Recently I went with my mother to a doctor's appointment and took some notes in my Filofax. It turns out I wrote something down that the doctor failed to write down that turned out to be important information.
For me, the process of paper planning has long been an effective way to keep track of the important events in my life. Having left my short term memory in the 1970's, I have come to rely on this method for almost 15 years! Long live the paper planner!
On another subject, I've decided I *may* go looking for a 'new' (to me) Personal sized binder over the next few weeks/months. I'm in no hurry, but my ochre Malden (which I may sell to part-fund the purchase) has only one pen loop, and that is fairly narrow, whereas I really need two pen loops (for pen/pencil, since I only ever use pencil in my diary). I'm not interestted in 'crafting' a second pen loop in anyway - I want a binder which has them as standard.
The popper on my vintage Hampstead is getting 'soft' after 15 years of more or less constant use (and I tend to 'fiddle' with it as well, which makes things worse), but the leather pen loops with the elasticated undersides are perfect for my purposes.
So my criteria are that my new binder will:-
1. Have two pen loops, ideally of the same construction as the Hampstead. 2. Will have *minimum* 23-25mm rings, ideally 30mm. So a 7/8 or a 5/4 in 'old money'. 3. Will be leather - I'm not interested in plastic or any of the other variations on non-leather. 4. Will be black, brown or burgundy. 5. May well be pre-owned - I like binders which have 'seen active service'. A few dings and dents only add to that effect, as I intend to use it, not keep it on the shelf in a glass case.....
Any suggestions? Apart from another Hampstead, that is, which is a possibility. Or maybe someone is even thinking of selling a binder which might fit these specs, although that's not the point of my post....I want advice and opinions, not offers necessarily!
As I say, I'm in no hurry. My Filofax is an essential part of my everyday life, business and social, so I want to get it right. I don't want to buy a binder and then end up selling it on because it wasn't what I wanted, so I'm taking the time to clarify what I'm looking for and ask the community first.
Many thanks for your opinions and advice, which I look forward to reading!
A Hamilton ? I've got one in brown it has two pen loops...and from the looks of it same construction as the Hampstead. One loop is big enough to accommodate a fountain pen (Lamy safari) and the other a thinner pen. The overall layout is also quite similar too.
I have a lovely brown Personal Portland - 23mm rings, two pen loops, gorgeously soft leather inside and out. It doesn't have that many pockets but it's worth looking at and you can pick them up relatively cheaply on Ebay.
I can recommend the Cavendish. 30mm rings, plenty of pockets, nice leather, and two pen loops. The loops aren't elasticated, but on my Cavendish the front one is big enough to hold a Parker '51' or Sheaffer PFM, while the rear loop holds a '51' mechanical pencil (thinner than the pen) very nicely.
I looked the Cavendish up on Filowiki (I'm not relying on the community to do *all* the work here!) and it came up as having one pen loop.......interesting that yours has two, as in that case the Cavendish would be right at the top of my list. I did have one previously but unwisely sold it....one of the rare examples of simplification backfiring on me. 30mm rings would be the icing on the cake, for sure.....
Hi, David, I would recommend the Filofax Belmont (comes in black or caramel colour, lays flat, has a very nice soft leather) or the Filofax Bridle (the leather is a bit more shiny and coated, so it doesn´t scratch easily and is a bit stiffer then the Belmont, comes in black and brown). Both have 23 mm rings. The "Agendashop" has a Bridle in personal size on sale now, down from 189 Euro to 120 Euro.
My Cavendish has two loops (the compact only has one; the behemoth 30mm rings has two). Right now there is a personal Hampstead in brown on eBay. Buy it now price £22.
Yes the Personal Cavendish has two pen loops, 30 mm rings. And has been reviewed on here: http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2014/10/filofax-cavendish-long-term-use.html http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2014/02/filofax-cavendish-personal.html
If the two pen loops are a must then the Sandhurst would be a good model to consider. They are very sturdy and attractive, almost as good as the old 1980s products.
Thanks Sari....that's a new one on me, and definitely interesting. I think maybe at €120 it's a bit sudden to be considering, but long-term I'll certainly think about it.
Thanks Amanda......both look like biddable items (assuming I want another Hamilton), and I've put them 'on watch'. However, maybe hanging on for 30mm rings is worth considering, given the lack of urgency......we shall see, I guess :)
Hi gmax....yes, two loops are non-negotiable...I use pencil only in my diary (lesson learned after many bottles of tippex used), but I like to use pen for notes and lists. Unfortunately the Malden's pen loop, apart from being singular, is the weak link in what is otherwise a very well designed binder, too slim for most 'proper' pens anyway, and with a tendency to 'turn inside out- due to he manufacturer's process.
