One of the best product reviews I've seen--thank you very much!!
@mettebyАй бұрын
Finaly a review that mentions quality of felt. I was wondering how it would hold up :) Will skip the Stone color and go for one of the Star Wars themed ones .... because, well Star Wars :D
@czapkofanАй бұрын
That's a great review, thank you! I'm a user of discbound notebooks, and recently I learned of this Filofax system alternative, and was curious of some comparison. It looks like not many people compare them, so I was super happy you did it, and was totally not expecting that the Arc punch can actually work with the A5 ones! I'm still a bit curious of the actual wire spiral; is it totally separate from the actual cover, is it possible to disconnect them? I'm also wondering whether, in practice, the Filofax system is a bit more comfortable, or not really? Finally, I'm disappointed that the sizes for the smaller ones differ from the A-series paper. Also, in practice, I wonder what ended up being your personal favorite system for the time being - is it discbound, Filofax, ring bound, regular notebooks, or yet something else - and why? Thanks again for the great review!
@GrahamRhindАй бұрын
Thank you - I'm glad you found the review useful! On the Filofax notebooks the wire is separate from the cover, but you would need to bend back the wiring to remove it - it's difficult to explain without a new video. For my diary I am currently using a book-by-book system (kzread.info/dash/bejne/famgz69uk8a_orA.html), supported by an A5 ring-bound Heritage (kzread.info/dash/bejne/iqZtyriwXbe1iNI.html) and for notes I am working my way through the pile of bound notebooks which I have acquired; but if I had to choose between the Filofax Notebook and a disc-bound system, at the moment I would probably go for the Filofax system because it is more compact. Mind you, like many of us, my needs and desires change over time, so if you ask the same question in a few months time, the answer might be quite different!
@czapkofanАй бұрын
@@GrahamRhind Thanks a lot for the reply, both for the explanations and for satisfying my curiosity! By the way, I got this feeling from the videos that filefax notebooks seem kind of more compact than discbound; though honestly I'm wondering how can this be - rings also are of different sizes, so I wonder if there's some trick to it, or it's only somehow a feeling. Now that I think, I imagine the wires have slightly less diameter probably because they can drop the "mushroom cap" extra rounding bulkness. I also assume maybe due to their elasticity/looseness they can slightly bend and/or move out of the way when laying the hand on the notebook, as well as maybe when closing the notebook? I'm slightly tempted to splurge on a Filofax Notebook just to compare and out of curiosity; but also I'm already well stocked on disks, and I kinda like they are more versatile and cheaper, and not proprietary. Though I do feel a bit of annoyance by their degree of bulkiness. Hmh 🤔🤷♂
@GrahamRhindАй бұрын
@@czapkofan The systems are subtly different. In a disc-bound system the front and back covers are separate and are attached via the discs. In the Filofax system the cover is in one piece with the wire spine "attached" to it. The circle created by the wire is smaller than most circles created by discs, also because (as you say), the discs have the mushroom profile at the rim which isn't required in the Filofax system. This means the paper in the Filofax system can be held a little closer to the spine of the notebook than a comparable disc-bound system. So the disc-bound notebooks are always just a little larger than comparable Filofax notebooks.
@grammatron12 ай бұрын
The extendable closure is extremely useful for me, I have the personal size of this model and being able to make the closure tag longer means I could load it up with inserts, a pen and a pencil in the loops without straining the popper closure.
@Snowcap-CrewBear2 ай бұрын
I agree that the Orbitkey Nest may be overpriced, but I disagree that the Nest cannot be a very useful tool for organizing many of the items we pull out of ourpockets at the end of a day. It also helps one not to overlook anything when we are reloading our pockets the next morning! In any event, thanks for a very candid review.
@squidwords2 ай бұрын
lovely comprehensive look at this case, thank you.
@its-violet2 ай бұрын
Best review!!
@rtulpe2 ай бұрын
Couple of things here: I‘ve been doing this for a while on my A5 version usually using the x17 inserts (same paper, same layout, fraction of the price) or Moleskine Cahiers etc. I use a learher needle for sewing machines as these are hard and have a cutting tip - works a treat. Also I use the old insert as a template: if you wrap your new insert around the spine of the used one you can use that as a perfect template without any measuring and marking. Most of my reused metal pipes I have used 10x plus and not a single one has broken to date.
@GrahamRhind2 ай бұрын
Brilliant! Many thanks for this information and these tips - very useful indeed!
@mike_qbik3 ай бұрын
I have to admit, after last 2-3 years riding the bandwagon with Plotter brand, latelly I find touching and using Lockwood Pocket slim much more pleasing then using simple leather binder like Plotter or TN. There is something luxurious about this Filofax. The leather is very nice even thin and shiny ..the layering of the leather with thin cloth stitched makes it simply just so satisfying to hold. Much better then Heritage Personal or Malden to my taste. Using it only as notebooks, quick ideas. Coming back to your Lockwood overview again and again. Thank you. Just ordered the ruby red version to join my navy before Filofax kills the pocket slim for good as Notebook Pocket Line is already discontinued.
@carrerasfoto3 ай бұрын
I agree with you sensations. I like this so much
@Carl-Camera3 ай бұрын
Really cool, thank you for the review! I doubted you at first when you said an A5 notebook would fit but hey you proved me wrong @ 7:30 very cool!
@GrahamRhind3 ай бұрын
Thanks! To be fair, the Filofax shown at 7:30 is a personal size, so smaller than A5, but an A5 pad would also fit in :-)
@robbourne19504 ай бұрын
Thank you. I found thie review very useful. 💜
@mike_qbik4 ай бұрын
Are you still using Lockwoods or you are now fully in x47?
