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!

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

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…

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.