A big thank you to everyone who has commented or messaged me off-list....I think I've got this down to a narrower focus now. 30mm rings are going to be a must, as are twin pen loops, so that brings us to a Cavendish, a Portland or certain models of Winchester (I think). Of course, I could order something 'custom' from VdS or Gillio, but I *really* like used binders, so it looks as if my 'wish list' is complete.
I would like to add one more, the Filofax Siena. It has two pen-loops, comes in dark and light brown and the leather is of an awesome quality. My favorite.
I would like to add one more, the Filofax Siena. It has two pen-loops, comes in dark and light brown and the leather is of an awesome quality. My favorite.
For long term personal records, I believe paper is still much the best. And a handily sized loose leaf system encourages you to write things down and keep the pages. I was racking my brains recently trying to remember details of an opera I'd seen decades ago, and was able to find out using my old diaries from the attic that it was The Fall of the House of Usher by Phillip Glass, performed by Music Theatre Wales. (Amazing music by the way.)
Anyone had any experience of the 'Sandringham' binders (not filofax) that are currently on eBay? They look okay and say they have 30mm rings. Anyone bought one? If so, what are they like?
Mind you, the 30mm rings are a good idea. I can't understand why Filofax don't employ them more widely as an option. If you wanted a Malden but with 30mm rings, the Sandringham would be an ideal solution, and very economically.
These are Malden fakes!!! People have taken the design and copied it without Filofax's permission and made their own version, which in the video I have seen looks like very poor quality! Stay well clear!!
TPS Kate gives sound advice! There has been very extensive talk on Facebook about these Filofax fakes, the poor quality and problems with two eBay sellers -one in Scotland and one in Brighton. Suffice to say they are not genuine, there has never been a Filofax Sandringham and it is a case of "buyer beware".
I totally agree. The spine logo is a shameless attempt to steal IP from Filofax (presumably 'just about legal'), and the use of a 'military' style name echoes that. Very poor indeed. If I were at Filofax I'd be talking to my trademark attorney to see what could be done. Deplorable.
Did Filofax sell the January-December month tab dividers in the personal size at some point? They have the A5 size. I want some dividers like that but even in the personal size I would have to punch three holes to place them in my Franklin pocket binder. I have been using laminated month tabs on my pages each year with clear address labels but they are not easily removable once the year is over. I may have to cut some plain dividers. I drew month calendars on lined paper to complement my week insert. However I probably will not use them because they are not necessary. Then I will have some space for month dividers.
Hi gmax. Thank you for your reply. I will check ebay and some other sites to see if they show. In the meantime I cut my January divider and will post a comment on how I did this after I finish the rest of the months.
I cut four dividers so far. I used a set of white Avery insertable dividers for a three ring binder and laminated month tabs that I removed from a personal insert. After cutting my Franklin pocket dividers I then used a glue stick to adhere the laminated tabs to the tab part on the paper. Initially I thought a glue stick would not be strong enough to hold the tabs in place on the divider but now I think the tabs will stay in place. It would be easier to write the months on the paper or print labels. However I like the look of laminated month tabs on the side. My four dividers look pretty nice.
Oh, yeah! My planner has saved the day many, many times for myself AND others. A friend of mine registered to vote but they didn't get him registered. They needed the date he registered in order to sort it out but he had no clue.
I remembered that he had gone to dinner with us the evening he registered. So I looked it up, gave him the date and they sorted out the voting issue.
My planner has always saved me many time. When I go to my doctors etc., if I have any question that I want to ask them, they are always written down. I have always been a writer,I have journal etc.
David you could always consider buying one of those pen loops from Amazon. That way you can widen your criteria. If say get a Gillio Compagna and add a stick on pen loop.
Frequently
ReplyDeleteFor me, the process of paper planning has long been an effective way to keep track of the important events in my life.
ReplyDeleteHaving left my short term memory in the 1970's, I have come to rely on this method for almost 15 years!
Long live the paper planner!
My Filofax saves my day almost every day.....I just can't understand how people who reply on digital data storage manage to keep track of everything.
ReplyDeleteOn another subject, I've decided I *may* go looking for a 'new' (to me) Personal sized binder over the next few weeks/months. I'm in no hurry, but my ochre Malden (which I may sell to part-fund the purchase) has only one pen loop, and that is fairly narrow, whereas I really need two pen loops (for pen/pencil, since I only ever use pencil in my diary). I'm not interestted in 'crafting' a second pen loop in anyway - I want a binder which has them as standard.
