Midori MD Notebook - A5 Grid Paper

Product Information

When it comes to the pleasure of writing and drawing on the cover, a picture is worth a thousand words.

By comparison, I feel like Midori products are suited for a nice simple desk (indeed they make desktop only calendars). The exposed spine with codex binding allows this thick journal to open flat from the first page to the last.

It’s an excellent option if you prefer a separate notebook for each project, or a lighter backpack while commuting. It’s not the yellowest out there but it isn’t just ‘off white’ like Tomoe River is and is far from the almost pure white of Clairefontaine paper. Hopefully this comparison between new and old 52gsm Ivory (off white) and Cream Tomoe River Paper will be helpful.

We should note that users who want to keep the pen pristine should be careful when dipping the pen in ink, as the barrel is easy to stain.

The Notebook is somewhat feature-rich and has a brushed metal looking casewrap, black book edges, a pen loop, two ribbon/bookmarks, an elastic band and a back pocket. Usually used for items such as notebooks and journals that will be used for a long time, this binding’s ability to open to a full 180 degrees provides the ultimate comfort when writing, making writing a stress-free experience from start to finish. The Midori MD Notebook has a simple and no-nonsense appearance that focuses all of the attention on its superb construction. In a way, the short and sweet nature of greeting paper may have inspired today’s quick and easy message technology like text messages and social media. Made of tear-resistant material, the paper cover prevents the notebook from gathering scuffs while providing a pleasant texture in the hand.

Designphil’s other brands are Knox, Plotter, Touch and Flow, Custom Made Letter, Innovator, and Watashi Dayori which all come under it’s “Lifestyle Design Business” (they also have a commercial side to the business where the products are created and branded for specific external companies). This MD notebook is created using traditional thread-stitched book-binding methods, with 16 pages of paper folded into a bundle and stitched down the spine for durability and a perfect lay-flat design opening to 180 degrees.Traveler’s Company products are design around a theme of “traveling that takes place in one’s daily life”. Midori MD Notebooks are designed for simplicity so that what’s on your mind can be put on paper easily. In general Designphil’s philosophy seems to be around using traditional techniques and modern techniques of manufacture. It mentions the “scratch of a pen or pencil against the rough-textured pages makes writing a pleasure’.

It shows a strong golden-green sheen (almost bicolour) on the swatch but more limited and subtle sheen on the writing. It pairs well with fountain pens and rollerballs thanks to its bleed-resistant and feather-resistant qualities.The grid ruling on the paper features open squares, with markings along the top and side margins to help count the squares.