In search of really, really nice (US-sized) composition notebooks

Post date: 2026-05-29 06:51:29

A friend uses composition notebooks for a lot of work and has recently discovered that some brands have much nicer paper than others. They've had no luck trying to find *specs* (paper weight, finish, etc.) from the various makers and I've been called in to help. So I want to know your favorite various US-sized (7.5" x 9.75") composition notebooks.

Their requirements:

US comp book construction (e.g., saddle stitch / staple so it lays flat!) and size: 7 1/2" x 9 3/4". Gotta fit on the shelf with all the past ones.

College rule (7.1 mm a.k.a. 9/32" lines) and/or 5-in-1" grid lines; 4-in-1" is apparently a no-go

Mid-weight or heavier paper: our best guess from looking at other papers is 75 g/m^2 a.k.a. 20 lb

Decent paper finish for ink: hot press, probably, but a good quality cold press finish would also work fine

Surely someone out there makes good or really nice ones and will say so on their order page so we don't have to guess

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