ReplyDeleteThe popper on my vintage Hampstead is getting 'soft' after 15 years of more or less constant use (and I tend to 'fiddle' with it as well, which makes things worse), but the leather pen loops with the elasticated undersides are perfect for my purposes.
So my criteria are that my new binder will:-
1. Have two pen loops, ideally of the same construction as the Hampstead.
2. Will have *minimum* 23-25mm rings, ideally 30mm. So a 7/8 or a 5/4 in 'old money'.
3. Will be leather - I'm not interested in plastic or any of the other variations on non-leather.
4. Will be black, brown or burgundy.
5. May well be pre-owned - I like binders which have 'seen active service'. A few dings and dents only add to that effect, as I intend to use it, not keep it on the shelf in a glass case.....
Any suggestions? Apart from another Hampstead, that is, which is a possibility. Or maybe someone is even thinking of selling a binder which might fit these specs, although that's not the point of my post....I want advice and opinions, not offers necessarily!
As I say, I'm in no hurry. My Filofax is an essential part of my everyday life, business and social, so I want to get it right. I don't want to buy a binder and then end up selling it on because it wasn't what I wanted, so I'm taking the time to clarify what I'm looking for and ask the community first.
Many thanks for your opinions and advice, which I look forward to reading!
A Hamilton ? I've got one in brown it has two pen loops...and from the looks of it same construction as the Hampstead. One loop is big enough to accommodate a fountain pen (Lamy safari) and the other a thinner pen. The overall layout is also quite similar too.
DeleteThanks Tea....that's a good idea. The Hamilton more or less replaced the Hampstead, so it's pretty much the same binder......definitely on my list!
DeleteI have a lovely brown Personal Portland - 23mm rings, two pen loops, gorgeously soft leather inside and out. It doesn't have that many pockets but it's worth looking at and you can pick them up relatively cheaply on Ebay.
DeleteThanks Donna.....all other considerations aside, Relatively Cheap is my favourite price!
DeleteI can recommend the Cavendish. 30mm rings, plenty of pockets, nice leather, and two pen loops. The loops aren't elasticated, but on my Cavendish the front one is big enough to hold a Parker '51' or Sheaffer PFM, while the rear loop holds a '51' mechanical pencil (thinner than the pen) very nicely.
DeleteHi Paul
DeleteI looked the Cavendish up on Filowiki (I'm not relying on the community to do *all* the work here!) and it came up as having one pen loop.......interesting that yours has two, as in that case the Cavendish would be right at the top of my list. I did have one previously but unwisely sold it....one of the rare examples of simplification backfiring on me. 30mm rings would be the icing on the cake, for sure.....
Hi, David, I would recommend the Filofax Belmont (comes in black or caramel colour, lays flat, has a very nice soft leather) or the Filofax Bridle (the leather is a bit more shiny and coated, so it doesn´t scratch easily and is a bit stiffer then the Belmont, comes in black and brown). Both have 23 mm rings. The "Agendashop" has a Bridle in personal size on sale now, down from 189 Euro to 120 Euro.
DeleteMy Cavendish has two loops (the compact only has one; the behemoth 30mm rings has two). Right now there is a personal Hampstead in brown on eBay. Buy it now price £22.
DeleteOh, and there's another Hampstead which is on eBay as an auction, starting price of £9.99 if you'd prefer to risk the price staying lower than £22.
DeleteYes the Personal Cavendish has two pen loops, 30 mm rings. And has been reviewed on here: http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2014/10/filofax-cavendish-long-term-use.html
Deletehttp://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2014/02/filofax-cavendish-personal.html
If the two pen loops are a must then the Sandhurst would be a good model to consider. They are very sturdy and attractive, almost as good as the old 1980s products.
DeleteThanks Sari....that's a new one on me, and definitely interesting. I think maybe at €120 it's a bit sudden to be considering, but long-term I'll certainly think about it.
DeleteThanks Amanda......both look like biddable items (assuming I want another Hamilton), and I've put them 'on watch'. However, maybe hanging on for 30mm rings is worth considering, given the lack of urgency......we shall see, I guess :)
DeleteHi gmax....yes, two loops are non-negotiable...I use pencil only in my diary (lesson learned after many bottles of tippex used), but I like to use pen for notes and lists. Unfortunately the Malden's pen loop, apart from being singular, is the weak link in what is otherwise a very well designed binder, too slim for most 'proper' pens anyway, and with a tendency to 'turn inside out- due to he manufacturer's process.
