The B6 Slim is my preferred format; it fits nicely in my hand, and when I open the notebook, it has a small footprint on my desk. I love the thread and cloth tape binding, allowing the notebook to lay flat with no encouragement. I also like the attention that was given by adding a ribbon marker, labels and a parchment-type paraffin paper cover.
The paper is slightly yellower than TR cream paper. My only gripe is with the ink colour Midori chose for the grid ruling: green. Ugh… A green grid—even if the squares are open—on ivory paper with Diamine Claret or Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-Peki (veers green) is a no-go for me. Maybe next time, I’ll try the lined version, which has grey ruling instead. It was out of stock last time around.
The paper offers a pleasant writing experience and showcases an ink’s characteristics well, even sheen. Ghosting isn’t bad, and I can easily use both sides of the paper, though I tend not to, not even on Clairefontaine 90 gsm. The paper isn’t smooth like coated paper, but it’s not toothy either: I didn’t feel any drag, but the traditional Sailor feedback was perceptible in all my 1911 L 21 kt nibs, from H-EF to H-B. The only pen I didn’t enjoy using was my dry Sailor 1911S 21 kt H-M, which is my least favourite pen to begin with; no harm, no foul.
I have plenty of Japanese notebooks, and I must say I find that this notebook has one of the best bindings around. Maybe it’s because the spine is exposed or because it has small signatures, or perhaps both.
