An apology & redemption – Clairefontaine!

Posted: December 22nd, 2009 | Author: Thomas | Filed under: Ink & stationery, Reviews of all kinds | 4 Comments »

On the 7th of December 2008 I received a parcel from Karen Doherty who happens to be the vice president of marketing for Exaclair.

Inside that parcel was a planner- to be specific it was the Quo Vadis “Notor” planner and I said I would review it.

It is now the 22nd of December 2009, over 1 year has passed and still no review- whats my excuse you ask? My right lung collapsed, I stupidly moved continents for a stupid reason and many other events affected my life but excuses wont make amends thus;

 

The Quo Vadis Notor

 

The basic specifications

• Daily Planner
• 12 x 17 CM | 4 3/4″ x 6 3/4″

 

Appearance and size

Its hardbound and pretty slick, the cover is made of leatherette and it has a nice feel to it, not tacky at all! It feels reassuringly subtle and comfortable. It is definitely made to be used- hand sewn construction and a very solid feel.

It comes in pretty perfect size,  feels substantial without being overwhelming which is my problem with most planners, either too small or too big- with the Notor it felt just about right!

 

The writing experience

I like wet and bold nibs so the Notor and I initially did not get along, it does not feature the regular Clairefontaine paper that I am used to but rather a thinner, less substantial alternative.

The weight of the paper is 64g and I could visually appreciate that fact the moment the tines flexed and the tip of the nib hit the page. Epic bleedthrough, I hasten to add however that this is not a smear against the Notor, my choice of writing instrument is just  not suited for the material. If it had super thick Clairefontaine Triomphe paper I would not doubt complain about how bulky the Notor was.

The Notor‘s paper requires the appropriate tool to be utilized against it, I would suggest a gel pens, pencils and if you insist on fountain pens then a western XF or asian F (or thinner of course)! .

 

Other thoughts

The Notor has impeccable quality, as stated before it really does feel very well put together, the back has a nice sleeve and it contains a plethora of pages with a dazzling amount of options and features amongst the line of information featuring public holidays, your blood type, insurance provider, a diminutive 2010 planner, international telephone access codes and the list goes on! Everything you could possibly want basically. I would have prefered the Notor to come with heavier paper to withstand my usual instruments of choice, that being said I cannot fault Quo Vadis for their decision since they had cost, size and weight ratios to adhere to. Overall kudos has to be given to Quo Vadis and the Exaclair/Clairefontaine group, a solid 8/10 from me.

 

Side notes

The photographs I took at the time (last year) happen to be horrendus and while you may simply advise me to retake said photographs unfortunately I cannot since in my mess of a life I seemed to have either misplaced or lost it the planner in question! Taking into account that its the end of the year, perhaps it is a sign that I should purchase a new Quo Vadis planner? Perhaps the Journal 21 this time!? (74G paper vs 64G!).

Photographs of the Notor can be seen at Pentamento‘s review of the very same planner! Here!

My apologies to Karen once more and I assure you that should you want me to write a review on any further Exaclair products I shall do with due diligence and a sense of pressing urgency!

A+

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