Apica Notebook CD-11 lined white (A5)

The Apica CD-11 is a Japanese A5 notebook with thread binding and white, acid-free paper – manufactured in Japan with over half a century of notebook-making tradition. The cardboard softcover features the characteristic ornamental frame design of the CD series, reminiscent of antique book bindings. With 28 sheets (56 pages) and 7 mm ruling, the notebook remains thin and light enough for a bag or pocket planner, without compromising on fountain pen-friendly paper.

Features

• Fountain pen-friendly paper (81.4 g/m²) – The acid-free paper from Oji Paper production lies smooth and slightly cool under the nib. Fine to medium nibs glide without resistance, and ink flows cleanly without show-through. Ghosting is present but minimal enough to use both sides comfortably.
• Delicate light grey ruling (7 mm, 25 lines) – The lines are printed subtly and don't interfere with your handwriting. The 7 mm spacing works well with medium-sized scripts and functions perfectly with stub nibs without ascenders and descenders colliding.
• Thread binding – Machine-stitched thread binding through cover and inner layers: the notebook lies completely flat, even in the centre. No cracking spine, no loose pages.
• Textured cardboard softcover – The binding is made from the typical Apica "Fancy Paper" – a special cardboard that mimics the texture and colour depth of textiles. The ornamental design with gold CD embossing on the black spine has remained unchanged for decades.
• Acid-free and archive-safe – Apica was the first Japanese notebook manufacturer to use acid-free paper in 1984. Notes and ink colours remain preserved long-term without yellowing or fading.

Use & Tips

• Fountain pen with fine to medium nib – The paper rewards smooth, flowing inks. Very wet nibs or heavily saturated inks can feather easily; a drier ink flow or finer nib produces the cleanest results.
• Gel rollers and liquid ink rollers – The smooth, lightly coated paper provides a pleasant surface for quick-drying gel refills. The ink grips immediately without smudging.
• Short projects and travel notes – 28 sheets is deliberately minimal: the notebook is ideal as a project journal, travel companion or supplementary daily diary – fill it, file it, start again.
• Ink shading – Watery fountain pen inks with pronounced shading characteristics (such as blue-grey or olive-green tones) display beautiful shadowing on this paper. Strong sheening is less pronounced than on Tomoe River paper.
• Blotting sheet for oily hands – The paper is sensitive to skin oils. A loose protective sheet under your writing hand prevents ink feathering on pre-touched areas.

For Paper Enthusiasts

The CD-11's paper is supplied by Oji Holdings Corporation – one of Japan's largest paper manufacturers with its own timber sourcing guidelines. Apica does not list paper weight on the A5 cover; technical literature lists it at 81.4 g/m². The paper is uncoated but calendered with a smooth surface – hence the characteristic cool feel and absence of texture that offers little grip for pencils but conducts fountain pen ink cleanly. The thread binding consists of several small signatures individually sewn together: this allows the notebook to lie completely flat even after intensive use.

Technical Specifications