The Doane Paper Ideal Journal
This is not my first review of Doane Paper, and it probably wont be my last. The reason for this is that the Doane Paper product quality and customer service are excellent. I originally learned of Doane Paper through The Pen Addict, where Brad always uses this paper to do his writing samples. This Idea Journal from Doane Paper is a new product that caught my eye the first time I saw it. I ordered one a few days ago so I could get some hands on experience with it for this review. I think the thing I liked most about the notebook most was the plain yet appealing visual, with its sturdy (and 100% recycled) chip board cover and the stark contrast of the black text on the light background.
Inside the Doane Paper Idea Journal
The most unique thing about Doane Paper is the design that provides the writer with both grid and ruled markings all on the same page. The grids on this paper are .125″ x .125″ and are surrounded by slightly thicker ruled lines. One of the things that I was not thrilled about with my original Doane Paper notepad was that the back side of each page was blank. With the Idea Journal this is no longer an issue as the grid marks and ruled lines appear on both sides of the 60lb brite white paper.
Doane Paper Idea Journal Folded Over
Another really nice thing about the Idea Journal is that because of the sturdy double coil binding it is easy to fold over the cover. Unlike the comb-over with your hair, a fold-over with your notebook is definitely cool. Between the fold over cover, the double-sided Doane Paper format, the thick and high quality paper, and the durable feel of the cover and coil binding, this is really an awesome notebook.
Doane Paper Idea Journal Writing Sample Front
Now that I’m set with a Doane Paper notebook where I can write comfortably on both sides of the paper I wanted to do a more complete test to see if the ink would show through on the other side. As you can see from the writing sample above, I tried many different fountain pens/inks, gel ink pens, Sharpie pens, and a standard roller ball pen and all of them wrote very smoothly with no feathering.
Doane Paper Writing Sample Show Through
The true test came when I flipped the paper over to see if any ink decided to show through to the other side. The only ink that even slightly showed through on the other side was the Levenger fountain pen ink. Even that was incredibly faint and would not bother me enough to notice when writing on both sides of the paper. I’m definitely looking forward to using this notebook whenever I get a chance. Ill probably be doing some of my pen reviews with this soon too which is good because my Red ‘n Black notebook that I’ve been fond of for a while is almost used up. Definitely check out the Doane Paper Idea Journal (there is also a smaller 5.25″ x 6.875″) and pick one up if you are looking to add some high quality notebooks to your inventory of cool office supplies.
Great review! I’m curious what notebook do you like best for your Levenger inks? I have a bunch of Levenger inks that I love but it bleeds through everything I write on. I’m a circa freak but the paper that I stocked up on from the outlet months ago is just terrible. Thanks for your insight. I just love your blog. I’m always seeing something new I wish to try. Take care.
Honestly, you cant go wrong with the Rhodia Webnotebook (link to my review) for fountain pen inks. I know what you mean about the Levenger paper, Im a huge Levenger fan, but sometimes its not great for some fountain pen ink, especially with larger nib sizes. You should definitely give the Rhodia a shot, just make sure you get the one with the 90g paper, I think some places still have stock with the 80g paper which isnt quite as good.
Question for ya… who did you order the notebook from? I ordered one from doanepaper.com and the shipment got lost.
Fabi I personally emailed you yesterday proof that your order was delivered by USPS on July 29th and you responded. Your address was correct on the box we shipped to you. Doane Paper did not drop the ball, your mail man did. When your address includes a Unit or Apt # like yours it greatly increases the odds that your parcels will get mishandled or stolen. That’s why it’s always best if you have the option to have your online purchases shipped to a daytime or work address. It looks like you went ahead and made another order this morning from our online store to the exact same address. It might be best for you to contact us and change your address to a none “Unit#” for your new order. -Chad Doane
@Chad – you’re absolutely correct. It was not Doane’s fault that my shipment never arrived. Plus you’ve provided me with excellent customer service.
Yeah, I did place another order and can’t wait to get it (it’ll be my first time trying the products).
Reason why I asked here if there was somewhere else I could order from is that… I guess I’m a spoiled customer thanks to Amazon. In the past 4 years I’ve ordered from them, 2 orders have gotten lost -and both times they’ve sent me a “replacement” right away. I’m not insinuating you do the same at all. I just wondered if there’s another retailer that carries Doane products thru which I could place future orders without worrying about not receiving them.
Anyway, thank you for your quick email replies an I look forward to ordering more Doane stuff!
Would love to get it!