@GrahamRhind4 ай бұрын
Hi Mike. Like most folk in the "planner community" I change my setup regularly according to need and whim. My diary for 2023 and 2024 were/are in an X47. I really appreciate being able to write on 100% of the paper on a flat surface in a compact system. I have always found writing around rings very irksome. But any book-by-book system will never be as flexible as a loose leaf system, and there are still items I need to carry in a ring-bound organiser. Currently those are in a Filofax personal compact Finsbury. I sometimes use the Lockwood Pocket Slim on the go. The other Lockwoods are awaiting my next change of mood to come back into service ;-)
@EduardoMartinezMusic4 ай бұрын
Awesome video, Graham. So it is doable to reuse the metal spine inserts, but like you said in the video, I wonder about metal fatigue of the small clips themselves, & how many times they can really be reused. Thanks again for such an informative video.
@tictactoe1014 ай бұрын
Thanks for the review. japanese stationery always on another level
@mohdazmanbinshamsuri90744 ай бұрын
can be used for leaves
@EduardoMartinezMusic4 ай бұрын
Really great reviews, Graham. Much appreciated 🙏🏾
@GrahamRhind4 ай бұрын
Thank you Eduardo.
@EduardoMartinezMusic4 ай бұрын
A question on the X47 notebook replacement,@Rhind You had suggested possibly taking out the metal spine bar that comes with the notebook itself, & using it with another notebook brand to adapt it to use with an X47 binder. Is this easy enough to do? Does it require bending the staples/clips that come with the notebook bar? Do they break over time? Thanks in advance.
@GrahamRhind4 ай бұрын
@@EduardoMartinezMusic I haven't tried this yet - I'm waiting to fill a notebook completely first - I have a number of notebooks on the go at the same time. The spine is fixed to the notebook using two metal wires which are threaded through a hole then bent over. They're about as thick as a staple. I think they could be bent back to remove the spine, but metal fatigue would probably mean that this could not be done multiple times.
@EduardoMartinezMusic4 ай бұрын
Hi @@GrahamRhind Thanks, yes, that is what I am thinking about metal fatigue over a few times use. Anyway, thanks for introducing me to the X47 line. I just received an A5 Roterfaden that I am very, very happy with, but I am considering adding a second binder / system for additional materials. Like you, I like the flexibility of using the notebooks I have & love, & not be so bound to a system.
@EduardoMartinezMusic4 ай бұрын
By the way, @GrahamRhind , on the Roterfaden SO_22 which I have (& similar to your other review's model), I have placed thin pieces of cardboard in each of the front pockets, as well as the zipper compartment in the back. It gives this binder enough 'stiffness' that it doesn't bend easily. Plus the cardboard pieces are not visible at all. The covers can be opened without bending (much). I can imagine these 'stiffeners' can also be made from lighter plastic or inserts, etc.
@bafk3t5 ай бұрын
epic review!!!! thank you, i just bought a lockwood thanks to you, so useful!!!!
@alkumhcounseling86345 ай бұрын
Vielen Dank for this review, I love when people give reviews that are more than just talking for 10 minutes to justify their purchases.
@nad1a15 ай бұрын
I bought this binder recently. It's practical and delightful to the eye and to touch. The version I have is the one with the thin elastic closure, similar to the Travellers notebook.
@apaperylife20965 ай бұрын
Thanks for the review. I use thicker notebooks and attach the clamps to the back cover. Works really well!
@3AMJH6 ай бұрын
Thank you for the review. Apparently these can take the pen clips which are sold separately for Fisher Space Pens. I just ordered this pen in white (with the name written in black), and am interested to see how it looks and feels with the black Fisher clip.
@queenbuzybee40746 ай бұрын
Hi. It’s a great system, but it’s copied from „Roterfaden“, another German company that has been selling this system since around 2006. Roterfaden does them better imho because the metal rods are sewn into the spine. They can easily be removed, but are in „channels“. The paper is fountain pen friendly and I‘ve had mine for 10+ years.
@GrahamRhind6 ай бұрын
Thanks for your comment. I've reviewed a Roterfaden cover here kzread.info/dash/bejne/jHmKwcaOhNybcc4.html . I find the systems very different - I cannot conceive of one being the inspiration for the other. Either way, the first X47 prototype was created in 1987 and X47 was founded in 2002 - before Roterfaden.
@zero110106 ай бұрын
Very through. Maybe excessively so. I’ve definitely seen reviews of an entire car that weren’t this long. Thanks for sharing your thoughts though. 👍
@ryanwong98576 ай бұрын
Thanks for your review! My notebook cover's loop must have been made a little differently than yours. I can easily fit a Lamy Safari in it. But I wouldn't feel comfortable putting a pen without a clip in it though.
