Notebook Cover
Truth be told, I carry little in my pockets these days. I am a convert to the man bag.
I like to have a novel, a notebook, writing implement, wallet, mobile phone, keys and glasses with me. That’s too much for shorts pockets.
Once again, I should warn "normal" readers that there follows a depth of stationery geekery that may be too much to bear.
Hardware
My pocket notebook acts as an extension to my Filofax and to my journal, both of which live predominantly on my desk. I used to carry a simple notebook, but now that space is less of a premium, I carry a Travelers-style leather cover with capacity for more than one book.
I recently discovered Paper Republic on social media - and was immediately drawn to their lovely covers. I have a pocket sized Grand Voyager red cover with matching pen holder and pen. Why red? It was the one colour of pen holder in stock when I was online. I couldn’t bear the idea of not matching.
The leather is soft and fragile. It discolours and scars easily. Or develops a patina as stationery geeks are wont to say. Travelers books are simple pieces of leather with strings of elastic to hold the notebooks in. One can combine multiple notebooks with more elastics.
I combine refills from Paper Republic and my own stock. Currently, I have a dotted book refill from Paper Republic which is made of heavy ink-friendly paper, teamed with a Field Notes. Also inside the cover is an organiser insert, which serves to hold receipts and cards.
The pen is a needlepoint with a refill containing pressurised Japanese ink, perfect for almost any paper. Retractable, this is a practical solution for a portable system. Truth is, it’s pretty cool.
I added a charm to my closure elastic in the form of a small gold ingot that I no longer wear as a pendant. I have to admit, I quite like the personalisation. The gold does play havoc with the leather, leaving little scars across the midline of the front.
What's happening to me? Gold charm on a notebook? Everything matching? I blame Instagram.
Usage
The Paper Republic refill is wonderful quality paper, that is edged in gold, picking up nicely on my ingot. The book opens flat too. This is reserved for more literary thoughts and musings. The Field Notes serves as the everyday catch-all.
Paper Republic do have planner inserts and with imagination one can build a bespoke multi-book system to cover every need. There is a part of me that is considering whether I might one day not need an A5 planner. For the moment though, I pull this dinky little combo out when I am out and about. Rather than reaching for my phone, my default is a novel and a notebook. Performative? Perhaps a little - but I have been amazed how easy I find it to read a few pages here and there while waiting for things. Quick notes and thoughts make life more mindful. I’m all for it.
Review
First, for normal people. It’s a nice leather rectangle with some elastics. It marks and scars easy. It’s not cheap.
Second, for my fellow stationery-nerds. Just looking at it gives me pleasure. I bought the leather cream to keep treating it, which in itself is a joy. The thread binding on the book refill is splendid and the paper handles wet fountain pens effortlessly. The cash and card holder is a useful addition - that that I would use it for cash or credit cards, but I do put scraps and receipts in there.
If you’re someone who wants to build your own planner spreads, you are going to love the DoJo refills. There are also variations on the Grand Voyager with more organisation built in.
The service is exemplary, there’s a lot of contact from the team as your order is put together. I really enjoyed that.
The Competition
Many people do this type of thing. There’s a firm in Paris that is developing cult status - Louise Carmen.
For a more rugged edc, then I love my Lochby kit.
Endless had a couple of nice covers and of course the Travelers system persists.
The Last Word
I’m going to Vienna (where Paper Republic has its store) in July. The only question is whether I will have resisted buying a larger set by the time I go or whether I’ll be shopping for a third.
