I have finally gotten around to trying out and reviewing the Rhodia Webnotebook (AKA the Webbie). I held out until I could find the exact model I like: the A5 size, in black with blank paper. Thank you very much.
The notebook has a subtle emboss logo on the leatherette cover but that’s the extent of the outward branding. Inside, the pages are a good quality creamy off-white (I wouldn’t go so far as to call it ivory as its lighter color than ivory, I think). The paper is 90g acid-free, pH neutral so it really is “good quality”. Each book is 96 pages and what I discovered is that I really can use both sides of the paper with 95% of the writing tools I use so that’s lots of writing space. There is also a black satin bookmark which is treated on the end so it won’t fray (this is a big thing with me!) so yeah! The cover also sports the vertical elastic like that other notebook.
The back of notebook includes the requisite pocket to store loose papers.
I tested every pen in my daily carry bag (I know, I carry way more pens day-to-day then I actually need but better to be prepared and all that). For a larger view of these images, click through to Flickr.
This notebook definitely loves all my fountain pens and inks as well as my LePen collection. The fine, fine lines of the Coleto and Uni-Style Fit also worked well on the smooth paper.
I even got the Lamy with 1.1mm calligraphy stub on the paper with no issues with show-through or bleeding. Quite impressive.
From the back, no show-through at all. I didn’t test out a Sharpie because I didn’t have one handy but I so rarely use them in my day-to-day notes that it didn’t seem necessary. I address boxes with Shapries, I don’t take notes with them. I love using it with my new Kaweco Student EF fountain pen.
I had been hesitant to purchase the Rhodia Webbie because it is a pricier notebook than others ($32) but it clearly is worth the investment. I have never been able to use both sides of a sheet of Moleskine paper so I will get considerably more mileage out of a Webbie than the old Moleskine.
So.. I thought I’d share. Want to win a Rhodia Webnotebook? I have an unopened, brand new A5 blank webbie to give away. Leave a comment below and tell me what pen you will pair with your new webbie to qualify to win.
FINE PRINT: All entries must be submitted by 10pm CST on Friday, September 21, 2012. All entries must be submitted at wellappointeddesk.com, not Twitter, Tumblr or Facebook, okay? Winner will be announced on Tuesday. Winner will be select by random number generator from entries that played by the rules (see above). Please include your email address in the comment form so that I can contact you if you win. I will not save email addresses or sell them to anyone — pinky swear. Shipping via USPS first class is covered. Additional shipping options or insurance will have to be paid by the winner. We are generous but we’re not made of money.
(Thanks to JetPens for sponsoring this giveaway. Please support our sponsors and tell them “The Well-Appointed Desk sent me!“)
PPS: The mug shown above is from the fine folks at Folded Pigs, its the skull and crossed utensils tea cup.