@_Argos8 ай бұрын
I appreciate well-thought-out and honest reviews, but purchasing a product from the outset due to personal reasons or dislike reflects a rather negative disposition, firstly. Secondly, it's evident that the somewhat clumsy manual skills in the produced video already hint at the direction. In my opinion, this approach is just as problematic as the uncritical fanboy community. Thirdly, the known price should not be a reason for complaint. All the information provided by the company is accurate. However, the low point was reached when the statement was made to avoid products from China. It's easy to overlook that nearly all showcased products on this channel, whether partially or entirely, originate from China - be it colors, plastics, computer chips, even nail polish for "men," and more. It's all too easy to forget that even if supposedly "every" material is claimed to come from Italy or another country, these companies source the necessary machinery for production, raw materials, or required accessories like buttons and thread from China. If you belong to "those" who tend to mix everything up, I also wonder why a 1-layer version of an organizational system, inherently rejected, was chosen. For instance, I wouldn't buy an iPhone anymore because, in my opinion, it's an overpriced piece of technology with a built-in expiration date and dependency on other Apple devices, designed to sell the brand name and increase in price by 20% every year. This judgment doesn't deceive anyone about the actual circumstances. The product is what it is, and whether one likes it or not is entirely subjective. I also don't like the new KZread policy where the dislike count is no longer visible. As a result, I would have saved my time watching this video, but that seems to be the purpose behind it - to make money. bless the AdBlock
@GrahamRhind8 ай бұрын
I like a warts-and-all review of a warts-and-all review ;-) For the record, I didn't buy the product in order to diss it, and I wanted to check whether my "mix up" way of carry items would work with it. I don't have money to throw away to review items I don't think can be useful. I do actually still use it to charge my phone on my desk, but not to carry anything around. Clearly, if it works for others, that's great. This review provides a counterpoint to the many paid and promotional type reviews by "influencers" - that's what it is, but not what I planned when buying it. Obviously many products and many products that make many products originate in China. That won't stop me trying to ensure I keep the number of those items as low as possible. I'm not any more clumsy than anybody else, and I'm not sure what the comment on the nail polish or the reason for the quotation marks around "men" is, but I suspect that I'd better not go there. I use a product to stop my nails splitting, if that's what you're seeing - vegan and made in France. Too late, I know, but the video currently has 20.8% dislikes, by far the highest of any video on my channel. So, not universally liked, but still appreciated by the majority.
@_Argos8 ай бұрын
@@GrahamRhind As mentioned earlier, everyone has their own opinion. I could search for the "clumsy staged scenes" again, but that would take more time, which I don't want to invest. Not that it wouldn't be worthwhile, but I believe you understand what I mean, rendering this discussion unnecessary. The purpose behind such endeavors is essentially an illusion (China embargo), as nowadays everything related to our "luxury" either comes from there or is produced with their assistance. And we certainly don't want to do without luxury, do we? Whether you choose to address the nail polish or not is up to you ^^ The quotation marks are placed where they belong. There are many things in this world that are now blurred or, let's call it, laundered. However, one doesn't have to approve of everything or accept it for oneself. It is important that we are allowed to express our opinions because even as the world changes, thankfully, we still have a certain degree of freedom of speech. The beauty of the world, which politics is currently attempting to abolish, is that we can still say what we want, albeit not as freely as it should be. Even if you are not pleased with my comment, it doesn't mean I am demeaning you as a person or a KZreadr. I have simply expressed my opinion on this video and wanted to know, out of curiosity, how many dislikes it has. Wishing you a pleasant evening and much success with your YT channel greetings PS: As I mentioned, I also cannot endorse these fanboy-purchased items, which is why I typically seek out critical reviews.
@eleanorjones-mcauley76748 ай бұрын
Really useful review, thank you!
@mike_qbik8 ай бұрын
Got myself one with much stiffer leather and it is not as floppy as yours. Yes, that simple stitxhing adds to the bulk, but I find it easy t carry. Still getting used to it, using it only with one notebook - my Rhodia Goalbook, other clips only for add on papers/ invoices/ bills.
@mike_qbik8 ай бұрын
Thank you for the review. Did not know about this brand but was looking for a cover for my Moleskine Reporter. The immediacy of top open notepad works very well for me. Ordered black italian leather. Their customer service is superb.
@marcomaiano8 ай бұрын
I have the personal slim and totally agree with the pen loop issue, I have to use the clip or an adhesive one
@timedwards70449 ай бұрын
Great review. A couple of observations please! The four pockets were designed to hold multiple booklets, as you’ve shown. As well as plain and lined notebooks (both thin and chunky were sold), there was an annual planner, a week to view diary (both actual year and academic year) and a contacts/ address book. Thus, all four could fit in and be used together,plus a jot pad. The gusseted pocket was designed to hold an iPhone 4 - all the rage at the time! The top pocket was for stamps and the adjacent one for business cards. There WAS a closure system - two of the pen holder cards could be placed (one upside down) in the outside pockets and a pen slotted into both, kept the Flex closed. It was indeed a great design!
@GrahamRhind9 ай бұрын
Many thanks for this additional information, Tim! I did wonder if the gusseted pocket was for a phone, and the pen loop information is gold - I would never had thought of that! It shows how flexible the design was.
@timedwards70449 ай бұрын
The concept came from the Time Manager (TMI) Companion launched in the 1970s. Filofax adapted the design into three sizes - Pocket, Slim and A5 and launched it as Flex by Filofax in 2011. Initially only in plastic ‘First Edition’, a second ‘Smooth’ model as well as leather and iPad case variants (with the different layout), came the next year. I’m told (by a Filofax salesman) that sales ‘went off a cliff’ after the initial launch and the main reason that the range was quickly dropped. Price would also have been a factor as some of the accessories (such as the Jot Pads) were very expensive.
@GrahamRhind9 ай бұрын
Thanks Tim. That's interesting insider information about the sales!
@tujessie12589 ай бұрын
Thank you Graham. It’s a Beauty. Sounds like it weighs less than a leather Franklin Classic Binder. Enjoy!
@Flatability9 ай бұрын
It was certainly an interesting concept. Thanks for sharing this.
@tracyd90999 ай бұрын
I wish they still made these!
