Last year I had the opportunity to review the Pebble Stationery Co Sakura Sumiko notebook. This year I was contacted again to see if I had an interest in reviewing their newest limited-edition notebook, The Antartica. While I don’t use pocket-sized notebooks as often as larger notebooks, this one was too pretty to pass up, so let’s take a closer look at the Antartica and see what it’s all about.
First Impressions
First impression? Gorgeous. There’s something about a white cover that just feels so fresh and clean. I guess it is channeling the pure nature of Antarctica and that’s how it’s supposed to feel. I really like the holographic details as well. The map on the back is a great touch. Inside the covers there’s a cool blue color that I think adds a needed accent, while still keeping within the theme. Knowing that the paper is Tomoe River (the old 52gsm version) helps this notebook make a fantastic first impression.
Here’s a look at the front and back of the Antartica Notebook.
The Antartica notebook comes in a 2 pack.
The Details
Let’s take a closer look at the details for this notebook:
- Pages: 80 (40 sheets)
- Paper Weight: 52gsm Tomoe River (old version)
- Binding: Stitch
- Page Style: Dot – 4mm
- Size: 8.89 x 13.97 cm or 3.5 x 5.5 inches
Ink-handling characteristics: Please see my review for Tomoe River 52gsm paper
These notebooks have the fantastic Tomoe River 52gsm (old version) paper in them.
Other features
- Covered spine stitches
- 350gsm cover
- Holographic edged pages and embossed logo
- Limited edition
The edges of the notebook have a beautiful holographic color (that is very tricky to photograph properly).
The stitch binding is an excellent addition that is not normally found in pocket-sized notebooks.
Actual Use
The heavy cover has a very nice feel to it. It’s almost like it has a slight plastic coating (although I’m pretty sure it doesn’t). It feels very sturdy and flexible. While the outside is a snowy-white color, complete with a sparkly finish, the inside of the covers is a robins-egg blue. I love this touch. The color looks great and also really makes the holographic printing on the inside of the cover pop.
Inside the front cover you’ll find space for your personal information.
Inside the back cover you’ll find some notebook information.
As you would expect from any notebook with Tomoe River paper, it is a pleasure to write in. As you should expect from notebooks with only a single signature, it’s not the best at opening and laying flat, but I did find that with a little flexing persuasion it would stay open while writing. This notebook has a 4mm dot grid, which is a little smaller than I care for, but it also allows for more writing on a smaller page.
One thing that came to mind while I was using this notebook is that some people who regularly use pocket notebooks may want a paper with faster dry times than Tomoe River. While it is very nice to write on, ink stays wet on it for quite a while, which likely isn’t ideal for something you’re probably using on the go.
Conclusion
The Antartica is a great option for people who love using pocket-sized notebooks but want an upgrade in paper quality. While it will have longer dry times than most pocket notebooks, I’m sure that’s a tradeoff many are willing to make. It’s not every day that you’ll find pure white notebooks, so they definitely have a different look than you may be used to. I found this notebook to be attractive, fun and nice to use. Hopefully you’ll feel the same way, too!
The back cover has a holographic map of Antarctica on it!
You’ll find cute details on the back cover.
If you’d like a bit more information about how I test papers and notebooks, I wrote an article about my paper rating system.
Interested in trying this paper before buying a notebook? Head over to my shop and pick up a paper sample pack.
Comments 12
What pen is in the picture?
Author
That’s a Kaweco AL Sport
They’re really nice but the shipping to U.S. for me is steep. 4 books winds up as $17.00 for shipping. I understand and respect but just too much.
Author
It’s true. Shipping is the unfortunate part about lots of international order, but it’s sometimes a necessary evil to get something you couldn’t otherwise have.
Can’t disagree. Nanami, Musubi and Cult have cost me major shipping which I try to keep to a minimum. I believe Pebble did a Kickstarter which I participated in. Still deciding.
The $17 is with super slow shipping $27 4-6 days. Going to pass as I’m now seeing Rhodia Goalbooks in 4 new colors, a weak spot for me. 😀🙏
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I thought at first that the misspelling of *Antarctica* was the writer’s error, but it looks like it originates with the notebook manufacturer. That would bug me every single time I looked at the notebook.
Author
I noticed that too when writing the article. 🙂
Hey Michael, FYI: La Couronne Du Comte has these in stock, and AFAIK, they only charge 4.75€ for shipping outside of the EU as far as notebooks are concerned. I’m not affiliated with them in any way, shape or form. 🙂
Here’s the link: https://www.lacouronneducomte.com/pebble-stationery-co-tomoe-river-dot-pocket-antartica-notebooks-limited-edition.html
Thanks I’ll take a look.
Thanks. It seems that two packs of them might be 15 euros. I’m checking with them.
Thanks but 2 two packs of them is 15 euros for shipping. I just can’t justify. Free is over $150 euros. I buy heavier things from the Netherlands pen wise and the shipping is minimal. I have enough old and new Tomoe River between Hippo Noto, Nanami, Odyssey and Musubi. Just my 2 cents.