other side of the random pen and ink scrawl.

The notebook was good enough that I hope Anashan will be attending next week’s ISOT and that I can get another one. Or, maybe I can get a list of companies selling a version.