@SteveMorton9 ай бұрын
I still have mine, it was a clever design and quite versatile, especially the A5 size because you can use such a variety of notebooks in it. They came out in Spring 2011. I have a leather A5 and Slim covers and a few faux leather ones! I use what ever notebooks I have to hand Muji, Moleskine, Rhodia etc
@musicbreath67579 ай бұрын
I suppose for many it comes down to whether you want a stiffer product or the more floppy type. Their website is a mess for sure, but I find many websites of smaller producers are lacking. An easily navigated website is a must. That they removed the functionality options is disappointing. Pen and pencil holders is pretty nonnegotiable for me, so I’m torn about whether I would buy one or not.
@FendiFaguette10 ай бұрын
I used the thick clear plastic packaging of my Finsbury (the packaging that all Filofax come protected in and probs many people throw it away), cut it down to size but left it with a tab in the top part to cover the zip, hole punched it, placed it in the back and no nibbling! I would include a picture if I could
@SteveMorton10 ай бұрын
That looks like a very nice organiser. The website just seems to go through to a log on page! The pen loop looks like it is for the pen to be inserts from the bottom, as it looks like it is tapered? Tri-Folds have some advantages, but don't seem to be popular with makers! Van der Spek have made some custom tri-folds in various sizes. It looks like it is fitted with Krause rings.
@GrahamRhind10 ай бұрын
Hmmmm, website under maintenance ... or something more permanent? The tapering of the pen loop is just a trick of the light - it's the same width all the way down.
@vladimirmudry81263 ай бұрын
Vintage Giudi fantastic Made in Italy, leather tuscany vegetable.
@poivrefrancais810410 ай бұрын
I had the X47 system for years but had to move on. To say their paper is fountain pen unfriendly is putting it mildly. Even with a dryish extra fine nib you'll get bleeding, feathering and ghosting, Very bad performance forl expensive booklets at a claimed paperweight of 80 gsm . If you're thinking about this system, I'd recommending buying one of their booklets first and testing with you favourrite writing instruments before making the (signficant) investment
@GrahamRhind10 ай бұрын
If you were using inserts from a few years ago, I'd totally agree with you. They have, though, fairly recently (2019 - see kzread.info/dash/bejne/pKCJpdGmn5fcYZM.html) changed their paper and improved it enormously to make it fountain pen friendly. I use a fountain pen on these inserts daily without feathering, ghosting or bleed-through.
@poivrefrancais810410 ай бұрын
@@GrahamRhind Thank you Graham. Not a German speaker but think I got the gist. Will order a couple of samples and run some tests. Thanks for the info
@poivrefrancais810410 ай бұрын
@@GrahamRhind Ahh, and first time I note the Ddraig Coch. Well done young man. I have the A5 with the 4 steel rods and yes, the bump would annoy me too. So now I only have two booklets in the binder and this works a treat. I'll carry all 4 booklets when I'm travelling and then remove 2 of them on location
@GrahamRhind10 ай бұрын
@@poivrefrancais8104 Da iawn!
@TheChivasRegal10 ай бұрын
Really like the comprehensiveness of your reviews.
@GrahamRhind10 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@eleanor.shadow11 ай бұрын
I wholeheartedly agree that their website is hard to navigate. It's hard to understand the difference between each cover model, and the sizing is also not immediately easy to grasp. I've emailed them to ask about VAT charges (since I'm in the UK, my order shouldn't have VAT added) but still no reply. I like their eco credentials and really love that they're trying to create a super durable product, but there's definitely a lot of room for improvement, both product- and website-wise... Thanks for your review, it was very useful.
@xJillie11 ай бұрын
this was so informative! thank you! i’ll be getting my first filofax soon and the options can be a bit overwhelming 😅
@lisathomas63924 ай бұрын
I just purchased this very planner and haven’t even received it yet… and I’m worried that I may have preferred the zip around version- but they didn’t have the zip around version in the cognac color on the Filofax website… and that is the only color I want… although I could have purchased it from some other non-Filofax websites… Can you help me decide and/or feel better about getting the non- zip around version? 😮
@CaribouDataScience11 ай бұрын
What is the link for this product?
@GrahamRhind11 ай бұрын
I don't find this item currently for sale on the Filofax website, so I don't have that link. Hopefully when/if they restock it could be purchased from filofax.co.uk
@mike_qbikАй бұрын
They just discontinued this version, unfortunately.
@elibell1911 ай бұрын
Ypir channel should definitely have more views.
@elibell1911 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for such a thorough review😊
@DonaldFagenBeRad11 ай бұрын
I do not think you quite understand how to use the clamps for all they can be used for/all the ways they can be used. Watch a few other Roterfaden videos, see how they use them. I gather you are not a fan, even mentioning the spine being “lumpy” just where the grooves should be running down the spine eventually to hold the clamps. This is what I see in this review. Not a fan of the website either, eh.
@GrahamRhind11 ай бұрын
For the record, I always watch many, very many, videos about the products I'm reviewing so that I can be sure to test them in as many ways as possible, reflecting how others use them. But my reviews are always my own experiences and opinions, and never a copy of anybody else's review nor a sales pitch for the manufacturer. The clamps can be used in any way that clamps can be used - wind wool on them or stick pictures to the refrigerator with them as you wish - I don't think the viewers need me to enumerate all those uses. I did illustrate as far as possible the uses I had seen others put those clamps to.
@amitagrawal12685 күн бұрын
Seems like a wine drinker reviewing beer and saying that this beer is not their preference.
@Flatability Жыл бұрын
Leather looks great. Good flatability too. Interesting. I'm also keen to value products with a low carbon footprint. Thanks for sharing.
