I had another bookstore day, today, and got to look at a variety of journals, including the PaperBlanks I wrote about earlier. I have to say the PaperBlanks Coptic-bound journals really lie flat, they've got pockets, elastics, and the rest, and they have some nice sturdy covers. The papers feel smooth, but I have no idea how they take ink (especially fountain-pen ink). Their real disadvantage is that they are no cheaper than Moleskine, which are a known standard. I'm not really inclined to spend $10 on one to find out if my pen's ink feathers on it.

I did get a deal on another journal, but I can't identify the manufacturer. It has a rubberized, texturized blue cover, a round elastic band that runs across the width of the book, a pocket in the back, a ribbon bookmark, and cream-coloured paper that is very similar to that in a Moleskine lined journal (a little rougher, but still doesn't feather my fp ink). Original price $10, marked down to $5. Sewn binding lies flat, and is very similar to Moleskine. No brand markings or anything; the price tag says "Shadow Stripe Journal 4x6 Blue. Made in China." Anyone recognize this notebook?