Notebook Review: Clairefontaine A6 Graf’book

The Clairefontaine Graf’Book is a simple, blank notebook with black card stock cover and an exposed thread binding. The Graf’Book is made up of 100 pages of 100gsm bright white paper. I got the A6 size but the Graf’Book is also available in A4 and A5 size with portrait or landscape binding options.

The exposed binding allows the book to lay flat when opened and is aesthetically appealing in its simplicity.

Along the inner edge of the pages, they are printed black. It creates a slight visual margin.

The 100gsm paper stands up to most fountain and drawing pens, water-based markers and pencils. The paper has a tiny bit of tooth. It’s not super smooth like most Clairefontaine paper so its suitable for drawing and holding graphite. I have not tried heavier water medium like water color but the paper is heavier than most notebooks but not watercolor paper so it will probably buckle under heavy water application. For quick sketches, though, I think it will hold up. The soft cover will accommodate any growth as well.

There was a tiny bit of show through with the calligraphy width pen but nothing with any other tool. There has been no feathering with any tool I’ve used with this notebook either and I’ve been using it for several weeks.

I’ve been using this book for a catchall for ideas, quotes, doodles and ephemera and I absolutely love it. I really hope that the Graf’Book gets wider distribution in the US so that its easier to get your hands on one.

I purchased mine at Wonder Fair in Lawrence, KS. If you’re passing through, it is an absolute MUST see. Otherwise, ask your favorite retailer to start stocking the Graf’Book from Clairefontaine today.