@mike_qbik Жыл бұрын
Just ordered one but to my surprise the rings are now 20mm and the pins which the rings are attached to the leather with are visible. Visually so ugly. The mechanism is square and not rounded like in your version or like it is in Personal Heritage which I own. Very sad about this and will be sending this back. Even on Filofax very own website all photos are with 15mm ring mechanism like yours is, yet they do ship 20mm which makes this very expansive Filofax very bulky and not minimal I wanted.
@GrahamRhind Жыл бұрын
That doesn't sound good at all. Did you order directly from Filofax? There are a large number of fake Filofax store fronts on platforms such as Amazon at the moment, selling lower quality fake items. That said, Filofax itself is seeing a clear decline in manufacturing quality at the moment.
@mike_qbik Жыл бұрын
@@GrahamRhind Thank you Graham for your reply. Yes of course, this is from original Filofax reseller in Czech rep. The same photos of 15mm A5 are on all Filofax websites = UK included. The mechanism was ugly as hell, square like with visible pin perforation and also some discolouration of the leather. Truly shocking. But on second inspection the web page does say Heritage A5 comes with 20mm ring. I saw your review, also the one from philofaxy blog and all have 15mm rings same as Personal Heritage. Well, I am sticking with my Plotter for A5 for now . . .yet 15mm would fit me better. I have to say the Personal Heritage is superb.
@AverageZoeBlogs Жыл бұрын
That was a fantastic review! Thank you 🙏🏽 I’ve been using the discbound system for a little while and I have the same Arc punch you have but I saw the Filofax notebook on sale and thought I’d give it a go. So happy to hear I can use the punch I have already instead of investing in a second one.
Пікірлер
One of the best product reviews I've seen--thank you very much!!
Finaly a review that mentions quality of felt. I was wondering how it would hold up :) Will skip the Stone color and go for one of the Star Wars themed ones .... because, well Star Wars :D
That's a great review, thank you! I'm a user of discbound notebooks, and recently I learned of this Filofax system alternative, and was curious of some comparison. It looks like not many people compare them, so I was super happy you did it, and was totally not expecting that the Arc punch can actually work with the A5 ones! I'm still a bit curious of the actual wire spiral; is it totally separate from the actual cover, is it possible to disconnect them? I'm also wondering whether, in practice, the Filofax system is a bit more comfortable, or not really? Finally, I'm disappointed that the sizes for the smaller ones differ from the A-series paper. Also, in practice, I wonder what ended up being your personal favorite system for the time being - is it discbound, Filofax, ring bound, regular notebooks, or yet something else - and why? Thanks again for the great review!
Thank you - I'm glad you found the review useful! On the Filofax notebooks the wire is separate from the cover, but you would need to bend back the wiring to remove it - it's difficult to explain without a new video. For my diary I am currently using a book-by-book system (kzread.info/dash/bejne/famgz69uk8a_orA.html), supported by an A5 ring-bound Heritage (kzread.info/dash/bejne/iqZtyriwXbe1iNI.html) and for notes I am working my way through the pile of bound notebooks which I have acquired; but if I had to choose between the Filofax Notebook and a disc-bound system, at the moment I would probably go for the Filofax system because it is more compact. Mind you, like many of us, my needs and desires change over time, so if you ask the same question in a few months time, the answer might be quite different!
@@GrahamRhind Thanks a lot for the reply, both for the explanations and for satisfying my curiosity! By the way, I got this feeling from the videos that filefax notebooks seem kind of more compact than discbound; though honestly I'm wondering how can this be - rings also are of different sizes, so I wonder if there's some trick to it, or it's only somehow a feeling. Now that I think, I imagine the wires have slightly less diameter probably because they can drop the "mushroom cap" extra rounding bulkness. I also assume maybe due to their elasticity/looseness they can slightly bend and/or move out of the way when laying the hand on the notebook, as well as maybe when closing the notebook? I'm slightly tempted to splurge on a Filofax Notebook just to compare and out of curiosity; but also I'm already well stocked on disks, and I kinda like they are more versatile and cheaper, and not proprietary. Though I do feel a bit of annoyance by their degree of bulkiness. Hmh 🤔🤷♂
@@czapkofan The systems are subtly different. In a disc-bound system the front and back covers are separate and are attached via the discs. In the Filofax system the cover is in one piece with the wire spine "attached" to it. The circle created by the wire is smaller than most circles created by discs, also because (as you say), the discs have the mushroom profile at the rim which isn't required in the Filofax system. This means the paper in the Filofax system can be held a little closer to the spine of the notebook than a comparable disc-bound system. So the disc-bound notebooks are always just a little larger than comparable Filofax notebooks.
The extendable closure is extremely useful for me, I have the personal size of this model and being able to make the closure tag longer means I could load it up with inserts, a pen and a pencil in the loops without straining the popper closure.
I agree that the Orbitkey Nest may be overpriced, but I disagree that the Nest cannot be a very useful tool for organizing many of the items we pull out of ourpockets at the end of a day. It also helps one not to overlook anything when we are reloading our pockets the next morning! In any event, thanks for a very candid review.
lovely comprehensive look at this case, thank you.
Best review!!
Couple of things here: I‘ve been doing this for a while on my A5 version usually using the x17 inserts (same paper, same layout, fraction of the price) or Moleskine Cahiers etc. I use a learher needle for sewing machines as these are hard and have a cutting tip - works a treat. Also I use the old insert as a template: if you wrap your new insert around the spine of the used one you can use that as a perfect template without any measuring and marking. Most of my reused metal pipes I have used 10x plus and not a single one has broken to date.
Brilliant! Many thanks for this information and these tips - very useful indeed!
