There are notebooks, and then there are notebooks you actually look forward to opening. The Rhodiarama Classic Softcover in B5 sits firmly in the second category - and has done so, without fanfare, for years among writers, designers, architects, and anyone who takes their tools seriously.
At 190 x 250 mm, the B5 format occupies the satisfying middle ground between a pocket notebook and a full desk journal. It's large enough to think expansively on the page, compact enough to slip into a bag without weighing it down.
The Paper
This is where Rhodia earns its reputation. Each notebook holds 80 sheets (160 pages) of Rhodia's premium ivory-toned 90gsm paper - acid-free, pH-neutral, and PEFC-certified from sustainably managed forests. The paper is milled in France by Clairefontaine, and the difference is immediately apparent: ink sits on the surface with precision rather than bleeding into the fibres. Fountain pen users will find zero feathering and minimal show-through, even with wet nibs.
Rollerball, gel, and fine-point ballpoint all perform equally well.
The dot grid ruling is spaced at 5 mm intervals - close enough to guide your hand without imposing structure, open enough for diagrams, free-form notes, or bullet journaling layouts. The ivory tone of the page is warm rather than stark, which reduces eye strain during long sessions and gives ink - particularly darker colours - a refined depth that bright white paper rarely achieves.
The Cover
The cover is Italian faux leather, soft and flexible, with the Rhodia logo subtly embossed on the front. The black finish is understated and professional - it reads as considered rather than corporate. Over time, the softcover develops a slight patina from handling, which only adds to its character.
The Details
Good notebooks get the small things right. The Rhodiarama features an orange elastic closure band, 80 sheets of 90gsm ivory brushed vellum paper, an orange ribbon bookmark, and an expanding inner pocket spanning the front and back pages. The binding is lay-flat and sewn - meaning the notebook opens completely flat without resistance, which matters more than people expect until they've used one. There are no loose pages, no cracked spines after heavy use.
The orange accent details are a Rhodia signature: a small, deliberate flourish against the black cover that signals you know what you're holding.
Specifications
Who It's For
The Rhodiarama B5 is a reliable, handsome notebook that suits daily journaling, project planning, architectural sketching, and long-form note-taking equally well. It is particularly well-suited to fountain pen enthusiasts who have grown tired of paper that doesn't respect their ink. If you write seriously, or simply want a notebook that holds up to daily use without looking tired after a fortnight, this is it.
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