Product Follow-up: Baron Fig Apprentice Notebook

1/27/15 Iroshizuku Tsukushi ink, Baron Fig Apprentice notebook

Here’s a quick follow-up on the pocket-size Baron Fig Apprentice notebooks that I had ordered a couple of weeks ago and mentioned in my review of the company’s larger Confidant notebook. As confirmed before my purchase, the paper used in both notebooks is exactly the same, so you can read the full review of the Confidant for my impressions.

I’ve been using an Apprentice (the limited Time Travel edition) for the past week as my catch-all notebook/sketchbook – a place to put sketches when I don’t have my regular sketchbook with me or when I need a smaller format to be discreet. Earlier this week I attended a presentation on climate change (which included a screening of the excellent and disturbing Showtime documentary, “Years of Living Dangerously”). During the open forum portion when audience members spoke, I decided I could listen better if I sketched at the same time (as I’d discovered previously). Pulling out the little Apprentice was just right: Small and discreet, it probably looked like I was taking notes, not sketching.

1/27/15 Iroshizuku Tsukushi ink, Baron Fig Apprentice notebook

As expected from my experience with the Confidant, the smooth yet not-too-smooth paper is a pleasure to use with a fountain pen. Also expected was the significant show-through on the reverse side. I like the thin, small format as well as the paper surface enough that I had toyed with the idea of using the Apprentice as a travel sketchbook (a role played by a Rhodia notebook most recently). Unfortunately, the show-through is a deal-breaker; I need more substantial paper if it’s going to travel with me. Maybe I’ll get my expressed wish, and Baron Fig will come through with a heavier paper!