I have to admit, after last 2-3 years riding the bandwagon with Plotter brand, latelly I find touching and using Lockwood Pocket slim much more pleasing then using simple leather binder like Plotter or TN. There is something luxurious about this Filofax. The leather is very nice even thin and shiny ..the layering of the leather with thin cloth stitched makes it simply just so satisfying to hold. Much better then Heritage Personal or Malden to my taste. Using it only as notebooks, quick ideas. Coming back to your Lockwood overview again and again. Thank you. Just ordered the ruby red version to join my navy before Filofax kills the pocket slim for good as Notebook Pocket Line is already discontinued.
I agree with you sensations. I like this so much
Really cool, thank you for the review! I doubted you at first when you said an A5 notebook would fit but hey you proved me wrong @ 7:30 very cool!
Thanks! To be fair, the Filofax shown at 7:30 is a personal size, so smaller than A5, but an A5 pad would also fit in :-)
Thank you. I found thie review very useful. 💜
Are you still using Lockwoods or you are now fully in x47?
Hi Mike. Like most folk in the "planner community" I change my setup regularly according to need and whim. My diary for 2023 and 2024 were/are in an X47. I really appreciate being able to write on 100% of the paper on a flat surface in a compact system. I have always found writing around rings very irksome. But any book-by-book system will never be as flexible as a loose leaf system, and there are still items I need to carry in a ring-bound organiser. Currently those are in a Filofax personal compact Finsbury. I sometimes use the Lockwood Pocket Slim on the go. The other Lockwoods are awaiting my next change of mood to come back into service ;-)
Awesome video, Graham. So it is doable to reuse the metal spine inserts, but like you said in the video, I wonder about metal fatigue of the small clips themselves, & how many times they can really be reused. Thanks again for such an informative video.
Thanks for the review. japanese stationery always on another level
can be used for leaves
Really great reviews, Graham. Much appreciated 🙏🏾
Thank you Eduardo.
A question on the X47 notebook replacement,@Rhind You had suggested possibly taking out the metal spine bar that comes with the notebook itself, & using it with another notebook brand to adapt it to use with an X47 binder. Is this easy enough to do? Does it require bending the staples/clips that come with the notebook bar? Do they break over time? Thanks in advance.
@@EduardoMartinezMusic I haven't tried this yet - I'm waiting to fill a notebook completely first - I have a number of notebooks on the go at the same time. The spine is fixed to the notebook using two metal wires which are threaded through a hole then bent over. They're about as thick as a staple. I think they could be bent back to remove the spine, but metal fatigue would probably mean that this could not be done multiple times.
Hi @@GrahamRhind Thanks, yes, that is what I am thinking about metal fatigue over a few times use. Anyway, thanks for introducing me to the X47 line. I just received an A5 Roterfaden that I am very, very happy with, but I am considering adding a second binder / system for additional materials. Like you, I like the flexibility of using the notebooks I have & love, & not be so bound to a system.
By the way, @GrahamRhind , on the Roterfaden SO_22 which I have (& similar to your other review's model), I have placed thin pieces of cardboard in each of the front pockets, as well as the zipper compartment in the back. It gives this binder enough 'stiffness' that it doesn't bend easily. Plus the cardboard pieces are not visible at all. The covers can be opened without bending (much). I can imagine these 'stiffeners' can also be made from lighter plastic or inserts, etc.
epic review!!!! thank you, i just bought a lockwood thanks to you, so useful!!!!
Vielen Dank for this review, I love when people give reviews that are more than just talking for 10 minutes to justify their purchases.
I bought this binder recently. It's practical and delightful to the eye and to touch. The version I have is the one with the thin elastic closure, similar to the Travellers notebook.
Thanks for the review. I use thicker notebooks and attach the clamps to the back cover. Works really well!
Thank you for the review. Apparently these can take the pen clips which are sold separately for Fisher Space Pens. I just ordered this pen in white (with the name written in black), and am interested to see how it looks and feels with the black Fisher clip.
Hi. It’s a great system, but it’s copied from „Roterfaden“, another German company that has been selling this system since around 2006. Roterfaden does them better imho because the metal rods are sewn into the spine. They can easily be removed, but are in „channels“. The paper is fountain pen friendly and I‘ve had mine for 10+ years.
Thanks for your comment. I've reviewed a Roterfaden cover here kzread.info/dash/bejne/jHmKwcaOhNybcc4.html . I find the systems very different - I cannot conceive of one being the inspiration for the other. Either way, the first X47 prototype was created in 1987 and X47 was founded in 2002 - before Roterfaden.
Very through. Maybe excessively so. I’ve definitely seen reviews of an entire car that weren’t this long. Thanks for sharing your thoughts though. 👍
Thanks for your review! My notebook cover's loop must have been made a little differently than yours. I can easily fit a Lamy Safari in it. But I wouldn't feel comfortable putting a pen without a clip in it though.
