The Goldilocks Size for My Handwriting and Desk
The Pros
After a few months with the B5 Field Folio, this is my favorite size from Lochby. I own their pocket, A6, A5, and B5 options, and this one hits the sweet spot for how I write. The smaller notebooks fit into tighter spaces, but with my handwriting, every thought feels like it takes 4 lines. The B5 gives me enough room to write comfortably while still fitting on my computer desk without rearranging everything. Something larger, like A4, would be too much for that space.
I use dot grid paper and write across 2 rows of dots rather than squeezing everything into one. I enjoy medium and broad fountain pen nibs that glide across the page and let the character of my inks show. The extra space makes it easier to practice my cursive and get my thoughts out without cramping my hand or constantly moving to the next line. It is also a good size for the full-page entry I like to write each day I sit down with my journal.
It takes a standard composition notebook, which is another big advantage. Some of the smaller journals I have tried felt fragile or were expensive to replace. There are reasonably priced composition notebooks that handle fountain pen ink well, and I stocked up on some especially good back-to-school bargains.
The zipper closes everything up neatly but stays out of the way when I am writing instead of sitting underneath the notebook. The bookmark ribbons can hang out the bottom without getting caught in the zipper. The pen sleeve sits at the top, where this size provides enough width for a full-sized pen, and the organization pockets are useful too.
I chose the navy blue with tan trim and really like how it looks. It also feels a little less waxy to me than the black and brown versions, which I prefer.
The Cons
The smaller sizes can be more convenient for travel, depending on how you carry them. This takes up more space, but I have not found that to be a problem at my desk. For my use, I have not run into a significant drawback.
The Verdict
This is the Goldilocks size for my journaling: enough writing room to get a thought onto the page comfortably, but still small enough to fit my desk without moving everything around. The zipper layout, top pen sleeve, and ability to use affordable composition notebooks make it practical as well. Of all my Lochby sizes, the B5 is the one I prefer.
