Exaclair Order Arrived!

Happy to report that my Exaclair order arrived though due to circumstances full reviews may have to wait for a few weeks.

Still an update is in order and I have to tell you the Exacompta Sketch Book is very eye-catching despite a simple black cover. Even got agreement from my family on that one. Silver gilt edging really sets this journal apart inspiring both best effort and good work. The narrow orange, red and green striped ribbon marker gives it a continental flair yet because of its mere 5mm width is not intrusive. The 25% cotton off white, pH neutral, 28 lb. laid finish paper should stand up to all sorts of media and abuse. More on that when it has been run through some tests.

Some people like a plain cover and that is often true for me. I don’t want a design or adornment to influence my work. However, the silver palette and brush imprint in the upper third of the cover with the words Sketch Book below serve to reinforce the purpose rather then detract from the experience. So far the only thing I would change would be to reduce the size of the Exacompta imprint on the back though I understand why it is large enough to be read at a distance. Again it is in silver and so more decorative than blatant.

Other items in the order include an Exacompta Journal 21 with a black cover, a large, red Quo Vadis Habana Journal and two bottles of J. Herbin ink, Terre de Feu and Ambre de Birmanie. On inspection the craftsmanship is high quality and the paper sure to be good with fountain pens though that will need to be confirmed with a number of inks and pens before giving them full recommendation. Lucky me, eh?

Note: Links to paper products all resolve to The Daily Planner because I’ve had good experiences with them and they stock all three products. There are many vendors who offer them so check around including your local bookstore. I saw two of them in December at a Bookstar so all three journals should be easy to find.