I appreciate well-thought-out and honest reviews, but purchasing a product from the outset due to personal reasons or dislike reflects a rather negative disposition, firstly. Secondly, it's evident that the somewhat clumsy manual skills in the produced video already hint at the direction. In my opinion, this approach is just as problematic as the uncritical fanboy community. Thirdly, the known price should not be a reason for complaint. All the information provided by the company is accurate. However, the low point was reached when the statement was made to avoid products from China. It's easy to overlook that nearly all showcased products on this channel, whether partially or entirely, originate from China - be it colors, plastics, computer chips, even nail polish for "men," and more. It's all too easy to forget that even if supposedly "every" material is claimed to come from Italy or another country, these companies source the necessary machinery for production, raw materials, or required accessories like buttons and thread from China. If you belong to "those" who tend to mix everything up, I also wonder why a 1-layer version of an organizational system, inherently rejected, was chosen. For instance, I wouldn't buy an iPhone anymore because, in my opinion, it's an overpriced piece of technology with a built-in expiration date and dependency on other Apple devices, designed to sell the brand name and increase in price by 20% every year. This judgment doesn't deceive anyone about the actual circumstances. The product is what it is, and whether one likes it or not is entirely subjective. I also don't like the new KZread policy where the dislike count is no longer visible. As a result, I would have saved my time watching this video, but that seems to be the purpose behind it - to make money. bless the AdBlock
I like a warts-and-all review of a warts-and-all review ;-) For the record, I didn't buy the product in order to diss it, and I wanted to check whether my "mix up" way of carry items would work with it. I don't have money to throw away to review items I don't think can be useful. I do actually still use it to charge my phone on my desk, but not to carry anything around. Clearly, if it works for others, that's great. This review provides a counterpoint to the many paid and promotional type reviews by "influencers" - that's what it is, but not what I planned when buying it. Obviously many products and many products that make many products originate in China. That won't stop me trying to ensure I keep the number of those items as low as possible. I'm not any more clumsy than anybody else, and I'm not sure what the comment on the nail polish or the reason for the quotation marks around "men" is, but I suspect that I'd better not go there. I use a product to stop my nails splitting, if that's what you're seeing - vegan and made in France. Too late, I know, but the video currently has 20.8% dislikes, by far the highest of any video on my channel. So, not universally liked, but still appreciated by the majority.
@@GrahamRhind As mentioned earlier, everyone has their own opinion. I could search for the "clumsy staged scenes" again, but that would take more time, which I don't want to invest. Not that it wouldn't be worthwhile, but I believe you understand what I mean, rendering this discussion unnecessary. The purpose behind such endeavors is essentially an illusion (China embargo), as nowadays everything related to our "luxury" either comes from there or is produced with their assistance. And we certainly don't want to do without luxury, do we? Whether you choose to address the nail polish or not is up to you ^^ The quotation marks are placed where they belong. There are many things in this world that are now blurred or, let's call it, laundered. However, one doesn't have to approve of everything or accept it for oneself. It is important that we are allowed to express our opinions because even as the world changes, thankfully, we still have a certain degree of freedom of speech. The beauty of the world, which politics is currently attempting to abolish, is that we can still say what we want, albeit not as freely as it should be. Even if you are not pleased with my comment, it doesn't mean I am demeaning you as a person or a KZreadr. I have simply expressed my opinion on this video and wanted to know, out of curiosity, how many dislikes it has. Wishing you a pleasant evening and much success with your YT channel greetings PS: As I mentioned, I also cannot endorse these fanboy-purchased items, which is why I typically seek out critical reviews.
Really useful review, thank you!
Got myself one with much stiffer leather and it is not as floppy as yours. Yes, that simple stitxhing adds to the bulk, but I find it easy t carry. Still getting used to it, using it only with one notebook - my Rhodia Goalbook, other clips only for add on papers/ invoices/ bills.
Thank you for the review. Did not know about this brand but was looking for a cover for my Moleskine Reporter. The immediacy of top open notepad works very well for me. Ordered black italian leather. Their customer service is superb.
I have the personal slim and totally agree with the pen loop issue, I have to use the clip or an adhesive one
Great review. A couple of observations please! The four pockets were designed to hold multiple booklets, as you’ve shown. As well as plain and lined notebooks (both thin and chunky were sold), there was an annual planner, a week to view diary (both actual year and academic year) and a contacts/ address book. Thus, all four could fit in and be used together,plus a jot pad. The gusseted pocket was designed to hold an iPhone 4 - all the rage at the time! The top pocket was for stamps and the adjacent one for business cards. There WAS a closure system - two of the pen holder cards could be placed (one upside down) in the outside pockets and a pen slotted into both, kept the Flex closed. It was indeed a great design!
Many thanks for this additional information, Tim! I did wonder if the gusseted pocket was for a phone, and the pen loop information is gold - I would never had thought of that! It shows how flexible the design was.
The concept came from the Time Manager (TMI) Companion launched in the 1970s. Filofax adapted the design into three sizes - Pocket, Slim and A5 and launched it as Flex by Filofax in 2011. Initially only in plastic ‘First Edition’, a second ‘Smooth’ model as well as leather and iPad case variants (with the different layout), came the next year. I’m told (by a Filofax salesman) that sales ‘went off a cliff’ after the initial launch and the main reason that the range was quickly dropped. Price would also have been a factor as some of the accessories (such as the Jot Pads) were very expensive.
Thanks Tim. That's interesting insider information about the sales!
Thank you Graham. It’s a Beauty. Sounds like it weighs less than a leather Franklin Classic Binder. Enjoy!
It was certainly an interesting concept. Thanks for sharing this.
I wish they still made these!
I still have mine, it was a clever design and quite versatile, especially the A5 size because you can use such a variety of notebooks in it. They came out in Spring 2011. I have a leather A5 and Slim covers and a few faux leather ones! I use what ever notebooks I have to hand Muji, Moleskine, Rhodia etc
I suppose for many it comes down to whether you want a stiffer product or the more floppy type. Their website is a mess for sure, but I find many websites of smaller producers are lacking. An easily navigated website is a must. That they removed the functionality options is disappointing. Pen and pencil holders is pretty nonnegotiable for me, so I’m torn about whether I would buy one or not.
