Since we get a lot visitors to our web store from blackcover.net, I wanted to let everyone know we are currently offering a 30% discount on all Stifflexible notebooks, including special designs.

We ship worldwide and tax free outside the EU.

Please do not hesitate to contact me in case you have any questions.

Dennis van de Graaf

General Manager La Couronne du Comte

I thought I’d give Stifflexible a try, the very allure being that, while not soft-covered, the flipping is quite easy. The other pluses were: it’s made in Italy, the quality is supposed to be better, and the bookmark/pocket was intriguing.

I am a master of completely ignoring any display of measurement and so ordered a nice little black cover from Bromfield pen shop thinking I was getting a hearty full-sized notebook. I understand this is entirely my fault, but oooh was I disappointed. I mean, I ache at forking over the $16-17 at Borders for my bi-monthly Moleskines, but a different notebook that is TINY for so much more?? It was a sad day. Again, recognizing completely this was my fault and deciding I need to seriously stop thrusting my expectations onto things in front of me and PAY ATTENTION, I of course set off to use it.

I thought I was finding a replacement for Moleskines in all honestly. Love them as I do, the “made in China” throws me off as I’m a sucker for authenticity, and if something is better, well, then it’s better.

But, ugh, really? Pushing the size aside (seriously? I fill up half the book in like a day), the cover is not what one looks for in a black notebook! Moleskine has that down, no doubt. I knew the cover had changed and was disappointed, but hoped it would fit with the rest of the notebook and be perfection. Well, the first time I opened the notebook, the spine splinched (red underline leads me to believe that’s only a word in Harry Potter land, but I’m leaving it) all weird and now certain spots are seperated from the paper while some isn’t, and this is pulling the cover from the whatever it’s glued to. So it is possible. That doesn’t scream quality to me. Did I receive a dud?

I miss the creamy color of Moleskine paper too. Not just that, but Moleskine paper is so soft! I know nothing about the mechanics of paper-making, but seriously if something looks better and feels better, it’s better to me. I almost didn’t buy the Stifflexible when realizing that beloved soft, warm, inviting paper in every Moleskine would not be there, but again, thought Stifflexible would win out. I guess ’cause it’s made in Italy. I don’t know. I think I need to reconsider my decision making.

So the paper, not my thing. Not as pretty, not as soft, and I’m not fancy enough for fountain pens so my pens work just as well on either.

The Moleskines I use, maybe just because they’re bigger, sit flat very well. The Stifflexible? Not so much. My hand aches after pressing it down so I can write on the left-side page. It’s truly a pain to write in.

What they did do well though is the lovely pocket/bookmark. It works so much better than the Moleskine ribbon it’s insane. I thought the ribbon was all fancy when I first got it, but it’s always getting lost and being flippity and annoying. The pocket is incredible. I’m still in the habit of searching around for the ribbon, but then I remember the pocket (which stays put!) and tuck it into place. It’s far easier to find my page, and much much much easier to deal with.

Actually, I think my review was somewhat like yours. I set it thinking you gave them way too much credit, but I suppose you kind of said the same thing in a polite way. Besides the fact that my cover started separating immediately.

Basically, Stifflexible people: make a bigger notebook, give me the sweet sweet feel of a Moleskine cover and Moleskine pages and we’ve got a deal. I’ll be yours for life.

Until then, not even the flexibility and pocket marker is enough to make me want to write in a tiny notebook with an ugly cover and ugly paper.

(Still can’t believe I missed the size so entirely.)

The black is called “BLACK russian”.
The yellow is called “GIN lemon”.
The blue is called “BLUE laguna”.
The green is called “GRASS hopper.”
The red is called “CUBA libre”.

Stifflexible is second to none !!!

Recientemente he comprado varios Stifflexible al distribuidor de Mazzuoli en Barcelona, Spain, y he de decir que son fantásticos. De lo mejor que he visto. Las hendiduras de cortesía que tienen en las tapas son geniales.

El negro se llama “BLACK russian”.
El amarillo se llama “GIN lemon”.
El azul se llama “BLUE laguna”.
El verde se llama “GRASS hopper”.
El rojo se llama “CUBA libre”.

Stifflexible es insuperable !!!

I will keep you all posted on any news.

Furthermore, we are now six months in business and have had so many wonderful customers for the Stifflexibles from all around the world (and especially from the US): most of our Stifflexible customers learned about us through this web site and that is why we have decided to give a discount on the Stifflexibles until the end of 2008. Instead of €10,04, all Stifflexibles are €8,36 (export prices).