While on the quest for a dot grid notebook with thicker paper I came across the Buke Stationery notebook. Since the Inkwell Press planner has 140 GSM planner (so far the best paper quality of any planner or notebook that I’ve come across), and the Buke Stationery notebook has 160 GSM paper – I wanted to give it a try.
Quick facts
- Size: 5.75″ wide x 8.25″ high
- Hardcover
- Sewn binding
- 160 GSM dot grid paper (5mm spacing)
- Pen loop
- 1 ribbon bookmark
- Pocket folder
- Stencil
Let’s take a closer look!
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The Cover
The cover is the same type of material – like a faux leather – that almost all sewn bound dot grid notebooks have.
It came with this weird flap thing which I think is supposed to help you with your bullet journal spreads… but it’s paper and the protractor thing is just printer on paper so I don’t see how it would be that helpful unless you cut it out.
The style of this cover reminds me of the Archer and Olive notebook.
Almost 1 inch thick (about 2cm)
5mm dot spacing
The page lay flat on their own.
There is 1 ribbon bookmark, pen loop and a pocket folder at the back.
Pen Testing
160 GSM paper is thick so I was expecting no ghosting and certainly no bleed through however…
There was still some light ghosting 🙁
Pros of the Notebook
- Pages lay flat on their own
- Paper is thicker than most dot grid sewn bound notebooks
- 1 pocket folder
- Sturdy hardcover (and in a color that’s not black!)
Cons of the Notebook
- No page numbers
- No index page
- Only 1 ribbon bookmark
Would I use this notebook?
Yes. If you want a notebook where the pen doesn’t show through much, then this is a good option.
More dot grid notebook reviews
- Happy Planner Dot Journaling Notebook Review (Pros, Cons & Comparison with the Happy Notes)
- Plum Paper Bullet Journal Custom Notebook
- Modena Stationery Dot Grid Notebook
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Charis says
So I have found ONE that has thicker paper: also printed by Buke, it’s on AliExpress and is advertised to be good for watercolours.
I’ll post the link below:
AU $20.80 51% Off | Notebooks Journals Watercolor Thicken Paper 180GSM Dot Gird 160 Pages 5X5mm Dotted
https://a.aliexpress.com/ChFeEN3E
I haven’t tried it, only found the listing last night!