Paperblanks Flexis Notebook Review

This Paperblanks Flexis Notebook Review focuses on the softcover Flexis line rather than the more rigid Paperblanks hardcovers. Paperblanks notebooks are known for ornate covers, historical design references, and a more giftable feel than a plain black notebook. The version shown here is the Azure Ultra design, based on a historical book design from 1688.

What finally makes this one appealing is the balance. It still has the decorative Paperblanks look, but the softcover format makes it a little more approachable. It is thinner, flexible, and easier to use as a regular notebook rather than something that feels too fancy to write in.

Design and first impression

The cover is the reason this notebook stands out. It has a turquoise-blue-green look with gold detailing, and the pattern feels slightly embossed into the surface. It looks upscale without being too delicate. The patterned page edges are the part that really sell the design because they make the notebook feel special even when it is closed.

Paperblanks designs can sometimes feel too whimsical depending on your taste, but this one is elegant rather than loud. It still has a lot of ornament, but the color and edge pattern make it feel more classic.

Size, pages, and cover feel

The reviewed notebook measures about 7 by 9 inches, or 18 by 23 cm. It has 176 pages and is roughly half an inch thick. That makes it roomy enough for proper journaling while still much slimmer than many large hardcover notebooks.

The Flexis cover is the important difference. It bends more than a hardcover, but it still has more structure than a flimsy paperback notebook. If you like the look of Paperblanks but want something easier to handle, this format makes sense.

Inside layout

This version is lined, though Paperblanks often offers related designs in other formats and sizes. The pages are ivory colored, which suits the historical-cover style. The notebook also includes a ribbon marker and a back pocket, two details that make it feel more complete as a daily writing book.

The opening pages include a craft-paper style cover sheet, and then the notebook moves into the main lined paper. It is simple inside, which is a good thing. The exterior does the decorative work, while the pages stay clean enough for journaling and notes.

Back pocket and practical details

The back pocket is one of those small features that makes the notebook feel more usable. It gives you a place to keep a receipt, card, loose note, or small paper item without needing a separate folder. Combined with the ribbon marker, it feels like a complete journal rather than only a decorative object.

The flexible cover also makes it easier to hold open than some stiff decorative notebooks. It is still not as flat and utilitarian as a spiral notebook, but it feels usable enough for regular writing sessions.

Paper and pen test

The paper is 100gsm, and that is where the notebook does better than expected. With decorative notebooks, the cover can sometimes be better than the paper. Here, the paper is genuinely good. The test shows pencil, ballpoint, gel pens, and fountain pens behaving well overall.

There is a small amount of ghosting, which is normal, but bleed-through is not a major issue in the test. That makes the Paperblanks Flexis a good option if you want a pretty notebook without giving up writing performance.

Everyday writing experience

As an everyday notebook, the Flexis format is probably the most approachable Paperblanks style. It has enough structure to feel nice, but not so much stiffness that it becomes precious. You can actually imagine filling it with journal entries, reading notes, project notes, or personal reflections.

The main drawback is that the design is still a matter of taste. If you like minimal stationery, Paperblanks may feel too ornate. If you like beautiful covers and historical-looking designs, this is exactly the appeal.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Beautiful Azure design with patterned page edges.
• Flexible softcover is easier to use than a rigid decorative hardcover.
• 100gsm ivory paper performs well with different pens.
• Ribbon marker and back pocket add practical value.
• Giftable without feeling too delicate for everyday use.

Cons

• Decorative style may be too ornate for minimalists.
• Softcover is less protective than a hardcover.
• Not the cheapest lined notebook if you only care about paper.
• Design availability can vary by size and ruling.

Who should buy it?

Buy the Paperblanks Flexis if you want a notebook that feels more special than a plain journal but still works for daily writing. It is a good fit for journaling, reflective notes, reading notes, gift giving, and anyone who enjoys decorative stationery.

Skip it if you want a rugged work notebook, a purely minimalist page layout, or the most paper for the lowest price. This is partly about the writing experience and partly about the pleasure of the object.

Flexis vs hardcover Paperblanks

The Flexis format is worth calling out because it changes how the notebook feels in use. A hardcover Paperblanks journal can feel more protective and more gift-like, but it can also feel a little formal. The Flexis version keeps the decorative cover style while making the notebook easier to bend, hold, and write in casually.

That makes this a better choice if you actually want to fill the notebook. It still looks special on a desk or shelf, but it does not have the same “too nice to use” feeling that some ornate journals can create. If you want maximum protection, choose hardcover. If you want a prettier everyday writing book, Flexis is the more practical format.

Best writing setup

I would use this notebook for journaling, book notes, personal projects, or reflective writing rather than rough work notes. The design invites slower writing, and the lined ivory paper suits a pen-first setup. Gel pens, ballpoints, rollerballs, and moderate fountain pens are the safest match based on the paper test.

Because the page edges and cover are such a big part of the appeal, it is also a nice notebook for a specific purpose: one travel journal, one reading notebook, one year of reflections, or one project notebook. Giving it a defined use helps justify the more decorative design.

Final thoughts

The Paperblanks Flexis Notebook is one of the more usable ways to enjoy the Paperblanks aesthetic. The cover is beautiful, the patterned edges are gorgeous, and the notebook still feels practical enough to write in regularly.

The paper quality is what makes it more than a pretty cover. With 100gsm ivory pages and good pen-test results, it can handle normal journaling and note-taking without feeling like a compromise. If you want a flexible softcover notebook with a lot more personality than a plain journal, this one is easy to recommend.