I used the thick clear plastic packaging of my Finsbury (the packaging that all Filofax come protected in and probs many people throw it away), cut it down to size but left it with a tab in the top part to cover the zip, hole punched it, placed it in the back and no nibbling! I would include a picture if I could
That looks like a very nice organiser. The website just seems to go through to a log on page! The pen loop looks like it is for the pen to be inserts from the bottom, as it looks like it is tapered? Tri-Folds have some advantages, but don't seem to be popular with makers! Van der Spek have made some custom tri-folds in various sizes. It looks like it is fitted with Krause rings.
Hmmmm, website under maintenance ... or something more permanent? The tapering of the pen loop is just a trick of the light - it's the same width all the way down.
Vintage Giudi fantastic Made in Italy, leather tuscany vegetable.
I had the X47 system for years but had to move on. To say their paper is fountain pen unfriendly is putting it mildly. Even with a dryish extra fine nib you'll get bleeding, feathering and ghosting, Very bad performance forl expensive booklets at a claimed paperweight of 80 gsm . If you're thinking about this system, I'd recommending buying one of their booklets first and testing with you favourrite writing instruments before making the (signficant) investment
If you were using inserts from a few years ago, I'd totally agree with you. They have, though, fairly recently (2019 - see kzread.info/dash/bejne/pKCJpdGmn5fcYZM.html) changed their paper and improved it enormously to make it fountain pen friendly. I use a fountain pen on these inserts daily without feathering, ghosting or bleed-through.
@@GrahamRhind Thank you Graham. Not a German speaker but think I got the gist. Will order a couple of samples and run some tests. Thanks for the info
@@GrahamRhind Ahh, and first time I note the Ddraig Coch. Well done young man. I have the A5 with the 4 steel rods and yes, the bump would annoy me too. So now I only have two booklets in the binder and this works a treat. I'll carry all 4 booklets when I'm travelling and then remove 2 of them on location
@@poivrefrancais8104 Da iawn!
Really like the comprehensiveness of your reviews.
Thank you!
I wholeheartedly agree that their website is hard to navigate. It's hard to understand the difference between each cover model, and the sizing is also not immediately easy to grasp. I've emailed them to ask about VAT charges (since I'm in the UK, my order shouldn't have VAT added) but still no reply. I like their eco credentials and really love that they're trying to create a super durable product, but there's definitely a lot of room for improvement, both product- and website-wise... Thanks for your review, it was very useful.
this was so informative! thank you! i’ll be getting my first filofax soon and the options can be a bit overwhelming 😅
I just purchased this very planner and haven’t even received it yet… and I’m worried that I may have preferred the zip around version- but they didn’t have the zip around version in the cognac color on the Filofax website… and that is the only color I want… although I could have purchased it from some other non-Filofax websites… Can you help me decide and/or feel better about getting the non- zip around version? 😮
What is the link for this product?
I don't find this item currently for sale on the Filofax website, so I don't have that link. Hopefully when/if they restock it could be purchased from filofax.co.uk
They just discontinued this version, unfortunately.
Ypir channel should definitely have more views.
Thank you so much for such a thorough review😊
I do not think you quite understand how to use the clamps for all they can be used for/all the ways they can be used. Watch a few other Roterfaden videos, see how they use them. I gather you are not a fan, even mentioning the spine being “lumpy” just where the grooves should be running down the spine eventually to hold the clamps. This is what I see in this review. Not a fan of the website either, eh.
For the record, I always watch many, very many, videos about the products I'm reviewing so that I can be sure to test them in as many ways as possible, reflecting how others use them. But my reviews are always my own experiences and opinions, and never a copy of anybody else's review nor a sales pitch for the manufacturer. The clamps can be used in any way that clamps can be used - wind wool on them or stick pictures to the refrigerator with them as you wish - I don't think the viewers need me to enumerate all those uses. I did illustrate as far as possible the uses I had seen others put those clamps to.
Seems like a wine drinker reviewing beer and saying that this beer is not their preference.
Leather looks great. Good flatability too. Interesting. I'm also keen to value products with a low carbon footprint. Thanks for sharing.
Just ordered one but to my surprise the rings are now 20mm and the pins which the rings are attached to the leather with are visible. Visually so ugly. The mechanism is square and not rounded like in your version or like it is in Personal Heritage which I own. Very sad about this and will be sending this back. Even on Filofax very own website all photos are with 15mm ring mechanism like yours is, yet they do ship 20mm which makes this very expansive Filofax very bulky and not minimal I wanted.
That doesn't sound good at all. Did you order directly from Filofax? There are a large number of fake Filofax store fronts on platforms such as Amazon at the moment, selling lower quality fake items. That said, Filofax itself is seeing a clear decline in manufacturing quality at the moment.
@@GrahamRhind Thank you Graham for your reply. Yes of course, this is from original Filofax reseller in Czech rep. The same photos of 15mm A5 are on all Filofax websites = UK included. The mechanism was ugly as hell, square like with visible pin perforation and also some discolouration of the leather. Truly shocking. But on second inspection the web page does say Heritage A5 comes with 20mm ring. I saw your review, also the one from philofaxy blog and all have 15mm rings same as Personal Heritage. Well, I am sticking with my Plotter for A5 for now . . .yet 15mm would fit me better. I have to say the Personal Heritage is superb.
That was a fantastic review! Thank you 🙏🏽 I’ve been using the discbound system for a little while and I have the same Arc punch you have but I saw the Filofax notebook on sale and thought I’d give it a go. So happy to hear I can use the punch I have already instead of investing in a second one.
Thanks! I'm happy that you found it useful!