Traditional Binding
French Groove and Half Bound notebooks are commonly seen as traditional in binding style. Both styles have a visible groove or joint at the spine, giving an authentic, classic look. These are solid, stable covers that are without doubt durable and long lasting.
French Groove
Unlike your standard hardcover notebook, the French groove has that little extra bit of detail. French grooves were originally designed to allow thick leather to wrap the cover but have continued into contemporary bookbinding, with the ability for any material to be used. The groove is created by leaving space between the book boards used for the spine and front and back covers. When the boards are covered with book cloth, the space creates a supple area of only cloth. This hinge simplifies the attachment of endpapers and allows books to open flat. The French groove is one of the finest notebooks available: think traditional, wooden library filled with old classics. A French groove has a visible space or joint at the spine, giving an authentic and traditional look. The inlay of space gives a subtle hint to a stylish classic; well designed and perfectly durable.
Half Bound
A half-bound notebook separates the spine from the cover with a contrasting material. Rather than a standard notebook which would be covered in cloth, the half-bound is almost like a wrap for the spine of the book. Sometimes a half bound book also covers the corners in material, like a traditional, leather bound, photo album. The half-bound exposes the contrasting material underneath whilst still being as hard wearing as a classic, hardcover notebook. If you’re looking for something alternative and more playful whilst keeping a quality feel, the half-bound is for you.