DeleteA big thank you to everyone who has commented or messaged me off-list....I think I've got this down to a narrower focus now. 30mm rings are going to be a must, as are twin pen loops, so that brings us to a Cavendish, a Portland or certain models of Winchester (I think). Of course, I could order something 'custom' from VdS or Gillio, but I *really* like used binders, so it looks as if my 'wish list' is complete.
DeleteThank you again, to everyone.
I would like to add one more, the Filofax Siena. It has two pen-loops, comes in dark and light brown and the leather is of an awesome quality. My favorite.
DeleteI would like to add one more, the Filofax Siena. It has two pen-loops, comes in dark and light brown and the leather is of an awesome quality. My favorite.
DeleteThe Kendal could be an option as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Maria......that will definitely be on my list
DeleteFor long term personal records, I believe paper is still much the best. And a handily sized loose leaf system encourages you to write things down and keep the pages. I was racking my brains recently trying to remember details of an opera I'd seen decades ago, and was able to find out using my old diaries from the attic that it was The Fall of the House of Usher by Phillip Glass, performed by Music Theatre Wales. (Amazing music by the way.)
ReplyDeleteYes, notes taken have definitely come in handy numerous times. I guess that is why I insist on having writing space for each day.
ReplyDeleteAnyone had any experience of the 'Sandringham' binders (not filofax) that are currently on eBay? They look okay and say they have 30mm rings. Anyone bought one? If so, what are they like?
ReplyDeleteLooks like a Malden clone....the inside front cover layout is exactly the same. Naughty.....
DeleteOnly one pen loop, I wonder if they've made it as bad as the Malden's.....
Mind you, the 30mm rings are a good idea. I can't understand why Filofax don't employ them more widely as an option. If you wanted a Malden but with 30mm rings, the Sandringham would be an ideal solution, and very economically.
DeleteThese are Malden fakes!!! People have taken the design and copied it without Filofax's permission and made their own version, which in the video I have seen looks like very poor quality! Stay well clear!!
DeleteTPS Kate gives sound advice! There has been very extensive talk on Facebook about these Filofax fakes, the poor quality and problems with two eBay sellers -one in Scotland and one in Brighton. Suffice to say they are not genuine, there has never been a Filofax Sandringham and it is a case of "buyer beware".
DeleteI totally agree. The spine logo is a shameless attempt to steal IP from Filofax (presumably 'just about legal'), and the use of a 'military' style name echoes that. Very poor indeed. If I were at Filofax I'd be talking to my trademark attorney to see what could be done. Deplorable.
DeleteDid Filofax sell the January-December month tab dividers in the personal size at some point? They have the A5 size. I want some dividers like that but even in the personal size I would have to punch three holes to place them in my Franklin pocket binder. I have been using laminated month tabs on my pages each year with clear address labels but they are not easily removable once the year is over. I may have to cut some plain dividers. I drew month calendars on lined paper to complement my week insert. However I probably will not use them because they are not necessary. Then I will have some space for month dividers.
ReplyDeleteYes the month tabs were available I personal size - I got some old stock ones off ebay a while ago @Be, so it's worth checking there.
DeleteHi gmax. Thank you for your reply. I will check ebay and some other sites to see if they show. In the meantime I cut my January divider and will post a comment on how I did this after I finish the rest of the months.
DeleteI cut four dividers so far. I used a set of white Avery insertable dividers for a three ring binder and laminated month tabs that I removed from a personal insert. After cutting my Franklin pocket dividers I then used a glue stick to adhere the laminated tabs to the tab part on the paper. Initially I thought a glue stick would not be strong enough to hold the tabs in place on the divider but now I think the tabs will stay in place. It would be easier to write the months on the paper or print labels. However I like the look of laminated month tabs on the side. My four dividers look pretty nice.
DeleteOh, yeah! My planner has saved the day many, many times for myself AND others. A friend of mine registered to vote but they didn't get him registered. They needed the date he registered in order to sort it out but he had no clue.
ReplyDeleteI remembered that he had gone to dinner with us the evening he registered. So I looked it up, gave him the date and they sorted out the voting issue.
Anyone aware of fountain pen friendly paper /diary inserts for the a5 or personal size FF? There seems to be excessive bleed thru.
ReplyDeleteCheck the recent comments on the FFAT No. 216 on March 24th....I asked similar question and got responses..
DeleteMark
My planner has always saved me many time. When I go to my doctors etc., if I have any question that I want to ask them, they are always written down. I have always been a writer,I have journal etc.
ReplyDeleteDavid you could always consider buying one of those pen loops from Amazon. That way you can widen your criteria. If say get a Gillio Compagna and add a stick on pen loop.
ReplyDelete