B6 Slim has long been one of my favorite notebook sizes, and I think I have filled dozens of the Midori B6 Slim notebooks over the last few years. There’s something about the paperback size that just feels right to me, not too small for work stuff, not so big it can’t come along with me anywhere. I’ve brought mine along on many work trips to Hawaii, Los Angeles, Brazil and Portugal.
I was thrilled when Brad at Pen Addict did his own run of these notebooks. I ordered a couple to go with the half dozen I had in my closet and originally planned on putting them in the Midori Goat Leather case that I have used for years. It has developed a nice patina.
Then, a few days later, I saw the announcement that Baum-kuchen were releasing a B6 Slim version as a part of their Alchemist line of notebook covers. I’ve long wanted to work with them and their “Truly Yours” service to customize a Traveler’s Notebook cover, and decided to get an Alchemist and give it the Truly Yours treatment.
First, I messed up. I ordered the cover, then sent them an email. This is not how you’re supposed to request their Truly Yours service. They were patient with me, and soon we were designing what would eventually become my personal Alchemist. Not very long after that, I got this great image confirming what I was looking for.
You can get all manner of rivets, patches, embosses, and side pen loops added, but I wanted to keep mine relatively simple. Two embosses and a “Trust the Process” patch to remind me that I am not as patient as I need to be sometimes. Each of these customizations is done by hand, and the Baum-kuchen team were very careful to set my expectations. I wasn’t expecting to see it for many more weeks when I got the shipping notification!
The cover was waiting for me when I arrived home from my most recent business trip to London last weekend, and I’m thrilled with the results. I look forward to this taking on its own patina as I use it and age it. I almost want to fast forward through my current Bullet Journal so that I can start using this new one as my daily driver.
